Donna Visits AR Workshop, A Do It Yourself Location
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Some of my fondest memories of growing up are of the days I played outside. It didn't matter if I was shooting marbles, playing freeze tag, riding my bike, playing hopscotch, organizing red rover or playing baseball in the street until the street lights came on, I always had fun, lots of fun, with the kids on the entire block.
On my recent visit to AR Workshop, several emotions of my childhood raced through my mind as I entered the store. There were several children from the Torrance-South Bay YMCA seated at two large tables smiling, laughing, having conversation with each other, and at the same time they were each proudly creating their own colorful tote bag. There were no signs of cell phones or any other type of technology remotely close to them. They were kids, having fun, lots of fun.
AR Workshop Torrance is owned by Cristina McKinnon. Cristina, originally from Chicago, always found satisfaction crafting, including cross-stitching, quilting, tole painting, paper and digital scrapbooking. "AR Workshop provides a creative opportunity for family and friends to come together and make amazing memories together. We provide an opportunity for individuals, of all ages, to create Do It Yourself (DIY) projects," exclaimed McKinnon.
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Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce sends message to Congress
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The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has joined more than 600 business groups from every state calling on lawmakers to pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The USMCA is critical to the economic future because it will preserve and strengthen U.S. trade ties to Canada and Mexico.
More than 12 million American jobs depend on trade with Canada and Mexico. U.S. manufacturers export more made-in-America manufactured goods to our North American neighbors than they do to the next 11 largest export markets combined, and the two countries account for nearly one-third of U.S. agricultural exports. They are also the top two export destinations for U.S. small and medium-size businesses, more than 120,000 of which sell their goods and services to Canada and Mexico.
Approval of USMCA will ensure U.S. manufacturers, farmers, and service providers can continue to access the Canadian and Mexican markets. The new pact guarantees that virtually all U.S. exports will enter these markets tariff-free.
USMCA will also modernize North American trade rules. For example, when NAFTA was negotiated a quarter century ago, there was no e-commerce; consequently, the agreement did not address this sector. USMCA’s digital trade chapter sets a new, high standard, as the agreement does in areas from intellectual property protection to trade in services.
By creating a level playing field for trade in North America, USMCA will help U.S. companies and the workers they employ compete in our top two export markets. The case for the agreement’s approval is strong. The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce urges Congress to approve USMCA as soon as possible.
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Finance & Business Professionals 2019-2020 Co-Chairs Introduced
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Christine Elia, OneWest Bank
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Connor Hartwell, Hartwell Financial Services
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Karen Pryor, Pryority Lending Group
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The Chamber's Finance & Business Professionals program was designed to provide all business professionals with the opportunity to dialogue about current industry standards, regulations, and best practices, all with a financial leaning. Likewise, the program provides a space for these professionals to network and help aid in future referrals. Even as a co-chair, Karen Pryor, Pryority Lending Group, has grown greatly from the program. "I’ve learned new things that I’ve been able to incorporate into my own business, and that’s really the goal: to learn how to compete and grow in this technology driven era, make meaningful connections, and become pillars of success within our communities," explained Pryor.
Along with Pryor, the co-chairs for this vibrant program are Christine Elia, OneWest Bank, and Connor Hartwell, Hartwell Financial Services. With a balanced mix of fresh eyes and veteran experience, this trio has worked together to strategically plan for equipping Chamber members to grow and strengthen their knowledge and understanding as business professionals.
"Whether you’re new to the Chamber and just getting started or a seasoned professional, I hope to see you at an upcoming meeting, like August 2nd!" exclaimed Pryor.
Click here
to reserve your spot for next week's program!
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Major Issues Still Pending at Legislative Summer Break
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When legislators began their summer recess last week, the ultimate outcome on many priority business issues remained uncertain. Strong opposition from the California Chamber of Commerce and allied groups stopped, stalled or amended 26 of the 31 job killer bills identified this year.
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California high court to rule on whether gig-worker decision is retroactive
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The California Supreme Court will rule on whether Dynamex, its groundbreaking decision from last year that could upend many gig jobs, can be applied retroactively.
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2020 Torrance Magazine & Resource Guide advertising opportunities
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The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Torrance Magazine & Resource Guide is now being compiled! If you are a Chamber member, you may receive a call from Jeanne Garrison, our long-time publisher of the Magazine & Resource Guide. If you are interested in advertising, please
Click Here
to see the rate sheet that provides advertising sizing and costs, as well as Jeanne's contact information. We encourage you to contact her should you have any questions about advertising in this year's guide.
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House OKs minimum wage hike, but Senate chances are dm
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House Democrats approved legislation Thursday to raise the federal minimum wage for the first time in a decade, to $15 an hour, but the bill has almost no chance in the Republican-controlled Senate.
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Podcast: Disaster Preparedness in the Workplace – It’s More Than Duck and Cover
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Recent earthquakes in California have highlighted the fact that employers must be prepared for emergencies and natural disasters. In this week’s episode of The Workplace, CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg is joined by CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank to discuss ways employers can prepare for all kinds of emergencies...
Listen to Podcast here
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California tax collections soared last year, giving the state an extra $1 billion
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California brought in $1 billion more than projected in its last financial year, the state’s Department of Finance announced Friday. It’s a sign the state’s unusually long period of economic growth is still going.
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A new battle against soda brews in California
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Doctors, dentists and public health advocates are gearing up for another battle with the soda industry.
Several organizations, including the American Heart Association, the California Medical Association and the California Dental Association, among others, announced Wednesday that they are
joining forces
to push for a statewide tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.
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