Chamber Weekly | Connecting Our Business Community

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OUT & ABOUT WITH DONNA

Switzer Learning Center Hosts TACC Business Mixer

On Wednesday, July 12th, the Switzer Learning Center welcomed more than 100 TACC members to a business mixer at their Amapola Court campus in Torrance.

Switzer Learning Center is a nonprofit special education school offering therapeutic services , Autism programs and enrichment classes and extracurricular activities serving students from 3rd grade to 22 years of age who have moderate to severe learning disabilities, emotional issues, attention problems, and behavioral disorders.

Refreshments for the mixer were graciously provided by the Torrance Refining Company. The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce extends deep appreciation to Switzer Learning Center for hosting a great event!

Click Here to learn more about the Switzer Learning Center.

TACC President and CEO, Donna Duperron and members of the Chamber enjoyed mixing and mingling at the event.

City of Torrance Councilmember Mike Griffiths and Switzer Learning Center's Executive Director, Dr. Rebecca Foo

NEWS

Erik Barajas & Suzie Rather Named as Co-Directors of TACC Ambassadors Program

Erik Barajas, Owner, Green Hapas Toner Supply / Horizon

Suzie Rather, VP / Branch Manager, F&M Bank Torrance

The Torrance Chamber's Ambassador program is an exciting way for members to further the value of their membership, and connect with business peers on a whole new level. Ambassadors frequently attend ribbon cuttings when new businesses open in Torrance, and welcome new members into the Chamber by offering guidance and helping to establish meaningful connections.

The 2017-2018 Ambassador program will be led by Erik Barajas and Suzie Rather. Barajas owns Green Hapas Toner Supply and was awarded the first-ever "Chamber Impact Award" at this year's TACC Business Awards celebration. "Being a part of the Ambassador program has really opened a lot of doors for me. Not only have I been able to do business with companies I never would have imagined being possibly, but I've built some truly invaluable relationships with fellow small business owners," explains Barajas.

"Being a part of the Chamber's Ambassador program gives me a strong sense of community...to be a part of Torrance where the roots are deep for business has helped me in my job and in my development of personal relationships beyond business," says Suzie Rather, VP Branch Manager for Farmers & Merchants Bank.

Both bring a breadth of local knowledge and excitement to the Ambassador program and the TACC is delighted to have them at the helm of one of its most revered groups of members.

Trade Report: California Exporters Continue Strong Run

California’s exporters maintained their strong performance in 2017 by posting impressive gains in April, according to a recent Beacon Economics trade report.

According to Beacon Economics’ analysis of U.S. trade statistics released June 5, foreign shipments by California businesses totaled $14.07 billion for the month, a 9.6% increase over the $12.84 billion recorded in April 2016. Through the first four months of 2017, the state’s export trade is running 9.9% ahead of last year.

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CalChamber Urges Quick Renegotiation of Trade Agreements to Help Economy

The California Chamber of Commerce has urged the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to be committed to a quick and efficient renegotiation of any free trade agreement (FTA).

Besides being an integral part of a successful world economy, FTAs serve the interest of American producers, employees and consumers, the CalChamber emphasized in comments to the USTR. The provisions of the FTAs and U.S. participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) have been beneficial for U.S. industries, agricultural enterprises, farmers, ranchers, energy companies and automakers. Any renegotiation of U.S. FTAs must recognize the gains achieved and ensure that U.S. trade with its major trading partners remains strong and without interruption.