Happy Holidays from the L.A. Area Chamber
Happy Holidays from all of us at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce! Wishing you a season filled with joy, gratitude, and prosperity. Here's to a bright and successful year ahead! Please note, the Chamber offices will be closed from December 23 to January 2. We will return with L.A. Business This Week on January 10, 2025.
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Tourism Wage Ordinance Approved
Last week, the Los Angeles City Council voted to pass the Minimum Wage and Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinances. The ordinances will enact a 40% increase from today's minimum wage, moving wages to $30 an hour by 2028. We thank Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez, John Lee, and Traci Park for striving to create a balanced approach to this ordinance. We are committed to working with small businesses that support the tourism industry to help them weather increasing labor costs. Read our statement here.
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2024: A Year of Impact
In 2024, the L.A. Area Chamber championed public policy for economic growth for the region, hosted dynamic events like the State of L.A. Business Summit, and expanded our procurement matchmaking program to connect businesses with opportunities to spark growth. As we prepare for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we’re driving innovation, tackling housing and mobility challenges, and investing in workforce development to ensure a thriving, inclusive economy. Thank you for supporting our mission to make L.A. a global model for growth!
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Al Fresco Outdoor Dining Program Extension Announced
Last week, Mayor Bass announced a one-year extension for businesses to complete applications for the Al Fresco Outdoor Dining Program. This extension allows the city to enhance strategic outreach efforts, ensuring businesses understand the application process to secure permanent Al Fresco licenses. The Chamber supports the mayor’s effort to extend the permanent application window by a year and looks forward to working with her administration to share Al Fresco application resources with restaurants in the city. Learn more here.
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L.A. County Board of Supervisors Holds Meeting on Homeless Services Funding and Allocation
This week, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors received a policy update from department heads on efforts to address homelessness under the county's emergency declaration. The presentation highlighted encampment resolutions, the Inside Safe program, and planning for FY 2025-26 homeless service funds. The Chamber remains committed to advocating for more coordinated and timely strategies to combat homelessness.
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California Advances GenAI Projects to Streamline State Work
California is advancing its first-in-the-nation work to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) solutions to help state agencies streamline housing, budget, and employment work. Three state projects seeking GenAI solutions are moving forward after the state received concepts from AI innovators. The Chamber will monitor these projects closely and update our membership on their advancements.
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Port of Los Angeles Cargo Volume up in November
The Port of Los Angeles handled 884,315 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in November, up 16% from last year. Year-to-date, 9.38 million TEUs have been moved, 19% ahead of 2023, with the Port on track to surpass 10 million TEUs for only the second time in its history. November figures include 458,165 loaded imports (+19%), 124,117 exports (+11%), and 302,033 empty containers (+13%). Executive Director Gene Seroka praised supply chain partners for this achievement. Read more here.
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Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant
Apply now for L.A. County Small Business Grants to access essential financial support for growth and recovery. Applications close December 31, 2024—don’t miss this opportunity. Apply here.
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Small Business Grant: Unincorporated Areas Los Angeles County District 1
Apply for the PACE Small Business Grant, offering financial support to help small businesses in L.A. County District 1 grow and thrive. Receive personalized assistance throughout the application process. Don’t miss this chance to invest in your business’s success! Learn more and apply today.
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Your Support Builds Stronger Businesses and Communities
Support the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Your donation fuels our mission to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs in the region, and provide much needed resources. Every donation makes a difference—together, we can uplift underrepresented communities, spark innovation, and create a brighter future. Join us in building a thriving region for all. Visit our giving page today.
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TCS’ STEM Education Program goIT celebrating 15 years
Chamber member Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has empowered over 300,000 students under 18 in 48 countries with digital skills through its goIT program. Since 2009, goIT has bridged the global tech skills gap by training youth in AI, app design, IoT, and more, while advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. With 74,000 volunteer hours from TCS employees, the program fosters inclusion, with over 50% of participants being girls and 70% from minority communities. TCS remains committed to equipping future leaders with the tools to succeed in the digital economy. Read the press release here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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2025 Inaugural: Building a Legacy Together
Join us for the L.A. Area Chamber's annual Inaugural reception on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 —the region’s premier business event! Consider sponsoring this impactful event to directly support the Chamber’s mission. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Chris Luna here.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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