Chamber Weekly | News & Events

August 11, 2024

Out and About

Students at Fusion Academy engage in a cultural presentation, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Donna Visits Fusion Academy

As a former second grade teacher, I was thrilled to be asked to do an Out and About article on Fusion Academy. Teachers inspire students to achieve their goals and become independent, productive members of society, and as I toured Fusion Academy, I could see this extremely evident.

Welcomed by Danila Koverman, Head of School and Felipe Ramirez, Director of Admissions I was provided with initial information about Fusion Academy prior to the tour. Both Koverman and Ramirez were enthusiastic, personable and passionate about their positions. Read More...

News

Legislative Deal on CA Private Attorneys General Act a Win for Businesses

In a state legislature that rarely delivers good news for employers, Torrance Area businesses can celebrate the historic agreement between business groups and labor advocates that brings meaningful reform to California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).

This agreement took the form of two bills (SB 92 and AB 2288), passed by the Legislature and was recently signed by Governor Newsom. These PAGA reforms ensure workers retain a strong tool to resolve labor claims and receive fair compensation while limiting frivolous lawsuits that often target small businesses, non-profits and all employers to the tune of billions of dollars annually. Read More...

Torrance Chamber to Discuss Ballot Measure Proposal in September

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Policy group will discuss and take action on the Ballot Measure Proposed to Expand the L.A. County Board of Supervisors at the September 12th meeting beginning at 12:00 noon.

The L.A. County Board of Supervisors has added several proposed amendments to the County Charter on the November ballot, including one that would expand the board from five to nine members. If approved by voters, the county CEO would become an elected position by 2028, and the board would expand to nine members in 2030. The measure would also establish an Ethics Commission and create new positions, including County Legislative Analyst and Director of Budget and Management.

RSVP Here!

(L to R) Aram Chaparyan, City Manager, City of Torrance; Aurelio Mattucci, Councilmember, City of Torrance; Masanobu Fujita, Deputy Mayor, City of Bizen;

Takeshi Yoshimura, Mayor, City of Bizen, and Donna Duperron, CEO, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.

City of Torrance and City of Bizen, Japan Sign Friendship City Agreement

The City of Torrance announced the signing of a Friendship City Agreement with the City of Bizen, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The official signing ceremony took place at Torrance City Hall with Torrance Mayor George K. Chen and Bizen Mayor Takeshi Yoshimura.

Deputy Consul General of Japan Los Angeles, Naoshige Aoshima an Vice Consul General Fukiko Nakashima were also in attendance to show their support along with many corporate citizens and community partners including the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, Japan External Trade Organization, Japan America Society of Southern California, Torrance Unified School District, and Discover Torrance.

Charles Gale and Donna Duperron welcomed several representatives of legislative offices to last Thursday’s Government Affairs Policy meeting. (L to R) Nicolas Rodriguez, Congressman Lieu’s office; Conner Plaice, Senator Allen’s office; Charles Gale, Government Affairs Policy (GAP) chair; Nikkie Nguyen, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Cody Bridges, Assemblymember Muratsuchi’s office; Kellie Cross, Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office, and Donna Duperron, Torrance Chamber.

The Women in Business program this past Wednesday brought together and connected high-level women leaders from government and business in the Torrance area.

Women in Business program kicks off new fiscal year in style

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce held its first Women in Business program meeting this past week. The chamber welcomed presenters, Casey Coleman Schwartz and Kit Wertz, owners Flower Duet and Jann Middo and Hayley Mullin, co-founders of Sockprints.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters attended the program thanking the speakers and acknowledging the women in attendance for their perseverance in business. Additionally, Hasmik Sahakyan from Armenia was featured through Zoom speaking of women's initiatives and work that is being done there.

Donna Duperron embraced the opportunity to share her career with students during ‘Bring Your Children to Work Day’ at the South Bay Association of Realtors. Appreciation is extended to Gina Hoskins for the invitation.

An Evening of Networking at Monkish Brewing Co. with Young Professionals Group (YPG)

Attention young professionals! Join the Torrance Area Chamber's Young Professionals Group (YPG) for an exclusive networking event on Thursday, August 15th at 5:00 PM at Monkish Brewing Co. This event is tailored for professionals aged 21-45 and offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, share ideas, and expand your network in a professional yet relaxed atmosphere.

For just $5, enjoy an evening designed to foster professional development and create lasting business connections. This event is exclusively for Chamber members, so don't miss out on this fantastic chance to enhance your career and engage with fellow professionals. See you there!

Expand Your Network at Business at Breakfast

Join us on Thursday, August 22nd, 2024, from 7:45 AM to 9:15 AM at Truxton's American Bistro for our monthly Business at Breakfast event. This gathering provides an excellent opportunity for business leaders in the Torrance Area to connect, network, and foster professional relationships. Truxton's, located at 24530 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505, is renowned for its inviting ambiance and exceptional American cuisine.

The cost to attend is $28, and RSVP is required. Please note that this event is exclusively for members, and no same-day reservations are accepted. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to network with local business leaders and enjoy a delightful breakfast at Truxton's American Bistro. To register visit the link below.

Appreciation is extended to Kirk Rossberg, owner of Torrance Bakery, for choosing the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation as one of the beneficiaries of the 7 Days of Giving campaign. (L to R) Kirk Rossberg, Torrance Bakery; Donna Duperron, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce; and Sacha Ohara, Malaga Bank.