An Award-Winning Weekly Publication
OUT & ABOUT WITH DONNA
Thank You Torrance Refining Company for Hosting the LEAD Program
What a day! This past Tuesday, I had the opportunity to chaperone the chamber’s Leadership, Exploration and Development (LEAD) program. This seven month program provides 26 sophomore students attending Torrance Unified School District, the chance to visit businesses, educational institutions and non profits in the South Bay.

LEAD co-chairs, Leslie Cortez and Bill Samp work to plan, organize and implement the sessions for the students. This past Tuesday was Science Day. The morning began with opening remarks from Barbara Graham, Community Relations Manager at the Torrance Refinery Company. Barbara did an incredible job in arranging speakers from the Refinery to address the students regarding their education, the road they traveled on their career path and “what” leadership means to each of them.  Read More...
NEWS
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Holds Final Meeting of 2017
Every month, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce's Executive Board of Directors convene to discuss current Chamber business, review strategies for growth and, during the holidays, take a little time for a memorable cookie exchange and holiday-themed selfie!

It was a wonderful meeting full of laughs and delicious food provided by Mimi's Cafe.

Pictured, top to bottom, left to right are: John Heffernan of AT&T, Kirk Rossberg of Torrance Bakery, Todd Trinneer of Staybridge Suites, Latrice McGlothin of Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Jennifer Olvera of Green Hills Memorial Park, Donna Duperron of the TACC, Jonathan Beutler of Sunrider International, and Laurie Latham Brandt of Red Car Brewery & Restaurant.
CalChamber Capitol News Report Explains Three Significant New Employment Laws for 2018
This CalChamber Capitol News Report highlights three important new laws that employers need to be aware of in 2018: parental leave for small employers, restrictions on salary history questions, and the ban-the-box-law.

In the video, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank recaps the significant changes employers will see in their hiring and leave practices in 2018.
Parental Leave for Small Employers

An important new law requires that small employers provide new parents with up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave. SB 63, the New Parent Leave Act, requires small businesses with 20 or more employees to provide eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to bond with a new child. The leave must be taken within one year of the child’s birth, adoption, or foster care placement.

“Employers need to note that under the law they must guarantee the right to reinstatement to the same or comparable position before the leave begins,” Frank says.
The New Parent Leave Act will have the greatest impact on employers with 20 to 49 employees who are not currently required to provide baby bonding leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act.

No More Salary History Questions

Another new 2018 law, AB 168, restricts the types of salary questions employers can ask job applicants. Frank explains: “Under this law, an employer is forbidden from asking about the prior salary of an applicant. The new law also prohibits an employer from asking a recruiter to find out about the salary of an applicant.”

In addition, employers cannot rely on salary history information as a factor in determining whether to hire the applicant or how much to pay the applicant.

Ban the Box

AB 1008 is what’s commonly called the “ban-the-box” law. “The law effectively eliminates the employer’s ability to do a criminal background check before a conditional offer is made to an applicant,” Frank explains. AB 1008 applies to employers with five or more employees. The law does provide steps for an employer to follow after making a conditional offer, should the employer still want to know about prior convictions.
Final Week to Apply for Leadership Torrance
Are you, or do you have an employee that is an emerging leader that is looking to develop their leadership skills? If yes, then click on the link below to learn about Leadership Torrance.

Leadership Torrance is a professional development program designed to help current and future leaders in business and other community organizations develop their leadership skills, community knowledge, and professional networks. Through the program, participants will learn and refine their leadership styles, meet and make connections with leaders in the community, and discover opportunities for community engagement and involvement. Only 3 spaces remaining for the 2018 cohort - don't delay in submitting your application!!!
New Year: New Opportunities to Shine Online
If one of your New Year's resolutions is to improve your business' online presence, a great first step is to verify your business on Google.

Once you've done that, you'll want to optimize and enhance your business listing with photos from your actual store or office. This video offers great, easy-to-digest steps for adding photos to your business listing. Stand out from the crowd with unique, well-lit images that are in focus.
There's Always Something Happening at the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce!
EVENTS
Save the Date for the Following January Events at the TACC!
January 10: Government Affairs Policy (GAP) @ 12noon

January 12: Women in Business @ 8am

January 18: Workforce & Education @ 8:30am

January 18: Business at Noon - Torrance Tavern

January 23: Technology and Innovations @ 8am

January 30: Chamber 101 @ 9am

Stay Tuned for a "Programs & Events" E-blast on Monday, 12/18!
RENEWING MEMBERS
  The Torrance Area Business Community Wouldn't Be the Same Without You.
‌
‌
The Chamber Helps Torrance Area Businesses Reach Their Full Potential
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce | (310) 540-5858 | www.TorranceChamber.com