Mayor Highlights First-Year Accomplishments
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass visited various parts of the city this week to highlight the progress and accomplishments made during her first year in office. On Tuesday, the Mayor announced Banc of California will move its headquarters to Los Angeles. The Mayor has been a partner of the business community during her time in office and has actively engaged to understand and eliminate the pain points of doing business in and with the City of Los Angeles. The change in headquarters for Banc of California highlights the city’s progress. The Mayor's tour included stops to highlight homelessness, safety, climate and city services. Read the Mayor's release here.
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Chamber Hosts Business, Community Leaders to Celebrate Holiday Season
The Chamber hosted its annual Holiday event, with over 400 guests, including business, civic, and community leaders. This year's event was held at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Thank you to Board members George Pla, President of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Commission, Sam Garrison, Senior Vice President of University Relations for USC, and Board Chair A.G. Spanos for welcoming so many friends of the Chamber. View photos from the event here.
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Chamber Features Women in the Workplace Report
The Chamber hosted a compelling forum focused on women in the workplace. The event featured Michele Ruiz, Women's Policy Council Chair, keynote remarks from the honorable Wendy Greuel, and a presentation of McKinsey & Company's 2023 Women in the Workplace report by Nicole Robinson. The event closed with an "EmpowerHER: Navigating Personal and Career Advancement" panel discussion featuring Maria S. Salinas, Chamber President & CEO, Sarah Harden, CEO of Hello Sunshine, and Debbie Marshall, Senior VP for PNC Bank. The Chamber will continue to keep gender equity as a top priority.
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Supervisor Horvath Named Youngest Chair of Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors appointed Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath as Chair this week. Supervisor Horvath noted homelessness, affordability, mental health and fighting climate change as her top priorities. Supervisor Horvath, age 41, represents District 3, which includes parts of the San Fernando Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains and the Westside of Los Angeles. The Chamber congratulates Supervisor Horvath and looks forward to continuing to work with her and the County of Los Angeles.
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City Council Tourism Committee to Meet on Convention Center Expansion
Next Monday, the Los Angeles City Council Travel and Tourism Committee will discuss the potential expansion of the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Chamber is concerned about the potential delay in expanding the Los Angeles Convention Center. If construction does not begin within the next year, we face a four-year hiatus until after the conclusion of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This delay would be more than just an inconvenience for the city — it would be an economic and reputational setback.
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Al Fresco Dining Ordinance Under Consideration
The Chamber submitted public comment this week to the L.A. City Council Planning and Land Use Management Committee on the Al Fresco dining ordinance currently under consideration. The Chamber supports the city's small businesses and restaurants, and we are working in partnership to make this ordinance permanent before the law expires.
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U.S. Delegation Attends UN Climate Change Conference
The International Trade Administration attended the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates this week. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago led the U.S. delegation, which affirmed its commitment to promoting the role of the nation's private sector. As the Los Angeles region is critical to our nation's clean energy production, these talks are important for regional businesses.
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Congress Introduces Bill to Fund Customer Border Patrol Through Port Fees
Congress recently introduced legislation to ensure Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and seaports are partners in securing trade and travel. This bill would require an appropriate level for merchandise processing fees to be set and charged at sea ports of entry. This would allow the CBP to adequately fund equipment upgrades and facilities construction, improvement, and maintenance. Currently, merchandise processing fees do not raise enough funds to continually pay for infrastructure and staff, and this bill seeks to remedy that issue to further provide safety and security to our ports and imported goods. Read U.S. Representative Laurel Lee's press release here.
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Microenterprise Recovery Grant
The Microenterprise Recovery Grant Program is supporting businesses impacted by the Interstate 10 freeway closure in Downtown Los Angeles. The application for the grant will close on Dec. 10. Eligible businesses can apply for grants up to $5,000 to manage expenses and recover from the impacts of the freeway closure. Learn more and apply here.
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LA vs. Hate
As we embrace the warmth of the holiday season, let’s unite to build a hate-free Los Angeles County. If you or someone you know encounters an act of hate, know you are not alone. Report these incidents by dialing 211 to ensure that our community feels safe and supported. Together, let's work towards a hate-free Los Angeles County. Learn more about this L.A. County initiative here.
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Vaccinate All 58
This holiday season, let’s give the gift of good health to our loved ones and our communities. Don't delay, get vaccinated. By doing so, you’re contributing to a joyous and safer holiday for everyone. View more information in English, Spanish, Korean and Chinese.
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Banc of California, PacWest Merge
The Banc of California and PacWest Bancorp merged this week to create the third-largest bank based in California. The combined bank will operate under the Banc of California name and brand and will be headquartered in Los Angeles. The merger makes Banc of California one of the nation's premier, relationship-focused business banks. Read the press release here.
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Alaska Airlines Acquires Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska Airlines announced they will acquire Hawaiian Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal. This acquisition will enable Alaska Airlines to provide expanded benefits, routes and choices for travelers. The transaction is expected to enable a stronger platform for growth and competition in the U.S., as well as long-term job opportunities for employees, continued investment in local communities and environmental stewardship.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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LA Metro Traffic Reduction Discussion
Tuesday, December 12, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Chamber's Transportation and Goods Movement Council to hear from Mark Vallianatos, Executive Officer for the Office of Strategic Innovation at LA Metro, on the Metro Traffic Reduction Study and Congestion Pricing project.
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Economic Briefing
Wednesday, December 13, 3:00 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join our informative Economic Briefing on “California’s Competitiveness: A Regional Approach.” This hallmark report from the L.A. Area Chamber was commissioned in partnership with the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. Hear from leading economists as they share their analysis of California’s business landscape.
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2024 Inaugural: Bringing the World Within Reach
February 15, 2024
Skirball Cultural Center
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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