Member Login
Menu
Cart

small business

Welcome to the Board 2024

Announcing New Lomita Chamber Board Members for 2024

, , , , , , ,

Welcome to the Board 2024

The Lomita Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that five new board members will join the full board of directors in January 2024 and recognized at the Installation Gala on February 8, 2024. The board is an all-volunteer group that guides the mission, policy setting, and governance of the Chamber as they serve the Lomita and South Bay business community.

Joining the board for a first 3-year term are Andrew Aparicio of Element Outdoor Living dba The BBQ Element, Laurie Glover of Silverado Memory Care Communities, Jane Lau of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services CA, and Steve MacAller of Torrance-South Bay YMCA. Tracy Maestro of California Water Services Company is reappointed to serve a second three-year term.

“We welcome our new board members to the Chamber team.  The addition of our new board members significantly enriches our team, bringing a diverse range of perspectives crucial for navigating our business landscape in Lomita,” said Heidi Butzine, Lomita Chamber President/CEO.

Additionally, Jeff Koven of Koven Video Productions is serving as a one-year appointee and Mary Hornickel of The Wellness Company and Danielle Boujikian are serving as two-year appointees.

Board members continuing to serve their terms are:

Jennifer Olvera, of Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park, will serve a second term as Chair of the Board, Tracy Maestro of California Water Service will continue to serve as Chair-Elect, Paris Chevalier of South Bay Credit Union will continue to serve as Treasurer, Sharon Shapiro-Fox of Athens Services will serve as Secretary and Heidi Butzine of Lomita Chamber will serve as Immediate Past Chair.

Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Agent
Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board
Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.
Mark Waronek (ex officio liaison), City of Lomita

The following board members will complete their term at of the end of 2023 or have moved on from the Lomita Chamber board of directors during this year:

Erik Bowman – Localista Media
Mark Hardaway – Ecospin Laundry/Happy Nest
Victor Ibarra –  SoCalGas

The Lomita Chamber is truly grateful for these talented and dedicated individuals’ years of service toward the guidance and continued improvement of the organization.

 

2024 minimum wage

Minimum Wage Increase January 1, 2024 ($16.00 Per Hour)

, , , , , , , , , ,

2024 minimum wage

Starting January 1, 2024, all California employers, regardless of size, must adhere to a minimum wage of $16.00 per hour. (Salary for exempt employees will rise to at least $66,560.)

Certain areas within California, like the City of Los Angeles ($16.78) and unincorporated Los Angeles County ($16.90), have higher minimum wage rates depending on where employees perform their work.  These specific rates are set to be adjusted on July 1, 2024.

Learn more about the 2024 employment laws from Chase Law Group  (a Lomita Chamber member):

Should you have any questions regarding your company’s employment law concerns, contact an employment attorney for guidance. 

Join us for our webinar to learn more about the 2024 Employment Law affecting your business.

BOI reporting requirement

Corporate Transparency Act: Companies to Report Beneficial Owner Information for Enhanced Financial Security starting January 1, 2024

, , , , , , , , ,

BOI reporting requirement

Starting on January 1 2024, your company may be required to report information about the people who own or control it to the US Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). FinCEN promotes national security and protects the US financial system from fraud and abuse by criminals and corrupt officials.

Many corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and other entities created in or registered to do business in the United States will likely be required to report their beneficial ownership information to FinCEN. There are 23 categories of those entities that may be exempt including some types of larger companies, banks, credit unions, tax exempt entities registered with the IRS, and public utilities.

Per the employment law attorneys at Chase Law Group  (a Lomita Chamber member):

“A reporting company will need to furnish various details, including its legal name and any trade name or Doing Business As (DBA), its address, the jurisdiction in which it was formed or first registered (depending on whether it’s a U.S. or foreign company), and its Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).”

Click here to read more about this new rule and how it may apply to your business.

Be sure to visit the US Treasury FinCen website for resources.

Should you have any questions regarding your company’s employment law concerns, contact an employment attorney for guidance. 

pay transparency 2023

Pay Transparency Law

, , , , , , , , ,

pay transparency 2023

 As of January 1, 2023, California employers upon request must provide pay scale information to employees and applicants for the position the employee is working. Employers with 15 or more employees must include pay scale information for the position in job postings. Employers with 100 or more employees must also report number of employees by race, ethnicity and sex by pay bands and job categories. 

