Chamber Welcomes New Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles
The Chamber welcomed the new Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, Ambassador Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez with a welcome reception at the City Club in Downtown Los Angeles. The event was hosted by Board member George Pla and the Cordoba Corporation and L.A. Area Chamber President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas, provided the opening remarks. The highly attended event featured several special guests including U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, and John Ackerman, CEO for Los Angeles World Airports. View photos from the event here.
|
Marqueece Harris-Dawson Elected as City Council President
This week, the Los Angeles City Council elected Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson (Council District 8) as its new Council President. The L.A. Area Chamber congratulates Harris-Dawson and looks forward to working with him. The Chamber extends heartfelt appreciation to outgoing Council President Paul Krekorian for his leadership and service to the City of Los Angeles. Read our statement here.
|
AltaSea Celebrates Grand Reopening
This week, AltaSea, a public-private ocean institute that convenes and nurtures innovation in science, business, and education at the Port of Los Angeles commemorated the grand reopening of its new Center for Innovation. The celebration highlighted a $30-million renovation of three century-old historic warehouses into a modern hub for cutting-edge research and workforce development, focused on ocean-based solutions to climate change.
|
The Evolving Landscape of Trust in the Digital Age
The Chamber hosted a special presentation of the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer this week. The event also featured an engaging panel discussion on trust in AI. Experts from various sectors, including business, technology, health care, and government shared their perspectives on how innovation, including artificial intelligence impacts societal trust in institutions. The conversation offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of trust in the digital age.
|
Assembly Members Reject NOL Deduction Proposal
A bipartisan group of 40 state Assemblymembers signed a letter requesting Assembly leadership reject Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to suspend the net operating loss (NOL) deduction and limit tax credits for research and development. The signatories, led by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, included Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Chair of the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. If the lawmakers remain opposed, the governor’s proposed NOL suspension and tax credit limitation would fall short of the votes needed to clear the Assembly. The Chamber opposes the proposed suspension of NOL deductions given the potential negative impacts on the economy, and job market.
|
Mexico's Consul General Visits L.A. Area Chamber
This week, the Chamber met with the new Consul General of Mexico in Los Angels. L.A. Area Chamber President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas, and Consul General Carlos González Gutiérrez discussed strategies for greater collaboration and partnership. The Consul General also expressed a desire to get involved to engage with the community and Chamber business members.
|
Small Business Support Through Economic Mobility Initiative
The Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) wishes to empower L.A. County small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits by providing no cost tailored support that helps them thrive and build generational wealth. EMI services include technical assistance and training, access to capital and commercial space, and comprehensive entrepreneurship academies. To sign up for the Entrepreneurship Academies, which offer curriculum-based education, networking, mentorship, need-based stipends, and ongoing support opportunities, click here.
|
Los Angeles County Rent Relief Program
L.A. County’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) is offering grants for landlords. With $68,666,000 available, the L.A. County Rent Relief Program aims to support landlords financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program provides financial assistance to help alleviate the burden caused by tenants' inability to stay current on their rent. Funds can be used to cover eligible expenses incurred from April 1, 2022, to date on a rolling basis. Visit here for more information and to apply.
|
Small Business Recovery Rebate Credit
Small business owners who missed their third stimulus payment can still claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit. This credit allows those who didn’t receive the full amount of their third Economic Impact Payment to recover the funds on their 2021 tax return. If your business experienced changes in income, added new dependents, or didn’t receive the full payment, you might be eligible for this credit. For more information on how to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, visit here.
|
Apply Now for SoCal Climate Champions Grant
A new grant opportunity is available for eligible applicants. The SoCal Climate Champions Grant provides up to $400,000 annually for programs, projects, and research that address community climate solutions in Southern California. Funded by SoCalGas and managed by DoGoodery, this grant program aims to invest in a future with net-zero emissions through clean, safe, and innovative ideas. For additional information and to apply, visit here.
|
Porto’s Bakery Co-Founder Raul Porto, Sr. dies at 92
The Chamber extends its deepest condolences to the family of Raul Porto Sr., the founder of Porto’s Bakery & Cafe. Established in Echo Park in 1976, Porto's Bakery has been a favorite for Angelenos for nearly 50 years. Raul Porto Sr. was 92.
|
|
COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
|
Pancakes & Politics
Friday, June 7, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join us for the next installment of Pancakes & Politics, featuring Michael Martinez, Chief Deputy Commissioner from the California Department of Insurance, who will share what the state is doing to address the rising costs of insurance and offer an opportunity to provide feedback.
|
Government & Fiscal Affairs Council
Tuesday, June 11, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Government and Fiscal Affairs (GFA) Council to hear presentations on four tax-related ballot measures that have qualified for the November election.
|
Land Use, Construction & Housing Council
Wednesday, June 12, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Land Use, Construction & Housing Council for a special virtual session on legislative updates impacting the business community.
|
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
|
|
