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State Legislature Returns
The California Legislature reconvened in Sacramento this week after a month-long summer recess. With about a month of session remaining, legislators have roughly 900 bills available to consider and approve. Bills must be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom to sign or veto before the legislative year ends. The Legislature is considering a wide range of bills over the next month, including bills related to unemployment insurance, light pollution standards, electric vehicles, and more. |
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CalChamber Launches Big City Coalition
The California Chamber of Commerce launched the Big City Chambers Coalition for the 13 largest local chambers of commerce in the state. The coalition will provide the business community with a united front to engage policymakers and provide thought leadership to safeguard the economic vitality of our state. The coalition will help ensure economic growth for all communities and ensure California remains competitive with other states. In its first meeting earlier this month, the coalition focused on regional perspectives on pressing issues as well as a look at 2024 election issues. The L.A. Area Chamber is proud to be a part of the coalition. Read what chamber leaders said about the coalition here. |
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Support Maui Relief Efforts
The Hawaiian wildfires have devastated the island of Maui, with a death toll of over 100 and displacing at least 11,000 more. Alongside the lives lost, many small businesses have been destroyed. The L.A. Area Chamber is supporting national aid campaigns, local Hawaiian chambers of commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to raise money for relief efforts for residents and small businesses. Visit here to support relief efforts through organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, and more. |
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Mayor, Superintendent Focus on Safety for First School Week
More than half a million students returned to Los Angeles Unified School District classrooms with refreshed energy this Monday. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and Mayor Karen Bass announced a series of actions to increase school safety for students. While students were on summer break, the City of Los Angeles actively worked on safety concerns to address substance abuse in schools, make streets around schools safer, and worked to prevent violence near schools. Additionally, Mayor Bass and Superintendent Carvalho plan to host convenings of stakeholders and community members to ensure greater student safety in and around schools. Read about the city's summer school safety initiatives here. |
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| POLICY & ADVOCACY |
Chamber Opposes Unemployment Insurance Bill
The L.A. Area Chamber joined CalChamber and other business organizations to oppose a bill that was previously introduced in 2019. The proposed bill would mandate employers to provide unemployment insurance (UI) payments to striking employees, even when the strikes and workers involved are unrelated to the employer. The Chamber is concerned the bill will raise taxes on employers across California, put the state's unemployment insurance program at risk of violating federal law, and exacerbate the UI deficit of $18 billion. |
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L.A. City Council Introduces Ban on Cashless Retail Business
Los Angeles City Councilmember Heather Hutt introduced a motion this week to ban cashless retail businesses. This motion would ensure there are no exclusive economies which bar people who are only able to operate with cash. Concerns surrounding cashless payments have risen due to the exclusionary nature of digital payment. The Chamber is closely monitoring this motion and its implications. |
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| GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT |
U.S. to Participate in Fifth IPEF Framework for Prosperity
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Commerce Department announced this week a U.S. delegation will travel to Bangkok, Thailand, in September for the fifth negotiating round of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). The delegation will work with IPEF partners to progress on negotiations towards high-standard outcomes under Pillars I (Trade), III (Clean Economy), and IV (Fair Economy). The delegation's trade discussions will allow regional businesses to tap into new markets for clean technologies and compete with other regions of the world on a more level playing field. |
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Port of Long Beach Awarded Security Grant
The Department of Homeland Security recently announced the Port of Long Beach will receive a $2.7 million grant to enhance security and ensure smooth cargo movement during emergencies. The funding from the Port Security Grant Program will modernize security networks, fortify existing systems, and improve disaster resilience. The swift and reliable movement of cargo is crucial during large-scale emergencies and these funds will help the port modernize its security network and infrastructure. |
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| COMMUNITY COLLABORATION |
L.A. County Stands Against Hate
The diversity of our communities is Los Angeles County's greatest strength. Stand up against hate and support LA vs. Hate, a community-based organization designed to support all county residents. The initiative aims to address the normalization of hate, build an understanding of what constitutes a hate act, and support individuals and communities as they heal from the trauma of hate. Visit here to learn more. |
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Free Tech Check for Small, Midsize Businesses
Small and midsize businesses: this is your opportunity to meet with a Verizon Business expert to receive a complimentary tech check across critical areas of your business. Business owners can get advice on connectivity and security as well as receive personalized technology recommendations which suit their specific needs. According to the latest Verizon State of Small Business Survey, 61% of small and midsize business respondents have implemented digital tools and technology over the past two years to change their processes and improve customer experiences. Find free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready programs here. |
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| CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS |
Chamber President & CEO Celebrates 5 Years
Congratulations to our President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas, on celebrating five years of leading the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. After taking the helm in 2018, she has led the Chamber to new heights, while embracing the organization's vision, A Thriving Region For All. As the first woman and first Latina to lead the 135-year-old organization, she embraced businesses of all sizes and led the regional business community through the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the L.A. Area Chamber cemented itself as a leading chamber organization after being awarded a five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2022. |
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L.A. Sports Innovation Conference
The 2023 L.A. Sports Innovation Conference is on Oct. 17. This must-attend event will give a firsthand look at the latest trends in innovation, commercialization, and tech in the world of sports, and bring together thought leaders, dealmakers, and industry trendsetters. More information can be found here. Use code: EARLY23 for a $100 discount. |
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| MEMBER SPOTLIGHT |
Chamber Member Named to National Women Hall of Fame
Chamber member and 2023 Small Business Council co-chair, Schenae Rourk of Redwood Resources, has been inducted into the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Hall of Fame. Rourk, who serves as President of NAWBO-CA, was recognized during their annual Leadership and Legacy Awards Dinner. Redwoods Resources is a full-service professional outreach and marketing consulting firm which provides services to public agencies, construction and professional services firms as well as the small business community. |
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New Member
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Member Anniversaries
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| COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS |
Pancakes & Politics: Congresswoman Katie Porter
Monday, August 21, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
The Accenture Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series features leaders in elected office, business, as well as city and state administration, who are influencing important policy issues impacting the Los Angeles region. Each convening provides Chamber members and partners with access to these speakers to hear their insight and also to share our stakeholders' perspectives.
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Council President Paul Krekorian
Tuesday, August 22, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join us as the Chamber welcomes Paul Krekorian, Los Angeles City Council President, and Chair of the AdHoc Committee on City Governance Reform, Dr. Raphael Sonenshein and Dr. Fernando Guerra from the L.A. Governance Reform Project, and George Kieffer, Partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, as they discusses the current status of the city's motion to place a charter reform on the Nov. 2024 ballot for an independent redistricting commission and council seat expansion
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Navigating Your Cash Flow
Thursday, August 24, 12:30 p.m.
COMMUNITY EVENT
Join us for a virtual session led by Noe Castillo, VP of Senior Business Consultant at JPMorgan Chase. This Small Business Strong workshop will focus on increasing cash in and decreasing cash out to maximize business success. Topics will include cash flow basics, how to maximize cash-in and minimize cash-out, and making cash work for your business.
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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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