Passion stems from caring deeply about what you do. As I concluded my phone interview with Mark Comon, Vice President, Paul’s Photo I wanted to get our Nikon camera out of its case and go outside to take pictures. Mark’s enthusiasm about his business was infectious. Paul’s Photo is a family owned and operated store that has served the community for over 50 years. Other than a coach before a big game, I do not recall ever talking to anyone more passionate about his work.
“We continuously strive to provide our customers with the best tools, information, and service in the photography business. The COVID-19 pandemic has been worrisome. When we had to close our doors on March 17th, it was one of the darkest days of my life. We had to gather employees and, with tears in our eyes, had to wish each other well. Customers were calling me at home to offer support. When we were approved to re-open the store on May 28th, we had a large celebration,” explained Comon. Read full article online here.
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Duperron, Swanson and Butzine Discuss Public Health Councils with Los Angeles County Supervisor Hahn, Fourth District |
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This past Friday, Donna Duperron, President & CEO, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce; Elise Swanson, President & CEO, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and Heidi Butzine, President & CEO, Lomita Chamber of Commerce met with Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Fourth District to discuss Public Health Councils.
Public health councils aim to tighten adherence to county health orders within the workplace by strengthening employee voices. Employee-led public health councils would be set up to monitor business compliance with public health orders. Read full article online here.
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Congresswoman Waters to Engage Small Business Chamber Members |
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Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, will host a webinar on Wednesday, October 14th at 11:30 a.m. The webinar will navigate small businesses through the emergency COVID-19 legislation congress passed last spring. Participants will be provided the opportunity to ask Congresswoman Waters and her staff questions.
Despite federal assistance, the ongoing pandemic and necessary COVID-19 social distancing restrictions have made it increasingly difficult for small businesses to survive. As a result of these challenges, Congresswoman Waters will explain the legislation passed this year to help businesses and talk about the range of federal programs available.
Congresswoman Waters has been on the frontlines, leading the Democratic Caucus in crafting legislation to address the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus on our nation’s small businesses. As a result of legislation Congress passed this year, our district (CA-43) received $1 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, according to data provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
This webinar will also highlight the chamber’s Small Business Program, ‘Elevate’, as well as co-chairs Minal Mondkar, Aura Seating and Connor Hartwell, Hartwell Financial Services.
Reservations are required to attend the event. RSVP here.
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Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi Engages Torrance Small Businesses |
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Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi met with Larry Halvorsen of Express Employment Professionals, Cristina McKinnon, of AR Workshop, and Mark Comon of Paul's Photo at their place of business. "We are very appreciative of our Assembly member and the time he took to visit and to listen. He asked about our business and the implications of COVID-19. We discussed protective measures we are taking and concerns about state regulations on small businesses," explained Comon.
Delays in approving any more government aid will further weaken an economy straining to recover from an epic collapse, economists say, and deepen the hardships for jobless Americans and struggling businesses. It is important that businesses communicate with legislators to influence issues and to build positive relationships. “[We] had a great visit with Assembly Member Muratsuchi. He met with myself and the owner’s of Torrance Tavern and the Bravo Music school here in Torrance to hear first hand the challenges [the] small businesses are facing. I really appreciated him taking the time to hear our concerns and hope and believe this will allow him a better opportunity to consider how Sacramento can support us during these difficult times," said Halvorsen.
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The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Policy (GAP) committee has studied and vetted each one of these issues and is united in taking these positions. Spread the word - together we will take on the measures impacting our economy. |
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Join LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and Representative Ted Lieu for a special voting-themed Telephone Town Hall. We will be discussing how you can vote in this Election and will be answering voting-related questions, so bring yours. Registration will close 3 hours prior to the event; 3:00 p.m. on October 13th. Register here.
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Has Your Business Completed the LA County Certification Program? |
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L.A. County is training businesses on the implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols through a no-cost, online training course called the COVID-19 Safety Compliance Certification Program (CSCCP). Once completed, business owners receive a certificate and window seal to display on their storefront, which can reassure employees and customers alike that the business is following COVID-19 infection control and physical distancing requirements.
Help support your employees, customers, and community while on the Road to Recovery. If you have not yet completed the CSCCP course or want to learn more about it, click here.
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UCLA Blood Drive in Torrance |
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People ask how they can help support the healthcare workers who are are the front lines providing care, blood donation is one great way. The UCLA mobile blood drive in Torrance is Friday October 16th 8:00am-1:00pm at Ken Miller Rec Center, 3341 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90503. There is a need for blood, thank you in advance to all donors! Make your appointment. to donate here.
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Click On The Event To Register
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Office Depot Rewards Program
As a member of Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, you are entitled to savings at Office Depot store. Discounts vary on items and services, but they do add up and you can save a significant amount annually on 175 most frequently needed items. Just another benefit of the membership! To enjoy this, Contact Us Here.
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