Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners Appoints Dr. Noel Hacegaba as CEO
The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners has named Port of Long Beach Chief Operating Officer Dr. Noel Hacegaba as the Port’s next Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Mario Cordero, who will step down at year’s end after guiding the Port through a period of growth and complex challenges. Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce honored Dr. Hacegaba with the Stanley T. Olafson Award for his leadership in advancing international trade. Over the next decade, the Port plans to invest $3.2 billion in capital improvements to strengthen capacity, competitiveness, and sustainability. Congratulations to Dr. Noel Hacegaba. The Chamber looks forward to working with you.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups Announced at Washington, D.C. Final Draw
Preparations for the world’s largest single-sport event reached a major milestone today as the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw took place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Coaches and officials from all qualified teams gathered for the highly anticipated announcement of group matchups for the 48-team tournament. The ceremony was streamed live across the three host nations — Canada, Mexico, and the United States — and broadcast to millions of fans worldwide.
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Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling Breaks Ground on Downtown Los Angeles Facility
Last month, Mayor Karen Bass helped launch Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling’s $47.5 million revitalization project at its Downtown Los Angeles bottling plant, known as “the Ship.” The facility, the last of its kind in the City of Los Angeles, has held historic cultural landmark status since 1976. The expansion is part of Mayor Bass’s ongoing efforts to reinvigorate Downtown Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is expected to generate new jobs and economic opportunities for local residents and businesses.
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City Council Passes Implementation Study for SB 79
The Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a motion to begin studying the implementation of Senate Bill 79, which allows for increased residential density around Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) stops. The motion directs the City to begin studying delayed effectuation and mapping alternative compliance to SB 79, which goes into effect July 1, 2026. The Chamber submitted public comment sharing concerns for delaying implementation, pursuing alternatives, and seeking broad exemptions in the time of a worsening housing crisis.
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Proposal to Strengthen Wage Standards Enforcement Advances in L.A. City Council Committee
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council’s Economic Development and Jobs Committee advanced the City Administrative Officer’s (CAO) proposal to expand the Office of Wage Standards’ enforcement authority to cover violations related to overtime, late pay, meal breaks, and rest breaks. A new amendment to the proposal directs both the Office and the CAO to conduct outreach to community-based organizations, industry representatives, and business groups to gather input from stakeholders. The item is scheduled for discussion in the Personnel Committee, with a hearing expected early next year. The Chamber will continue to monitor the matter closely.
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California Air Resources Board Opens Voluntary Climate Risk Reporting After Court Stay
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has opened the public docket for entities that may choose to voluntarily submit their Climate-Related Financial Risk Report under Senate Bill 261 (Stern). On November 18, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order in Chamber of Commerce v. Sanchez (9th Cir. 2025), granting an injunction against the enforcement of SB 261 during the pendency of appellate proceedings. In light of the Court’s order, CARB will not enforce Health and Safety Code section 38533 against covered entities for failing to post or submit reports by the statutory January 1, 2026, deadline. For more information and instructions on submitting, please visit CARB’s website.
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L.A. Area Chamber and Dubai Chambers Forge Partnership to Boost Trade
During the Dubai Business Forum USA held in New York, the L.A. Area Chamber signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dubai Chambers to establish a framework for collaboration aimed at promoting trade, investment, and business cooperation between Dubai and the Los Angeles region. The Chamber met with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Chambers, His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah.
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Chamber Supports National Call for Strong United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement Review
The L.A. Area Chamber joined more than 500 chambers and associations nationwide in signing a coalition letter to United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in support of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). The letter urges a robust review process for the agreement and continued economic growth across North America. The Chamber will keep you informed as developments unfold.
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Give & Grow: Supporting Our Small Business Community
December is National Giving Month, and your support strengthens our small businesses and the local community we serve. Your donation fuels our programs and growth as we finish the year strong. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Thank you for supporting local small businesses this holiday season. Learn more here.
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LAUSD Procurement Connection Summit – December 11, 2025
Get ready for the Los Angeles Unified School District Procurement Connection Summit 2025, your opportunity to connect with district decision-makers, learn about contract opportunities, and jump-start your journey as a bidder. Whether you are a first-time vendor or a seasoned contractor, this event is your next step to success. Register here.
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EWDD Microenterprise Recovery Grant
The Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD)’s Microenterprise Recovery Grant offers up to $15,000 to eligible businesses needing financial support for operations, equipment, or improvements. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your business. Apply here.
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Mayor Bass Marks 1,000 Days Until LA28 Paralympic Games
Mayor Karen Bass marked 1,000 days until the LA28 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony, highlighting both accessibility and economic impact. At Sender One Climbing, she celebrated Para Climbing’s Paralympic debut and underscored the City’s commitment to inclusive sports. With major investments and accessibility initiatives underway, Los Angeles is preparing for a historic Games that will leave a lasting legacy for Angelenos with disabilities. To learn how your business can “Get in the Game” and seize opportunities tied to major upcoming sporting events, visit the Chamber’s resource page here.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Sponsor Today: 2026 Inaugural
Thursday, February 5, 2026
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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