Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, Former Mayor of Mexico City, Visits Chamber
The Chamber was honored to host a special briefing with Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, former Mayor of Mexico City, and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. During her trip to Los Angeles, Dr. Sheinbaum and the Chamber discussed trade and the growth of the Mexican economy. The trade relationship between California and Mexico is also vital for business growth, as Mexico is one of California’s largest trading partners. Also, during her visit, Dr. Sheinbaum met with Mayor Karen Bass and held a community meeting at the Million Dollar Theater. View photos from her visit.
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Chamber's OneLA Procurement Fair Provides Contracting Opportunities
The Chamber's OneLA Procurement Fair brought together small and diverse businesses with public and private organizations throughout the state to amplify available procurement opportunities. Attendees heard forecasting presentations from JPMorgan Chase, LA28, Port of Long Beach, Caltrans and more regarding the billions of dollars in current and future procurement opportunities. One-on-one meetings provided businesses an opportunity to meet and pitch directly to buyers about upcoming projects and programs which may need support from small, diverse businesses. The Chamber also launched Get In The Game to help small businesses connect to sporting procurement opportunities. View the photo gallery from the event.
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Chamber Advocates for Business in Nation’s Capital as Congress Gets Back to Work
This week, Maria S. Salinas, Chamber President & CEO, visited Washington, D.C. to discuss the Chamber’s federal priorities. With the House Speaker finally elected, Congress can get back to the work of the nation, including legislation with a direct impact on small businesses, underserved communities, and much more. Meetings with members of Congress, included, Pete Aguilar, Robert Garcia, Adam Schiff, Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Barbara Lee. Ms. Salinas also shared the Chamber's recent study, California’s Competitiveness: A Regional Approach, to engage federal leaders on strategies which integrate regional expertise, educational institutions and policymakers to ensure California remains competitive.
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Governor Ends Legislative Session by Signing Housing Bills
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a 56-bill housing package to address California’s housing crisis, as the period closed for his review of bills. This legislation streamlines housing developments, allows institutions like colleges and religious organizations to use portions of their property to build housing, and extends a state statute used to hold local communities accountable for their fair share of housing to meet state housing planning goals. Among the bills signed were several Chamber-supported bills, including Senate Bill 423, Assembly Bill 1633, and Senate Bill 4. Read the Governor’s press release here.
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Chamber Delivers Letter of Support for Westside Mixed-Use Project
The Chamber delivered a letter of support on Monday for Cityview’s new Westchester development proposal to the city's Department of City Planning. The Chamber's Land Use, Construction, and Housing Council voted to support the mixed-use project which will deliver housing, neighborhood retail and public space to the community. The project will also bring an estimated 3,000 construction jobs, 80 ongoing retail and management jobs, and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity. The proposal will support the extensive workforce at Los Angeles International Airport and surrounding employers with new housing opportunities and will utilize the area’s developing transit resources to limit vehicle trips.
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The Chamber Hosts Discussion on Cybersecurity, Data Privacy
The Chamber's Innovation and Technology Council hosted a panel discussion on cybersecurity and data privacy on Tuesday. Panelists Charlie Lewis, Cyber Partner at McKinsey, Kaileigh McCrea, Privacy Engineer at Confiant, and Ryan Trost, Vice President of Information Security Operations at Charter Communications, discussed the role of AI in consumer data and cyberattacks as well as what the future of cybersecurity and data privacy could resemble. Additionally, participants shared how businesses and the community should educate themselves and become more aware of active cyber threats.
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Chamber Meets Solomon Islands Delegation
The Chamber met with a delegation from the Solomon Islands, and discussed their desire for international investments, increasing exports to the U.S., and possible collaboration opportunities between the Chamber and the South Pacific island nation.
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Chamber Attends First L.A.-Africa Trade Listening Session
The Chamber attended the first session of the Los Angeles-Africa Trade and Investment listening group with the Mayor's office and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The session was hosted by the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and coordinated by Christine Peterson, Director of International Trade and Investment for the Mayor's Office. The event provided an opportunity for the Mayor's team to further develop their L.A.-Africa Economic Strategy. Participants included Erin Bromaghim, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs, Ian Klaus, Founding Director of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and African leaders. The meeting also identified themes, sectors, and geographical areas for future listening sessions and future participants.
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Chamber Hosts Regional Export Council Event
The Chamber hosted the first session of the Los Angeles Regional Export Council's (LARExC) upcoming trade financing seminars, titled "Unveiling Trade Finance: Empowering Underserved SMEs to Expand Exports.” The seminar, moderated by the Chamber's Vice President of Global Trade and Foreign Investment, Kenneth L. Wengrod, was an interactive discussion introducing potential exporters to trade finance. Participants learned about the importance of payment methods in international trade and how to identify the best trade finance options and strategies for importers and exporters.
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Metro Provides Financial Assistance for Impacted Small Businesses
Metro is providing financial assistance to small businesses impacted by transit projects through their Business Interruption Fund (BIF). The pilot program, developed in partnership with the Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corporation, is providing financial assistance to small businesses impacted by transit rail construction along the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, the Little Tokyo Regional Connector with its 2nd/Broadway segment, and Section 1, Section 2 and Section 3 of the Purple Line Extension. Find more information here.
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Save Our Water Rebate
Sign up to participate in the water rebate to help lower your bill and contribute to a greener, sustainable future for the Golden State. You may also qualify for additional rebates to purchase water-conserving products like rain barrels, pool covers, rain sensors, laundry-to-landscape systems (greywater systems), and more. For more information visit Save Our Water.
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LAUSD Procurement Opportunities
To address the demand for businesses looking to contract with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Superintendent Alberto Carvalho recently welcomed Chris Mount as the new Chief Procurement Officer to his administration. Mount has extensive experience working in public school systems. Business community members can expect ongoing updates to enhance LAUSD's procurement process. The procurement team recently released a FAQ which may be helpful for external entities looking to work with the school district.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Education Summit
Wednesday, November 8, 9:00 a.m.
Don't miss the Chamber's Education Summit. Hear from industry experts on the paradigm shift happening to create a stronger partnership between business and education. The event will feature thought leaders from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles Community College District, UC Merced, Otis College of Art and Design, Bank of America and more.
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Generative AI: A New Frontier for Small Businesses
Tuesday, November 14, 4:00 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Discover the tremendous potential of generative AI for small businesses in our upcoming roundtable with the Managing Director for Accenture’s Center for Advanced AI, Louise Barrere, and Chamber Foundation Advisor, Patty Ross. Generative AI is a powerful tool that can help small businesses improve efficiency, productivity, customer experience, and new product development. After the workshop, stay to network at our mixer and take in the spectacular downtown L.A. skyline. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
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Pancakes & Politics: Congresswoman Katie Porter
Wednesday, November 15, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Chamber for a virtual Accenture Pancakes & Politics featuring leaders in elected office, business, as well as city and state administration, who are influencing important policy issues impacting the Los Angeles region. Our next session will feature Congresswoman Katie Porter.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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