An Award-Winning Weekly Publication
OUT & ABOUT WITH DONNA
Hotel General Managers and Owners Convene for Meeting with Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi's Staff
Earlier today, several hotel owners, general managers and I met with Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi’s district staff to discuss a bill jointly authored by Assemblymember Al Muratusuchi and Assemblymember Bill Quirk. The so-called hotel maid “panic button” bill would require hotels to provide employees working alone in a guest room with a “panic button.” Meant to protect employees from sexual harassment and sexual assault, the panic button, carried by the employee, can be used if the employee reasonably believes an “ongoing crime, harassment or other emergency is happening in the employee’s presence.”

The bill also requires that a hotel record any accusations that a guest has committed an act of violence or sexual harassment against an employee and keep a list of those accusations for five years. The hotel will decline service, for a period of three years, to any guest accused of these crimes when a statement is made under penalty of perjury. After those three years, a hotel employer must inform an employee, prior to the start of his or her shift, that he or she is assigned to work alone in a room of a guest who is on the list and warn the employee to ‘exercise caution when entering that guest’s room.”

The hotel owners and general managers were provided the opportunity to offer feedback and concerns regarding this bill.
NEWS
Don't Miss Out on Tax Credits for Your Company
Do you know the state of California is offering over $200 million in tax credits this year to incentivize businesses to create full-time jobs? The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development will be available in your community for a free
one-hour workshop to explain how the California Competes Tax Credit program can help your business expand in the Golden State.

This program is available to businesses of all sizes throughout California. Join the 865 California businesses that have been awarded $624.9 million in tax credits since Governor Brown created the California Competes Tax Credit program in 2014. 

The next application period begins March, 5, 2018. For more information about the California Competes Tax Credit program including an application guide and FAQs, click  here . Let us help you save money and take your business to the next level.

Attention CPAs:  GO-Biz is now offering Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit for attending this one-hour workshop.
IRS Extends Employer Deadline for ACA Reporting Forms
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently  announced  that it is extending the due date for certain 2017 Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting forms to be provided to employees.
  • The deadline for employers to provide Form 1095-B, Health Coverage or Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage to employees is March 2, 2018, (extended from January 31, 2018).
  • The deadline for employers to file the 2017 Form 1095 and Form 1094 (transmittal forms) with the IRS is unchanged. Employers must file the 2017 Form 1094-B, Form 1095-B, Form 1094-C or Form 1095-C by February 28, 2018, if filing by mail or by April 2, 2018, if filing electronically (required for employers who have to submit 250 or more forms). Read more...
Congratulations to Torrance's New Chief of Police
On January 9th, 2018, Eve Irvine was sworn in as the first-ever female Chief of Police for the Torrance Police Department.

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere congratulations to Chief Irvine and looks forward to celebrating her, and the Department, at the 2018 Torrance Police Department Awards & Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, March 22nd .
Strengthening International Business Relationships
Today's world is characterized by globalization, ever-improving information and multicultural communities. The Japan Business Association of Southern California is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop and improve the business environment for Japanese companies in Southern California.

The JBA/TACC Business Exchange and Grand Mixer is attended annually by 200 to 300 individuals, and provides a unique opportunity for those in attendance. Please join us for this wonderful, 19-years-running event on February 1st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Together, we are fostering global awareness and international collaboration on a local level, which serves to benefit our economic health here and abroad.

Special thanks to Robinson Helicopter Company for hosting this year's event. We are thrilled to invite members of the JBA and TACC to mix and mingle in the hangar at one of the South Bay's most treasured companies.
Pictured Above: Jonathan Beutler, Donna Duperron and City of Torrance Mayor Patrick J. Furey visited with Japan's Consul General Akira Chiba and President of the Japan Business Association at last year's JBA/TACC Grand Mixer and Business Exchange. Pictured Below: Members of the TACC and JBA enjoy a dynamic evening of networking at the 18th annual event.
ICE Raids and What California Employers Need to Know About New Laws
California employers have particular reason to be concerned with ICE raids at the workplace.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Immigrant Worker Protection Act (AB 450) provides California workers with protection from immigration enforcement while on the job. Employers will need to comply with strict rules limiting when ICE can be given access to the worksite or employee records. Employers will also have to follow new notice obligations. These brand new requirements apply to all employers, regardless of size.

