Torrance Chamber Urges Support of Local Breweries |
|
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has been supporting the efforts of local breweries since the onset of the pandemic. Torrance is home to nearly a dozen craft breweries. Los Angeles County is the only county where brewery tasting rooms are unable to partner with food vendors for outdoor dine-in. This has resulted in a negative impact for breweries.
Breweries have been diligent about following CDC and Health Department guidelines during the pandemic and have developed robust internal operating procedures with clear and intentional protocol for both guests and staff to abide by. Many breweries are clinging to their businesses and allowing them to open for outdoor dining would create such a positive for economic boost. It would also have an impact on employment across the city and industry.
The Chamber has joined the Los Angeles Brewers Guild, as well as several other chambers and organizations in sending letters to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in support of breweries. Support the breweries here.
|
|
Duperron Invited to Voice Chamber's Concerns of Public Health Councils and COVID Certification Program |
|
Donna Duperron, President & CEO, will meet tomorrow with representatives from Supervisor Janice Hahn’s office to discuss concerns expressed by chamber members regarding Public Health Councils and a COVID Certification Program.
Elise Swanson, President and CEO, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and Heidi Butzine, President and CEO, Lomita Chamber of Commerce, along with Duperron served on the Los Angeles County Resiliency Task Force small business sector. Their appointment was made by Supervisor Hahn, Fourth District.
All three will meet Friday to discuss the motion that was supported last Tuesday by the LA County Board of Supervisors to create “Public Health Councils” at employer worksites. Duperron will share feedback she has heard from Torrance chamber members expressing their opposition to this burdensome over-reach. She will also provide viewpoints from businesses on the COVID Certification Program.
|
|
Congresswoman Maxine Waters Engages with Business Owners
|
|
Pictured with Congresswoman Maxine Waters is Kirk Rossberg, Chairman of the Board: Minal Mondkar, Aura Seating; Melinda Fox, Merle Norman Cosmetics and Donna Duperron. |
|
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, 34th District, met with Torrance business owners this afternoon to listen and to encourage. As she listened to small business owners share their concerns about the economy, Congresswoman Waters offered a variety of helpful resources.
She also spoke about the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act or HEROES Act which is proposed legislation acting as a $3 trillion stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is intended to supplement the earlier CARES Act stimulus package.
The Chamber will be partnering with Congresswoman Waters to provide an upcoming seminar for business.
|
|
Chamber Opposes Proposition 15 |
|
At the August 13, 2020, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Policy (GAP) meeting, the voting members voted to oppose Proposition 15 which will appear on the November ballot.
Proposition 15 is a $11.5 billion a year property tax increase—the largest in state history—that is riddled with flaws that will hurt all Californians. Contrary to what its supporters claim, passage of this proposition will hurt the small businesses that employ half of all California employees. As a business organization, the chamber considers small businesses to be the backbone of the economy. Read full article here.
|
|
Chamber to Host Candidates Forum |
|
The Torrance Chamber will host a forum on October 8th at 8:30 a.m. for the four candidates vying for two seats on the Torrance Unified School District Board of Education. Candidates Madison Lester, Anil Muhammed, Jasmine Park and Ron Riggs will participate in the virtual forum.
Terry Ragins, elected to the TUSD Board of Education in 2003 will be terming off in December 2020. Ragins, who wholeheartedly believes that students are our future, has made a firm commitment to education throughout her life. Don Lee, elected to the TUSD Board of Education in 2007 will be terming off in December 2020. Don has committed himself to community service and has had various leadership positions in the Torrance community. RSVP here.
|
|
Hear from TUSD, Interim Superintendent, Dr. Tim Stowe at the State of Education |
|
Join the Chamber on Wednesday, September 30th, to hear from Dr. Tim Stowe on what is happening in Torrance schools to support, engage, and celebrate our students and their successes. Tim took on the role of interim Superintendent on July 1, 2020. He is a veteran educator who began at the District in 1992 as a teacher. Throughout the years, he was promoted and served as Assistant Principal, Principal, Senior Director of Secondary Schools and Chief Academic Officer within the District. Most recently, for the past four years, he has served as the District’s Deputy Superintendent.
Tim has spent his entire professional career advocating for students by developing a culture of exceptional learning and teaching. Having successfully led both the District’s academic and business divisions, many are confident that Tim is the strategic and collaborative problem-solver needed to help the District navigate the current global health emergency and future economic challenges. RSVP here.
|
|
'Taste O' Summer' Kicked Off in Torrance |
|
Discover Torrance, the City of Torrance Visitors' Bureau, kicked off 'Taste O' Summer' on September 7th. Even though dining may look a little different, this event is seeking innovative ways to bring you the meals you love.
To see participating restaurants and available specials (featuring outdoor dining, takeout and delivery options), please Click Here. Please mention 'Taste O' Summer in Torrance' when ordering. This event will through September 18th.
|
|
Compromise in Congress Needed to Save Small Business |
|
Some of the best laws passed by Congress in the past decades, on issues like Social Security, taxes and welfare, were the result of input from and compromise between the two parties. Now is time to put partisan politics aside and find compromise to help our small businesses.
As a member of the Save Small Business Coalition, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has been feverishly working behind the scenes to align our objectives to truly have an impact in what happens in Congress to support our business community. Let’s get you caught up….Read full article here.
|
|
CalChamber Status Update Report on Major Legislation for Business |
|
The California Chamber of Commerce summarizes top priority bills and their status as of August 31, when the Legislature began its final recess. Within each subject area, the list presents bills in order of priority with the highest priorities at the top. See the list here.
|
|
Goldman Sachs Program for Small Business Now Online |
|
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) Program is a FREE program for qualified small business owners who are interested in growing their business and adding jobs to their communities. This program has been offered in person in the past, but it is NOW ONLINE FOR YOU! This practical 3-month program examines business fundamentals through the lens of actual business experiences, provides you with one-on-one business advisory services, and helps you develop and implement a business growth plan tailored to your business. Plus 85% of our grads do business with each other! Read more here.
|
|
|
Rob Van Lingen, far right, was presented with the Small Business Advocate of the Year in June 2015. Additionally, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce received the President's Circle award. Pictured with Van Lingen are (l to r): Brandon Matson, Donna Duperron and Dave Kilby, Executive Vice President, California Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony was held in Sacramento. |
|
|
Click On The Event To Register
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
