Chamber Weekly | News & Events

July 15, 2022

Out & About With Donna

Donna Visits Zoom Room

Visiting businesses is an aspect of my job that I thoroughly enjoy. And, when a visit incorporates something that I personally like, it makes it even more special. My husband and I rescued a chihuahua terrier mix 15 months ago, when he was just two months old. When the opportunity to visit Zoom Room Dog Training in Torrance was brought to my attention, I could not wait to go.

As I entered this large spacious location, I was welcomed by Sarah Sung, owner. Sung’s passion clearly showed as she began walking me through the various parts of Zoom Room. To the right of the 2,000 square foot gym is an area that owners can purchase quality items for their dogs. There were colorful sustainable and durable puzzles, collars and leashes, and a variety of healthful treats. Read More...

News

CA Natural Resources secretary Briefs California Business Leaders on Drought Severity, Urges Conservation Efforts

California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot met with California’s top business leaders to discuss critical aspects of California’s worsening drought and encourage partnership in ongoing conservation efforts.

This virtual meeting comes on the heels of Governor Gavin Newsom signing the state’s 2022-2023 budget that includes $2.8 billion in near- and long-term drought response actions to build water resilience and promote water conservation, including $175 million for turf replacement and other water-saving strategies. Read More...

Gene Barnett Recognized at Naming and Dedication Ceremony

This past Monday, several people gathered for a Naming and Dedication Ceremony for the Gene Barnett Fields at Charles H. Wilson Park. John La Rock, Community Services Director at the City of Torrance was the master of ceremonies. Individuals spoke from the podium recalling memories and achievements of Barnett.

Barnett's family moved to Torrance in 1954. He attended Torrance Unified School District schools and graduated from North High School. He was hired by the City of Torrance Parks and Recreation Department in 1972. After a series of promotions, he was appointed Director of the Department in 1980, a position he held until his retirement in May, 2007.

Former Torrance Mayors Frank Scotto, Patrick Furey, Dan Walker, and Mayor George Chen gather to congratulate Gene Barnett.

California Competes Tax Credit & Grant

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California.

The CCTC and California Competes Grant Program (CCGP) application periods, amounts available, and committee meeting dates for fiscal year 2022-2023 have been posted here. The first application period will start on July 25, 2022, with $85 million in tax credits and $120 million in grants available. Starting July 25, the online application can be accessed at www.calcompetes.ca.gov. Read More...

Duperron Attends Change of Command and Redesignation Ceremony at Los Angeles Air Force Base

Donna Duperron, President & CEO, attended the Redesignation of the Los Angeles Garrison to Space Base Delta 3 and Change of Command Ceremony at LA AFB yesterday. Colonel Becky Beers, USAF, relinquished command of Los Angeles Garrison and Colonel Mia L. Walsh, United States Space Force assumed command of Space Base Delta 3.

Congressman Ted Lieu, representing the 33rd District, provided opening remarks. Congressman Lieu is a former active duty officer in the U.S. Air Force. Following active duty, he served in the Air Force Reserve, retiring with the rank of Colonel in 2021. Lieutenant General Michael A. Guetlein was the Presiding Official. Lt. General Guetlein is Commander, Space Systems Command, headquartered at Los Angeles Air Force Base. He is responsible for approximately 10,000 employees nationwide and an annual budget of $11 billion.

Chamber Welcomes Toastmasters Club

The Chamber welcomed the Torrance Chamber of Commerce Toastmaster's Club last week Friday. At a Toastmasters meeting, a learn-by-doing workshop, participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. The club meets on Fridays starting at 12:15 pm. If you are interested, please visit the link below.

Toastmasters

Japan a Steadfast Ally of California, U.S. Over the Years

Japan and California share a long history, dating back to 1860 when the first Japanese diplomatic mission arrived in the San Francisco Bay. Today, Japan ranks as California’s and the United States’ fourth largest global trading partner. In the past few decades, the excellent economic and commercial ties between Japan and California have offered numerous opportunities for Japanese and American businesspersons to trade, invest, and collaborate with each other.

Under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan strengthened its leadership on the world stage and remained a strong ally of the United States. Prime Minister Abe, who tragically died on Friday, championed opening Japanese markets, and helped update global economic rules and standards. Read More...

Help Conserve Water with These Steps

The summer season has only just begun and already two of California’s largest reservoirs are at critically low levels — Lake Oroville is at 47% capacity and Shasta Lake at 39% capacity. With more than 95% of the state in “severe drought” or greater, there is not enough water to meet the needs of California’s homes, businesses, farms and wildlife.

On June 10, a water conservation emergency regulation went into effect that prohibits owners and managers of commercial, industrial, and institutional properties from using potable water for irrigating non-functional turf. A fact sheet on this regulation is available from the California Water Resources Control Board website here. Read More...