October 20, 2022

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Out & About with Donna

Happy Hats for Kids staff proudly wear a sampling of hats created for kids in hospitals.

Donna Visits Happy Hats for Kids in Hospitals

Torrance is a city blessed with strong nonprofit organizations that understand the communities’ needs and the best ways in which to meet those needs. Happy Hats for Kids in Hospitals was founded in 1991 by Sheri Waldstein. Waldstein’s younger brother, father, grandmother, and mother succumbed to cancer. The heartbreak was almost too much for Waldstein to bear, but instead of wallowing in grief, she used it as a springboard for action.


A hat designer by profession, Waldstein decorated one hundred whimsical hats and personally presented the hats to hospitalized children in Los Angeles fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The creative hats changed the usually somber atmosphere of a critically ill Pediatric Ward into a brighter place. To date, Happy Hats for Kids in Hospitals has uplifted the spirts of more than 1.2 million hospitalized kids and their families. Read More...

News

Cal/OSHA Makes Big Changes to COVID-19

Regulation Ahead of December Vote

California employers may want to get out their measuring tape — because the size (in cubic feet) of a workspace just became an important element of COVID-19 compliance.


Last Thursday and Friday (October 13–14), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) made some significant changes to the state’s definition of a “close contact” and to the potential two-year extension of California’s COVID-19 regulation that all employers need to be aware of. Read More...

Voters Should Reject Proposition 30

The California Chamber of Commerce is urging all Californians to vote NO on Proposition 30. California’s ability to compete depends on attracting and retaining entrepreneurs and investors. The reality is that the new taxes proposed in Proposition 30 will drive investment out of the state.


To be clear, a “No” vote on Proposition 30 is a vote against new taxes, not a vote against the environment. Read More...

Don't Miss the South Bay's Best Business Expo & Showcase

After almost three years due to the pandemic, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Expo & Showcase returns on Thursday, October 27th. This event will be held at Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. More than 85 local businesses, restaurants, non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurs will showcase their goods and services. Admission and parking are free and all ages welcome.


Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting this event. Miyako Hybrid Hotel, Pelican Products, Green Hills Memorial Park, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Express Employment, Moog Inc., Fastsigns of Torrance, and Alpha Real Estate Group - Keller Williams South Bay.

Torrance Chamber Board Members encourage the community to support local business and attend the Business Expo and Showcase.

Calling All Torrance Chamber Small Businesses!

Small Business Saturday is an annual event that was created to encourage consumers to shop locally in person and online at small businesses. This event takes place every November and represents a significant opportunity to increase sales for small businesses during the holiday shopping season. As a chamber, we have extended the excitement with our very own 'Torrance Small Business Week' which will occur from Saturday,

November 26th to Saturday, December 3rd 2022.


The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce will run a media campaign urging businesses, residents, and community members to shop local and support small during Torrance Small Business Week. We welcome chamber members the opportunity to include their small business in the marketing efforts. Deadline to submit participation forms is Monday, October 24th. For more information, please contact jonisha@torrancechamber.com.

Participation Form

Government Affairs Policy Committee Welcomes

Senator Bradford and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi

Senator Steve Bradford and Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi addressed members of the Government Affairs Policy committee this past Thursday. Each legislator highlighted their vote record and their legislation that signed by Governor Newsom. Current and former chamber board members with Senator Steve Bradford and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi. (Left to right) Kirk Rossberg, Torrance Bakery; Karen Pryor, Mutual of Omaha; Senator Bradford; Charles Gale, Metropolitan Water District; Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi; Andrea Sala, El Camino College; Dan Thomas, Spectrum; Minal Mondkar, Aura Seating; Mark Waronek, M & M Consulting; Theresa Mack, Sunrise Senior Living; Rob Katherman, Water Replenishment District; Donna Duperron, President & CEO and Larry Halvorsen, Express Employment Professionals.

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and the Japan Business Association to Commemorate 22 Years of Partnership

Enjoy an evening of networking at the 22nd Annual Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and Japan Business Association Grand Mixer. This event will take place on Wednesday, November 9th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel. Join us as members meet the Consul-General of Japan, Kenko Sone, connect with Torrance City Mayor George Chen, observe the Saki Barrel Breaking Ceremony cask, take part in networking games, and more.


The Japan Business Associate is a nonprofit organization that works to develop and improve the business environment for Japanese companies in the Southern California region. More than 700 companies are located in Southern California which is significant to establishing new facilities and hiring new employees. Thank you to American Honda Motor Company, Incorporated for sponsoring the event.

Click here to RSVP

City Councilmembers Address Challenges and Opportunities

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Women in Business co-chairs, Marifrances Trivelli and Claudine Garcia welcomed Council members Sharon Kalani and Bridgett Lewis to address the topic, 'Balancing Act: Work and Community Service' at yesterday's monthly meeting.


