Chamber Weekly | News & Events

September 12, 2023

Out & About with Donna

Father John Mahfouz, St. Matthew Orthodox Christian Church, is surrounded by South Bay Falafel Festival volunteers.

Donna experiences two special events

This past Saturday, I had the unique opportunity to visit two chamber businesses who were hosting special events. The morning began at the Salvation Army Torrance Corps where they were holding a community open house. My second destination was the South Bay Falafel Festival hosted by St. Matthew Orthodox Christian Church.

The Salvation Army tour provided a glimpse into the Hunt Recording Studio and the Crescendo Music and Dance Academy. The Crescendo Music and Dance Academy offers affordable music lessons as an after-school program for the youth of the community. There are currently 81 students in the music program. The Hunt Recording Studio works in conjunction with the Academy providing kids opportunities to record their music and learn about the recording process. Read More...

News

Q&A with Torrance Mayor George Chen

In anticipation of Friday's State of the City Address, Mayor George Chen was asked questions by: Ryan Guitare, Communications Coordinator.

What is your biggest accomplishment thus far during your term as mayor?

I think the biggest accomplishment is not just from me alone as mayor, but collectively as a council working together balancing the budget and achieving a financial status for our city that’s trending upwards. Collectively we work together. There was a time when I was still running for mayor when people were talking about how Torrance was rated fourth from the bottom with $585 thousand in reserves and now, we are pushing upwards to $58 million. Again, that’s not me alone it is, my colleges, my council and city staff. It is important to look at how we are spending money and also creating a path for a vibrant future for this city. At the end of the day, it's all about the money, the more revenue we can generate the better we can provide services to our city business and residents. Read More...

Chamber Joins Coalition to Oppose SB799

Torrance Chamber Joins Coalition to Oppose SB799, Unemployment during Labor Strikes

The Torrance Chamber has joined a California Chamber coalition to oppose SB799; a bill that will provide unemployment benefits to striking workers even through they are not looking for work and have a job waiting for them once the labor dispute is resolved. This is a sharp departure from more than 70 years of precedent in California (federal law), which traditionally require workers be looking for work, available to work, and unemployed through no fault of their own.

California employers are already paying increased UI taxes because of Covid-19. California employers are already paying increased taxes due to the massive unemployment wave caused by the state-mandated Covid-19 shutdowns and the resulting $18 billion UI Fund debt.

Duperron addresses Emerging Leaders Council

Donna Duperron addressed the Emerging Leaders Council of the Western Association of Chamber Executives (WACE) last Friday. Duperron spoke on the topic of why it is important for chambers of commerce to engage in public policy work.

The Emerging Leaders Council was formed to identify and recognize future leaders (all under 40) in W.A.C.E. and the chamber of commerce industry. Members reside throughout the western half of the United States.

Lieutenant General Michael A. Guetlien welcomes honorees and family members.

Six honorees inducted to Schriever Wall of Honor

Lieutenant General Michael A. Guetlien presided over a Schriever Wall of Honor Ceremony last Thursday at Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base. The six distinguished pioneers recognized for their contributions and accomplishments were James D. Billingsley; Lt General Donald L. Cromer; Gerard W. Elverum, Jr.;Lt General Otto J. Glasser; Robert H. Van Vooren and Col Victor W. Whitehead.

General Bernard Schriever retired from the Air Force as a four-star general in 1966. He is truly a national hero, and his leadership proved to be a crucial factor to the US success during the Cold War. General Schriever is now considered the father of the Air Force's space and ballistic missile programs.

Donna Duperron attended the ceremony.