U.S. Embassy in Mexico Celebrates Historic Inauguration
This week, Mexico made history with the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum as its new President. First Lady Jill Biden led the U.S. delegation to Mexico City. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar hosted a reception to welcome the First Lady. The delegation featured notable figures including Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman, and Congresswoman Nanette Barragan. California and Los Angeles were well represented throughout the festivities, with various elected officials, community members, and business leaders, including L.A. Area Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas, in attendance. The evening included remarks from Dr. Biden, who highlighted the strong connections between the U.S. and Mexico.
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Governor Reviews Legislation Before Deadline
On September 30, Governor Gavin Newsom completed action on all bills from the 2024 California Legislative Session, addressing a total of 1,206 bills—the highest during his six years in office. He signed 1,017 bills and vetoed 189, resulting in a 15.7% veto rate. The Chamber monitors legislation throughout the year, including those that have landed on the Governor’s desk for signature. This year, we worked on several high-profile bills, including AB 98, SB 1047, AB 1885, AB 2458, SB 895, and SB 26. Read more in our Policy Update here.
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Chamber Joins Mayor Bass at U.S.-Mexico Foundation Meeting in Mexico City
The U.S.-Mexico Foundation welcomed L.A. Mayor Karen Bass at its board meeting in Mexico City. The meeting coincided with the North Capital Forum, a conference focused on North American collaboration. Also in attendance were Councilmembers Curren Price, Imelda Padilla, Hugo Soto-Martinez, along with L.A. Area Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas. Discussions centered on how Los Angeles can foster economic opportunities between the U.S. and Mexico.
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Chamber Helps Kick-off LAUSD 2024 Principal for a Day
Last week, the Chamber convened over 100 local leaders for the relaunch of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Principal for a Day program, with Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. The program provides business leaders with an opportunity to step into the role of LAUSD principals and gain firsthand insights into public education. This week, participants from across the region visited LAUSD schools to shadow principals and understand their unique challenges and successes.
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Chamber Opposes Port Indirect Source Rule, Calls for Support of Zero-Emission Infrastructure
This week, the Chamber voiced its opposition to the proposed Port Indirect Source Rule (ISR) during the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) Board Meeting. The Chamber urged the development of a comprehensive plan to establish the necessary infrastructure for implementing zero-emission equipment at ports and across Southern California, emphasizing the importance of protecting jobs and revenue. A Port ISR could negatively impact the goods movement industry, threaten the regional economy, and result in job losses throughout the region. The Chamber will continue to engage with stakeholders and provide updates.
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Chamber Prepares for ACCESS L.A.
ACCESS L.A. is just around the corner, happening on Wednesday, October 9! Join us for an opportunity to meet with city and county government officials, including L.A. Deputy Mayors, City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, and more. Register here.
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Chamber Attends North Capital Forum in Mexico City
The North Capital Forum (NCF), hosted by the U.S.-Mexico Foundation, focused on regional collaboration to promote a vision of shared prosperity among Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Dee Dee Myers, State of California, Erin Bromaghin, City of Los Angeles, and Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas participated in various panels to share insights from Los Angeles and California.
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Chamber Joins Celebration of 55-Year Sister City Relationship Between Mexico City and Los Angeles
Mexico City and Los Angeles are celebrating 55 years as Sister Cities. To mark this milestone, Tom Gilmore, Chair of Sister Cities of Los Angeles—a diplomatic platform that fosters cooperation and direct engagement with global partners on business, commerce, tourism, education, and culture—hosted a luncheon with Dee Dee Myers, Deputy Mayor for International Affairs Erin Bromaghim, Deputy Chief of Staff Celine Cordero, several L.A. City Councilmembers, and L.A. Area Chamber President & CEO Maria S. Salinas.
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2024 Procurement Fair: Get in the Game "Meet the Buyer" Training Workshop
Want to connect one-on-one with a buyer at the 2024 OneLA Procurement Fair? To qualify for matchmaking appointments, you must attend a mandatory 'Meet the Buyer Workshop.' Choose from three available sessions: October 7, 14, or 21. This is your chance to learn about securing government contracts, connect with key buyers, and expand your business network. Don’t miss out—register here.
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Get in the Game with Chamber's Economic Mobility Initiative
Get ready to "Get in the Game" and seize incredible opportunities in Los Angeles as we count down to the 2028 Olympics! Join the Economic Mobility Initiative (EMI) today, a free training program designed to uplift small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits across L.A. County. Powered by the OneLA Inclusive Procurement program, EMI offers personalized support to help you navigate contracts, certifications, and more. This valuable resource hub is your key to strengthening and growing your business with success and sustainability in mind. Register here.
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SBA's Disaster Assistance Program
Protect your business with the SBA's Disaster Assistance Program. Whether you're recovering from a natural disaster or facing economic challenges, the SBA offers low-interest loans to help businesses, homeowners, and nonprofits get back on their feet. Explore funding options and prepare your business for the unexpected. Apply online and find more information here, or contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. Find assistance via email here. For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 for telecommunications relay services.
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Mayor Bass Appoints Jim McDonnell as Chief of LAPD
After an extensive eight-month search involving input from business leaders and the community, Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Jim McDonnell as the 59th Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). McDonnell, who previously served as Assistant Chief at LAPD, has also held positions as L.A. County Sheriff and Chief of Police in Long Beach. Read our full statement here.
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2024 Education Summit
A Paradigm Shift: Meeting the Workforce Needs of the Future
Join us for the 2024 Education Summit, where regional business, education, and policy leaders will come together to collaborate and innovate in shaping the workforce of the future. Register here.
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
The Chamber is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the contributions of Hispanics who have enriched our communities and nation. This week, we spotlight Juan de la Cruz, President, Adventist Health White Memorial Charitable Foundation. Juan is an exceptional leader with a long history of helping communities thrive.
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COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS
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Health Care Council
Tuesday, October 15, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Health Care Council for a special session on legislative updates impacting the business community.
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Ad Hoc on Homelessness Committee
Wednesday, October 16, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the Ad Hoc on Homelessness Committee for a special session on legislative updates impacting the housing community.
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Pancakes & Politics
Thursday, October 17, 8:30 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join the next Pancakes & Politics Speaker Series featuring Ted Ross, Chief Information Officer for the City of Los Angeles.
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Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
350 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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