L.A. Area Chamber Hosts 2025 Business & Education Innovation Summit
Bridging business and education, the Summit, presented by Loyola Marymount University, convened academia and business leaders to explore how partnerships between education and industry can help prepare the workforce for the future. In her opening remarks, Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas emphasized the important relationship between industry and educational systems in co-creating the workforce pipeline. Loyola Marymount University President Thomas Poon followed with welcome remarks, reinforcing the need for deeper collaboration. Speakers and panelists discussed the critical pathways that are necessary for preparing students for quality jobs.
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Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Business & Education Innovation Summit
The Business & Education Innovation Summit was a great success, bringing together business leaders and college presidents. Panels and discussions featured Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas, President Thomas Poon of Loyola Marymount University, President Beong-Soo Kim of USC, President Ann McElaney-Johnson of Mount St. Mary's, Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz of UC Merced, and Chancellor Alberto J. Román of the Los Angeles Community College District. The Chamber’s initiative, A Paradigm Shift, was also highlighted during the Summit. Project Lead Devorah Lieberman, President Emeritus of the University of La Verne, moderated a panel with Mamoon Syed of Children's Hospital L.A., Berenice Núñez Constant of AltaMed, and Chancellor Alberto J. Román. The initiative engages a wide range of employers committed to developing workforce pipelines.
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The L.A. Area Chamber Hosts Reception Saluting LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell
The L.A. Area Chamber hosted A Salute to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell at CBRE, celebrating his one year as Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. Chief McDonnell, the first person to serve in senior executive roles across the LAPD, Long Beach Police Department, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, shared his vision for the LAPD and outlined priorities ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. His leadership has been marked by reduced crime and strengthened police-community relations. The special evening was made possible by our sponsors Kaiser Permanente, Jacobs, Lowe Enterprises, and The Home Depot, and to CBRE for hosting the reception.
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Jaime Moore Named Chief of Los Angeles Fire Department by Mayor Karen Bass
Mayor Karen Bass recently swore in Jaime Moore as Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Chief Moore brings decades of public safety experience and a leadership approach grounded in integrity and collaboration, guiding the nation’s third-largest municipal fire department into a new era. The Chamber looks forward to working with Chief Moore to support a safer, stronger Los Angeles.
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Supervisor Horvath Joins Ad Hoc on Homelessness
The Ad Hoc Committee on Homelessness hosted Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath in a moderated discussion with Committee Chair Brandon Young. Supervisor Horvath shared the goals and priorities of the new Department of Homeless Services and Housing and highlighted opportunities for the business community to support the County’s efforts. The Chamber will continue to engage with and monitor the department’s initiatives.
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Chamber Backs Major Development Projects at LA County Board Meeting
The Chamber voiced support for FivePoint’s Entrada South and Valencia Commerce Center projects at the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting. Once built, these developments will create thousands of construction and permanent jobs, generate billions in economic output, and contribute over $1 billion annually in tax revenue to the County. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the projects, marking a major step forward for economic growth in the region.
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Chamber and China General Chamber of Commerce – Los Angeles Host Exclusive Dinner on China–U.S. Economic and Trade Outlook
The Chamber, in partnership with the China General Chamber of Commerce – Los Angeles, hosted an exclusive dinner examining the outlook for China–U.S. economic and trade relations following the recent leaders’ summit. Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas joined a traditional Chinese roundtable with Consul General Ambassador Guo Shaochun and China General Chamber President Chun Ye. The event gave members of both Chambers an opportunity to connect and gain insights into the business landscape in both countries.
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Your Guide to Chamber Foundation Small Business Programs
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation supports small business growth through targeted programs. Resilient Business Advising provides one-on-one help in marketing, capital access, and financial readiness. SCALE provides capital coaches to small businesses to access state-backed capital programs. Get in the Game offers procurement training, certification support, and tools connecting businesses with procurement experts. Learn more here.
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New Procurement Alert: LA28 Seeking Professional Driver Services
Access RAMP to explore a new LA28 opportunity! Professional driver service providers and operational support organizations are invited to submit their capabilities for Paid Driver Services supporting the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Please share this opportunity within your networks. The deadline to submit is December 1, 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit here.
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The Port of Long Beach: RFP for On-Call Printing Services
The Port of Long Beach is seeking qualified vendors to provide on-call lithographic and digital printing solutions for a wide range of needs, from standard business and marketing materials to specialized custom projects. Vendors must offer a full suite of services, including prepress, production, and finishing. For more information, visit here.
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Porsche Consulting Expands to Southern California
The Chamber welcomes Porsche Consulting to Los Angeles. Founded in 1994 after Porsche AG’s transformation, Porsche Consulting has grown into a global management consultancy, blending strategy with practical implementation. With its new Costa Mesa office, the firm strengthens its West Coast presence to serve clients across aerospace, defense, life sciences, semiconductors, consumer goods, automotive, and more. Congratulations to Gregor Harman, President & CEO, and Mark Sawaya, Southern California Office Lead, on this milestone! Learn more here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Save the Date for the Chamber’s 2026 Inaugural Thursday, February 5, 2026
Mark Your Calendars: The L.A. Area Chamber will host our annual Inaugural Dinner on Thursday, February 5, 2025, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom. Be part of the region’s premier business event! We encourage you to join us and consider sponsoring Inaugural. Your support directly funds the Chamber’s mission and impact. Sponsor today.
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