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OUT & ABOUT WITH DONNA
Boys and Girls Club of the South Bay Presents 'Great Futures Start Here' Annual Breakfast
Children play an integral part in our lives. They are extremely special. Yesterday, I was honored to have been a judge at the Boys and Girls Club, Connie Waters Memorial ‘Youth of the Year’ scholarship breakfast hosted by Sunrider International. Judges also included several current and former board members from the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, legislators and several business executives.

Our initial task was to select winners in three different age group categories in a photography competition and three winners in an art competition. The photography was extraordinary, but the artwork captured my heart. I especially loved the use of crayons, by a child in the 6 – 8 year old category capturing the forest. Attention to detail by this young artist was incredible.

Mark Waronek, Master of Ceremonies, individually called three girls to the podium. Each girl delivered a speech defining their incredible journey and their dedication to creating a successful lifestyle. Each of them also provided details of how important the Boys and Girls Clubs of the South Bay is to them. Read More...
NEWS
Pictured Above (L to R): Donna Duperron, President/CEO, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce; Santiago Munoz, Chief Strategy Officer, UCLA Health; Lesley Wille, Senior Vice President, Kaiser Permanente; Craig Leach, President & CEO, Torrance Memorial Medical Center; Mary Kingston, Chief Executive, Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Centers, Torrance & San Pedro; Mark Nelson, Regional Director & Senior Consultant, Employers Group; Tara O'Brien, Director of Public Affairs and Brand Communications, Kaiser Permenente; Jac Folkert, Area Director of Marketing, Development & Community Outreach, Department of Medicine, UCLA Health; and Laurie Latham Brandt, Chairwoman of the Board, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and Co-Proprietor, Red Car Brewery & Restaurant
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce and Health Care Executives Convene for First of Its Kind Event
This week, more than 100 Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce members and associates convened with a panel of health care executives from the South Bay's four major hospitals for a discussion about the affordability, accessibility and quality of health care in our area.

Jac Folkert of UCLA Health served as the emcee for the morning's event, while Tara O'Brien acting as panel moderator. A very special thanks to all for clearing their schedules and being a part of this timely and informative event. Additional thanks are extended to Linda Amato and her exemplary staff at the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance-South Bay.
Switzer Learning Center to Honor TACC Chairwoman of the Board
For nearly two decades, Switzer Learning Center has honored women who have made significant contributions to the South Bay through their work in the community.

Last week, at a Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting celebration, Dr. Rebecca Foo of the Switzer Learning Center, surprised Laurie Latham Brandt with balloons and the announcement that she is one of this year's women being honored at Switzer's "South Bay Women of the Year" event on February 8th, 2018.

Congratulations, Laurie! We are delighted that you are being recognized for all you do for our community!
Torrance Chamber Holds Annual Labor Law Update Event
2018 will bring with it a host of new labor laws and compliance requirements for employers. The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual Labor Law update to keep members up-to-speed with changes and tips to stay ahead of the curve. This year's event was a great success; with more than 40 TACC members participating in a dynamic discussion with expert panelists. Special thanks to Rob Van Lingen, Vice Chair of Public & Government Relations for the TACC and President of The Van Lingen Group, for moderating the event and to Bachem Americas, Inc. for sponsoring the event.

Additional appreciation is extended to Karl Schmidt, General Counsel with Parker, Milliken, Clark, O'Hara & Samuelian, APC and Mistee Ruiz, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Chief People Officer with Facio, Your People Solutions. Their expertise is greatly appreciated and valued by all of the members in attendance.
Leadership Torrance Class of 2018 Applications Deadline Extended
Are you, or do you have an employee that is an emerging leader that is looking to develop their leadership skills? If yes, then click on the link below to learn about Leadership Torrance.

Leadership Torrance is a professional development program designed to help current and future leaders in business and other community organizations develop their leadership skills, community knowledge, and professional networks. Through the program, participants will learn and refine their leadership styles, meet and make connections with leaders in the community, and discover opportunities for community engagement and involvement.
TACC Ambassadors Volunteer as Bell Ringers with The Salvation Army
Last weekend, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors volunteered their time as bell ringers for The Salvation Army. Pictured above are Larry Halvorsen, Express Employment Professionals, Charlene Nishimura, Pediatric Therapy Network, Charlotte Melsh and her granddaughter Amanda with Palos Verdes Bowl, and Claudine Garcia with the Promotions Department. Not pictured is Jack Walser of Walser's, who also volunteered. Thank you all for your service to our community and for spreading holiday cheer everywhere you go!
Scott Robinson Honda Hosts TACC's Annual Holiday Mixer
Last night, Scott Robinson Honda graciously hosted the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce's annual holiday mixer; bringing together members and non-members alike for a fun evening of networking complete with delicious food catered by Lisa's Bon Appetit.

Thank you to all who joined us for the event, and a very special thanks to Jeff Robinson, Vic Simonian, and the entire Scott Robinson Honda team for putting together a truly Happy Honda-days celebration!

Pictured below: Donna Duperron, Jeff Robinson, Laurie Latham Brandt, Vic Simonian and John Heffernan in the foyer of Scott Robinson Honda on Hawthorne Blvd. in Torrance.
There's Always Something Happening at the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce!
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Congratulations on Joining the Torrance Area Chamber Community!
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  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