Councilmember Kalani, District 4, serves as the Chair of the Employee Relations and Public Safety committee and is a member of the Armed Forces Day Ad Hoc, Citizen Development and Enrichment, and Strategic Planning committees. Read More...

Chamber welcomes City of Torrance Councilmembers Lewis and Kalani. From left to right: Women in Business co-chairs, Marifrance Trivelli (Los Angeles Maritime Museum); Claudine Garcia (The Promotions Department); Councilmember Bridgett Lewis, Councilmember Sharon Kalani and Donna Duperron, President and CEO.

Be Engaged. Be Informed. Join the Chamber.

A new member stopped by to share his thoughts. Daniel M. Hart, Account Executive, Advanced Portfolio Strategies says, “Business at Noon has been an invaluable experience for me leading to many new relationships. The monthly event allows me to network with likeminded individuals and dine at local Torrance restaurants. As a first-time attendee, the thoughtful event structure made me feel comfortable and welcomed as a new member. My only critique is that the event is held only once a month!” Well, it’s a good thing the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has over 130 programs and events, providing networking opportunities and plenty of social opportunities members find great value in.


During October 10th through November 10th, The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is running the Fall into Membership Drive. Joining will provide membership benefits and provide an opportunity drawing for a prize. Gifts are donated by current members as they see the value of supporting businesses to strengthen our community. Thank you to the following members for providing gift items, Paul’s Photo, Dr. Mellert and Dr. Houck, Aki Lashes, and Botanical Gardens. Membership provides an opportunity for visibility through participation. If you’d like information emailed to a potential member, please send the name and business to yuki@torrancechamber.com. Read More...

New members Lorena Barajas of Ben Bridge Jeweler and Ross Barlett, VideoGuard, LLC networking at Chamber 101.

Meet Board Member Mistee Ruiz

Mistee Ruiz is the business owner of Facio – Your HR Solution, a human resource firm that was founded to help small to medium size organizations manage all aspects of leading people. Facio works to protect employees, and business owners alike, to make every workplace a safe, productive, and motivating environment.

 

Over the course of her career, Ruiz has gained a broad background in human capital strategy, compliance, sales, and operations. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources. In addition, she is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the Society of Human Resources Management, as well as a certified Strategic Human Resource Business Partner though the Human Capital Institute. Ruiz has worked in various industries from professional service firms to manufacturing, food service, construction, and distribution. Read More...

Mistee Ruiz

Facio - Your HR Solution

Testimonial Thursday

"We would like to thank the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and chamber members who came to our ribbon-cutting ceremony. We love how communicative the chamber is and we cannot wait to do additional events in the community and be more involved with all your support. Once again, thank you all for today's event." - Veronica Reyes, Assistant Director, Comfort Keepers South Bay.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, October 27th, 4:30 PM - Business Expo & Showcase

Thursday, November 3rd, 8:30 AM - Small Business Council

Tuesday, November 8th, 7:45 AM - Business at Breakfast

Tuesday, November 8th, 12:00 PM - Young Professionals Group

Wednesday, November 9th, 5:00 PM - JBA Grand Mixer

Wednesday, November 16th, 8:30 AM - Women in Business

Online Calendar
New Members: Welcome!

Epps & Coulson, LLP | Piccini Italian Takeout | Transformation Care

Renewing Members: Thank you!

1-5 Years

AFC Urgent Care

Nations Lending

Stroll South Bay

Whole Foods Market Torrance

Mindful HR Consulting Services LLC

Optimum Seisic, Inc

Spectrum Reach

Care Patrol Redondo Beach/Palos Verdes and Surrounding Areas

M & M Consulting, Inc.

Susan Swinburne Consulting

Sidoti's Plumbing & Rooter, Inc.

Macy's Del Amo

SkyOne Federal Credit Union

Law Office of Donald R. Hammond

ICAN Tax Prep & Accounting Services Inc

Torrance Police Foundation

6-10 Years

Reborn Cabinets, Inc

Shin Sen Gumi Restaurant

Express Employment Professionals

Alliance Human Services, Inc.


11-20 Years

Best Western PLUS Avita Suites

MCD Insurance Agency

Western Museum of Flight


21-40 Years

Mark E. Applegate Insurance Agency, Inc.

Redondo Van & Storage, Inc.

Bayco Financial Corp.

Rotary Club of Torrance Del Amo

King's Hawaiian Bakery Restaurant

Southern California Regional Occupational Center

The Chamber helps businesses reach their full potential.
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For more information about the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, call (310) 540-5858 or
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