Chamber Weekly | News & Events

December 19, 2023

A Message from Chairwoman of the Board

Sherry Kramer

Chairwoman of the Board

Happy Holidays to our Torrance Area Chamber Members. I hope the year has been wonderful for you, your business, and your families.

I want to thank each and every one of you for being such a tremendous asset to the Chamber and its overall success.

As we look forward to the New Year, we hope you will continue to be engaged and attend meetings and events. There are many between January and June that may be beneficial to you and profit your business. You can watch for more details in Chamber Weekly. Read More...

News

Duperron Provides Testimony Opposing an Oil Industry Business License Tax

Donna Duperron, President & CEO, provided testimony at the December 12th Finance and Governmental Operations Committee in opposition of an Oil Industry Business License Tax. Committee members present were City Council members Mike Griffiths, Asam Sheikh and committee Chair Jon Kaji. After a presentation and testimony, Griffiths and Sheikh opposed moving the recommendation forward with Kaji in support.

A document provided at the meeting provided the following background/analysis. During the course of the pandemic and throughout the City of Torrance's -term recovery from 2020 - 2023, the health, safety and well-being of the City's constituents is dependent on the achievement of fiscal stability and flexibility. As the City continues to rebuild its reserve balances, resolve the underfunding of certain funds, attract and retain talent, and manage an ever-changing pension liability, it is important to consider all options that can help ensure that the City's long-term budget is not only balanced, but resilient. Read More...

JoJo Giuliano, Vince Giuliano, Donna Duperron, Andrea Sala and Mark Waronek gather at the Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum. Spanning nearly 100,000 sq. ft., it features galleries of classic automobiles and a Main Street Gallery that transports visitors back in time with its 1950s diner and vintage speed shop.

Torrance Chamber Members Recognized

The South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce held their Installation and Business Awards Ceremony this past week at the Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum in Carson.

Mark Waronek was recognized for his achievements as Chairman of the Board, Gaetano’s Restaurant was acknowledged as Business of the Year, the El Camino College Foundation received the Nonprofit of the Year award and Donna Duperron will serve on the executive board in 2024.

Colonel Mia L. Walsh welcomes Donna Duperron and Mayor George Chen, City of Torrance.

Donna Duperron and Edward Apodaca with Lt. General Michael A. Guetlein.

The birthday cake cutting ceremony.

Happy 4th Birthday Space Force

This past week, Donna Duperron attended the celebration of the United States Space Force's fourth birthday at Schriever Courtyard, LA AFB. Colonel Mia L. Walsh, Commander, Space Base Delta 3, officiated the ceremony. Lt. General Michael A. Guetlein was also in attendance.

Sharon Kalani

Councilmember, District 4

City of Torrance

Bridgett Lewis

Councilmember, District 2

City of Torrance

Council members Kalani and Lewis to present at January ‘Women in Business’ program

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to present "Women in Business," a unique program aimed at inspiring and empowering women in the community to pursue leadership roles in public service. The program, scheduled for Wednesday, January 24th, at 8:30 am, will be hosted at the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.

This insightful gathering will feature two distinguished speakers, Councilmember Sharon Kalani from District 4 and Councilmember Bridgett Lewis from District 2, both from the City of Torrance. These accomplished women will engage in a candid discussion, sharing their journeys and offering valuable insights into what it takes to run for office. Attendees will have the opportunity to pose questions and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of female representation in public service. The event will be moderated by Sherry Kramer from Continental Development Corporation and Chairwoman of the Board for Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. Don't miss this chance to be inspired and informed by trailblazing women in leadership. Join us for "Women in Business" as we collectively strive to create a more inclusive and diverse community.

*Registration for this program is required.

Ibn Johnson, Client Services Manager, Farmers and Merchants Bank welcomes Donna Duperron. This week, the Torrance Branch is hosting Wassail and Gingerbread for members.

Chamber members gathered at the 2023 Holiday Mixer at Scott Robinson Honda.

Festive Cheers and Gratitude: Reflecting on the Success of the 2023 Holiday Mixer at Scott Robinson Honda

A sincere thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2023 Holiday Mixer. Special appreciation goes to Scott Robinson Honda and their team for hosting the event in a festive setting.

Our Chamber members played a vital role in making the evening memorable. Your dedication to our community is valued and crucial to the success of such events.

As we wrap up the year, let's carry the positive energy and connections from the mixer into the coming year.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and looking forward to continued success and collaboration in the New Year.

View Photo Gallery HERE!

Torrance Chamber staff collected donated items for seniors during the 2023 Holiday Mixer and delivered them to Visiting Angels and other senior programs.

Holiday Mixer Donations Welcomed by Seniors

In celebration of the holiday season, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce donated several boxes of items from the Holiday Mixer to senior programs and services in the South Bay. These programs and services included Assisted Living Locators, Healthcare & Elder Law Programs Corporation, Ivy Park at Palos Verdes, Silverado Rolling Hills, Sunrise Senior Living of Hermosa Beach, and Visiting Angels. Deborah Badger, Marketing Director of Ivy Park Palos Verdes stated “We are delighted that the Torrance Chamber has chosen to spread cheer this season with our seniors. They will be thrilled by this thoughtful gesture.”

The Chamber aimed to make a positive impact by collecting donated items for seniors at the annual Holiday Mixer hosted at Scott Robinson Honda last Thursday. Items collected were lap blankets, large print books, games, puzzles, flashlights, non-perishable snacks, manicure kits, and oral hygiene. “Blankets are most appreciated because they will help keep seniors nice and snuggly,” stated Lynne Ingram, Human Resource Director of Visiting Angels. She also added, “It helps them (seniors) to know that somebody remembered them, especially during the season.” Read More...

Testimonial

I have been grateful for the programs that the chamber has given me an opportunity to participate in, specifically graduating from Leadership Torrance this year was a big achievement for me, and being offered to participate in the ambassador’s program as well. Both these programs have introduced me to professionals that I would have otherwise not met. These professionals in their industries are very well known and cover a lot of areas that my clients need services for as well so it’s going to be a great way in the future to help my clients and support other individuals in the Torrance community. I have not only made a lot of business relations but personal relationships as well so it’s helping me expand my network. Read More...

Daniel Hart

Advanced Portfolio Strategies