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Chamber Holds 2023 World Trade Week Conference
The Chamber held its 97th annual World Trade Week Kickoff Conference, themed "Building a Future Ready Supply Chain." Nearly 500 international trade professionals and dignitaries attended the event. The program explored all aspects of the supply chain in the Los Angeles region. Fran Inman, Senior Vice President of Majestic Realty and Conference Chair, brought together leaders from all aspects of the supply chain to discuss strengthening the system. |
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Gene Seroka Honored with Stanley T. Olafson Award
The Chamber recognized Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, as the recipient of the Stanley T. Olafson Award at this year's World Trade Week event. The award is the Chamber's most prestigious honor and recognizes an exceptional member of the global trade community in Southern California. Mr. Seroka is recognized for his contributions to and in the promotion of international trade throughout his distinguished career. |
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Milken Institute Hosts Global Conference
The Milken Institute wrapped up its 26th annual Global Conference this week, themed "Advancing a Thriving World." The conference hosted more than 4,500 guests from around the world. Leaders from all sectors of society, business, civic, media and entertainment, discussed global issues such as addressing poverty, digital transformation, climate change, and energy transition. One key topic in many sessions was the role of AI and its impact on the workforce of the future. |
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Writers' Strike Affects Many
Film and TV production support many jobs throughout Los Angeles. On Monday night, leaders of the Writers Guild of America called for Hollywood's first strike in 15 years. The walkout is expected to halt much of TV and film production nationwide. An extended work stoppage will also impact the small businesses across the Los Angeles region, such as prop houses, caterers, and florists, which heavily depend upon the entertainment economy for their livelihoods. Read our statement here. |
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| POLICY & ADVOCACY |
AB 1000 Fails to Advance
Assembly Bill 1000 (Reyes), which proposed a ban on warehouses within 1,000 feet of "sensitive receptors," failed to advance from the Assembly Local Government Committee last week. The L.A. Area Chamber opposed the bill, arguing it would significantly raise transportation costs. The Chamber welcomes this development as the Southern California region has millions of jobs associated with ports, manufacturing, retail and wholesale trade, construction, transportation, and warehouses, which rely on the movement of goods. |
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DTLA Community Plan Approved by City Council
The Los Angeles City Council voted 13-0 on Wednesday to adopt the Downtown Community Plan (DTLA 2040). The Chamber testified at City Hall to express concerns about modifications which might hinder housing production and conditional use permits which could impede job creation and tourism. The implementing ordinance will be finalized by the City Attorney. |
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| GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT |
Consular Corps Members Join World Trade Week
At our 97th annual World Trade Week Kickoff Conference, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce was joined by our esteemed Consular Corps and Trade Promotion Offices (TPOs). Those in attendance were Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, China, Czech Republic, HKTDC, JETRO, Kenya, KOTRA, Lithuania, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, TECO, and South Africa. |
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USTR Appoints New Assistant Trade Representative for Small Business
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced that Sushan Demirjian will serve as the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Small Business, Market Access, and Industrial Competitiveness. Demirjian has served in several senior roles at the USTR since joining in 2007, most recently as the Acting Assistant U.S. Trade Representative. |
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| COMMUNITY COLLABORATION |
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New Shop Local Campaign Supports Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and the Department of Economic Opportunity launched the Shop Local L.A. County initiative to kick-start a regional campaign to encourage L.A. County residents to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Through Shop Local L.A. County, small businesses can connect to a wide range of resources to support their digital and economic growth, including access to social media training, digital marketing support, coaching and more. Visit here to learn more about Shop Local. |
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Meta Releases Small Business Data in New Report
Meta released a report which monitors the health of small businesses across the country, aiming to provide information that can facilitate research and policy discussions to support small and midsize businesses (SMBs). The latest iteration delivers insights from over 43,219 SMB leaders in the U.S. Learn how California businesses are navigating current economic trends and challenges here. |
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Community Navigator Pilot Program
The Community Navigator Pilot Program is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing systemic barriers preventing small businesses in underserved communities from accessing critical resources and support. With Small Business Administration's Small Business Week coming to a close, it remains essential to recognize the vital role community navigators play in connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. Learn about the Chamber's Resilient Business Advising Program here. |
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| CHAMBER BUSINESS NEWS |
L.A. Times B2B Publishing Guide to Community Development Financial Institutions
Is your CDFI dedicated to removing structural barriers and improving the outlook for millions of underbanked Americans? Do you play a crucial role in expanding homeownership, affordable housing, access to financial services, and financial opportunity for communities in need? If so, then don’t miss this opportunity to be profiled in the L.A. Times B2B Publishing Guide to Community Development Financial Institutions, set to publish in October 2023. Submit your company info here for the CDFI survey today. |
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California Legislative Black Caucus is Seeking Scholarship Applications
The California Legislative Black Caucus Policy Institute (CLBCPI) Scholarship Program was established to assist deserving students by offering financial assistance to help meet educational expenses. The deadline to apply for the scholarship and register for the AALT program is Monday, May 15. Learn more here. |
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| MEMBER SPOTLIGHT |
Fran Inman, World Trade Week 2023 Chair
Thank you to our World Trade Week 2023 Chair, Fran Inman, Senior Vice President at Majestic Realty. She was presented with a proclamation celebrating her achievements leading this event, and also her dedication to global trade and the industry. Erin Bromaghim, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs, City of Los Angeles presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Bass. |
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New Member
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Member Anniversaries
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| COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS |
Expanding Equitable Access to L.A. County Contracts for Diverse and Local Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Wednesday, May 10, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join our Nonprofit Council meeting at the Chamber for an update on the progress of Equity in County Contracting with Michael Owh, Chief Deputy Director, L.A. County Internal Services Department and Kelly LoBianco, Director, L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity.
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A Strategic View of Maternal and Child Health in California
Thursday, May 11, 10:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Valerie Gallo, Acting Regional Administrator, and Gabriele Colangelo, Public Health Analyst for the Health Resources & Services Administration Region 9, will provide a strategic view of California's maternal and child health programming, available grants, and their vision for the future of health care, as well as ways for the Chamber to bolster industry views and inputs.
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The Future of Education Outcomes at LAUSD
Friday, May 26, 9:00 a.m.
MEMBER ONLY EVENT
Join us for an Accenture Pancakes & Politics conversation with Los Angeles United School District (LAUSD) Board Member, Kelly Gonez. Board Member Gonez will speak about her recent experience as LAUSD Board President, her thoughts on aligning education outcomes with future business needs, and innovating educational processes.
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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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