October 13, 2023

Out & About with Donna

Renee (pictured) and George Ware opened a space where women can challenge themselves, empower one another, and rejuvenate in a safe, open-minded environment.

Donna Visits Southbay Woman Gym and Day Spa

As I entered the Southbay Woman Gym and Spa I was welcomed by Renee Ware, co-owner. Having met Renee before, I enjoyed her enthusiastic and warm greeting.

Located in Torrance on the Pacific Coast Highway, Southbay Woman Gym and Day Spa offers women an oasis from the daily toils and stress to challenge themselves through fitness and exercise, as well as to relax and improve their overall well-being.

Governor Signs Paid Sick Leave Expansion Job Killer Bill

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a California Chamber of Commerce job killer bill that will impose significant costs on all California businesses by increasing the number of paid sick days employers are required to provide workers. Read more...

Newsom signs bill advancing universal health care, vetoes insulin price cap

On Saturday Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the approval of Senate Bill 770, introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). The legislation advances tangible steps toward securing universal health coverage in California. It would direct the California Health and Human Services Agency (HHS) to work with the federal government to outline the requirements of a federal waiver application. Read more...

Governor Signs Job Killer Bill That Undermines Arbitration

On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 365 (Wiener; D-San Francisco), a job killer bill that severely restricts the use of arbitration agreements and will needlessly waste court and party resources. Read more...

Sargent Ron Salary, Torrance Police Department, addresses chamber members

Organized Retail Crime Discussed

Sargent Ron Salary, Torrance Police Department presented information on Organized Retail Crime at yesterday's Government Affairs Policy (GAP) meeting. Salary's presentation included information on Propositions 47 and 57, the bail deviation and no bail systems and Los Angeles County's mandate to site and release, mandate to book and release and magistrate review.

Salary also informed attendees about the Torrance Police Department's Real Time Response Center and the Los Angeles County Task Force on Retail Organized Crime which also covers catalytic converters and cargo. Engaging with chamber members, Salary reminded business owners to communicate with each other, to remain vigilant and to invest in security cameras that capture quality photos.

Temple Emet hosts Service of Solidarity and Support for Israel

Rabbi/Cantor Didi Thomas led an evening of psalms, prayers and song last night at Temple Emet.

Minal Mondkar, immediate past chairwoman of the board, and Donna Duperron attended the service as did Assembly member Al Muratsuchi, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, City of Torrance Clerk Rebecca Poirier, Torrance Unified School District Board of Education member Jeremy Gerson and City of Torrance Police Chief Jeremiah Hart.

New and Potential Chamber Members at Chamber 101 Wednesday, October 11th.

The Torrance Chamber welcomed 18 new members to Chamber 101 this past Wednesday. Chamber 101 is a conversation in which new members learn about the benefits of membership.

"My original intention of joining the Chamber of Commerce was to network, meet other local businesses and really market myself as a new business owner. But after attending the Chamber 101 meeting, I realized that there is so much more I will gain from being a member. I am excited to get to know the other members, who are like minded and want to give back and be part of the community by joining the chamber. I am excited to be a member of an organization that touches so many lives in a positive way," stated Jennifer Weintraub, Assisted Living Locators.

Darolyn Jensen and Paul Marcondes receive flyers for the 2023 Small Business Week Art Contest at South Bay Junior Academy.

2023 Small Business Week Art Contest

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is currently hosting a creative art contest to promote small business week. It is an annual event that encourages consumers to support local businesses, both in-person and online. Small Business Week runs from November 25th to December 2nd.

The contest is open to Torrance Unified School District high school students, as well as Ambassador Christian School and South Bay Junior Academy; grade 6-12. The art contest invites students to create and submit artwork that promotes Small Business Week, with a chance to win prizes. Read More...

Minal Mondkar, immediate past chairwoman of the board, attended a reception to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act and 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at the White House. Mondkar had the opportunity to meet President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

North High Seeks Business Participation in College & Career Fair

North High School is encouraging businesses to participate in the North High School College & Career Fair on October 18th from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. This event provides an opportunity for students in grades 9-12 to explore various educational and career paths.

North High will provide tables and chairs. The setup will allow businesses to interact with students, answer their questions, and provide valuable insights into various careers. Businesses who participate can make a significant impact on the students' college and career choices.

For additional information, please contact Karen McKelvey at mckelvey.karen@tusd.org or 310-533-4412 x7161.

Ryan Guitare, Communications Coordinator

Welcoming Ryan Guitare to The Area Chamber of Commerce

The Torrance Chamber is happy to introduce the newest team member, Ryan Guitare, who joins the staff as the Communications Coordinator. Ryan brings a diverse background and a unique journey to the team. Originally aspiring to be a professional skateboarder or snowboarder in his youth, he discovered his passion for photography at the age of 13. This newfound love eventually led him to explore different educational paths, including taking photography courses during his time at El Camino Community College.

However, it was a serendipitous turn of events that truly shaped his career. While pursuing a degree in journalism with an emphasis on photojournalism and media design, Ryan became the Senior Photo Editor for a collegiate newspaper, earning national collegiate awards for his work. Ryan is poised to bring a fresh perspective to the organization, strengthening the connections with members and enhancing communication efforts. Please join us in welcoming Ryan as we continue to serve the business community.

Ginna Grey, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Intern

Chamber Welcomes Intern Ginna Gray

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Ginna Gray, a Senior student at California Academy of Math and Science School (CAMS) as an intern. With her eyes set on perusing a college degree in business, Ginna felt it would be perfect to “get some experience in the business field to find what interests [her] to one day pursue a career within that field.” The chamber works hand and hand with local businesses in the local area perfect for what Ginna is looking for.

“As a high school student, the chamber is giving me opportunities to see what struggles and strengths business owners go through as well as just getting experience in the real world” said Ginna. She is looking forward to being apart of more events and meetings to learn more about the local businesses and Non-profits. Read more...

Support Your Local Chamber

Every third Wednesday of October the U.S. Chamber of Commerce celebrates National Support Your Local Chamber day. State and local chambers provide more then just a community, we provide workshops, networking events, and mentorship opportunities. We provide a space for businesses to come together and discuss common issues of concern and promote pro-business policies on all levels. The Chamber of Commerce is the voice for small business around the nation. On October 18th show your support. Here are ways you can support. Read More...