An Award-Winning Weekly Publication
OUT & ABOUT WITH DONNA
Senator Ben Allen welcomes panelists from USC, UCLA, and El Camino College to discuss the engineering pipeline from Southern California's higher education system.
TACC Attends Hearing Hosted by Senator Ben Allen, 26th District
This past Friday, I had the opportunity to attend an informal hearing on higher education's role in preparing engineering students for the aerospace industry. The hearing was hosted by Senator Ben Allen, Chair of the Senate Education and Select Committee on Defense and Aerospace. Read More...
NEWS
Biz Fed Hosts Roundtable with Senator Bob Hertzberg
Donna Duperron, President & CEO, attended a Biz Fed Roundtable with Senator Bob Hertzberg, SD 18. Discussion items included several initiatives that are in circulation, bonds for drinking water and quality improvements, regulation of kidney dialysis clinics, repealing transportation funding SB1, rent control, affordable housing and "split role". Learn more about Biz Fed HERE .
Joined by her sister, son and husband, Laurie Brandt proudly displays her Proclamation from the City of Torrance upon being honored as one of Switzer Learning Center's Women of the Year for 2018.
TACC Chairwoman Laurie Brandt Honored as South Bay Woman of the Year
For nearly two decades Switzer Learning Center has honored women who have made significant contributions to the South Bay through their work in the community. This year was no exception, as the Center honored four incredibly dedicated, hard working, innovative and generous women who have left indelible marks in our area. Read More...
Attorney General, Labor Commissioner Issues Guidance and FAQ for Employers on Immigration Enforcement Actions
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Labor Commissioner Julie Su yesterday issued two documents for California employers dealing with California’s Immigrant Worker Protection Act (AB 450). Attorney General Becerra issued an  advisory  providing an overview of and guidance on the privacy prescriptions under AB 450. Commissioner Su also issued joint guidance on  frequently asked questions to help employers  and workers understand and comply with the new state law.

Under AB 450, all employers, regardless of size, must limit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents’ access to both the worksite and employee records, and must follow new notice obligations. This law applies to all California employers and was effective January 1, 2018. Read More...
FREE Workshop! Don't Miss Out on Tax Credits for Your Business!
Do you know the state of California is offering over $200 million in tax credits this year to incentivize businesses to create full-time jobs? The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development will be available in your community for a free one-hour workshop on February 22nd from 10am-11am at So Cal R.O.C. to explain how the California Competes Tax Credit program can help your business expand in the Golden State.

This program is available to businesses of all sizes throughout California. Join the 865 California businesses that have been awarded $624.9 million in tax credits since Governor Brown created the California Competes Tax Credit program in 2014. 

The next application period begins March, 5, 2018. For more information about the California Competes Tax Credit program including an application guide and FAQs, click  here . 

Attention CPAs:  GO-Biz is now offering Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit for attending this one-hour workshop.
Trade Report: California Exports Finish Strong in 2017
California’s merchandise export trade soared in December, according to a  Beacon Economics analysis  of U.S. trade statistics released February 6 by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Foreign shipments by California businesses totaled $15.32 billion for the month, a 9.1% gain over the $14.04 billion recorded in December 2016. Read More...
EVENTS
Education & Workforce Development: Feb. 21st @ 8:30am
Open to current members of the TACC and their employees. Meets at the TACC office. (Note our new location!)

RSVP is requested. Click Here to RSVP
Technology & Innovation: Feb. 27th @ 8am
Join us for this month’s Technology and Innovation meeting where you will get the latest updates on all things tech, from the newest apps to cyber security alerts, all in an effort to help your business grow. The meeting includes networking opportunities and refreshments, so please RSVP! Click Here to RSVP
Ribbon Cutting: Smart & Final
Feb. 28th @ 9:00a
17500 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance (cross street is Artesia)
Women in Business: March 9th @ 8am
Open to current members of the TACC and their employees.

Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month at 8am at the TACC Office (note our new location!) RSVP is requested. Click Here to RSVP
Governmental Affairs Policy (GAP): March 14th @ Noon
Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 12pm at the TACC office. (Note our new location!) RSVP is required by email & a light lunch is provided. GAP members discuss and establish Chamber positions on various legislative issues that are of significance to the Torrance area business community. Click Here to RSVP Via Email
Business at Noon: Palos Verdes Bowl: "Cause you gotta eat."
Thursday, March 15th: 11:45am-1:15pm
$25 per person; includes meal.
Click Here to Reserve Your Seat! or call (310) 540-5858 today!
5th Annual Torrance Police Department Appreciation & Awards Luncheon: March 22nd @ 11:30am
Join us as we honor the brave officers of the Torrance Police Department who, while serving in an official or unofficial capacity, have distinguished themselves through outstanding performance above and beyond the call of duty. Click Here for Tickets
Tickets for these events will be available soon. Please check TorranceChamber.com/Events:

March 29th : City of Torrance City Council Candidates Forum

April 6th : State of the State
with State Senators Ben Allen and Steven Bradford, and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi

April 25th: Lunch with Our Leader
with Los Angeles County 4th District Supervisor, Janice Hahn

May 2nd : Torrance Fire Department Awards & Appreciation
There's Always Something Happening at the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce!
NEW MEMBERS
Congratulations on Joining the Torrance Area Chamber Community!
RENEWING MEMBERS
  The Torrance Area Business Community Wouldn't Be the Same Without You.
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The Chamber Helps Torrance Area Businesses Reach Their Full Potential
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce | (310) 540-5858 | www.TorranceChamber.com