As I drove to Strand Brewery and Tap Room, I contemplated the angle in which I would write this article. Rich Marcello and Joel Elliott, owners, started Strand Brewing Company in 2009 with the intention of building a world-class brewery in Torrance and are to be congratulated on their success. Yet, at the same time, Strand Brewery and Tap Room has also become a destination, as customers receive outstanding customer service in their new 36,000 square foot location at 2201 Dominguez Street in Torrance.

     As I entered Strand Brewery and Tap Room, my sense of smell immediately took over. As I was greeted by Rich Marcello, I asked, what do I smell? "You smell the boiling of malt and hops," he exclaimed. It was a very pleasant smell and with that I was engaged in learning more about Strand.

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce was recognized this past week at the annual Western Association of Chambers of Commerce conference in San Francisco.

     The weekly column, "Out and About with Donna Duperron" captured the 2015 Core Competency Program of the Year award. Chamber Weekly and The Advocate, both e-newsletters, were honored for outstanding achievement and took home first place honors.

     The Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) is the premier organization for education and professional development for chamber executives and staff. W.A.C.E represents over 850 chamber professionals in 17 Western states and Canada.

Bob and Laurie Brandt, owners of Red Car Brewery & Restaurant, make their presentation to educators

    Educators, this past week, were able to gain information specific to characteristics that employers are looking for when hiring an employee. A variety of characteristics were discussed including integrity, motivation, leadership, work ethic, problem solving, good eye contact, firm hand shake, communication and teamwork skills. Linda Flores, International Finance Manager at Sunrider International also encouraged educators to correspond the words in a text book into real life experiences for their students.

"It is estimated that 17.6 million Americans have Coronary Artery Disease. Coronary Artery Disease, or blockages in the blood supply to the heart can lead to chest pain and sometimes heart attacks. The first symptom of Coronary Artery Disease may be a heart attack, thus early detection and treatment of risk factors can save lives. Those who are at highest risk for Coronary Artery Disease includes diabetics, smokers, those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure and those with a family history of heart attacks. It is best to speak with your physician about your individual risk factors and steps that you can take to reduce your risk of Coronary Artery Disease."

 

Minisha Kochar, MD - UCLA Cardiologist (UCLA Health Palos Verdes, 501 Deep Valley Drive)

A number of California Chamber of Commerce-opposed job killer bills first identified in 2015, several of which TACC also opposed, appear to be dead for this year after missing legislative deadlines or being amended. See the full report here. 

The L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with local government officials, leading business groups and chambers of commerce, leads an annual delegation of more than 200 business leaders and public officials to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Southern California.  Participants meet with members of Congress and the president's administration on key issues. The trip includes a welcome reception, two breakfasts with high ranking Congressional leaders and a marquee evening reception. If you are interested in going on this trip with other TACC members on April 26th-28th, contact Brandon Matson at BrandonMatson@torrancechamber.com. For more information about the trip, visit this website.