Federal Shutdown Threatens Business Stability and Regional Growth
For the first time since 2019, the federal government shut down this week after Congress and the President failed to reach a funding agreement. While many essential services will continue, the shutdown poses significant risks to our region, from infrastructure and small business funding, and travel delays to slower processing times for critical approvals. The Chamber joins the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in expressing serious concern about this development. Read our full statement here.
|
Women in Leadership Event Highlights Strategies for Advancement and Inclusion
The Los Angeles Area Chamber hosted a dynamic Women in Leadership event featuring Yenli Wong's presentation of McKinsey & Company’s Women in the Workplace report. President & CEO Maria S. Salinas was joined by Moderator Debbie Marshall, PNC Bank, Monique Earl, Accenture, and Joy Langford, ARCHES H2, to share strategies, stories, and insights. The discussion highlighted persistent barriers to advancement and the importance of mentorship, leadership, and inclusive workplace culture to help women thrive.
|
Chamber Joins Speaker Rivas and Emphasizes Business Stability
This week, the Chamber joined a press event at LA Trade Tech College with California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. Alongside several state legislators, the discussion focused on the impact of federal policies on our region. The Chamber highlighted that volatility in trade policy and disruptive immigration enforcement have created widespread economic uncertainty, and emphasized that businesses need stability to thrive.
|
Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment Marks 50 Years of Empowering Los Angeles Communities
The Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) celebrated its 50th anniversary this week. Since 1976, PACE has created pathways to prosperity for communities across Los Angeles, evolving from a grassroots response to the needs of immigrant and refugee populations into a leading force in economic and workforce development. President & CEO Maria S. Salinas and Board Chair George Pla were proud to join PACE President Kerry Doi in honoring the legacy.
|
Innovative Tool Aims to Speed Wildfire Rebuilding Permits
The Innovation & Technology and Land Use, Construction, and Housing Policy Councils held a joint meeting with Andrew Pennington, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Business and Economic Development, Office of Mayor Karen Bass, and Dr. Benjamin Coorey, Founder and CEO of Archistar.ai. The discussion focused on the City’s partnership to expedite permitting for wildfire rebuilding. Dr. Coorey demonstrated Archistar eCheck, an AI-powered tool that reduces permit approval times, improves submission quality, and enables transparent compliance reporting. The Councils also explored broader applications of AI to streamline permitting processes beyond rebuilding efforts.
|
Chamber Urges Governor to Veto SB 34 Over Port Competitiveness Concerns
The Chamber sent a letter to Governor Newsom’s office requesting a veto of Senate Bill (SB) 34 (Richardson). The Chamber expressed concern that the bill could create confusion at a critical intersection of environmental policy and global trade. SB 34’s restrictions on the use of public funds for automated processes could put the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach at a competitive disadvantage, especially as some businesses are already relocating to other port complexes.
|
Chamber Partners with Consulate-General of Japan to Send Young Leaders Abroad
The Chamber partnered with the Consulate-General of Japan to nominate young Latino-American business leaders for a people-to-people exchange program in Japan. Alejandra Acosta and Matthew Sanchez of UCLA, and Diego Andrades of USC, were selected for this unique opportunity. Congratulations to these exceptional young leaders — we wish them the very best on their visit to Japan.
|
Registration Now Open for Procurement Fair
Join us at the OneLA Procurement Fair on November 6. Meet buyers and suppliers, explore additional contracting opportunities, and gain valuable insights from expert panel discussions. Please note: supplier matchmaking participants must complete one mandatory Zoom training between October 6–27. Don’t miss this chance to connect and grow your business. Register here.
|
Small Business Resiliency Fund Now Open
If you’re a small business in L.A. County impacted by recent immigration enforcement, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 in relief via the Small Business Resiliency Fund. Applications are now open. Don’t miss this chance to recover and rebuild. Learn more about the fund here.
|
Grow Your Business with the 5Bs Webinar Series
Hensel Phelps and Victor Tyler with Tyler Construction Engineers, P.C. invite small business trade partners to a free webinar series (Oct. 1–Nov. 12, Wednesdays, 4 p.m. ET) covering the 5Bs: business, bidding, building, billing, and banking. Gain strategies to thrive, plus a chance to win Victor Tyler’s new book. Register here.
|
City of LA Sports & Entertainment Procurement Summit
Discover new opportunities designed to connect small businesses with major sports and entertainment contracts. Join the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Procurement Summit on Thursday, October 23, at the Los Angeles Convention Center for keynote remarks, panel discussions with industry leaders, and networking focused on contracts tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games. Register here.
|
Chamber Member YUCA’s Receives $50K Grant on Good Morning America
Dora Herrera of YUCA’s Restaurants, a Chamber member since 2018, was featured on Good Morning America during the National Taco Tuesday celebration. Originally set to receive a $7K grant, Dora was surprised live on air with a $50,000 award! Joined by friends, family, and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, it was a proud moment for our local culinary star. View the full clip here.
|
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
We are proud to spotlight Martha Santana-Chin, Chief Executive Officer of L.A. Care Health Plan. As the first woman and Latina to lead the nation’s largest public health plan, Martha brings 25 years of healthcare leadership. Her dedication to equity, wildfire relief, and protecting low-income coverage underscores her deep commitment to the community.
|
COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
|
ACCESS L.A.
Thursday, October 9, 11:30 a.m.
Join the Chamber next week to engage with policymakers to champion policies that drive economic success. Make meaningful connections with business and civic leaders at the ACCESS L.A. luncheon, featuring welcome remarks by Mayor Karen Bass.
|
Transportation & Goods Movement Policy Council
Tuesday, October 14, 8:30 a.m.
Join the Transportation & Goods Movement Policy Council for a special session featuring Gloria Roberts, Director of Caltrans District 7, and gain firsthand insights into regional transportation priorities and the future of mobility in Southern California.
|
Get in the Game: Understanding the California Retirement State Mandate
Tuesday, October 14, 10:00 a.m.
ADP Division Vice President, Chris Shaw, will explore the effects of the California Retirement State Mandate on your business, including ways to remain compliant, possible penalties for non-compliance, potential tax savings opportunities, the pros and cons of the retirement plan options available, and the overall impact on your business and employees.
|
@LAChamberMaria
|
@LAChamberMaria
|
@LAChamberMaria
|
|
|
|
