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Mayor Bass Visits Chamber
Mayor Karen Bass visited the Chamber Board to discuss her first 100 days in office, highlighting both challenges and areas of hope. The discussion centered on the city's efforts to combat homelessness. Since declaring a state of emergency, more than 1,200 unhoused individuals have been provided temporary housing, with the ultimate goal of securing long-term affordable housing solutions. Mayor Bass also answered questions from Board members on various topics, including ensuring our regional ports remain competitive, promoting housing affordability, and supporting small businesses. |
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Don't Miss ACCESS Sacramento
Join us in Sacramento to hear from state policymakers about the issues impacting our region and economy. The L.A. Area Chamber aims to promote policies to bolster industry, drive job creation, and encourage regional economic prosperity. ACCESS Sacramento allows the Chamber and its members to advocate on state-level policy issues. Through a series of engaging keynotes and panel discussions, members can connect with elected officials, share their stories and business knowledge to help shape policy priorities. Registration closes Tuesday, April 11. |
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L.A. City Council Special Election
District 6 residents voted this week to fill the vacant L.A. City Council seat. Imelda Padilla, a community relations manager, currently leads a field of seven candidates competing to fill the vacancy left by former Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez. The district has been without a voting representative on the council since October. The top two vote-earners will advance to a runoff election in June. |
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Angel City FC Women's Soccer Begins Second Season
Angel City FC, a National Women's Soccer League club, began its second season last week in front of a sold-out crowd at BMO Stadium. Kara Nortman, co-founder and managing partner at Upfront Ventures, recognizes a opportunity investing in women's sports. Kara recently remarked on the “untapped audience” for women’s sports. Learn more here. |
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| POLICY & ADVOCACY |
TGM Council Welcomes Councilmember Hutt
The Transportation & Goods Movement Council welcomed Councilmember Heather Hutt, L.A. City Council Transportation Committee Chair, to speak with the Chamber on priorities of the Transportation Committee. The city's committee is focused on bus driver shortages, reducing emissions, infrastructure planning for the 2028 Olympics, and safety for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists. |
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Hutt Set for Permanent City Council Position
City Council President Paul Krekorian is set to propose the appointment of Heather Hutt to the 10th Council District seat at the council's April 11 meeting. Hutt would serve the remainder of the term, which expires in 2024. The Chamber advocates for continuous representation of the district's residents. |
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| GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT |
U.S., New Zealand Find Bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
The U.S. and New Zealand held discussions this week under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). The nations discussed regional cooperation, including ways to support the U.S. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) host year in 2023, and encouraged high-standard outcomes through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) negotiations. They also explored ways to promote sustainability, resiliency, and inclusivity, as well as improve economic engagement with the Pacific Islands. |
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| COMMUNITY COLLABORATION |
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Free Legal Help for Small Business Owners
The pandemic severely impacted small businesses and hindered economic viability across sectors. Businesses owned by women and people of color, who already face unequal access to credit and other historic barriers to institutional services and support, were especially hard hit. The County of Los Angeles Department of Economic Opportunity, the City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, Public Counsel, and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles have teamed up to provide assistance and relief for business owners. Through this partnership, Regional small business owners can easily connect with experts for help with basic legal information, representation by an attorney for immediate and long-term issues, and more. Learn more about free services here. |
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Restaurants Care® Resilience Fund
The Restaurants Care® Resilience Fund, founded in 2021, assists small restaurants with improvements, upgrades, employee retention, and managing debt, losses, and rising costs. Independent restaurants can apply for $5,000 relief grants from April 15 to May 7. Grant recipients will be announced on June 1. Funding for these grants are made possible by SoCalGas, PG&E, and SDG&E. Learn more here. |
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| CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS |
L.A. Times In-House Counsel Leadership Awards
The In-House Counsel Leadership Awards will be held at The Beverly Hilton on May 4. A panel discussion will be followed by the awards presentation and dinner, which will honor worthy nominees in a number of categories. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today. Register here. |
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Shop & Give to Support Special Olympics
Shop at your local Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions through April 23 and donate at checkout to support Special Olympics athletes. Donations will help Special Olympics Southern California enhance the lives of athletes with disabilities through sports, health, and leadership programs. In the 2022 campaign, the program raised $800,000 with the assistance of local store associates and shoppers. Learn more here. |
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| WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH |
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New Member
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Member Anniversaries
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| COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS |
American Disabilities Act Compliance for Websites
Wednesday, April 12, 10:00 a.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join the Small Business Council for an information session on American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance for websites. Accenture and 3shades design will provide an overview of the top website compliance errors and share resources on how to avoid these errors. Learn more about ADA Guidance here, and click below to RSVP.
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A Conversation with Council Member Monica Rodriguez and Commission President Jackie Filla
Wednesday, April 12, 4:30 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Please join us for a conversation with Los Angeles City Council Councilwoman Monica Rodriquez and Commission on the Status of Women President Jackie Filla focused on resources and opportunities to advance women in the workplace, unlock their talent, and how Chamber members can facilitate professional development for the 21st century.
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World Trade Week Southern California 2023
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
World Trade Week 2023 will celebrate the hurdles the supply chain has overcome during these past few years and amplify the goals of building a future-ready supply chain in an evolving world. If your company is active in global markets, don't miss this opportunity to sponsor and gain visibility in the Southern California trade industry.
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| VIEW FULL CALENDAR |
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017 |
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