UPS AND CHAMBER HOST TOUR OF LOGISTICS IN L.A.
On Monday, Chamber Board Chair Noel Massie, UPS, led a select group of business and civic leaders on a tour of logistics throughout the Los Angeles region. Together with Chamber staff and board members, the group toured the facilities of computer manufacturer, Equus Computer Systems; cell phone and computer accessory retailer, eForCity; and airsoft retailer, Evike. A representative from each of the three companies gave the group an inside look at their respective facility’s daily operations while explaining the latest trends and daily challenges in their industries. Company representatives also took questions from tour members and discussed shipping needs, warehouse and inventory best practices and recent congestion at local ports. Contact Ruben Gonzalez, 213.580.7573.

Chamber advocates for Vehicle Enhanced Network
This week, the Chamber spoke before the City Planning Commission in support of the Vehicle Enhanced Network (VEN) element of the Mobility Plan 2035 update to the City’s transportation plan. The VEN would enhance 80 miles of our most important arterials and provide key access to freeways and critical facilities. This is particularly important for our goods movement industry, which unlike other road users cannot shift modes to deliver goods and services. The VEN is the smallest of all the proposed networks in the Plan, but it will have significant impact on our future mobility and the competitiveness of our economy. Contact John Larson, 213.580.7532.

Chair of the California International Trade and Investment Advisory Council visits the Chamber
On Wednesday, members of the Global Initiatives Council had an opportunity to hear from and speak with Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis, chair of the California International Trade and Investment Advisory Council. The discussion focused on the need for the trade community to strengthen its voice in support of the current trade agreements and Trade Promotion Authority renewal. “Trade is not a zero sum game – whether it is inbound or outbound, it becomes an investment for the State,” noted Hon. Bernard Grice, consul general of New Zealand. In addition, Brian Peck, Global Initiatives Council co-chair and deputy director of the International Affairs and Business Development Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz) provided a brief 2014 trade policy recap. Contact Jasmin Sakai-Gonzalez, 213.580.7569.

East West Bank opens branch in Shenzhen, China This week, East West Bank became the first L.A.-based bank to open full-service branch in Shenzhen, China. This presents an opportunity for American companies to partner with a trusted financial guide to navigate strategic fast-growth industries such as import and export, logistics, tech, cleantech, venture capital, private equity, film, entertainment and media, biopharmaceuticals, manufacturing, aviation and automotive. The opening was attended by L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and a trade delegation of business executives and city officials. The event was officiated by Chairman and CEO of East West Bancorp Dominic Ng. Read more. Titan Offices to host ribbon-cutting ceremony Titan Offices Inc. will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m. at 1055 West 7th St. Titan Offices takes pride in providing its clients an exceptional office experience, including beautifully-finished executive suites, virtual offices, meeting rooms and more. Read more. Click here to submit your member good news.