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L.A. BUSINESS THIS WEEK

August 15, 2025

Governor Newsom Proposes Special Election for New Congressional Maps

Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a plan to put new congressional maps before California voters in a Nov. 4 special election, citing mid-cycle redistricting efforts in Texas as the reason. The proposal would temporarily override the current maps while preserving the state’s independent redistricting commission for 2030 and could shift several U.S. House seats if approved. The Chamber is closely monitoring potential impacts on Los Angeles’ federal representation and will keep members informed as the legislature reviews the measure next week.

Gene Seroka, Port of L.A. Executive Director, Joins Chamber Panel on Business Impact of Rising U.S. Tariffs

The L.A. Area Chamber hosted a timely conversation on the business impact of rising U.S. tariffs—from increased costs to supply chain disruptions—and how companies can stay competitive amid shifting global trade dynamics. Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka reported record cargo volumes driven by importers' front-loading inventory, with a slowdown expected in the months ahead. U.S. exports, however, continue to decline as foreign buyers turn to other markets. While tariff costs are being shared across the supply chain, limiting sharp price hikes for consumers, Barbara Weg of California Manufacturing Technology Consulting stressed that uncertainty also brings opportunity for companies willing to adapt. The discussion was moderated by Nicole Simonian, Chair of the Global Initiatives Council and Co-leader of the International Trade Group at Crowell & Moring.

Chamber Hosts Roundtable with CalChamber

This week, the L.A. Area Chamber welcomed Jennifer Barrera, President & CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce, for a roundtable with local chamber leaders from across Los Angeles County. The discussion focused on legislative priorities affecting California businesses, strategies to strengthen statewide collaboration, and ways aligned advocacy can amplify the voice of business in Sacramento. Thank you to Rana Ghadban, Vice President of Small Business Advocacy at CalChamber, for coordinating this meeting in Los Angeles.

L.A. Welcomes California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas

Board Member Michael Lizárraga, President & CEO of TELACU, welcomed California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to Los Angeles. Hosted at Tamayo’s Restaurant in East L.A., the Speaker was greeted by members of the State Legislature, as well as community and business leaders. Maria S. Salinas, President & CEO of the Chamber, attended the event, where Speaker Rivas discussed state priorities and expanding economic opportunity across the region. The State Legislature returns from recess on Monday, August 18, with a full agenda.

POLICY & ADVOCACY

Chamber Survey Reveals Immigration Enforcement Challenges for L.A. Businesses

The L.A. Area Chamber is committed to supporting the business community through every challenge — including those related to immigration policy and enforcement. To better understand the impact on our region, we conducted a brief, confidential survey on how immigration-related enforcement is affecting business operations. Read the executive summary and survey findings here.

L.A. County Unveils Blueprint to Accelerate Wildfire Recovery

Los Angeles County leaders have released A County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding, a comprehensive plan to accelerate wildfire recovery. The report outlines key objectives, including creating a feasible financial path for residents to return, streamlining permitting and inspections, expanding the builder and materials supply to achieve scale and reduce costs, restoring critical infrastructure, mobilizing the workforce, coordinating delivery, and reinstating essential services and public assets. It also calls for funding from state and federal governments, as well as sustained coordination among county, state, and local agencies, private industry, philanthropy, community organizations, residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders.

Assemblymember Buffy Wicks Addresses Chamber’s Land Use, Construction, and Housing Council

The Land Use, Construction, and Housing Council heard from featured speaker, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, who discussed the process of securing a win on CEQA reform, lessons learned from the Select Committee on Permitting Reform, and her priorities for the remaining weeks of the legislative session. The Council shared examples of the recent CEQA reform bill in action and heard from the Assemblymember regarding her priorities for next year, including listening sessions with stakeholders to increase housing production in the state.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

Trump Delays China Tariffs, Impacting Global Manufacturing Strategies

Earlier this week, President Trump extended the China tariff pause by 90 days. While this provides temporary relief by preventing a sudden tariff increase between the world’s two largest economies, the pause also introduces strategic complexities for companies that have already left China. The Chamber spoke with Vincent Iacopella from Alba Wheels Up International, who shared insights on the broader implications. For example, companies that moved production to India will now face tariffs of up to 50%, compared with the current 30% rate from China, creating new challenges for global supply chains. The extension also adds uncertainty for U.S. exporters and manufacturers, who must navigate evolving trade policies, manage cost pressures, and adjust long-term sourcing strategies to remain competitive.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

SCALE Program Empowers Underserved Entrepreneurs and Strengthens Small Businesses

Small businesses can access affordable capital through the Success, Capital Access & Leadership for Entrepreneurs (SCALE) program, which offers low-interest loans and credit enhancements to help overcome financing barriers. The Chamber can guide you in preparing a complete, professional loan package. Securing this financing not only supports your immediate needs but also strengthens your credit profile, boosts sales, and enhances long-term business resilience. Learn more here.

Freight Forwarding Fundamentals Workshop: In-Person and Online, August 28

Join us on Thursday, August 28, for a full-day Freight Forwarding Fundamentals workshop, offered in-person at the Chamber and online via Zoom. Designed for both newcomers and experienced professionals, this hybrid event will cover core logistics principles, provide insights from industry experts, and help you navigate today’s unpredictable global market. Learn more here.

2025 BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program

The L.A. Area Chamber, in partnership with Deloitte, is proud to launch the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, awarding fifteen small businesses $10,000 each to help accelerate their growth. We are seeking business owners who champion the advancement of women and can clearly demonstrate how this funding will drive their future success. Applicants will be evaluated on their growth plans, strategies to support women, and how they will use the grant to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Learn more here.

CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS

Braille Institute’s Corporate Volunteers Workshop

Braille Institute invites you to a virtual Corporate Volunteers Workshop on August 27 at 2:00 p.m. The event will focus on best practices for volunteering with blind and visually impaired youth, specifically for the upcoming Cane Quest competition on October 11. Learn how to assist participants in this mobility challenge and discover the new Volunteer Impact Program (VIP), offering more ways to get involved. This is a great opportunity for corporate partners to make a difference. Learn more here.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Son Heung-min Joins LAFC, Named Honorary Angeleno by Mayor Bass

The City of Los Angeles officially welcomed global soccer star Son Heung-min to Chamber member LAFC's roster last week. Mayor Karen Bass presented Son with a Certificate of Recognition, naming him an honorary Angeleno. This historic signing reinforces the city’s status as a world-class soccer hub, builds excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and reflects Los Angeles’ vibrant diversity. The addition of Son not only elevates the team but also brings renewed energy and momentum to the city.

New Member

Member Anniversaries

COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS

Education & Workforce Development Policy Council
Tuesday, August 19, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER-ONLY EVENT

Join the upcoming Education & Workforce Development (EWD) Policy Council to learn about statewide bills to bolster education and career-to-workforce readiness.

RSVP