Celebrating Women's History
Torrance Woman's Club Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Congratulations is extended to the Torrance Woman's Club on their 100th year anniversary. The Club has been a longtime member of the Torrance Chamber of Commerce. Read full press release here 
Torrance Woman’s Club is proud of the many accomplishments made over 100 years! Visit the website at www.torrancewomansclub.org for more information. 
News
Chamber's Government Affairs Policy (GAP) Program to Vote on
Three Key Pieces of Legislation
The Chamber's Government Affairs Policy (GAP) agenda will include presentations from individuals on three key pieces of legislation this Thursday, March 11th at 12 noon.. David Juarez with the California Restaurant Association will be speaking to AB61, the California Restaurant Rescue Act; Charlie Weiss with the California Independent Petroleum Association will be presenting on SB467, the oil and gas permitting ban and phase-out of California production and Greg Wilson, CPA/MBT, President for Charles McDonough Accountancy Corporation will address AB80, taxation: coronavirus aid, relief and economic security act. Register for Government Affairs Policy
Chamber to Host Workforce Roundtable on Bio Science
Join the Chamber next Wednesday, March 17th at 9:00 am to understand key trends leading to high demand in the local bio science workforce. “The Bio Science field is alive, well and blooming in Torrance, with over 200 companies doing business in our community. We must make sure to develop a pipeline of talented professionals for this growing industry." Andrea Sala, Vice Chair of Leadership and Workforce, Torrance Chamber. Register now!

"Providing employment opportunities in many areas, including biomedical scientists, clinical data managers, clinical trial associates, data scientists, and drug safety specialists, is critical for our region. These are the careers of the future and one of the largest segments of the Torrance and South Bay workforce.” emphasizes Sala.

Confirmed speakers for this esteemed panel include: Michael Brenk, Vice President of Finance, Bachem Americas, Joel Espejo, SHRM-CP, PHR, US Head of Human Resources, Polypeptide Laboratories, Inc. and Dr. Philip Lapolt, Dean, College of Natural and Behavioral Science, California State University Dominguez Hills. "It is importart inform TACC members of the strong presence of Bio-Science in our area and the career opportunities it provides, including Science, Facilities, Sales and Administration. There is something for nearly everyone" states Brenk, current member of Torrance Chamber's Board of Directors.
Torrance Chamber Urges for Legislative Action to Promote Economic Recovery
With a coalition of more than 75 allied groups, Torrance Chamber is urging Governor Gavin Newsom and California Legislators to pass measures to promote economic recovery in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a March 1, 2021 letter, the coalition calls on lawmakers to pass 22 bills that would give relief to beleaguered small businesses in the state and provide incentives for larger employers to retain their workforces in California. Additionally, it specifically asks for policymakers to pass bold and aggressive proposals to create more affordable and market price housing in California. Read more.
 LA County Assessor Prang Business Property (571-L) Statement Webinar
Each year Business Property Statements, which provide a basis for determining property assessments for fixtures and equipment, are mailed by the Assessor to most commercial, industrial, and professional firms. Businesses with personal property and fixtures that cost $100,000 or more must file a Business Property Statement (571-L) each year by April 1. Business inventory is exempt from taxation.

The Office of the Los Angeles County Assessor understand the filing of forms can be tedious and often at times vague. With this understanding, Assessor Prang will be hosting "How to Prepare and File your 571-L & 571- R Business Property Statements and Guidance under COVID-19" on Monday, March 15, 2021 from 1:00pm- 2:30pm.

During this webinar, you will learn how to e-file your annual Business Personal Property Statement, tax saving tips, and how to avoid penalties and liens. Zoom space is limited. Please RSVP at this like below:
Small Business Special Application Window Closes Tomorrow, Thursday March 9
In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA will offer Paycheck Protection Program loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Tuesday, March 9, 2021. President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable. SBA will:
  • Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants;
  • Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal; 
  • Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make student loan payments by eliminating student loan debt delinquency as a disqualifier to participating in the PPP; and
  • Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the PPP.
Update California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
On February 23rd, Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive package providing urgent relief for the small businesses of CA. The package provides an additional $2 billion – a four-fold increase over the $500 million currently being distributed – for grants up to $25,000 for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, and allocates $50 million of this total for non-profit cultural institutions.

Round 3 (waitlisted applicants from Rounds 1 & 2): Friday, March 5th - Thursday, March 11th, 2021
  • Eligible applicants: This is a closed round and only available to eligible applicants who were waitlisted in Rounds 1 and 2 – only existing applicants will be selected. If you were waitlisted, you do not need to reapply. New applications will not be accepted in this round.
  • Eligible grant award: $5,000 to $25,000
  • Details: This is a closed funding round; no new applications will be accepted

Round 4 (non-profit cultural institutions only): Tuesday, March 16th through Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021
  • Eligible applicants: Only non-profit cultural institutions with any revenue size that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com
  • Eligible grant award: $5,000 - $25,000
  • Details: Eligible non-profit cultural institutions must complete a new application even if they already applied in Rounds 1 and 2; grants will only be available to non-profits cultural institutions that did not receive funding in Rounds 1, 2 or 3; grants will be prioritized based on the documented percentage revenue declines based on a reporting period comparing Q2 and Q3 of 2020 versus Q2 and Q3 of 2019.
Visit www.CAReliefGrant.com for more eligibility, criteria, and updates.
Improving Diversity in the Workplace
In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and Lyndon Huling, manager for leadership recruitment and diversity services at the University of California, Davis, share insights on developing diversity and inclusion programs in the workplace.

The topic of diversity and inclusion can feel overwhelming at times, Huling says. Organizations and business leaders may have a passion for it, and may realize that inequities exist, but it’s hard to know where to start. Businesses should start with a plan. Huling recommends that business leaders should ask themselves how they can turn this big problem into something manageable and measurable for their company. Listen to podcast.
Apply for eBay Up & Running California
The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) has partnered with eBay to announce the launch of the Up & Running California program. This new, 100% free program will offer participating businesses the educational resources, interactive instruction, and seller-to-seller coaching they need to compete on eBay’s marketplace.

Participants will enjoy full access to eBay Seller School, eBay’s interactive online learning platform. Seller School offers both beginner-level and more advanced courses to help all sellers accelerate and scale their eBay business, regardless of their time and experience on the platform. Applications are open until 11:59 p.m. PT on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Apply Now!
Testimonial Monday
"It’s hard to say what I like most about the chamber because I like everything about the chamber. But if I had to pick one, it would be the level of engagement of the chamber with its members. I know I can call with any question or concern and will get a friendly and knowledgeable response. Torrance is a very business friendly city and I believe that is in large part due to having an active and engaged chamber."

Steven MacAller
Executive Director
Torrance - South Bay YMCA
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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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