An Award-Winning Weekly Publication
OUT & ABOUT WITH DONNA
Senator Bradford Hosts a Roundtable Discussion with Governor Brown
Last Friday, Jonathan Beutler and Donna Duperron attended a Roundtable Discussion on Transportation Diversity at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Speakers included Dr. Willie Hagan, President of California State University, Dominguez Hills; Kevin de Leon, Senate President Pro Tempore; Steve Bradford, California State Senator, 35th District, and Edmund G. Brown Jr., Governor, State of California. 

Also attending the Roundtable Discussion were chamber board of directors, Jeff Poltorak and Tracy Underwood.
NEWS
Laurie Latham Brandt to Lead Chamber Through Unity

Laurie Latham Brandt began her term as Chairwoman of the Board on July 1, 2017.


“This year will provide an opportunity for members of the business community to get involved through service, by sharing expertise, or by learning from one another,” she explained.


Laurie and her husband Bob purchased an historic building in Old Torrance in 1999. Through redevelopment incentives from the City of Torrance, they opened The Red Car Brewery and Restaurant in 2000.


As a small business owner, Laurie and Bob have balanced their commitment to their customers by being mentors and an inspiration to those around them.


With the theme, “Putting Unity in the Community,” Laurie is looking forward to encouraging business of all sizes to become involved this fiscal year. “The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce provides a vast array of advocacy efforts, lunch and learns, timely events and communications in which members can share and learn from one another,” stated Laurie.


Pictured Above: President/CEO of the TACC, Donna Duperron (center) with Chairwoman of the Board, Laurie Latham Brant with her husband and co-proprietor of The Red Car Brewery & Restaurant, Bob Brandt, and their children. 

ACTION ALERT: Oppose SB 63 (Jackson) Unlawful employment practice: Parental Leave. 
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has joined the Coalition in opposition of SB 63 which seeks to impose a new maternity and paternity leave mandate. The bill unduly burdens and increases costs of small employers with as few as 20 employees by requiring 12 weeks of protected employee leave for child bonding and exposes them to the threat of costly litigation. Please click below to send a letter to your elected representatives. 
Duperron Participates in Proposed Rule 1410: 'Hydrogen Fluoride Storage and Use at Petroleum Refineries'
In mid-June, Donna Duperron, President and CEO, participated in a working group meeting at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Headquarters in Diamond Bar. 

Presentations were made by Valero, Wilmington Refinery, the Torrance Refinery Action Alliance and the SCAQMD.
TACC Members Learn About Trade Development
Jonathan Beutler, Immediate Past Chairman of the Board, welcomed guests to an International Forum hosted by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. Speakers included Norman Arikawa, Assistant Director of Trade Development at the Port of Los Angeles and Betty Young, Business Development Officer at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
EVENTS
Silent Auction Donations on a Mission to Develop Future Leaders

Please help the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Junior Leadership Torrance program by donating a silent auction item to Summer Fest! This is an excellent opportunity for members like you to promote your business while helping our area's youth develop their leadership potential and skill sets. Ideal donations include, but are not limited to, vacation packages, tickets to concerts and sporting events, dinners, wine tastings, adventure tours and more. All donations are tax deductible.

 

Summer Fest is a community event featuring delicious food, hosted bar, live music, silent auction and incredible fun for everyone - everyone over 21, that is! The festivities will be held in front of The Depot Restaurant in the heart of Downtown Torrance on Sunday August 20th from 4pm-9pm. All proceeds benefit the Junior Leadership Torrance Program which is designed to provide an opportunity for high school sophomores to explore career paths by visiting local corporations, non-profits, and municipalities.


The TACC is seeking volunteers for the day of the event, in addition to silent auction donations, from the community at large. Please email the completed donation form, as well as any additional questions, to roxy@torrancechamber.com.


Business @ Breakfast:
Coco's Restaurant & Bakery
"Because You Gotta Eat"

Tuesday, July 11th |  7:45am-9:15am

$25/person includes breakfast
(TACC Members Only)
Are you contracting labor, hiring "gig" workers for projects at-hand, or working with temporary help agencies? This HR roundtable event is a can't-miss for anyone who seeks to gain a better understanding of proper classification, and the legal ramifications of improper classification, of these individuals.

Join Us for an HR Roundtable Event:
Classification of Workers & The Gig Economy

Tues., July 11th | 8am-10am | $10/person (Includes Breakfast)

TACC Business Mixer at Switzer Learning Center

Wed., July 12th | 4:30pm-6:30pm

2201 Amapola Court, Torrance

Call 310-328-3611 x.333 or Click Here to Send An Email  t o RSVP (Required)

*Refreshments Provided by Torrance Refining Company
Upcoming Ribbon Cutting Celebrations!

Grand Re-Opening: Barrister Executive Suites
Thursday, July 13th | 4pm
21250 Hawthorne Blvd., #500 | Torrance

Grand Opening:  The Yoga Harbor
Monday, July 17th | 4pm
1616 Gramercy Ave. | Torrance
Players Wanted for TACC v. Rotary Softball Tournament

Saturday | July 29th | La Romeria Park
GAME 1: 9am-10:05am
GAME 2: 10:20-11:25am
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 3: 11:40am-12:45pm
(Game 2 & 3 start times approximate)
Volunteers Needed for International Surf Festival!

The International Surf Festival is seeking volunteers on the following dates and times; as local lifeguards compete on the North side of Hermosa Beach Pier.


Dates: Fri., Aug. 4th & Sat., Aug. 5th

Volunteer Check-In Time: 6:45pm

Event/Volunteer Time: 7pm-10pm


At check-in, volunteers will be assigned to supervise an individual lane near the front of the course (best seat in the house!). Volunteers will make sure that the relay exchanges happen behind the line, and update the lane counters at each lap to help the spectators keep better track as the race progresses.  

 

The lifeguard events are very unique to the International Surf Festival, and volunteers may sign up for one night or both nights. Volunteers receive an official International Surf Festival t-shirt & organizers promise a fun, low-pressure and memorable experience!

 

How to sign up to volunteer: Email Gary Crum at pier2pier_swim@verizon.net. Please include that you’re a member of the Torrance Chamber, your contact phone number, which night(s) you’d prefer to volunteer, and your t-shirt size.

SAVE THE DATE: 2017 State of the City

Friday | September 22nd

Join the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce for Mayor Patrick J. Furey's annual 'State of the City' address and to honor the TACC's 2017 Citizen of the Year...to be announced soon!

So, save the date, stay tuned and be there for the most anticipated event of the year!
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.

The Chamber Helps Torrance Area Businesses Reach Their Full Potential
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce | (310) 540-5858 | www.TorranceChamber.com