June 3, 2024

Where did the year go? When I stepped in as the Chairwoman for the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce last July for a second term, I honestly was worried about fulfilling both my professional and personal roles. Surprisingly, I was able to balance them with the wonderful support of Donna and her team, as well as our wonderful Board of Directors and Ambassadors.

We always say as a Chamber Member, “You’ll get out of the Chamber what you put into it". This year provided so many memorable events, both new and returning that truly gave a platform for any field of business. I was honored to serve as Moderator for many of these and to have the opportunity to meet so many of our amazing partners.

With only a few short weeks remaining and one large event, “The 110th Anniversary” which includes the Installation of the new officers, recognition of 14 Influential Businesses, Impact Awards and Leadership Torrance Graduates. The Chamber will end their fiscal year with a major summer send-off.

While I will miss serving at the helm, I am very pleased to turn over the reign to incoming Chairman Larry Halvorsen and as I merrily move on, I won’t be singing “Here We Go Again” for a third term!

All the best always,

Sherry Kramer, Chairwoman of the Board

Graham to Receive Whittlesey Memorial Award

To receive the George H. Whittlesey Memorial Award is a deeply humbling honor. I hold immense regard for the distinguished leaders who have been recipients before me. Their exemplary leadership and remarkable accomplishments in bolstering our local businesses have served as an inspiring model for my own career path.

My initial encounter with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce holds a special place in my memory. On my second day at the Torrance Refinery, I was tasked with representing our company at a Chamber meeting. This singular interaction reshaped my perspective on the profound impact a well-organized Chamber offers its members and our city at large. Participating in the Chamber’s Government Affairs Policy program, aimed at influencing policies vital to business growth and sustainability, has proven to be profoundly gratifying. Read More...

Barbara Graham

Manager, Community Relations Department

Torrance Refining Company LLC; PBF Energy

Ohara to Receive the J. Walker Owens Volunteerism Award

Sacha Ohara

SVP/Branch Administrator

Malaga Bank

To receive this award from the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is humbling, to say the least. I am so honored to be joining the team of previous recipients, all of whom I consider to be the most dedicated and influential folks around.

Participating with the Torrance Chamber never feels like volunteering, per se, it just feels like being a part of the family. When Donna asks me if I can help with something, I never hesitate to say yes because it invariably allows me opportunities to get to know business professionals from so many industries—people I would not otherwise get a chance to meet if it weren’t for the Chamber. Read More...

Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Fifteen Influential Businesses

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor fifteen influential businesses that have made significant contributions to the local community. This recognition will take place during a special event on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance - South Bay.

The honorees for this year include California State University, Dominguez Hills, Doc Magic, El Camino College, Fastsigns, Gaetano’s Restaurant, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Moog Aircraft Torrance, Paul’s Photo, Roadium Open Air Market, Sares Regis, Scott Robinson Automotive Group, Smog City Brewing Company, The San Franciscan Restaurant, The Van Lingen Group, and Torrance Refining Company. Read More...

Celebrating Excellence: 2024 Impact Award Honorees

This year, we honor the remarkable contributions and achievements of individuals and organizations within our community with the 2024 Impact Awards. These honorees have made significant impacts in their respective fields, enhancing the growth and prosperity of the Torrance area. Read More...

Leadership Torrance Class of 2024 at the Port of Long Beach

2024 Leadership Torrance Class to Graduate on Thursday

This Thursday, 16 members of Leadership Torrance 2024 will graduate at the chamber’s 110th anniversary celebration. Leadership Torrance is a comprehensive six-month program in which participants engage in professional development, community engagement, mentorship, and a class-based community project.

Members of this year’s cohort include Edward Apodaca, Rodney Davis, Carol Fisher, Bob Habel, Mary Hoffman, Scott Houston, Katherine Jimenez, Rasheedah Johnson, Alexandra Lakatos, Sylvia Landaverde, Jeffrey Love, Sacha Ohara, Shaheen Schneider, Isabel Schwartz, Eric Walli and Molly Williams.

This year’s Director was Belma Dimirovic Chinchoy and the Co-Directors were Karen Pryor and Lisa Akiyama Robinson.