First Partner Hosts Inaugural Gender Equity Summit
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom hosted the inaugural Gender Equity Summit at the Governor’s home in Sacramento. The event convened leaders in finance, academia, advocacy, and government, and focused on several areas impacting women, such as women in the economy, pay equity, caregiving, women on corporate boards, access to capital, among other topics. Maria S. Salinas, Chamber President & CEO, participated in a panel discussion on pay equity, and shared the Chamber’s policy priorities for our Women’s Policy Council. Earlier this year, the Chamber signed onto the pay equity pledge led by the First Partner and the California Commission on the Status of Women.
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Chamber Hosts Economic Briefing on California's Competitiveness
The Chamber hosted an Economic Briefing this week featuring our economic study, "California’s Competitiveness: A Regional Approach.” Leading economists from the Inland Empire Economic Center discussed how California can remain competitive with other states. California continues to attract talented workers due to its innovation economy, world-class universities, and healthy start-up environment. For California to remain competitive it needs focus on a region by region basis. In order to compete, regions need to connect the dots between public policy, the workforce pipeline, and business. Essential to each regional economy is the need to address affordability, especially as it relates to housing. Thank you to Bank of America for the grant to fund this study and to the Inland Empire Economic Partnership for the collaboration.
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Empowering Women's Success in the Workplace
The Chamber hosted an engaging panel discussion at its final Women in Leadership event of the year, titled "EmpowerHER: Navigating Personal and Career Advancement." The conversation focused on women in the workplace, particularly how women juggle success as both a professional and in personal life. The panelists also discussed the "broken rung," a barrier that limits women's advancement to manager positions, microaggressions in the workplace, and how to utilize flexible work schedules as a benefit to support women. The panel featured Nicole Robinson, Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, as moderator, and Maria S. Salinas, Chamber President & CEO, Sarah Harden, CEO of Hello Sunshine, and Debbie Marshall, Senior VP for PNC Bank, as panelists. View photos from the event here.
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City Council Approves New LAWA CEO
John Ackerman was appointed CEO of Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) by the Los Angeles City Council this week. Ackerman brings decades of experience in aviation, and in senior executive roles with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Denver International Airport (DEN). LAWA governs both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY). The Chamber congratulates Mr. Ackerman on his appointment, and we look forward to working with him to support the emergence of a world class airport for Los Angeles. Read Mayor Karen Bass' statement here.
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Chamber Meets With County Supervisors on Climate Action Plan
The Chamber joined other stakeholders in a meeting with Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office this week to discuss the 2045 Climate Action Plan (CAP). The Chamber is concerned with how the plan is currently written, as it could impact housing, jobs, and infrastructure. Specifically, requiring a job density of 300 jobs per acre, the outlined water demand, and the lack of clarity regarding which aspects of the CAP are legally binding or aspirational. The Chamber will continue to work closely with partners and engage with the Board of Supervisors before they consider the CAP.
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Chamber Testifies on Convention Center Expansion
Chamber President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas testified before the City Council's Trade, Travel & Tourism Committee to support the modernization of the Los Angeles Convention Center through a public-private partnership (P3). Upgrading the convention center is critical to attracting and competing for major conferences that are often booked years in advance. The committee unanimously approved the public-private partnership with AEG with an additional study of the P3 financial models. Read the op-ed here.
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Chamber Meets With Indonesian Delegation, Consul General
The Chamber met with an Indonesian trade delegation at the Consulate General of The Republic of Indonesia this week. The convening focused on fostering a collaborative atmosphere to bolster cross-border trade for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both the Los Angeles region and Indonesia, which is the world's fourth-most populous country. The Chamber also met with the newly appointed Indonesian Consul General, Purnomo Chandra, to discuss innovative solutions to dismantle barriers hindering trade growth.
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DCOG Welcomes 2024 Chair
The Chamber's Diplomatic and Commercial Officer Group (DCOG) concluded its year with a final meeting to introduce the 2024 DCOG Chair, Marcella Smyth, Consul General of Ireland. The incoming Chair shared her vision for the group in 2024. Outgoing Chair Ian Fredrick, ProChile Trade Commissioner, highlighted the group's achievements in 2023 and welcomed Consul General Smyth as Chair.
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Disaster Loan for Those Impacted by Monterey Park Shooting
To support businesses impacted by the January 2023 Monterey Park shooting, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting an Economic Injury Disaster Workshop. This workshop is open to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and private nonprofit organizations. The SBA is also offering loans to cover economic losses for affected businesses. The deadline to apply for these loans is Jan. 5, 2024. For more information, please visit the SBA's page here.
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LA vs. Hate
L.A. County’s LA vs Hate campaign aims to celebrate our diverse communities and spread a message of love and inclusivity across Los Angeles County. Spread cheer, not hate this holiday season. Take action with the LA vs. Hate initiative. Learn more here.
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Vaccinate All 58
This holiday season, keep your friends and family safe by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccinate All 58 ensures every corner of our city is safe and healthy. Together, let's unite to protect our communities and celebrate the season with wellness. View more information in English, Spanish, Korean and Chinese.
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Happy Holidays from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
The L.A. Area. Chamber wishes you a very happy holiday. Please note that our offices will be closed for the holiday from December 25 through January 1.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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2024 Inaugural: Bringing the World Within Reach
February 15, 2024
Skirball Cultural Center
The L.A. Area Chamber's 2024 Inaugural will celebrate business leaders who have immensely impacted our community. We will also welcome incoming Board Chair, Janet Lamkin of United Airlines. Become a sponsor today.
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ACCESS D.C. 2024
March 12 - 14, 2024
Join the Los Angeles delegation for ACCESS D.C. — the region's largest business advocacy trip to our nation’s capital. The program connects business and civic leaders with federal lawmakers and administration officials on issues of importance to the greater Los Angeles region. Sponsor today.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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