Mayor Bass Meets With Chamber
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass visited the Chamber to speak with the Board at the first meeting of the year. The Board thanked the Mayor for visiting with the Chamber and providing remarks on her work. The Mayor highlighted the process in the search for the next LAPD Chief of Police, as Chief Michel Moore will retire at the end of February 2024. Board members shared thoughts about the search as well as priorities for the position. The Chamber looks forward to continuing to partner with the Mayor to bring diverse business feedback to the search for the next Chief of Police.
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California Senate Race Heats Up
This week contenders for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, took the stage for a televised debate. The debate was hosted by USC Center for the Political Future along with FOX 11 Los Angeles and POLITICO. U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee and Steve Garvey were all in attendance as the leading candidates for the seat, where each shared their positions on pressing national issues. The debate also brought to light some key differences among the candidates.
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World Economic Forum Wraps Up
The World Economic Forum wrapped up last week in Davos Switzerland. Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas joined a delegation hosted by the Switzerland Global Enterprises. The delegation visited the House of Switzerland in Davos for sessions on infrastructure, sustainability, energy, and global collaboration. Also joining from Los Angeles was Jason Rondou, Director of Power System Planning, at DWP, speaking on environmental sustainability in the City of Los Angeles. Read more of the outcomes of the week here.
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2024 Highlights From the World Economic Forum in Davos
Nearly 3,000 business and global leaders from 120 countries gathered together to work on a wide range of topics, including infrastructure, global cooperation, renewable energy, economic growth, AI development, and the climate crisis. The World Economic Forum's annual meeting was the 54th of its kind, held 450 sessions, launched more than 50 high-impact initiatives, and was themed to rebuild trust, generate new ideas, and create partnerships to advance solutions to the global challenges our nations face.
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Chamber Board Takes Positions on Ballot Initiatives
The Chamber Board considered two March 2024 ballot initiatives. The Board voted to support Proposition 1, a two-part initiative pertaining to access and funding for behavioral health services. The Board voted to remain neutral on a local initiative, Measure HLA, also referred to as the Los Angeles Safe Streets for All Initiative and the state initiative. The Chamber will provide additional information on our positions as the election nears.
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Little Hoover Commission Hearing on Retail Theft
In an ongoing effort to address to uptick in retail theft, the Chamber monitored the Little Hoover Commission hearing on retail theft on Thursday, January 25. This was the third in a series of public hearings to examine the reporting process for retail theft and improve evidence-based decision making. The Chamber leads amongst regional business organizations in speaking out against retail theft and is actively researching thoughtful policy proposals to address this issue to mitigate the negative impacts to regional businesses.
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Port of Long Beach Presents State of the Port
On January 17, the Port of Long Beach welcomed over 800 people to its 2024 State of the Port. The program was hosted by Port COO Dr. Noel Hacegaba and Port CEO Mario Cordero delivered the State of the Port address, which included video presentations by BNSF Railway CEO Katie Farmer and Union Pacific Railroad CEO Jim Vena. The event also featured an update by Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera, Jr., and a special tribute to retired Congressman Alan Lowenthal. You can watch the entire program here.
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Spectrum Reach "Pay It Forward" Small Business Resources
Exciting opportunity for local small businesses: this program offers valuable advertising resources to help your business thrive. Apply now and take a significant step in expanding your business's impact and visibility. Learn more here.
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Climate Change Education: Summer 2024 Paid Internship Program
Climate Change Education is set to launch their 2024 Summer Internship Program in Spring 2024. The Climate Center will train students and host sites in spring, match intern and sites in May, and pay for 10-week long part-time and full-time internships (June-August). Students can apply to internships that can lead to employment in the green and blue economy here or email for more information here.
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LA vs Hate
LA vs Hate encourages community to stand against hate through awareness, reporting, and community engagement. Victims and witnesses can report any hate incident or hate crime in order to receive free follow-up services and supportive resources in your community. Your report is always confidential and can be made anonymously. For more information visit here.
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Salesian Family Youth Center Awarded Small Business Member of Year Award
L.A. Area Chamber Board awards Salesian Family Youth Center, a remarkable nonprofit organization that is deeply committed to the community and actively involved at the Chamber with the 2023 Small Business Member of the Year Award.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Transportation & Goods Movement Council
Tuesday, February 6, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY VIRTUAL EVENT
Please join the Transportation & Goods Movement Council for the first meeting of the year, as we continue to advocate on the federal, state and local issues and positions that will provide system-wide, regional transportation solutions.
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Education & Workforce Development Council
Thursday, February 8, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Please join the Education & Workforce Development Council for the first meeting of the year as we continue our efforts to improve public education, expand access to higher education and develop a 21st century workforce capable of competing in a global economy.
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2024 Inaugural: Bringing the World Within Reach
Thursday, February 15, 2024
The L.A. Area Chamber's 2024 Inaugural will celebrate business leaders who have immensely impacted our community. We will also welcome incoming Board Chair, Janet Lamkin of United Airlines. Become a sponsor today.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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