February 2010

1. Chairman’s Message 2. City of Torrance Invites All Torrance Businesses to Apply for the Third Annual Torrance Advantage Awards 3. Torrance Chamber Supports the Community with the Nonprofit Coalition 4. R&D Solutions 5. Leadership Torrance Class of 2010 Learns About Leadership Styles 6. Welcome New Members 7. Celebrate Membership Anniversaries

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE   Hope your 2010 is off to a fast and furious start!  Things are moving at fast pace and things are moving at Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.  Thanks to Judy Gibson and Richard Tsao we celebrated an exciting Chinese New Year Dragon Circle Event this January.  The evening was animated, the food was great and we honored two Chinese organizations that have made significant contributions to the Torrance Area. This month chamber members can look out for the start of a new “TechPros” group beginning for IT business and professionals. This special interest groups always add value to your Chamber Membership and give opportunity for others in your organization to connect, build and refine skills.  Special thanks needs to go to Mike Goguen, Vice Chair of Membership Programs and Board Member Dan Thomas for bringing that group from an idea to reality. One last thing:  is anyone else enjoying what is going in the political spectrum?  No matter what your views the dialogue is invigorating!  You can join our chamber and chambers all across the L.A. region in an annual trip called Access D.C.  At this event, 200 bipartisan business and civic leaders will meet with legislators on national issues vital to Southern California from March 15-17.  You can participate in that and be a part of the important dialogues that happening in D.C.  For more information on Access D.C. click here. Dan Keeton Chairman of the Board

CITY OF TORRANCE INVITES ALL TORRANCE BUSINESSES TO APPLY FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL TORRANCE ADVANTAGE AWARDS Torrance, Calif., February 4, 2010 – The City of Torrance Office of Economic Development invites all Torrance businesses to apply for the third annual Torrance Advantage Awards (TAA) recognizing businesses for their accomplishments in the year 2009. Applications are now available at www.TorranceCA.Gov/TAA.htm and due by 5:00 p.m. on February 25, 2010. In addition to the crystal TAA trophy, winners will receive $200 to help toward their operational expenses, a Letter of Appreciation from Mayor Scotto, Certificates of Recognition from regional elected officials and will be featured in City’s promotional efforts such as on the website and other business-related tools. Winners will be announced at the Torrance Advantage Awards Ceremony to be held on March 25, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the newly-opened Miyako Hybrid Hotel. According to Mayor Frank Scotto, “TAA is one of the significant ways we say thank you to Torrance businesses for their contributions. Through their efforts, our local economy remains strong and able to face our current national and regional economic challenges. I encourage all businesses to apply! Please let us say “thank you” in this special way!”  The Awards will showcase innovative economic development strategies, best practices, and outstanding results. Awards will be given in four categories: People to People Award will honor an organization’s excellence in enhancing employment opportunities in Torrance. Additionally, it will honor an organization’s commitment to its current employees and investments in their talented and skilled workforce. Enriching the Community Award will recognize businesses for their excellence in contributing to the prosperity of Torrance through increase in revenue and tax base Quality of Life Community Investor Award will honor businesses whose products, systems, methods and services contribute significantly to the improvement of the quality of life of the Torrance community. Moreover, the Award will recognize businesses that take the extra step and serve the community. Businesses who contribute to the greening of the community may also be recognized separately for their efforts in this area. Long-Term Investor will honor businesses who have demonstrated excellence throughout the years with sustained success. The City will honor businesses who exhibit long-term success and commitment to investing in the economic development of the community through partnerships, innovative strategies and continuous effort toward progress. For more information about this event you can call the Office of Economic Development at (310) 618-5807 or visit www.TorranceCA.Gov/TAA.htm.

TORRANCE CHAMBER SUPPORTS THE COMMUNITY WITH THE NONPROFIT COALITION The Nonprofit Coalition is a unique facet of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.  Nonprofit staff and nonprofit board members attend bi-monthly brown bag meetings at the Chamber offices for approximately one hour to learn about a specific topic covered by an outstanding presenter. Although there is no charge to attend, attendees say these gatherings are the best value in town and have been exceedingly well received. All nonprofit Chamber members are invited to stay after the meetings, if they wish, to network with other members. Some of the topics have included Principal Legal Issues, Money Matters, Building a Strong Board, How to Ask For Money Without Fainting, How to Publicize Your Nonprofit, Nonprofit Succession Planning, and Managing Multiple Demands. Nonprofit members of the Chamber are regular attendees. Non members can attend two meetings but must join the Chamber if they wish to attend additional meetings. Upcoming activities for the Nonprofit Coalition include a meeting on March 26 that would be networking only. On April 23, back by popular demand, Jeff Wilcox, President/CEO Executive Consulting will make the presentation about ‘Nonprofit Leadership in the New Decade’. Also back by popular demand, Kathleen Terry will speak on June 25. Her topic will be ‘How to Get Out of Email Jail.’ All of these meetings will convene from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.  Reservations can be made by calling the Chamber at 310-540-5858. Come join the camaraderie and take back valuable information to your nonprofit!

