Donna Visits Fantastic Sams |
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This past year has been challenging for business, particularly small business owners. Last Friday I had the opportunity to tour Fantastic Sams and talk with owner Tania Rios. Rios bought the business on January 20, 2020 and within two months they were closed due to the pandemic. “The biggest lesson I learned as a result of the pandemic was to always save for a rainy day and to plan in advance that an emergency may happen,” stated Rios.
Rios, who has been an American Board-Certified Hair Colorist for over 21 years, is passionate about her profession. “I enjoy the relationships that are created with clients. Over the years, clients become family. I enjoy it when someone, who just had their hair done, walks out of the business feeling empowered and happy, said Rios. Read more.
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The Chamber's #31DaysofSalute for Military Appreciation Month |
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The City of Torrance Armed Forces Celebration has been canceled this year due to Covid-19. The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has hosted a 5K for Freedom prior to the parade. Due to the fact the chamber is unable to host the 5K for Freedom this year, a 31-day Salute to our Armed Forces has been created. This salute will recognize the members of the United States military and honor veterans of each branch.
“As Americans, we enjoy a special and privileged life. We owe our rights and privileges to everyday citizens that make a personal commitment to serve our great country. While the pandemic has forced the community to cancel the Armed Forces Celebration and 5K for Freedom, the pride we feel towards our military will not be dissuaded,” stated Dan Armendariz, former Chairman of the Board and District Manager, California Water Service Company. Read more.
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Updated Sign for Businesses |
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Employers Must Still Follow Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Standards Despite Vaccinations |
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As California marches towards its June 15 reopening date, nearly half of its population has received a COVID-19 vaccination at this point. Many employers see the increased vaccine eligibility and supply as providing the opportunity to return employees to the workplace in some capacity. Complicating the issue is continually revised government guidelines from agencies such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), specifically those concerning vaccinated individuals.
With all the evolving guidelines plus the media attention on them, employers are confused on which policies and procedures they should maintain for the workplace and whether they can have different rules for vaccinated employees versus non-vaccinated. Unfortunately for employers, the loosening government guidelines don’t impact workplace rules. In the workplace, employers must continue to follow the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards. Read more.
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‘Right to Recall’ Mandate Circumvents Policy Process |
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Now in effect is a new law establishing a “right to recall” requirement for certain hotels, private clubs, event centers, airport hospitality operations, and building services. The law applies to all employees laid off due to COVID-19.
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Restaurant Revitalization Award Portal |
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At last, the restaurant industry has won specific federal disaster funding relief. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund will offer $28.6 billion in grants to hard-hit restaurants and bars, with restaurants able to apply for grants based on lost revenue. The RRF impacts restaurant owners with 20 or fewer locations and will be administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).Register and Apply through the SBA. Select this option to begin the application process for a Restaurant Revitalization Award. This portal will help you calculate your eligible award amount, monitor status, and interact with the SBA.
Eligible entities who have experienced pandemic-related revenue loss include:
- Restaurants
- Food stands, food trucks, food carts
- Caterers
- Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns
- Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars
- Bakeries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Breweries and/or microbreweries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Wineries and distilleries (onsite sales to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Inns (onsite sales of food and beverage to the public comprise at least 33% of gross receipts)
- Licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products
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Shuttered Venue Operators Grant: Apply Now |
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The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. Apply Now!
Important Information!
Right now, the SBA is requiring applicants to have a DUNS number which is free and to register with SAM.gov. Registration for SAM.gov is an involved process and can take a few weeks for completion and approval so apply now. There is also a video that you can view for more information. For no-cost assistance with applying for the grant including creating an account in SAM.gov, please sign up with El Camino College Small Business Development Center at southbaysbdc.org/newclient. You can contact the SBDC at eccsbdc@elcamino.edu or 310-225-8277.
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Last Call for BizFed 2021 Business Outlook & Reopening Survey! |
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The Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed) is surveying the business community to find out what are the top areas of concern as the economy reopens, what businesses have learned over the past 12 months, and ultimately, what is the business outlook for the next 12 months? Your unique insight will guide their advocacy over the next 12 months.
Help BizFed provide powerful insight to help shape the future of business in LA County! Survey is less than 10 minutes and you’ll help determine BizFed’s priorities for the year. The data gathered from this poll is used to inform policymakers throughout the region. Click here to access the survey.
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Discover Torrance Restaurant Week: Now – Friday, May 7 |
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This spring, Discover Torrance celebrating our delicious restaurants. From hip eateries to casual take out spots, Torrance has a taste for everyone. Even though dining may look a little different this season, we're looking at innovative ways to bring you the meals you love.
Now – Friday, May 7th, Learn more about participating restaurants and available specials and make sure to mention "Discover Torrance Restaurant Week" when ordering. All you foodies can eat your way from one end of the City to the other dining from prix-fixe menus, specialty items, to exclusive only-available-this-week offers. Dine local. Support local!
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Round 6 of the California Relief Grant Ends Tomorrow- May 4th, 2021 |
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Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. There is $2 billion of grants available for distribution up to $25,000! To help you prepare for Round 6, please review the Program and Application Guide for a detailed overview of the program and step by-step instructions for the entire application process. Please go to CaReliefGrant.com.
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CalSavers Deadline Approaching
Eligible Employers with More than 50 employees Must Register by June 30, 2021
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State law now requires all businesses with five or more employees to participate in CalSavers if they do not offer a retirement savings plan from the private market. Eligible employers must register for CalSavers by their state required deadline, which vary by employer size.
The deadline for employers with more than 50 employees is June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2022 for employers with five or more employees. The registration deadline for employers with more than 100 employees passed on September 30, 2020 (extended from June 30, 2020). Eligible employers who have not yet registered should do so as soon as possible to avoid penalties. Eligible employers can register any time before their deadline. For more information on how to get started, learn more at CalSavers.com.
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Leadership Torrance is a program, founded in 1983, that focuses on developing effective leaders from across the South Bay. Sponsored by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Torrance provides opportunities for emerging leaders to take an active role towards building a stronger community. The mission of the Leadership Torrance program is to develop effective leaders by encouraging community connections through partnerships with City officials and local businesses.
For the next several months, this column will feature graduates of the program and highlight the positive growth of these individuals.
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Philip de Souza
Founder & President
Aurora
LT Class of 2004
1. Where were you in your career right before joining Leadership Torrance? Heading Aurora a Cyber Security Consulting Firm
2. Where are you in your career and life now? Aurora grew to a Mid-Sized Business and just sold to a publicly traded Cyber Security Company
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“It is inspiring to serve on the Torrance Chamber Government Affairs Policy committee; to get to see firsthand how businesses, civic organizations and elected officials can come together to overcome challenges and make our fantastic community even better. “
Matthew Garth
Northrop Grumman Corporation
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Click On The Event To Register:
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41 Years
23 Years
14 Years
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5 Years
4 Years
1 Year
...Thank You!
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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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