Governor Newsom Concludes 2025 Legislative Session, Acts on 917 Bills
Governor Gavin Newsom concluded action on all measures from the 2025 Legislative Session on Monday, the deadline to act on all bills. This year, the Governor reviewed 917 measures — 913 from the regular session and 4 from a special session — signing 794 and vetoing 123, for a veto rate of 13.4%. The Chamber engaged on several priority bills impacting the Los Angeles region and the state. For more information on these priority bills, read our latest policy alert.
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Chamber Presents Community Resilience Awards to Local Small Businesses at Lendistry Gala
Following the devastating wildfires earlier this year, the Chamber established the Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund in partnership with Lendistry to support small businesses affected by the disaster. Last week, the Chamber joined Lendistry’s One Decade, One Mission, One Lendistry gala to present three Community Resilience Awards alongside major donors, including Bank of America, the Ares Charitable Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente. The awards were presented to 2M Pharmacy Inc., Music Store Parks, and Experience Fable Speaks for their strength and perseverance in rebuilding their businesses and communities.
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Chamber Joins Aspen Institute Latinos & Society Panel to Discuss Small Business Opportunities at 2026 FIFA World Cup
This week, the Aspen Institute Latinos & Society program convened civic and business leaders in Los Angeles to explore opportunities for small businesses tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The panel featured Mayor Karen Bass, Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas, and Kathy Schloessman of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, with Raul Anaya of Bank of America moderating. Discussions focused on how Los Angeles can leverage the World Cup to create opportunities for local and diverse small businesses through procurement, contracting, and investment. Speakers highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure the economic benefits of this global event are shared across all communities.
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Chamber and Community Leaders Welcome Dr. Alberto J. Román as LACCD Chancellor
Leaders from business, education, and civic sectors gathered to welcome Dr. Alberto J. Román as Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District. The event highlighted a shared commitment to building a more inclusive, job-ready talent pipeline for the region. Chancellor Román outlined his priorities for LACCD’s nine colleges: strengthening employer partnerships, modernizing career education, and ensuring community colleges are accessible to all. Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas emphasized that the Chamber’s workforce development agenda closely aligns with these goals.
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Chamber Provides Public Comment on County Rent Relief Ordinance and Immigration-Related Proclamation
The Chamber provided public comment at Tuesday’s Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting regarding a County proclamation of local emergency related to federal immigration actions, connected to a separate motion on a rent relief program. While the Chamber shares concerns about the treatment of immigrant families amid recent enforcement actions, it also expressed concern over potentially misleading language in the rent-related ordinance and the possible unintended consequences of a self-certification requirement, which could put immigrant families seeking relief at risk.
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Chamber Transportation Council Reviews Regional Mobility and Goods Movement Plans Ahead of 2028 Olympics
The Transportation & Goods Movement Policy Council heard from Marlon Regisford, Deputy District Director of Caltrans District 7, on district priorities, the capital delivery portfolio, the Vincent Thomas Bridge replacement project, and climate resiliency. Sarah Jepson, Chief Planning Officer at SCAG, also presented on Connect SoCal, the Regional Transportation Plan, and the Sustainable Communities Strategy report. The Chamber will continue engaging with both Caltrans and SCAG, particularly regarding mobility and goods movement planning for the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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New U.S.-China Port Fees Raise Concerns Over Global Shipping Disruptions
The U.S. and China have imposed new port fees on each other’s vessels, reigniting trade tensions. Analysts warn these measures could disrupt global shipping routes, with major carriers rerouting to avoid added costs. Businesses engaged in international trade should monitor developments closely, as the fees may affect logistics and pricing. Updates are expected following the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea. Learn more about the fees here.
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Chamber Hosts Sri Lanka Consulate to Explore Foreign Investment Collaboration
The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles recently joined the Chamber, with Acting Consul General Mr. Charitha Yattogoda visiting to explore opportunities for collaboration. He explained that the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka was established to promote and attract foreign investment, and highlighted that this is the area where the Consulate hopes to work closely with the Chamber.
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Don't Miss Out: Procurement Fair Registration is Open
Register today for the annual Get in the Game Procurement Fair on November 6! Connect with buyers, network with suppliers, and explore valuable contracting opportunities. Attend panel sessions with industry experts and gain tips to grow your business. Reminder: Supplier matchmaking participants must attend one Zoom training between October 20–29 at 6:00 p.m. Register for training here.
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L.A. Businesses Invited to Participate in FIFA World Cup 2026 Event Production Opportunities
FIFA and the L.A. Host Committee are inviting Los Angeles–based businesses to explore event production opportunities. Review the listed disciplines and criteria before submitting the Interest Form. Selected companies will be contacted for next steps, while others will remain on file for future opportunities. Learn more here.
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City of L.A. Sports & Entertainment Procurement Summit
Explore opportunities connecting small businesses with major sports and entertainment projects! Join us for the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Procurement Summit on Thursday, October 23, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Hear from industry leaders in keynote sessions and panels, and network around procurement opportunities tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games. Register here.
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Chamber Celebrates 20 Years of Leadership and Innovation for Directed Action, Inc.
The Chamber congratulates Board Member Kevin Keane and Directed Action, Inc. on 20 years of leadership and innovation. Founded in 2005, Directed Action has grown into a values-driven boutique consulting firm, guiding C-suite leaders through strategic transformation. With a commitment to solving complex challenges and integrating seamlessly into client organizations, Directed Action continues to shape the future of business from its Los Angeles and Plano, TX offices. We celebrate their enduring vision and impact.
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Chamber Member Shines at Walmart Open Call
Co-Founders and sisters Jordan Catapano and Jocelyn Dunn received a Golden Ticket at Walmart’s annual Open Call in Bentonville, Arkansas, for their clean, organic mixer line, This Girl Walks Into a Bar. The sisters built their brand in Los Angeles after launching a blog in 2010. Despite losing their bartending company—and Jordan’s home—in the Palisades Fire, they are channeling their energy into growing their beverage business. Their mixers are now available at all California Total Wine & More locations, Erewhon Market, and Amazon.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Education & Workforce Development Policy Council
Tuesday, October 21, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the upcoming Education & Workforce Development Policy Council to learn about statewide bills to bolster education and career-to-workforce readiness.
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Global Initiatives Council
Tuesday, October 28, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Join the Global Initiatives Council for Insights in Navigating Uncertain Waters: Trade, Tariffs, and California Business, with our guests, Sharmistha Das, Partner at Crowell & Moring LLP, Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Vince Iacopella, Executive Vice President of Growth and Strategy at ALBA Wheels Up International Inc.
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Tourism, Entertainment, & Sports Policy Council
Wednesday, October 29, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT
Please join the upcoming Tourism, Entertainment and Sports council meeting for a special session on legislative updates impacting the business community.
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