An award-winning weekly publication

Jonathan Beutler, Chairman of the Board and Donna Duperron, President & CEO are joined by John Tsang, Final Secretary, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.  Jonathan and Donna attended a luncheon in Los Angeles last week hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office of San Francisco and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. 

OUT & ABOUT
Donna visits Every Body's Pilates
As I visit Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce members, I am always intrigued with the types of businesses that comprise our membership.  I recently had the opportunity to visit Every Body’s Pilates and Fitness and visit with Jill Carlton, owner.  This Out and About was significant for me, personally, as I knew very little about Pilates.

Entering Every Body’s Pilates, I felt welcomed.  A former gas station, Jill has maintained the historic feel of the building, yet at the same time, inspirational quotes, beautiful plants and a spotless workout area make one feel very comfortable.
EVENTS
What opportunities are you creating for your business this month?

The annual Business Expo is here to help you reach new people in the community, October 25th at the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach.

Don't miss out on the BEST Business Expo in the South Bay!
Attend these FREE upcoming programs
THE ART OF BUSINESS
Top 5 Bankruptcy Myths — Are Your Clients Overwhelmed by Debt?

TECHTALKS
Increase Your Visibility and Maximize Sales with Native Advertising

BERT — Business Emergency Response Training
National-level emergency training for FREE
There's always something happening with the Torrance Area Chamber
NEWS
TACC November Ballot Recommendations
Throughout the year, TACC tracked all of the committee and floor votes of its state elected representatives and compared their votes to the positions taken by the Torrance Chamber.

TACC considers a legislator to be business-friendly if he or she votes in agreement with TACC positions no less than 70 percent of the time.

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce took active positions on more than 14 job-effecting legislative initiatives this year; with Hadley voting in agreement with the Torrance Chamber, thereby in the best interest of local business and economic growth, an A-rating 92% of the time.  Senator Benjamin Allen and Senator Isadore Hall, III voted in agreement with the TACC 3 out of 14 times; tallying a 30 percent vote record with TACC.
GAP Committee Votes Unanimously to Oppose Measure M

Last week, GAP voting members unanimously voted to Oppose Measure M; Metro’s latest ballot initiative promising improvements in “Mobility, Movement, Motion, & Maintenance” to Los Angeles County. While Measure M seeks to provide long-term solutions for transit throughout L.A., its funding mechanisms are viewed as inherently unfair, with the South Bay and Gateway Cities waiting decades for much-needed infrastructure upgrades.

Many are concerned by the additional ½ cent sales tax (a.k.a. the “forever tax”) implied by Measure M; citing the lack of improvements seen by the South Bay since the passage of 2008’s Measure R. The Torrance Chamber’s GAP committee advocates for a forward-thinking, future-oriented, fully-integrated transit system which democratizes public transportation by providing point-to-point, on-demand mobility for South Bay residents, employees and visitors.

TACC November Ballot Recommendations
With 17 total Propositions vying for voters' attention this November, the Torrance Area Chamber has identified eight that impact our local region's economy and future business health. The following Proposition positions were voted on by TACC GAP committee members. When you vote on November 8th, please consider these recommendations:
  • Prop 51: Support
  • Prop 52: Support
  • Prop 53: Oppose
  • Prop 54: Support
  • Prop 55: Oppose
  • Prop 61: Oppose
  • Prop 65: Oppose
  • Prop 67: Oppose
Applications Now Open for Leadership Torrance!
Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Would you like to connect more deeply with the community, including city, county, and state government? Are you looking to make an impact?

Then Leadership Torrance is for you.

Applications now open. Apply today!
Southern California Edison Hosts Executive Customer Briefing
The senior leadership team of Southern California Edison (SCE) recently held a briefing to discuss SCE’s current business goals to empower people and innovations that will lead the company into a dynamic new energy future.  Discussed at the briefing was safety for employees and customers, greater customer choice, resources and a modernized power grid. Pictured is Ronald O. Nichols (left), President, and Stu Hemphill (right), Senior Vice President.
Your Input Will Help Improve Internet Speeds and Reliability in the South Bay

The South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), in partnership with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, are in the process of developing a Broadband Fiber-Optic Master Plan for the South Bay region. Broadband speed and capacity is a crucial driver for job creation and economic growth. Fast Broadband/Internet provides improved download and upload speeds, as well as a more reliable service.

As someone operating in the business realm, your input is crucial in evaluating the South Bay's current and future needs. This analysis will help to keep our region competitive and at the forefront of the digital economy.

Torrance USD Board of Education Opens Application Process for a Vacancy on the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee
The Torrance USD’s Board of Education will be choosing one new member for the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee at its regular meeting on December 5, 2016.  The vacancy will need to be filled according to the bylaws.  Individuals who meet the criteria for the Parent/guardian of a student enrolled in Torrance USD and an active member of a Torrance USD parent-teacher organization position, and who are interested in serving on this committee may access the application by going to the District website www.tusd.org.  Applications can be delivered to Torrance USD, Office of the Deputy Superintendent at 2335 Plaza del Amo, Torrance CA 90501, or mailed to the same address by the November 10, 2016, 5:00 p.m. deadline.  Please contact Dr. Stowe at stowe.tim@tusd.org with any comments or questions.
THE COMMUNITY
NEW MEMBERS
Look who joined the Chamber! Welcome to the community.
RENEWING MEMBERS
The Torrance area business community wouldn't be the same without you.
The Chamber helps businesses reach their full potential