California employers can no longer voluntarily allow ICE to enter nonpublic work areas or to access company records. Instead, ICE must present legal documentation in the form of a warrant or subpoena before you can allow access. This prohibition does not apply to Form I-9 or other documents for which a Notice of Inspection was provided to the employer. Read more...
TPD Seeks Nine Year Winning Streak at Challenge Cup Relay
This year marks the 34th consecutive Challenge Cup Relay, a 120 mile relay race from Baker, CA to Las Vegas, NV. With over 250 agencies from around the world competing, it is the largest law enforcement competition of its kind. The Torrance Police Department has won 1st place in its division the last 8 years (2010-2017) and finished 8th overall out of 272 teams in 2017. This event is funded 100% from donations and only made possible by the generosity of our community. If you would like to contribute to TPD's team, a GoFundMe page has been set up, and donations can be made Here .
Ted Lieu's Office Hosts Third Annual Bi-Partisan, Multi-District Service Academy Day at the Los Angeles Air Force Base
On Saturday, February 10th, 2018, from 1:00-4:00pm, Ted Lieu's office will host its Third Annual Bi-Partisan, Multi-District Service Academy Day. Students 6th-11th grade, parents, and educators are welcome to attend and listen to speakers from each of the United States Military Branch Academies.

Because of the restricted access to the base, RSVP is required no later than January 31st, 2018 at https://ca33serviceacademyday.eventbrite.com. Questions should be directed to Daisy Paniagua-Uribe at (323) 651-1040. Click here for more information.
EVENTS
Technology & Innovation: Jan. 23rd @ 8am
This month's group will be a roundtable discussion about business efficiency. Regardless of your industry, current TACC members and their employees are welcome to join in the discussion about how to better manage the technologies that drive your day-to-day operations. RSVP is requested. Please note that the group will meet in the "Cafe Room" of the Palos Verdes Bowl. Call us at 310-540-5858 with questions or to RSVP by phone.

TACC & Japan Business Association (JBA) 19th Annual
Grand Mixer & Business Exchange
Thursday, Feb. 1st @ 5pm-7pm
Hosted By: Robinson Helicopter Co., 2901 Airport Dr., Torrance
TACC Members: $20 | Non-Members: $40
Business at Breakfast: Feb. 6th @ 7:45am-9:15am
Hosted by: Norms, 18705 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance
Cause you gotta eat. Take your multitasking to the next level at Business at Breakfast! Seating is limited to the first 40 reservations, so grab your ticket today! $25 per person; includes meal.

Click Here to Reserve Your Seat! or call (310) 540-5858
Women in Business: Feb. 9th @ 8am
Open to current members of the TACC and their employees.

Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month at 8am at the TACC Office (note our new location!) RSVP is requested. Click Here to RSVP
Chamber 101: Feb. 13th @ 9am
Learn more about membership & how to maximize your results with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. RSVP is REQUIRED.
Click Here to RSVP online or call (310) 540-5858.
Ribbon Cutting: Feb. 14th @ 8:45am

Lisa's Cafe & Bakery (A Lisa's Bon Appetit Company)
3511 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance
(Located in the Town & Country Plaza @ Corner of PCH and Rolling Hills Way)
Governmental Affairs Policy (GAP): Feb. 14th @ Noon
Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 12pm at the TACC office. (Note our new location!) RSVP is required by email & a light lunch is provided. GAP members discuss and establish Chamber positions on various legislative issues that are of significance to the Torrance area business community. Click Here to RSVP Via Email
Education & Workforce Development: Feb. 21st @ 8:30am
Open to current members of the TACC and their employees. Meets at the TACC office. (Note our new location!)

RSVP is requested. Click Here to RSVP
State of the Region: Feb. 22nd @ 11:30am
This highly-anticipated event features addresses from Congressional Representatives Maxine Waters and Ted Lieu.

Reservations and community sponsorships are available online.

5th Annual Torrance Police Department Appreciation & Awards Luncheon: Mar. 22nd @ 11:30am
Join us as we honor the brave officers of the Torrance Police Department who, while serving in an official or unofficial capacity, have distinguished themselves through outstanding performance above and beyond the call of duty.

March 29th : City of Torrance City Council Candidates Forum

April 6th : State of the State
with State Senators Ben Allen and Steven Bradford, and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi

May 2nd : Torrance Fire Department Awards & Appreciation
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.
The Chamber Helps Torrance Area Businesses Reach Their Full Potential
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce | (310) 540-5858 | www.TorranceChamber.com