The survey will be open until March 31. At the end of the survey, please "click" the box next to Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce to let BizFed know you'd like to be counted towards TACC's response-count. Thank you!

The Western Museum of Flight provided a remarkable backdrop for the 17th annual Japan Business Association (JBA) and Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) Grand Mixer last night. Jac Folkert, TACC Chairwoman of the Board, opened the event and was followed by words of welcome from Hideo Miyake, President of JBA, Torrance Mayor Patrick J. Furey and Consul General Hidehisa Horinouchi.

     Attendees were provided the opportunity to listen to five business representatives from the JBA and five business representatives from the TACC highlight their business. These presentations sparked conversations about international trade, economic development and possible partnerships. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to TACC presenters; Jonathan Beutler, Sunrider International; Steve Coy, Clix South Bay; Dr. Okada, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center; TerriAnn Ferren, Torrance Cultural Arts Center and Bob and Laurie Brandt, Red Car Brewery and Restaurant.

Congratulations is extended to Brandon Matson, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce's Public and Government Affairs coordinator for capturing second place in the Dancing with the South Bay Stars competition. Matson and his partner, Alina Sachs, performed the Tango and Viennese Waltz. They danced for the Dick Rossberg Memorial Fund. This annual event is hosted by the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Congratulations is also extended to Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce members who also performed; Leslie Cortez, City of Torrance; Chad Mayer, Sharefest Community Development; Daniella Morreale, Torrance Police Department; Bernie Reid, Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Dr. Boris Skyar, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center.

Proponents of a California Chamber of Commerce-opposed plan to increase taxes on commercial property to fund poverty reduction programs have called off efforts to place the initiative on the November ballot.

The Torrance Unified School District's Board of Education will be choosing one new member for the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee at its regular meeting on March 21, 2016. The vacancy will need to be filled according to the bylaws. Individuals who meet the criteria for membership of the Taxpayers' Organization position, who are interested in serving on this committee, may access the application and bylaws here. Applications can be dropped off at the TUSD Office of the Deputy Superintendent at 2335 Plaza del Amo, Torrance, CA  90509 or can be mailed to the same address by March 10, 2016, 5:00 p.m. deadline. Please contact Dr. Donald Stabler at stabler.donald@tusd.org with any comments or questions.