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Paul Montenko, Co-CEO, Stacked Restaurants, welcomed Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce members to Business at Noon. Business at Noon is a monthly event in which chamber members are provided the opportunity to network with one another at a chamber member restaurant.
OUT & ABOUT
   Bill Galarza and Christy Krausman, Elwyn
Donna visits Elwyn
     Visiting with Christy Krausman, Director, and Los Angeles County Programs for Elwyn, I became fascinated with the history of the organization. Elwyn is, indeed, unique. Founded in 1852, Elwyn has been providing services to people with special needs for over 155 years. Today, Elwyn is nationally recognized as a pioneer in developing groundbreaking programs for children and adults with disabilities and disadvantages. The innovative culture and dedicated staff enable Elwyn to help more than 12,000 people each year build more independent, productive lives,” according to Sandra S. Cornelius, Ph.D., President.
     Christy Krausman exemplifies the mission of Elwyn.  A long-time employee with Elwyn, she has led the Torrance office for nine years. “One of our goals is to create an individual development plan for clients with disadvantages and disabilities. Development plans include an interview with the client and the client’s family, formation of a resume and research on the type of jobs available. Industry is always changing. We encourage our clients to do their job search through a variety of computer programs,” explained Christy.  
     Assisting Christy in job development and outreach for clients is Bill Galarza. Bill and Christy encourage Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce members, who have open positions, to contact their office. Skill sets of clients include, but are not limited to, landscaping, forklift driving, movie theater ushers, general office and medical assistants.
     As Christy toured me through the Elwyn location, it was evident that clients had multiple opportunities to enhance their skills throughout the day. From being interactive with one another, to job research on computers, to playing board games, Elwyn does in fact, provide an innovative culture for those with disabilities and disadvantages.
     The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce thanks Elwyn for being a valued member since 2008.
EVENTS
Maximize your Membership Value with FREE Programs!
Discover the Power of Animal Assisted Therapy
Presented by ' Love On 4 Paws,' a non-profit, volunteer-based organization committed to making a positive difference for those in need through animal assisted therapy.  This presentation is part of Health & Wellness, a free monthly program for members of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.
There's always something happening with the Torrance Area Chamber
NEWS
Torrance Business Expo the Happiest Place in the South Bay!
Thank you to everyone who supported this year's Disney-themed Torrance Business Expo! We appreciate all of the incredible effort and time Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce members and businesses put in to their booths. Special thanks to our valued event sponsors: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Southern California Edison, Green Hills Memorial Park, and the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach. TACC also extends appreciation to Matthew Beaumont from 'Celebrations' for his DJ and Emcee services, Peggy from 'Me to You Balloons' for the festive decorations, and Torrance CitiCABLE for covering the event. We look forward to seeing you all again next year at the South Bay's BEST Business Expo!
Senator Ben Allen Meets with TACC Members
Senator Ben Allen (center), representing the 26th District, welcomed small business owners to his office to discuss issues their businesses are facing.  Representing the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce were Michelle Bourque, Bourque Music; Vince Giuliano, Gaetano's Restaurant & Catering; Jack Waler, Walsers; Dean Reuter, Reuter and Reuter and Donna Duperron, President & CEO.   
Jeff Dill, President, West Region for PBF Energy Provides Enlightening Presentation at Western States Petroleum Association luncheon
     The Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) held an associates meeting last week in which Donna Duperron, President & CEO, attended as a guest of Patty Senecal of WSPA. WSPA, the oldest petroleum trade association in the United States, represents companies that account for the bulk of petroleum exploration, production, refining, transportation and marketing in the five western states of Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
     J eff Dill, President, West Region for PBF Energy was the keynote speaker at the meeting. Dill has over 15 years experience providing legal support to refining, transportation and marketing organizations in the petroleum industry, including positions at Premcor, ConocoPhillips, Tosco and Unocal.
     Dill’s presentation covered information on the five domestic oil refineries that PBF currently owns and operates, climate change and Renewable Identification Numbers (RINS).
Jeff Dill, PBF Energy
Patty Senecal, WSPA
CalChamber Offers Employers Guidelines for Political Communications to Employees
     A brochure available online from the California Chamber of Commerce offers employers a concise overview of the do’s and don’ts of communicating with employees about ballot measures.
     The brochure, “Guidelines for Political Communications to Employees,” points out that informing employees and stockholders about the impact of ballot measures (as well as proposed state legislation and regulations) is within the employer’s rights as a business owner—as long as the communication is done the right way.
California Employers: Don’t Forget ‘Time Off to Vote’ Obligations
     I f an employee does not have sufficient time outside of working hours to vote in a statewide election, the employee may take up to two hours of working time to vote without loss of pay. If the employee needs more than two hours to vote, he or she can take it, but only two hours is paid.
     The time off must be taken at the beginning or end of the regular working shift, whichever gives the employee the most free time for voting and the least time off from working. The employer and the employee may mutually agree to a different part of the working shift when the time off can be taken. The employee must notify the employer at least two working days in advance to arrange a voting time.
Oktoberfest at Alpine Village
Festmeister Hans (John Baumgaertner) welcomes Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce staff and members to celebrate Oktoberfest at Alpine Village. Leslie Cortez, co-chair of the Ambassador program, tapped the keg to kick off the evenings celebration. Joining Leslie were Claudine Garcia, Wei Houng, Mark Applegate,  TerriAnn Ferren, Wendy Akiyama, Ronnie Kovic, Gary Duperron, Maria Applegate, Jack Walser, Russell Akiyama and Donna Duperron.
THE COMMUNITY
NEW MEMBERS
Look who joined the Chamber! Welcome to the community.
RENEWING MEMBERS
The Torrance area business community wouldn't be the same without you.
The Chamber helps businesses reach their full potential