OUT & ABOUT WITH DONNA
Donna Visits One Stop Windows & Doors
This past week, I had the opportunity to visit One Stop Windows and Doors in Torrance. Greeted by Lauren Estabrook, I quickly began to learn about this business who has been a member of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce since 1997. One Stop Windows and Doors opened their doors in 1981 to meet the ever-expanding finish supply demands of Southern California Since that time, they have continually grown to meet the needs of homeowners, builders, developers, architects, contractors, and designers.   Read More...

NEWS
SCAQMD's potential ban could cost thousands of jobs
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is reviewing oil refineries’ use of Modified Hydrofluoric Acid (MHF) and considering a potential ban.

A ban would likely cause two Southern California refineries to cease operations, costing thousands of jobs and causing gas prices to increase by 26 cents per gallon or more,  according to the California Energy Commission . 

SCAQMD is holding a Refinery Committee meeting on Saturday, June 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at their headquarters, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar. This meeting is open to the public. Additionally, individuals and businesses may join a coalition and/or send w emails to the SCAQMD Governing Board members.
Acknowledgement of program chairs
Over the past fiscal year, the Chamber's program chairs have helped to continue successful and informative growth within the monthly meetings. We recognize the following program chairs with deserved appreciation:
GAP (Government Affairs Policy):
Sherry Kramer, Continental Development Corporation
Tech Talks:
David Kartsonis, Bakers Man Productions
South Bay HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Excel):
Eunice Kang, El Camino College
Education & Workforce Development:
Chris Cagle, South Bay workforce Investment Board
Women In Business:
Charlene Nishimura, Pediatric Therapy Network
Jeanne Imbrogno, AMAG Technology
International Business Committee:
Melinda Taylor, Servatius, O'Brien & Fong LLP
Sanjay Murti, Aura Seating, Inc.
PROFS (Professional Roundtable of Financial Services):
Sacha Ohara, Malaga Bank
Christine Elia, OneWest Bank
Karen Pryor, Pryority Lending
Job Killer Bill Threatens Water Supply Reliability
Legislation that threatens water supply reliability for millions of Californians is scheduled to be considered next week by an Assembly policy committee. The California Chamber of Commerce has labeled  SB 1 (Atkins; D-San Diego)  as a job killer due to the significant and entirely avoidable negative consequences resulting from language in the bill. Read More...
Full board luncheon held at Red Car Brewery & Restaurant
Bob and Laurie Brandt, owners of Red Car Brewery & Restaurant, hosted the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce full board luncheon. This luncheon indicates the end of the Chamber's fiscal year and is a "Thank You" to the individuals and businesses represented on the 2018-2019 board of directors. During the luncheon, John Heffernan, immediate past-chair, gave a review of the past fiscal year, as well as welcomed the Chamber's new chairman of the board, Dan Armendariz, California Water Service Company. Sincere gratitude is extended to the Red Car Brewery & Restaurant for excellent service.
Part-Time Employees May Qualify as Exempt; 2-Part Test to Decide
Under California Labor Code Section 515, most “white collar” exempt employees must “earn a monthly salary equivalent to no less than two times the state minimum wage for full-time employment.” For purposes of the minimum exempt salary level only, the code states that full-time employment is 40 hours per week. (Note though that employers are free to set their own definition of full-time work for other purposes, such as entitlement to vacation accrual and holiday pay.) Read More...
$13 billion state bond for school construction targeted for 2020 California ballot
Legislation to put a $13 billion school construction bond on the state ballot next year and a second bond in 2022 moved forward this week with strong support overall from the education community — and a vague promise by the bill’s author to address concerns that state building aid to school districts isn’t equitably distributed. Read More...

NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce!
RENEWING MEMBERS
  The Torrance Area Business Community Wouldn't Be the Same Without You!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Click On Event Name for Complete Info/Tickets/RSVP
Women in Business: July 12th, 8:00am
Chamber 101: July 16th, 8:30am
The Chamber Helps Businesses Reach Their Full Potential
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce | (310) 540-5858 | www.TorranceChamber.com