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Swiss Ambassador Visits Chamber
Chamber President & CEO, Maria S. Salinas, met with the Swiss Ambassador to the U.S., Jacques-H. Pitteloud. The Swiss delegation visited Los Angeles to advance cooperation between California and Switzerland within sustainable infrastructure development. Switzerland is the sixth leading foreign investor in California, supporting more than 40,000 jobs throughout the state. Ambassador Pitteloud commented that the Los Angeles region is important to the global economy because of its thriving innovation and diverse workforce. |
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L.A. Area Chamber Meets with U.S. Chamber President & CEO
Suzanne P. Clark, President & CEO of the U.S. Chamber, welcomed Chambers from across the country to Washington, D.C. this week, including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The meeting included an update on the economy, national political landscape, and key sessions on workforce, child care, and immigration policy. The U.S. Chamber also provided updates on the implications of the United Auto Workers strike and the looming Oct. 1 government shutdown. Read the U.S. Chamber’s government shutdown memo here. |
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L.A. Jobs PAC Endorses County Supervisor Kathryn Barger
The L.A. Jobs PAC, sponsored by the L.A. Area Chamber, is pleased to announce the endorsement of L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger for a third and final term on the county's Board of Supervisors, where she would continue to represent the Fifth District. The L.A. Jobs PAC recognized Supervisor Barger’s unwavering commitment to balanced public policy. Her dedication to ensuring jobs remain within the Los Angeles region for the benefit of our residents has not gone unnoticed. We believe her leadership is instrumental in securing a brighter future for the people of the County of Los Angeles. The Fifth District includes parts of the San Gabriel, San Fernando, Crescenta, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. Learn more here. |
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LA28 Joins OneLA Procurement Fair
The Chamber's OneLA Procurement Fair is announcing our featured speaker, LA28 Vice President of Impact, Erikk Aldridge. With the 2028 Olympics and other high-profile events coming to Los Angeles, this presents an unprecedented level of procurement opportunities that will cultivate a more resilient region, especially for small businesses. The Chamber's OneLA Procurement Fair will help businesses meet directly with buyers and provide needed resources to compete for the billions of dollars in contract opportunities available. Learn how you can get in the game and register today. |
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| POLICY & ADVOCACY |
Chamber Meets with Governor's Office
The Chamber met with Governor Gavin Newsom's team this week to advocate for the veto of several bills with significant implications for the business community. One of the bills discussed was Senate Bill 799, introduced by Senator Anthony Portantino, which would allow workers on strike for two weeks to be eligible for unemployment benefits. The Unemployment Insurance (UI) fund is already experiencing an $18 billion deficit due to the pandemic. This could cause severe consequences to all businesses, but especially for small businesses who have fewer resources. We are also advocating for the Governor to sign Assembly Bill 1415, introduced by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, which would expand exemptions from specific provisions of the Outdoor Advertising Act in designated areas of Los Angeles. The L.A. Area Chamber is the sponsor of this bill. |
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Chamber Provides Public Comment Opposing Proposed Port ISR
The Chamber provided public comment at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Mobile Source Committee meeting regarding the proposed Port Indirect Source Rule (ISR). Proposed Rule 2304 would require the ports to meet a port-wide emissions cap, with each container terminal having to meet its own individual emissions cap. Such regulation would have a detrimental impact on our regional economy by imposing caps on cargo at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Additionally, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach recently released their emissions report, showing significant emission reductions in 2022. The committee relayed a revised rule development schedule with the initial draft of the rule expected in October or November. |
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| GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT |
Commerce Secretary Meets with Vietnam Prime Minister
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo met with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh during his visit this week to the U.S. for the U.N. General Assembly's 78th session. They discussed a recent U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explored ways to enhance regional economic engagement. Vietnam is a key trade partner for California and is the state's 17th-largest export destination. This partnership will further our region's trade ties with the Southeast Asian country. |
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Chamber Hosts Lithuania Business Forum Panel Discussion
The Los Angeles-Lithuania Business Forum took place at UCLA's Anderson School of Management yesterday. Chamber Vice President of Global Trade and Foreign Investment, Ken Wengrod, moderated a discussion on Breakthrough Technologies for Green Transformation and Net Zero. The panel explored how innovation and sustainability intersect and the importance of Los Angeles' diverse and dynamic business ecosystem. |
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| COMMUNITY COLLABORATION |
OneLA Procurement Workshop
The Chamber is hosting a Prepare to Meet the Buyer Workshop on Oct. 3. This workshop will help your business understand what's needed to secure procurement opportunities. Attendance at this virtual training session is required to qualify for one-on-one B2B matchmaking appointments at the OneLA Procurement Fair happening on Oct. 18. Register here. |
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City of L.A. Rental Assistance Application is Open
The Emergency Renters Assistance Program was approved by the L.A. City Council and signed by Mayor Karen Bass earlier this year as a part of continued efforts to reduce the amount of evictions in Los Angeles. To find out more information or eligibility visit here, also to confirm if you live in the City of Los Angeles, visit here. Applications are open until Oct. 2. |
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CalOSBA Opens Small Agricultural Business Drought and Flood Relief Grant Program
The California Small Agricultural Business Drought and Flood Relief Grant Program is now here to help you weather the storm. If you're a small agricultural business, a socially disadvantaged farmer impacted by the drought, or in a flood-affected county, you could be eligible for direct grants ranging from $20,000 to $100,000. Don't miss this chance to get the relief you need. Apply here. |
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| CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS |
Governor Invests $267 Million to Combat Organized Retail Theft
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state's largest-ever single investment to combat organized retail crime. The Los Angeles Police Department and the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department will each receive $15.6 million to hire more police, make more arrests, and secure more felony charges against suspects. Read our statement here. |
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| HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH |
Hispanic Heritage Month
The Chamber is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s an honor to highlight the impact of Hispanic Americans who have enriched our communities and nation. This week, the Chamber is featuring Zoila D. Escobar, Ed.D., Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer for AltaMed and President of the AltaMed Foundation. We are grateful for her dedication to the region and her work as our Board member. |
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New Member
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Member Anniversaries
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| COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS |
Government & Fiscal Affairs Council
Tuesday, September 26, 12:00 p.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
The Government & Fiscal Affairs Council will be considering the Healthy Streets measure, which was added to the March general election ballot by L.A. City Council, as well as state measure SCA 2. We will have speakers supporting and opposing the measure. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. At the end of the meeting, we will decide whether to take a position on the measure.
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Meet the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners
Tuesday, September 26, 5:00 p.m.
The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce invite you to meet the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners. The five-member Board, all volunteers, was appointed by L.A. Mayor Bass and confirmed by City Council. The citizen panel oversees the management and operation of the Port of Los Angeles.
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Pancakes & Politics: Leading the Harbor Area and Angelenos
Wednesday, September 27, 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. Please come hear Councilmember Tim McOsker speak about his latest initiatives and the importance of the Port of L.A. which is located in his district.
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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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