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OUT & ABOUT WITH DONNA
Happy 70th Birthday, United States Air Force!
This past Monday, I was honored to attend the 70 th Birthday ceremony at Space and Missile Systems, Los Angeles Air Force Base. Colonel Thomas Rock extended the invitation through the Honorary Commander program that he and I are partnered in. 

Major General Taverney spoke about the history of flight and the official date of the founding of the US Air Force on September 18 1947. From the time that the US military purchased its first aircraft in 1909 up to 1947, the US Air Force did not exist as a separate and independent military service organization. In 1947, President Truman signed the National Security Act which established this new defense organization, and along with it the creation of the US Air Force as an independent service, equal to the US Army and US Navy.
NEWS
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce leadership along with several local officials and representatives welcomed the Chinese delegation.
Chamber Welcomes Delegation from China
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed a delegation from Jiangsu, a coastal province north of Shanghai. Jiangsu is one of the leading provinces in manufacturing, electronics and apparel items. “This visit by a high level delegation of Chinese business leaders is of great significance to our chamber. The lively and sincere discussion was impressive,” stated Laurie Brandt, Chairman of the Board.

Jonathan Beutler, Sunrider International, served as master of ceremonies. Also welcoming the delegation were Jennifer Olvera, Green Hills Memorial Park; Norman Arikawa, Port of Los Angeles; Mark Waronek, representing Supervisor Janice Hahn; Heidi Ashcraft, Torrance City Council; Andrew DeBlock, representing ,Assembly member Al Muratsuchi; Olina Wibroe, representing Senator Ben Allen; Hamilton Cloud, representing Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Donna Duperron, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.

The purpose of the visit was to discuss international trade between businesses in Torrance and China, and to continue strengthening cooperative efforts overseas for private enterprises to build platforms for both sides in various related fields.
Torrance Community Joins Together for Coastal Cleanup Day
This past Saturday the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with the City of Torrance and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. for Coastal Clean up day.

More than 450 individuals, of all ages, collected trash and recyclables from Torrance Beach. In all, 275 pounds was collected. Appreciated is extended to Beach Captains, Leslie Cortez, Senior Admin Analyst/Storm Water Outreach and Betty Perez, Administrative Assistant, City of Torrance.
Parental Leave Mandate for Small Business Passes
A job killer bill mandating a new protected leave of absence for small businesses passed the Legislature this week and is on its way to the Governor.

SB 63 (Jackson; D-Santa Barbara)  passed the Assembly on September 12 by a vote of 51-15. A day later, the Senate voted 25-13 to concur in Assembly amendments to the bill, sending the bill along to the Governor.

The California Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of business groups and local chambers of commerce have been  opposing  SB 63 because it unduly burdens and increases costs of small employers with as few as 20 employees by requiring 12 weeks of protected employee leave for child bonding. It also exposes employers to the threat of costly litigation. Click Here to read more...
Legislature Sends Workforce Development Bill to Governor
A California Chamber of Commerce- supported  bill that would help increase California’s skilled workforce by authorizing a competitive grant program has passed the Legislature and awaits action by the Governor.

AB 1111  (E. Garcia; D-Coachella)  is designed to assist individuals who face multiple barriers to employment by providing them with remedial education and work readiness skills to prepare them for training, educational, apprenticeship or employment opportunities. Click Here to read more...
EVENTS
Torrance Fire Department Strategic Planning Community Workshop

Monday, Sept. 25th | 11:30am-1:00pm
Nakano Theater | 3330 Civic Center Drive | Torrance

The Torrance Fire Department is currently working on improving quality of services by establishing a community-driven component of its strategic plan for the next five years. Business community members are welcome to attend this brief workshop to provide feedback to the TFD. Click Here to RSVP via email.
Economic Development Committee Meeting

Friday, Sept. 29th | 8:30am-10am

The mission of the TACC Economic Development Committee is to identify opportunities for building and maintaining Public-Private partnerships, shaping a 21st century workforce, creating a business-friendly environment and advocating for a 21st century infrastructure in the Torrance area.
GAP (Governmental Affairs Policy)
Wednesday, Oct. 11th
12noon @ TACC Upstairs Boardroom
GAP is Open To Current TACC Members Only

Women in Business Committee Meeting

Friday, Oct. 13th | 8:00am-9:30am

The mission of the TACC Women in Business committee is to support the role of women in today's workforce. To provide women in business with a forum to engage with other members and build partnerships that will increase business potential as well as lasting friendships.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrations:

Atlantis Physical Therapy
Thursday, Oct. 12th | 4pm
3528 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100 | Torrance

Shiny Little Blessings
Hosted at The Remedy Pharm
Wednesday, Nov. 8th | 4pm
23811 Hawthorne Blvd. | Torrance
Kincaid's
Business @ Noon: Kincaid's
'Cause You Gotta Eat'

Tuesday, Nov. 14th
11:45am-1:15pm
$25 per person (includes meal)

There's Always Something Happening at the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce!
NEW MEMBERS
Congratulations on Joining the Torrance Area Chamber Community!
RENEWING MEMBERS
  The Torrance Area Business Community Wouldn't Be the Same Without You.
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The Chamber Helps Torrance Area Businesses Reach Their Full Potential
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce | (310) 540-5858 | www.TorranceChamber.com