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OUT & ABOUT WITH DONNA
Donna Visits POW/MIA Ceremony at Los Angeles Air Force Base
Last Friday, I attended a formal ceremony at Los Angeles Air Force Base to commemorate POW/MIA Recognition Day. The third Friday of every September, a day that’s not associated with any particular war, ensures that Americans remember to stand behind those who serve and to make sure everything is done to account for those who have never returned.

As I entered the base, I was greeted by Colonel Thomas R. Rock, Jr. who I am partnered with in the Honorary Commanders program. Colonel Rock explained to me that a 54-mile torch run had taken place across the South Bay over the past 24 hours. Individuals of the Coast Guard, Palos Verdes Estates Police Department and Port of Los Angeles Police joined members of the Space and Missile Systems in honor of POW/MIA Recognition Day by carrying the torch. Read more...
NEWS
South Coast AQMD Holds Community Meeting
The South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Refinery Committee held a community meeting, attended by 700 individuals, this past Saturday. The overlying purpose of the meeting was to provide a status update on PR1410-hydrogen fluoride storage and use at petroleum refineries.

Dr. Clark E. Parker, Sr. provided the welcome and opening remarks before hours of presentations and public comment. Status update of PR1410, regulatory and MOU approach, potential earthquake risks, dispersion of water mitigation testing and emergency preparedness and treatment of HR were topics addressed.

During the public comment period, President and CEO, Donna Duperron testified that the Torrance Refining Company is a vital part of the Torrance community. “The refinery supports local jobs, stimulates the local economy and assists several Torrance area nonprofits,” stated Duperron.
TACC Hosts Lunch and Learn Focusing on HR Hot Topics
Appreciation is extended to Karl Schmidt, Parker, Milliken, Clark, O’Hara & Samuelian, who led a Lunch and Learn for TACC members. Schmidt, who has practiced labor and employment law for over 30 years, addressed the recent Supreme Court decision regarding independent contractors versus employees and the #metoo movement. TACC members were provided information that could assist their businesses as well as the opportunity to ask questions and lunch was generously provided by Mr. Schmidt.

Mr. Schmidt specializes in the areas of employment, discrimination, wage and hour, labor, executive compensation, unfair competition and ERISA fiduciary and compliance law, advising foreign, national and local employers of all sizes, including many small and medium sized banking institutions.
Torrance Mayor Patrick Furey Delivers Annual State of the City Address
Yesterday, more than 300 Torrance-area civic, business and community leaders convened for the annual address from the City of Torrance's Mayor, Patrick J. Furey. The Mayor spoke of "Torrance by Design" citing the rich history, and forward-thinking planning, of the City. The event additionally celebrated the Chamber's 2018 Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Steve Morikawa, VP of Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility, American Honda Motor Company, Inc.

Special thanks are extended to the event's sponsors: Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center, Torrance; Torrance Refining Company; the Daily Breeze; Continental Development Corporation; Torrance Memorial Medical Center; UCLA Health; El Camino College; Torrance Bakery; Water Replenishment District of Southern California; and the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance - South Bay.

Additional thanks to Linda Amato and the staff at the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance-South Bay for their exemplary service. Click here to view photos from yesterday's event.
Governor Signs CalChamber-Supported CEQA, Land Use Bills that Help Relieve Home Building Red Tape
Two California Chamber of Commerce-supported bills that will help expedite home building, one dealing with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform and another with land-use improvements, have been signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. Read more...
Chamber's Directory Advertising Deadline Extended!
Each year, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce publishes a highly-sought-after Directory; also known as the Torrance Magazine & Resource Guide. This publication lists all Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce members by industry as well as alphabetically and contains pertinent information for anyone doing business in the Torrance area.

Members are invited to advertise in the Directory; which has an estimated annual readership of more than 15,000 and is utilized by many individuals for several years following the publication date. For information about advertising, please contact Jeanne Garrison by phone at 310-351-5585 or by email at jeanne20325@gmail.com.

To Export or Not to Export, That is the Question
Have you thought about exporting, but you're just not sure where to start? Need to shorten that learning curve, and meet others who have been through it? Take a few minutes to respond to this survey , so that the Chamber's International Business Committee can fine-tune the programs, seminars and tours it is planning, to best suit the needs of our members.

We need your input before the end of the month, as results will be analyzed the first week in October.  Respondents will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Gaetano's gift card.
NEW MEMBERS
Congratulations on Joining the Torrance Area Chamber Community!
RENEWING MEMBERS
  The Torrance Area Business Community Wouldn't Be the Same Without You.
UPCOMING EVENTS
(a.k.a. Networking Opportunities!)
Click On Event Name for Complete Info/Tickets/RSVP
Business @ Noon: The Depot : Thursday, Oct. 11 @ 11:45am-1:15pm
GAP (Gov't Affairs Policy) : Thursday, Oct. 11 @ 12noon-1:30pm
CA State Assembly Candidates Forum : Friday, Oct. 12 @ 7:30am-9am
Women in Business : Friday, Oct. 12 @ 8am-9am
Business Expo & Showcase : Tuesday, Oct. 23 @ 4:30pm-7:30pm
There's Always Something Happening at the
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce!
The Chamber Helps Torrance Area Businesses Reach Their Full Potential
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce | (310) 540-5858 | www.TorranceChamber.com