Aaron Aalcides
2012 – 2013 Chairman of the Board

Setting Course for Business Success

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization of approximately 750 businesses. Its mission is to create a strong local economy by being the voice of business before government, provide networking opportunities to its members, promote the community and take political action. Through these actions, we help business members to grow and promote collaboration; thus, assuring prosperity for the Torrance Area.

The Chamber also provides resources and access to the most prominent business leaders in the community who are volunteers in our chamber organization. Additionally, it provides access to City officials, local legislators, financial organizations, and continued education on business finance, human resources and mentorship from entrepreneurs who are willing to share years of business success and knowledge.

This past year, the Chamber leadership has created a five-year strategic action plan that puts us on course to create business success. During this fiscal year we have begun to focus on the following: economic development, internal operations, communications and government affairs. With the commitment and involvement of the full board of directors, we have organized a task force for each of the four areas.

In support of our membership and creating value for their investment, the Chamber and the City of Torrance are working on the development of a Business Council to represent and advocate for the business community directly to the City of Torrance. Additionally, the commitment of the City of Torrance and the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce has contributed to the South Bay Entrepreneurial Center (SBEC) which will provide access to new

entrepreneurs. The SBEC provides a place where entrepreneurs can meet, exchange ideas, and access mentors and business resources to help our local businesses grow, create jobs, and foster economic development in the South Bay.

While we express our willingness to work with the City of Torrance, we must not forget that the basic strategy for real economic survival and growth begins with our own business community. It is the innovation, planning, insight, administration and drive within any business organization that ultimately determines the success or failure of that organization.

The value of your Chamber membership comes in many forms. The chance to promote your business; the opportunity to expand your knowledge and business skills; the vehicle through which you can serve the community that supports your business; the option of linking with other local businesses to strengthen your own position and offering. Only your imagination limits the possibilities of what your membership can mean to you.
Operating your business from behind your four walls is probably not the best way to survive today’s challenging business climate. We need to know who you are and what you do, and one of the best ways to get your message across is to be an active member of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to seeing you in the near future at one of our chamber functions.