Donna Visits Norms Restaurants |
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For several years, I have had the distinct pleasure of touring chamber businesses and interviewing leadership and employees to create this Out and About column. I have met extraordinary people and have learned so much about the diverse businesses in our community. As we recover from the coronavirus pandemic, Out and About columns will continue to highlight the resiliency and inspiration of chamber businesses.
Growing up in southern California, I remember my grandpa and grandma taking me to Norms for breakfast. It was such a special treat because we did not go out to eat as a family too often. I always looked forward to the pancakes and bacon. Read more.
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Governor Signs New Paid Sick Leave Mandate Into Law |
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Late Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that mandates the addition of up to 80 hours of employer-paid COVID-19 sick leave retroactive to January 1, 2021. The new law applies to employees who work for a public or private employer with more than 25 employees.
Upon signing the legislation into law, Governor Newsom said, “Even as case rates and hospitalizations decline and vaccinations ramp up, we can’t let our guard down and must do all we can to stop this virus from spreading.” Read more.
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A Message from TUSD Superintendent, Dr. Tim Stowe |
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Oh what a year! March has been an especially busy month! We welcomed back 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students earlier in the month and are getting ready to welcome back middle and high school students on March 25th and 26th. Thanks to our community partner, the Torrance Fire Department, our vaccination efforts have been successful, with approximately 1,000 employees receiving the vaccine through the TUSD allotment. Starting next week, employees will start receiving their 2nd vaccine dose.
Once students return from spring break, there will be 8 weeks of in-person instruction before the start of finals. The end of the school year is a critical time, especially for high school students with Advanced Placement exams starting in early May. With pandemic trends continuing in a positive direction we are hopeful and starting to plan for end of the year activities and celebrations. Read more.
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Update California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program |
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On February 23rd, Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. The package provides an additional $2 billion – a four-fold increase over the $500 million currently being distributed – for grants up to $25,000 for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, and allocates $50 million of this total for non-profit cultural institutions.
Round 5: Thursday, March 25th through Wednesday, March 31st
- Eligible applicants: current waitlisted small businesses and nonprofits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, or 3 and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria.
- Eligible grant award: $5,000 to $25,000
- Details: Applicants not selected to receive a grant in Rounds 1, 2, & 3 do not need to reapply as they will be automatically moved into Round 5. New applicants will need to apply on this website
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Get your PPP & EIDL Questions answered by SBA |
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Join Torrance Chamber's Elevate! a Program for Small Business, this Friday March 26th 8:00-9:30am.
Do you have specific questions or concerns on:
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) or EIDL Advance?
- PPP 1 and 2 ?
- PPP Forgiveness?
SBA District Director Mr. Ben Raju and his Disaster Team, SBDC Director Ms. Star Van Buren and Business advisor Mr. Michael Dedanato will be presenting valuable information on EIDL, EIDL Advance, PPP 1 and 2 and PPP Forgiveness along with many other resources from SBA. This event is beneficial for all business owners. Register now!
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Esteemed Panel Engaged Chamber Members on Bio Science |
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On Wednesday, March 17, the Chamber hosted the Workforce Roundtable on Bio Science. Andrea Sala, Vice Chair of Workforce and Development brought together an esteemed panel of speakers to engage on various topics including: industry trajectory, productivity, education and training, internships vs apprenticeships, and hiring. There were 36 people in attendance
Panelists included: Michael Brenk, Vice President, Finance, Bachem Americas, Inc; Joel Espejo, SHRM-CP, PHR, US Head of Human Resources, Polypeptide Laboratories, Inc.; Dr. Philip LaPolt, Dean, College of Natural and Behavioral Science, California State University, Dominguez Hills. Read more.
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New and Potential Members Welcomed at Chamber 101 |
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Serena Josel, Chair Elect, recently welcomed new and potential members to Chamber 101. Attendees heard from Donna Duperron, President & CEO, about the ways in which the chamber promotes and serves members through policy work, networking opportunities, and partnerships. Roxanne Trimper, Communications Coordinator, spoke about social media and promotional opportunities. Members also discovered cost savings programs that could impact their bottom line, as representatives from the Daily Breeze and Office Depot explained exclusive offers for chamber members.
Kinecta Federal Credit Union sponsored the event. Latrice McGlothin, Community Engagement Officer for Kinecta and Reanna Kiyomur, Retail Sales Manager spoke about Kinecta’s community involvement and the variety of banking services available.
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"In the many years of my involvement with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, I have been privileged to take part in several committees; such as, LEAD, MERIT (both mentoring programs), TFD Awards and Appreciation Luncheon, TPD Awards and Appreciation Luncheon, Women in Business, Summer Fest, iVet, Vision Makers, Presenting Speaker for HYPE, 2004 Graduate of Leadership Torrance, as well as participated in many Chamber events. Being involved is not only a true fulfillment in giving back but the gains you receive are so much more, networking, business connections, resources, friendships, experiences and opportunities of a lifetime. "
Jennifer L. Olvera, CCE
Events Coordinator, Manager of Customer Service, Safety & Claims
Green Hills Memorial Park
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Click On The Event To Register:
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25 Years
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...Thank You!
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Office Depot Rewards Program
As a member of Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, you are entitled to savings at Office Depot store. Discounts vary on items and services, but they do add up and you can save a significant amount annually on 175 most frequently needed items. Just another benefit of the membership! To enjoy this, Contact Us Here.
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