An Award-Winning Weekly Publication
Van Lingen Towing Welcomes Leadership Torrance

Leadership Torrance 2017 is well underway, and Torrance area businesses and organizations have hosted the cohort for wonderful activities geared toward community and leadership development. Last week, participants in this annual program sponsored by the TACC enjoyed a fascinating afternoon's visit to Van Lingen Towing to learn about their partnership with the City of Torrance and other LA area municipalities; and how those partnerships work to maintain the safety of our community. Special thanks to Rob Van Lingen, chair of the TACC's GAP Committee, for the gracious hospitality.
NEWS
GO-Biz Hosting Webinars for Businesses Interested in Applying for More than $68 Million in Tax Credits
The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) application period began on Monday, March 6, 2017, with more than $68 million in available tax credits. Businesses interested in applying can register to view a live webinar explaining the application process.

This program is open to any business planning to create new full-time jobs in the state, regardless of size or location. Since 2014, GO-Biz has awarded over $400 Million to 574 companies that are projected to create over 60,000 jobs and make $13.5 billion in investments.

The deadline to submit applications is Monday, March 27, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) and the online application website will automatically close once this deadline has passed. The online application can be accessed at  www.calcompetes.ca.gov
 
Members of the CCTC team are available to provide technical application assistance ( CalCompetes@gov.ca.gov  /  (916) 322-4051 ). An application guide, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), program regulations, and a downloadable version of the webinar presentation are available  here.  
CalChamber's Survey Results Underscore Importance of Immigration to California Economy

California Chamber of Commerce members have a strong sense of the importance of immigration–whether legal or undocumented—to the California economy, according to the recently completed survey.

The online survey, conducted from February 16 through February 28, showed that most CalChamber members either strongly agree (57.4%) or somewhat agree (24.6%) that U.S. immigration policy needs comprehensive reform.

Employer access to workers will be affected if border security is significantly tightened along the southern border without comprehensive reform of other elements of immigration policy, a sizable percentage of CalChamber members say.

ACTION ALERT:
Job Killer Bill Will Worsen Housing Affordability Crisis

The California Chamber of Commerce is opposing a job killer bill that will further exacerbate the already-problematic housing affordability crisis in California.

If enacted, the bill, AB 199 (Chu; D-San Jose), will drastically raise the cost of housing, thereby making projects financially infeasible or exorbitantly expensive.

This bill eliminates the long-standing residential exemption from prevailing wage rates, thereby making private, market-rate residential development a public work project for which a prevailing wage would be paid.

AB 199 is scheduled to be considered March 15 by the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee.

Action Needed

The CalChamber is asking members to contact their Assembly representatives and members of Assembly Labor and Employment to urge them to oppose AB 199 as a job killer.

An easy-to-edit sample letter is available at www.calchambervotes.com.

EVENTS
FREE Member Programs
Non-Members of the TACC are welcome to attend up to two programs per year before joining. 

"...I am so glad I went to the meeting, as a growing business, the information to me was important, of course timely, helpful, and filled with content; even if I felt the information did not pertain to me, I still found value in the real life examples they presented and guidance. It was such an important meeting, not to have gone would have been an extremely poor decision on my part. I have already contacted one of the panelists who was kind enough to provide checklists and information I will use to assist with the growth and development of my business. 

Thank you so much for the wonderful programs the Chamber provides its members, non-members, businesses and community." ~ Michelle Bourque, owner Bourque Music

WHO YOU TALK'N TO?
Tues, Mar. 14 | 12noon-1:30pm

Enjoy a dynamic panel discussion that spans generational gaps to help you learn more about "who you're talkin' to" and take your business marketing to the next level!
ADDRESSING THE TOP 5 HR ISSUES IN BUSINESS
Thurs, Mar. 16 | 12noon-1:30pm

Presenter: Mistee Ruiz, SPHR, SHRM-SCP; founder and Chief People Advisor of Facio, a Human Resource and Organizational Development firm
TOOLS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE EVER-CHANGING TECHNOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE 
Tues, Mar. 28 | 12noon-1:30pm

Presenter TBA
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
Clothes Mentor
Friday, March 10 | 9am
22763 Hawthorne Blvd. | Torrance

Primo Italia
Thursday, March 23 | 4pm

24590 Hawthorne Blvd. | Torrance
Lunch with Our Leader Ft. Janice Hahn,
County of Los Angeles 4th District Supervisor

Wednesday | March 22nd | 12noon-2pm

Hosted by Sunrider International
1625 Abalone Avenue | Torrance

4th Annual Torrance Police Department
Awards & Appreciation Luncheon

Thursday | March 30th | 12noon-2pm

Held at the  Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach
3635 Fashion Way | Torrance

Presented by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and UCLA Health, the 2017 Torrance Armed Forces Day 5K Run/Walk in tribute to Louis Zamperini is scheduled for Saturday, May 20th.

The TACC is currently seeking sponsors for this most worthwhile community event. Whether a $100 "Red, White and Blue" sponsorship is in your budget, or you're interested in becoming a $500 "Patriot" sponsor; we are delighted to have your support of this event that celebrates our Armed Forces and our community!

Register yourself as an individual, or put together a team representing your business by May 1st and enjoy the low registration rate of $35 per person; which includes a commemorative t-shirt.
There's Always Something Happening at the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce!
NEW MEMBERS
Congratulations on Joining the Torrance Area Chamber Community!
RENEWING MEMBERS
  The Torrance Area Business Community Wouldn't Be the Same Without You.

The Chamber Helps Torrance Area Businesses Reach Their Full Potential
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce | (310) 540-5858 | www.TorranceChamber.com