R&D SOLUTIONS

LEADERSHIP TORRANCE CLASS OF 2010 LEARNS ABOUT LEADERSHIP STYLES “Leadership is defined as the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal,” said Maribel Denner, Director of Leadership Torrance. “On behalf of Leadership Torrance 2010’s program directors, I would like to welcome the Class of 2010 to a journey of discovery and accountability.”  The Leadership Torrance Class of 2010 kicked of their session with the first official meeting. The new class, including a few alumni, met at the Torrance Marriot for their retreat facilitated by Steven Foster from Circle R Ranch. He engaged the group in identifying their personal style of leadership focusing on effective command and decision-making processes, recognizing potential leadership conflicts and resolving issues.  Within the next 6 months, the Leadership Torrance class will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of what Leadership Torrance can provide and each participant is encouraged to take an active role towards building a stronger community. “Maximize your time together by networking with influential leaders, engaging in highly visible activities, and working together to elevate your circle of influence,” said Maribel. “Thank you for your commitment to YOUR success.  Enjoy the experience.”

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! Joey's Smokin BBQ William Yoo 370 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite E205 Torrance, CA 90503 (310)683-3391 Kay Grundhaus 3030 Merril Drive #25 Torrance, CA 90503 www.homesbykay.com Luminit Linh Whitaker 1850 W. 205th street Torrance, CA 90501 (310)320-1066 (310)320-8067 www.luminitco.com Romtek Web Solutions Denis Giulea 2310 W. 205th St. Suite #201 Torrance, CA 90501 (310)222-8668 www.romtekwebsolutions.com Romtek Web Solutions Teo Giulea 2310 W. 205th St. Suite #201 Torrance, CA 90501 (310)222-8668 www.romtekwebsolutions.com The Office of L. Debbie Murad, LCSW & Lawrence Bralow, M.D. Debbie Murad 25500 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 1240 Torrance, CA 90505 (310)953-1569 Wattel & York Daniel Hoffiz 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 700 Torrance, CA 90503 (310)540-6851 (877)711-2080 www.wattelandyork.com

CELEBRATE MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES! Adecco Alco Technologies, Inc. Alodar Systems, Inc. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Bachem Americas Bradley W. Miller DDS California Bank & Trust Canon Business Solutions Corporate Office Centers DCH Toyota and Scion of Torrance Doubletree Hotel Torrance/South Bay Edugaston, Inc. Edward Jones Investments Enterprise Communications Eric O. Johnson, DDS Exxon Mobil Corporation H&r Block Premium Hitachi Automotive Products Industrial Dynamics Co. Ltd. Industrial Lock & Security J. Scott Fleming, OD Jean Adelsman Kouzmanoff Financial & Insurance Se Metropolitan Water District Of So. National Council On Alcoholism & Dr New Century Properties & Investment Outback Steakhouse Paul A. Ginsburg, Attorney at Law Pediatric Therapy Network Photo Sciences, Inc. Physical Optics Corp. Pregnancy Help Center Raytheon Red Lobster S.H.A.R.P. Treatment of South Bay SOS Storage Centers Sakura Finetek, U.s.a., Inc. Selim Logistics Systems USA, Inc. ShareFest Community Development South Bay Bmw South Coast Surgical Associates Special Service For Groups Steve Lampe-Palos Verdes Realty Sun Chlorella USA Switzer Learning Center T.A. Patty Development, Inc. Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce T Torrance Historical Society & Museu Torrance Police Officers Assn. Toyota Motor Sales, U.s.a., Inc. Tradewinds Escrow, Inc. Tsuneishi Insurance Agency, Inc. Volunteer Ctr., South Bay-harbor-lo Westwood College Working Wardrobes