Email not displaying correctly?

L.A. BUSINESS THIS WEEK

March 1, 2024

Get Out The Vote - Election Day is Next Week

Election Day is next week. The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 5, 2024. Take a moment to review the Chamber's March 2024 Primary Voter Guide outlining our positions on important ballot measures and endorsed candidates. If you are unable to make it to the polls, we strongly encourage you to drop off your ballot at a vote-by-mail drop box. Find your nearest polling place here, or find a ballot drop box location here.

Chamber Advocates for Small Businesses at Retail Theft Hearing

On February 26, the Assembly Subcommittee on Public Safety held an oversight hearing on organized retail theft. The hearing focused on the investments needed to address this issue, in addition to the necessary coordination and collaboration, and data analysis. Featured speakers included CA Highway Patrol and the Department of Justice. The Chamber will continue to support state efforts to address retail theft and invest more resources into supporting small businesses.

Acting US Labor Secretary, Julie Su, Meets with the Chamber

Over the weekend, the Chamber hosted Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su for a special briefing as part of our ACCESS D.C. programming. Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles moderated the discussion and Q&A. Acting Secretary Su joined Chamber members for an intimate conversation highlighting the Administration’s working families agenda, efforts to combat labor violations and protect workers’ rights, and investments to bolster sector-based workforce development and training.

Chamber Welcomes LAWA President & CEO John Ackerman

The Chamber was pleased to welcome Los Angeles World Airport’s (LAWA) new CEO John Ackerman during a special reception on February 28. Chamber President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas, and Board Vice Chair, George Pla, offered opening remarks, and also featured Deputy Mayor of Business and Economic Development, Rachel Freeman. Ackerman previously served as a senior executive at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Denver International Airport before beginning his tenure as the new head of LAWA on February 5. We look forward to working with Mr. Ackerman and his leadership.

POLICY & ADVOCACY

South Coast AQMD Holds Meeting on Port ISR

On February 28, the South Coast AQMD held a working group meeting with staff and stakeholders on potential strategies to further reduce emissions associated with the San Pedro Bay Port complex and the Port ISR. Given the potential negative impact on the regional economy, the Chamber has advocated against the current proposed framework for the Port ISR, and will continue our advocacy efforts.

Economic Study Released Regarding Hotel Ballot Measure

This week, the City of Los Angeles released a new report from Beacon Economics containing an independent economic analysis of the original Responsible Hotel Ballot Measure filed in 2021. The report found that the initial provisions would have an adverse impact on the health and competitiveness of the hotel industry and a negative impact on city tax revenues. The L.A. City Council removed the measure from the voting slate and instead passed a compromise ordinance which will become law on July 1.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

World Trade Week Southern California 2024

World Trade Week 2024 will feature keynote speakers and discussions addressing the significant influence of global trade in driving the regional economy. If your company is active in global markets, don't miss this opportunity to learn about the key factors impacting trade, and gain visibility in the Southern California trade industry. Register today.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

California Competes Tax Credit and Grants

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and California Competes Grant Program (CCGP).  There are $164 million in tax credits and $120 million in grants available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding quality full-time jobs in California that otherwise may not have been created. The deadline to submit applications is August 14, at 11:59 p.m. PT. The online application can be accessed here.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant Opportunities

Exciting news for small businesses in Los Angeles. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is offering new grant opportunities worth $10,000. If your business is located in an eligible Los Angeles area zip code, you can apply between February 21 and April 8, 2024. The process is free and easy. For more details you can access the application in English or Spanish.

Garden Grove Civic Center Revitalization Project Contract Opportunity

Register for an exciting opportunity! Edgemoor, Clark Construction and the City of Garden Grove invites you to discover contracting opportunities in the Garden Grove Civic Center Revitalization Project. This is a chance for small and local businesses to learn about potential opportunities. Mark your calendars for March 5 at 2:30 p.m., space is limited. For more information, click here.

CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS

The Chamber Hosts Students for Careers in Tech

Over 50 community college and university students from across Los Angeles attended the first Careers in Tech event on February 29, hosted in partnership with the T. Howard Foundation. Industry professionals from companies like AT&T, the L.A. Chargers, Apple, FOX, Microsoft, Google and Accenture were on-hand to offer insights on breaking into tech careers and offer resume reviews.

Sign the Petition Opposing the Hospitality Wage Ordinance

The L.A. Area Chamber is part of the Alliance for Economic Fairness, a coalition of more than 50 organizations and community leaders concerned about the City of Los Angeles’ proposed $30 Wage Ordinance for hospitality workers. The alliance is working with the Los Angeles City Council to find a better solution for L.A.’s rising cost of living other than the $30 Wage Ordinance—particularly due to its detrimental effects on our region’s small businesses. Take a moment to sign the petition to oppose the $30 Wage Ordinance today.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

New Member

Member Anniversaries

COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS

ACCESS D.C.

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. Last day to register is March 5.

RSVP

Women in Leadership

Tuesday, March 26, 3:30 p.m.

Join us for the Chamber’s next Women in Leadership session in celebration of Women’s History Month at the historic Hollywood Studio Club to hear from featured speakers including Lori Carmona, CEO, YWCA Greater Los Angeles.

RSVP