News
New Job Killer Bill
A bill that will impose a massive retroactive tax increase on California’s small businesses and taxpayers has been added to the California Chamber of Commerce Job Killer List.

AB 1253 (Santiago; D-Los Angeles) seeks to increase California’s personal income tax rate, already the highest in the country, for struggling small businesses and high-income earners, which will result in a recently reported $6.8 billion in increased taxes. Read More.
Are You Aware? Learn About California Competes Tax Credit
The application period for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) opened up on July 27 and runs through August 17. The CCTC is open to California businesses of all sizes and will be awarding $80 million during this period. The application can be found online as well as FAQ’s and links to register for informational webinars with step-by-step instructions on how businesses can complete the application. Click here to visit the website.
Rep Lieu Introduces Bill to Help Businesses Keep Employees & Customers Safe
On July 31st, 2020, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) introduced the Reopen Small Businesses Safely Act, which would direct the Small Business Administration to allow COVID-19-related emergency loans to be used to cover health and safety business improvements. The bill would enable Economic Injury Disaster Loan borrowers to purchase items that ensure the health and safety of employees and customers in light of the pandemic. Rep. Lieu previously sent a letter with 27 Members of Congress to the SBA asking to address this issue.

"In order to operate in our new reality, businesses need necessary resources to protect workers and customers," Rep. Lieu said. "This bill is a common-sense way to support businesses that want to operate safely during this pandemic."
U.S. Manufacturing Activity Near 1-1/2-year High, Factory Job Losses Persist
U.S. manufacturing activity accelerated to its highest level in nearly 1-1/2 years in July as orders increased despite a resurgence in new COVID-19 infections, which is raising fears about the sustainability of a budding economic recovery.

Still, the road to recovery for manufacturing likely remains long and bumpy, with the survey from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) on Monday also showing hiring at factories remaining subdued for a year now. About 72% of industries reported growth last month. Read More.
California Labor Commissioner Files First Lawsuit Enforcing AB 5
Earlier this month, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office filed its first lawsuit to enforce AB 5, which requires employers to use the “ABC” test to determine if workers in California are employees or independent contractors. In the lawsuit, a gig-economy car wash company in Southern California is being sued for misclassifying at least 100 workers as independent contractors. 

As you may recall, under the ABC test, an individual is presumed to be an employee unless the company can prove all of the following... Read More.
Remote Work, Child Care, Mask Enforcement: COVID Re-Writes Employment Law
Hundreds of pandemic-related labor lawsuits have been filed, and that’s just the beginning of what’s to come, legal experts say... The grim reality is settling in for millions of people that they may be working from home for the indefinite future, or in front-line jobs with exposure to infection. That’s raising all sorts of new questions about what constitutes a safe workplace, or wrongful termination. Read More.
UCLA Health Seminar Series: Demystifying East-West Medicine
In partnership with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, UCLA Health is presenting a six part series to best inform the Chamber community on their personal health and other relevant topics in healthcare. Next week, August 13th at 12:00 noon, we welcome Dr. Taw to discuss the nature of East-West Medicine and what it can do for you. The talk will present the East-West Medicine philosophy on health and disease as well as provide practical tips on how to better take care of yourself.
 
Registration is necessary to join the call. Make sure to register by Clicking Here.
Chamber's New Small Business Program Welcomes Co-Chairs
Minal Mondkar, Murti, LLC
Connor Hartwell, Hartwell Financial Services
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Connor Hartwell, Hartwell Financial Services and Minal Mondkar, Murti, LLC have been selected as co-chairs of the new Small Program. The Small Business Program aims to provide opportunities for small businesses to engage with industry experts and leaders to present important and relevant topics, to network with other businesses and to learn from the success stories in the community.

When asked about the program’s vision, Minal replied, “Small Businesses have proved to be a solid backbone of the economy time and time again. In this unprecedented time, it is more than important that this sector gets the help and support they desperately need. We are excited to start the Small Business Program series to provide timely resources and current information to business owners and to provide all the opportunities to help them survive, grow and succeed.” Read More.

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Office Depot Rewards Program
As a member of Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, you are entitled to savings at Office Depot store. Discounts vary on items and services, but they do add up and you can save a significant amount annually on 175 most frequently needed items. Just another benefit of the membership! To enjoy this, Contact Us Here.
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