March 23, 2022
Out & About With Donna
Sandra Plata, General Manager
Cowork South Bay
Donna Visits Cowork South Bay
The coronavirus outbreak caused several disruptions to Los Angeles county’s workforce. Thousands of employees lost their jobs because of layoffs and business closures, and thousands began working from home, a new experience for most.

Additionally, employers and employees also found Coworking spaces to be advantageous for their business growth. Coworking spaces became popular with the emergence of millennials in the professional world. They offer private and shared offices, flexible working schedules, cost-savings, a creative boost, and network and collaboration opportunities. However, the popularity of coworking spaces have soared because of the pandemic. Read More...
News
Members of the Torrance Police Department to be Recognized at Luncheon
The Torrance Police Department Awards and Appreciation Luncheon will recognize eight individuals for their exemplary partnership with the Armed Forces 5K for Freedom. This year's event will take place on Thursday, March 31, 2022, 12:00 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - South Bay.

This year's honorees include: Captain Martin Vukotic, Lieutenant Cody Charley, Sergeant David Koenig, Sergeant Todd Venero, Chief Jeremiah Hart, Luz Fierro - Services Division, Jennifer Schepp - Traffic and Special Events Division, and John Newman - Traffic and Special Events Division.

A special thank you to the following sponsors for supporting this event. Presenting Sponsors: Torrance Refining Company and Ganahl Lumber. Presenting Sponsors: California Water Service, Pelican Products, Bachem Americas, El Camino College, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, AMAG Technology, Green Hills Memorial Park, Malaga Bank, Roadium Open Air Market, and Gaetano's Restaurant.
America Works Initiative: Workforce Survey for State and Local Chambers
In an effort to better quantify and understand the workforce challenges facing employers locally and across the nation, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other chambers of commerce to conduct a quick survey about labor force conditions across the country.

Please complete the brief survey. It should take less than 3 minutes to complete. We ask that you please complete the survey by Monday, March 28, 2022. 
CalChamber Opposes Tax on Plastic/Goods Packaging
The California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors last week voted to oppose the California Plastic Waste Reduction Regulations Initiative, which proposes a new tax of up to $0.01 on every piece of single-use plastic packaging and food ware sold in California beginning in 2022.

The CalChamber Board also voted to support the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, a proposed initiative that would amend the California Constitution to change procedures for approving state and local tax increases to improve information and accountability to taxpayers and strengthen voter approval procedures. Read More...
Thank You State of the City Sponsors
The Torrance Chamber of Commerce hosted the State of the City Address on Thursday, March 17th at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Torrance - South Bay.

Thank you to Mayor Patrick J. Furey for sharing the many accomplishments you have made throughout your tenure as Mayor for the City of Torrance. And Congratulations to Craig Leach on being recognized as the Distinguished Citizen on the Year.

A special thank you to the following sponsors for supporting this event. Presenting Sponsors: American Honda, Torrance Refining Company, California Water Service, and Continental Development. Distinguished Sponsors: UCLA Health, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Southern California Edison. Supporting Sponsors: Pelican Products, El Camino College, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Ganahl Lumber, Bachem Americas, Torrance Bakery, Malaga Bank, Dignity Health Sports Park, Bluestem Hotel, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, South Bay Workforce Investment Board, and South Bay Association of Realtors.
(Left to right) Betty Lieu, Torrance Unified School District, Board of Education; Nital Patel, Representative for State Senator Steve Bradford; Melissa Ramoso, Representative for Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi; Craig Leach, President & CEO, Torrance Memorial Medical Center; Jennifer LaMarque, Representative for Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn; Mayor Patrick J. Furey, City of Torrance; Donna Duperron, President & CEO, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce; Kirk Rossberg, President and Owner of Torrance Bakery
Membership Mania a Success
(Left to right) Novelette Witt, Jane Hyman, Rara Jeon, Ryan Smith, and Katelyn McCreery who joined the Chamber in the month of March
The best way to grow your business is to build relationships and share the responsibility of creating economic success. Several businesses have joined the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce during the Membership Mania Month of March. “Joining in March will not only help you score with membership benefits, but it will also provide an opportunity to win a gift. Gifts are donated by current members who see the value of linking with other local businesses to strengthen our community,” stated Yuki Escovar, Membership Services Coordinator.  
Thank You 2021-2022 Chamber Champions
Chamber Champions: the member investors who make it possible for the Chamber to serve as the voice of business in the South Bay. Thank you to the 2021-2022 Chamber Champions that help set the standard for quality service. These Champions improve your business climate and your business's ability to succeed.

"Thank you Chamber Champions! Without your support, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce would not be where it is today!" - Donna Duperron, President and CEO, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
Business at Noon at The Depot
A monthly networking event, Business at Noon will be held on April 6th at The Depot from 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM. Marifrances Trivelli from Los Angeles Maritime Museum, will be the master of ceremonies and facilitate self-introductions of chamber members. Admission of $26 includes lunch, a beverage, tax, and gratuity. 

For maximized networking, please arrive and check-in at 11:45 AM. During lunch, each attendee will take 30-seconds to introduce themselves and their business to all guests. Don’t forget your business cards, and feel free to bring a raffle item to promote your business.
Upcoming Events
April 6th, 12:00 PM - Business at Noon at The Depot
April 8th, 8:30 AM - Women in Business
April 27th, 4:00 PM - HYPE at Torrance Tavern
New Members: Welcome!
Renewing Members: Thank you!
The Chamber helps businesses reach their full potential.
For more information about the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, call (310) 540-5858 or