An Award-Winning Weekly Publication
OUT & ABOUT WITH DONNA
Torrance Rose Float Association Captures Mayor's Award in
2018 Tournament of Roses Parade
The Torrance Rose Float Association captured the Mayor’s Award for the most outstanding float submitted by a city in this year’s 2018 Rose Parade. The theme of the 129 th Rose Parade was, “Making a Difference.” The title of the Torrance float was “Protecting Nature…The Madrona Marsh Preserve.” The Torrance Rose Float Association committee selected the theme from designs submitted by Torrance high school students during their annual design contest earlier this year.

The Madrona Marsh Preserve is thought to be one of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes in Los Angeles County. In the years since California’s discovery by Europeans, development has removed virtually all of our wetlands. Migratory water fowl populations are less than 50% of what they were in 1900. Many species are now designated as threatened or endangered. The Preserve is a mix of several micro-habitats including back dune, coastal prairie, alkali margin, vernal pool and vernal marsh area and is situated within the greater El Segundo Sand Dune System. Read more...
NEWS
Meet the 2018 Leadership Torrance Co-Directors
L to R: Tracy Schiller of Encore Theater Group, Steve MacAller of the Torrance South Bay YMCA and Tracy Maestro of California Water Service Company
Leadership Torrance (LT) is a program focused on developing effective leaders from across the South Bay. LT was envisioned as a way to create visibility for emerging leaders with the mission of developing effective leaders by encouraging community connections through partnerships with City officials and local businesses. Sponsored by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, it provides opportunities for emerging leaders to take an active role towards building a stronger community.

Each year, graduates from the previous year's LT cohort vie for the role of "director" of the program. This year's trio of co-directors is sure to lead the cohort with enthusiasm and finesse. Meet them here...
TACC Member Awarded California Competes Tax Credit
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Aura Seating by Murti, LLC for being the only Torrance business to apply for and receive the California Competes Tax Credit in 2017.

Sanjay Murti of Murti, LLC expressed his sincere gratitude to the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce for informing the company about the tax credit program; saying "without the Chamber letting us know, we would not have been aware that such an opportunity existed."

GO-Biz Accepting Applications for California Competes Tax Credit
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has announced the first quarter  application period  is open for businesses interested in applying for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC). Applications must be submitted by January 22.

The California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit available to businesses who want to come, stay, or grow in California. Tax credit agreements are negotiated by GO-Biz and approved by a statutorily created “California Competes Tax Credit Committee,” consisting of the State Treasurer, the Director of the Department of Finance, the Director of GO-Biz, and one appointee each by the Speaker of the Assembly and Senate Committee on Rules.

Governor Brown created the California Competes Tax Credit in 2013 to focus on helping businesses grow and stay in California. Since 2014, GO-Biz has allocated $622.8 million to 865 companies projected to create 83,414 new jobs and make $15.7 billion in new investments. Read more...
Celebrating the Career of Bill Samp, Torrance Fire Department
Congratulations is extended to William Samp, Fire Marshal/Assistant Chief on his retirement from the Torrance Fire Department.

Samp is currently volunteering in the position of co-director of the TACC's LEAD (Leadership, Education, Action and Development) program for high school sophomores.

Samp is pictured above receiving a proclamation upon his retirement from the City of Torrance and to the right with his wife and two daughters.
Compliance Posters Still Available: Order Today!
Order your California & Federal All-In-One Employer Notices Poster(s) today and avoid hefty fines in the new year! Visit www.torrancechamber.com/store today or call us at
(310) 540-5858 - all businesses with one employee are required to post state and federal notices - it's the law.
TACC Staff Deliver Holiday Joy to Local Youth
Just before Christmas, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce received toy donations from members and business leaders in the South Bay. TACC staff had the immense pleasure of delivering these toys to Torrance Fire Department Station #1. The TFD distributes the donations they receive to local youth, ensuring that all children in Torrance have a gift for the holidays. Special thanks to Fireman Valadez for taking a festive photo with TACC staff, pictured L to R: Shiro Stokes, Debby Morgan, Leah Hamilton and Terri Mamiya.
EVENTS
Governmental Affairs Policy (GAP): Jan. 10th @ Noon
Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 12pm at the TACC Office. 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
Women in Business: Jan. 12th @ 8am
"Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You"
In the spirit of the new year...we would like to know more about each other, what we do and what our plans are for 2018. If there’s some help you foresee needing to get your goals accomplished, come prepared with what it is so members can offer insights/suggestions.

In future meetings, we will do some casual “check-ups” on goals shared from this meeting. Open to current members of the TACC and their employees.

Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month at 8am at the TACC Office. RSVP is requested. Click Here to RSVP
Education & Workforce Development: Jan. 17th @ 8:30am
*Event was previously incorrectly listed as Jan. 18th
Open to current members of the TACC and their employees. Meets at the TACC office.

RSVP is requested. Click Here to RSVP
Business at Noon: Jan. 18th @ 11:45am-1:15pm
Hosted by: Torrance Tavern, 22735 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance
Cause you gotta eat. Take your multitasking to the next level at the first Business at Noon of 2018! Limited seating is available, so grab your ticket today!

Click Here to Reserve Your Seat! or call (310) 540-5858
Technology & Innovation: Jan. 23rd @ 8am
Open to current members of the TACC and their employees. Meets at the TACC office.

RSVP is requested. Click Here to RSVP
Chamber 101: Jan. 30th @ 9am
Learn more about membership & how to maximize your results with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. RSVP is REQUIRED.
Click Here to RSVP online or call (310) 540-5858.
Feb. 1st: 19th Annual Grand Mixer / Japan Business Association & TACC

Feb. 22nd : State of the Region
with Congressional Representatives Maxine Waters and Ted Lieu

March 22nd : Torrance Police Department Awards & Appreciation

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

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