L.A. County Commission Celebrates Women of the Year Awards
This week the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Commission for Women held its 39th Annual Women of the Year Awards, celebrating the theme “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” This year, the commission honored 16 exceptional women who have worked to better the lives of women in Los Angeles County across nine sectors: arts/media, business/labor, community advocacy, education, DEI, health, law/public safety and sports. Chamber Board member Stephanie Wiggins was honored by District 1 Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. The Chamber would like to extend a sincere congratulations to all the honorees and is proud to support a robust community of female business leaders in Los Angeles. Watch the full ceremony here.
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Chamber Concludes Successful ACCESS D.C. Advocacy Trip
The Chamber returned to Los Angeles this week after having led a delegation of 130 members, community, education and business leaders to our nation’s capital for our annual federal advocacy trip, ACCESS D.C. During the visit, the delegation met with Administration officials at the White House, the Departments of Commerce, Education, Transportation, and Energy, the FCC, EPA and the offices of over 40 members of Congress – where topics discussed included investments in infrastructure, housing, energy transition, and education. Trip highlights also included meeting with, White House Special Advisor to the President, Tom Perez, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Department of Energy’s Alejandro Moreno, California Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler, Washington Senator Maria Cantwell, and Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock. Review the trip’s daily recaps, Day 1 and Day 2 or visit the photo gallery.
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March Primary Election Update & Outcomes
In the March primary election, out of 5.7 million eligible voters in Los Angeles County, only 1.6 million cast their ballots, which equals a 30% turnout. Chamber-endorsed candidates Kathryn Barger, Imelda Padilla and John Lee secured decisive victories in the 5th, 6th and 12th districts respectively, garnering over 50% of the vote and avoiding runoff elections in November.
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California's Homelessness & Mental Health Bond Passes
California's homelessness and mental health bond measure, Proposition 1, passed by the narrowest of margins. This marks a significant step forward in addressing our community's pressing mental health and addiction challenges. With the approval of a new $6.4-billion bond, alongside the reconfiguration of a longstanding tax, vital resources are secured to establish 10,000 treatment and housing beds. This critical investment reflects the state's commitment to supporting those in need and creating a healthier, more resilient society.
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Chamber Opposes Troubling L.A. County Labor Resolution
On Tuesday, the Chamber lobbied the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and encouraged for them to oppose a county resolution that would interfere with labor matters between Kaiser Permamente and the National Union of Healthcare Workers.
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Metro Project Receives Funding Award
Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $3.33 billion in grant awards for 132 projects through the 'Reconnecting Communities Pilot' and 'Neighborhood Access and Equity' discretionary grant programs from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act funding. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority was among the awardees, receiving a capital grant for the I-710 Humphreys Avenue Crossing: A Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing to Bridge the 710 Divide in East L.A. The Chamber applauds Metro's efforts and will continue to support infrastructure that expands mobility for all.
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World Trade Week Southern California 2024
The 98th World Trade Week is fast approaching. Join us on May 1 at the Westin Hotel in Long Beach for an engaging discussion about the significant influence of global trade in driving the regional economy. California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson will provide remarks. You won’t want to miss this - register today!
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Small Business Council: Federal Contracting in Healthcare
Join us for the Small Business Council's next in-person event, focused on federal contracting in healthcare. This event will take place on March 27 at 10:00 a.m., and will feature insights from Shannon Jackson, Executive Director of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Register now to learn from leading experts in the field and network with fellow professionals.
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Backing Small Business Grant Program
Main Street America, in partnership with American Express, is excited to present an opportunity that can significantly elevate your business with the 'Backing Small Business Grant.' This initiative is designed to empower local entrepreneurs by providing essential funding support. If you're an eligible small business owner, you can apply for a grant up to $10,000. These funds are intended for projects that contribute to the growth or improvement of your business, with a focus on building community ties, enhancing economic viability or driving meaningful change. Application submissions are open until April 7, 2024. To apply, visit here.
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Walmart Local Community Grant
Walmart is now accepting applications for its Local Community Grant program. Eligible organizations can apply for grants up to $5,000 to fund local community projects. Applications are open until December 31, 2024. For more details and to submit your application, visit here.
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L.A. County Gets A New 738 Area Code Later This Fall
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced that a new 738 area code will be added as an additional overlay to the existing 213/323 area code region starting on November 1, 2024. The 213/323 area code currently serves downtown Los Angeles, Alhambra, Bell, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Commerce, Cudahy, Glendale, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Inglewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Rosemead, South Gate, South Pasadena, Vernon, West Hollywood and unincorporated portions of Los Angeles County. Read the full release from CPUC here.
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Women’s History Month
Theresa Edy Kiene, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, leads the nation's second-largest Girl Scout council with 54,492 members, 159 employees, 17 properties and five retail stores. Theresa provides strategic direction and vision for developing and achieving the organization's mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. She will also join our upcoming Women in Leadership event occurring on March 26 at the YWCA Hollywood Studio Club.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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ACCESS Sacramento
April 17-18, 2024
COMMUNITY EVENT
ACCESS Sacramento provides a platform for the delegation to advocate for the Los Angeles region at the state level. Through a series of keynote speakers and panel discussions, attendees can connect with elected officials, share their stories and business knowledge, to help shape policy.
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, April 25, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join us for the next installment of the Accenture Pancakes & Politics on Thursday, April 25, featuring L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (5th District). Pancakes & Politics provides Chamber partners with the opportunities to network with leaders in business and elected offices who influence policy issues important to the Los Angeles region.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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