Victoria Renderos, Rafael Renderos, Cassandra Renderos and Francessca Renderos. | Donna Visits Pel Manufacturing | |
As a third-grade student, I vividly recall my first school field trip to Weber’s Bakery in Santa Ana. As I stepped off the school bus, the aroma coming from the bakery filled the air. Bakers could be seen through large glass windows as our teacher led us inside the bakery. The memories of this field trip have continued to provide me with the curiosity of how things are created and made.
I recently had the opportunity to visit PEL Manufacturing, a business that was founded by the Pelezzare family in 1934. In 2017, Francessca Renderos took ownership of PEL Manufacturing after having worked there for 18 years. She began her career, right out of high school, as a receptionist. Motivated and self-started, Francessca became an upper-level manager and within twenty years, she became the owner of the Company. Read More...
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PAGA Reform Is a Win for Businesses | |
Implementing SB 92 and AB 2288 will likely serve as a model for other states grappling with similar issues. It demonstrates that through collaboration and a willingness to address the concerns of all stakeholders, meaningful and balanced reforms are possible.
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Victory for Workforce Development: ETP Program Preserved | |
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that, alongside chambers across the state, it played a pivotal role in protecting the Employment Training Panel (ETP) program from the serious threat posed by SB 1321. This victory ensures that the ETP will continue to be a vital resource for workforce training across California, directly benefiting the businesses represented. Read More... | |
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George Chen
Mayor
City of Torrance
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Mayor Chen to Deliver the 2024 State of the City | |
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is set to host its annual State of the City event on September 13th at the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance-South Bay. Mayor Chen will present the much-anticipated address, offering insights into the city’s current landscape, future initiatives, and ongoing efforts to enhance the community’s quality of life. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on Torrance’s economic development, infrastructure projects, and key achievements over the past year. Read More... | |
Bob and Laurie Brandt, owners of Red Car Brewery and Restaurant. | |
Red Car Brewery and Restaurant: Building Community and Supporting the Next Generation of Professionals | |
Located in the heart of Old Town Torrance, Red Car Brewery & Restaurant has been a vital part of the local community since its opening in August 2000. Founded by Bob and Laurie Brandt, this establishment holds the honor of being Torrance’s first brewery, marking the beginning of what would become a thriving craft beer scene in the area. After years of Bob building his career in the craft beer industry, the couple envisioned opening their own brewery. They were particularly inspired by the idea of creating a place in their hometown of Torrance, where they could combine their love of brewing with their commitment to the community. Over the years, Red Car has evolved into more than just a brewery; it has become a gathering place where history, community, and quality craftsmanship converge. Read More... | |
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Tamala Lewis
Senior Director, Community Affairs & Foundation,
Dignity Health Sports Park
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Robert Kunc
Chief Executive Officer,
Mimyr
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Mistee Ruiz
Senior Professional in Human Resources,
Facio - Your People Solution
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Level Up with the Torrance Chamber | |
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Boost your leadership skills with the Level Up Series starting Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. This high-impact series combines virtual life skills and career-readiness workshops with in-person networking opportunities to help businesses find their professional strengths, improve their well-being, and boost career leadership skills.
Series 1: Developing and Sustaining Company Culture will be led by Tamala Lewis, Senior Director of Community Affairs and Foundation, Dignity Health Sports Park; Robert Kunc, Chief Executive Officer, Mimyr; and Mistee Ruiz, Senior Professional in Human Resources, Facio – Your People Solution. Read More...
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Celebrate 25 Years of Partnership at the JBA and Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Grand Mixer | |
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The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and the Japan Business Association (JBA) invite you to the 25th Annual Grand Mixer on Tuesday, October 1st, at the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance. This event celebrates 25 years of partnership between the two organizations, fostering connections between Southern California and Japanese businesses.
The evening begins at 4:30 PM with registration and networking, followed by stage presentations at 5:30 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet distinguished guests, including Consul-General of Japan Kenko Sone, City of Oshu Japan Mayor Jun Kuranari, and City of Torrance Mayor George Chen. The event will feature the traditional "Kagami-biraki" sake barrel ceremony, Networking Bingo, and various tabletop displays. Light refreshments will be served.
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Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Torrance toured Virco Manufacturing Corporation last Thursday with Virco CEO and Chairman of the Board, Mr. Virtue. | |
The City of Torrance and Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce volunteers at the 2023 Coastal Cleanup at Torrance Beach. | Annual Coastal Cleanup at Torrance Beach | |
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On Saturday, September 21st, the City of Torrance will host the Annual Coastal Cleanup at Torrance Beach as part of International Coastal Cleanup Day. This global event unites millions of volunteers from around the world to remove harmful debris from beaches, protecting marine life and promoting a cleaner coastal ecosystem. Locally, volunteers at Torrance Beach will help keep the shoreline free of pollutants, contributing to both environmental preservation and enhanced tourism by maintaining clean, safe beaches.
Leslie Cortez from the City of Torrance emphasizes the event's importance, stating, "A beach cleanup is important for a community because it helps protect marine life by removing harmful debris from the shoreline, which can prevent pollution from entering the ocean. Our aim is to maintain a healthy coastal ecosystem and contribute to a cleaner and safer environment for everyone." The cleanup offers the Torrance community a chance to make a lasting difference in the environment while enjoying the beauty of our local coastline.
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Kinecta Federal Credit Union to Host Mixer | |
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Mark your calendar! Kinecta Federal Credit Union will host a business networking mixer on Thursday, September 26th, 2024, from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. This event is designed for casual networking and provides the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals within the chamber and the community to grow your business connections.
The cost to attend is $10 for members, $20 for nonmembers, and RSVP is required. Light refreshments will be provided and there will be an opportunity for raffle drawings, so don’t forget to bring your business cards. To register, visit the link below. Kinecta Federal Credit Union, 3635 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance CA 90505 for a business networking mixer.
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Advocate for Business Interests at GAP | |
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The Government Affairs Policy (GAP) meeting is set for Thursday, September 12th, 2024, at 12:00 PM at the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce office. This meeting is an essential opportunity for Chamber members to engage in meaningful discussions about local and state policies that directly impact the business community. By participating, you help advocate for policies that foster a strong economic environment and contribute to the success of local commerce.
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Flourish Locally | Gold Core | MKB Consultancy | Lawyer Vince | Yehowa Medical Services | Northwestern Mutual | Pure Essence Dentistry Dental Office of Dr. Linda Anyanwu | South Bay Christian School | |
Renewing Members: Thank you! | |
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1 - 10 Years
Restore Hyper Wellness
Del Amo Fashion Center
Counseling4Kids
Advanced Portfolio Strategies
Black Bear Diner
Putman Financial Group
11 - 20 Years
Street Faire Antiques
Fox Drug of Torrance
Behavioral Health Services - NCADD
Sonesta ES Suites Torrance Redondo Beach Hotel
21 - 30 Years
Mar Ventures, Inc.
31 - 40 Years
King's Hawaiian Bakery Restaurant
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The Chamber helps businesses reach their full potential. | |  |
For more information about the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, call (310) 540-5858 or
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