Employers should prepare accordingly by reviewing their HR policies related to salary data and making sure they have clear policies regarding confidentiality of this information among employees.

minimum wage increase january 2023

Minimum Wage Increase January 1, 2023 ($15.50 Per Hour For All California Employers)

, , , , , , , , ,

minimum wage increase january 2023

On January 1, 2023, California’s minimum wage increased by $.50 to $15.50 per hour.  Certain cities, including the City of Los Angeles is $16.04 per hour and Unincorporated Los Angeles County is $15.90 per hour. 

This is the first of a series of annual increases that will bring up California’s minimum as inflation and CPI increase.

The new minimum wage applies to all employees who work in California for employers subject to both federal and state laws.

Per the employment law attorneys at Chase Law Group  (a Lomita Chamber member):

“Employers must pay their employees pursuant to whichever law affords employees the highest minimum wage. Also increases in the state minimum wage requires that exempt employees must be paid twice the state minimum wage for full-time employment (40 hours per week). Therefore, as of January 1, 2023, most exempt salaried workers must be paid no less than $64,480 to retain exempt status.”

Should you have any questions regarding your company’s employment law concerns, contact an employment attorney for guidance. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2023 Board of Directors Announcement

, , , , , ,

The Lomita Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2023 Board of Directors and Officers and will welcome five new members to be seated at its January Board meeting and recognized at the Installation Gala on January 26, 2023.

Jennifer Olvera, of Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park, will serve as Chair of the Board, Tracy Maestro of California Water Service has been named Chair-Elect, Paris Chevalier of South Bay Credit Union will continue to serve as Treasurer, and Heidi Butzine of Social Workplace and Lomita Chamber will serve as Immediate Past Chair/Secretary for a one-year term.

“The past three years have proven the strength and relevancy of the Lomita Chamber of Commerce since we started as an entirely new organization,” said Jennifer Olvera, incoming Chair of the Board. “I look forward to following the excellent leadership from our Board and our other volunteers who serve unselfishly, and who are dedicated to our community to protect and promote a business-friendly environment.”

Jennifer Olvera, Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park | Chair of the Board
Jennifer Olvera, Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park | Chair of the Board
Tracy Maestro, California Water Service | Chair-Elect
Tracy Maestro, California Water Service | Chair-Elect
Paris Chevalier, South Bay Credit Union | Treasurer
Paris Chevalier, South Bay Credit Union | Treasurer
Heidi Butzine, Social Workplace | Immediate Past Chair/Secretary
Heidi Butzine, Social Workplace | Immediate Past Chair/Secretary

The three joining the Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2023, are Danielle Boujikian of Torrance Memorial Medical Center, Victor Ibarra of So Cal Gas and Sharon Shapiro-Fox of Athens Services. 

The two new members who will serve a one-year term are Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions and Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board. 

Danielle Boujikian, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Danielle Boujikian, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Victor Ibarra, SoCalGas
Victor Ibarra, SoCalGas
Sharon Shapiro-Fox, Athens Services
Sharon Shapiro-Fox, Athens Services
Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions
Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions
Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board
Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board

The Chamber Board also acknowledged that Jennifer Olvera of Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park, and Teresa Workman of Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co. will serve a second three-year term on the board.

Board members continuing to serve their terms include Erik Bowman, Localista Media; Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry; and Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Insurance Agent. Also on the board as a non-voting ex officio member is the City of Lomita liaison currently served by Mark Waronek.

“We’re happy to have a diverse group of businesses and organizations on our Board to build upon the strength of the previous year, with the knowledge and experience our Board provides,” said Heidi Butzine, President & CEO. “As a member focused nonprofit organization, we rely on volunteers to make our work possible. Business leaders who agree to serve on the Chamber Board share a commitment to creating an environment where all can thrive.”

Erik Bowman, Localista Media
Erik Bowman, Localista Media
Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry
Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry
Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Insurance Agent
Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Insurance Agent
Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.
Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.
Mark Waronek (Ex Officio Liaison), City of Lomita
Mark Waronek (Ex Officio Liaison), City of Lomita

The 2023 Lomita Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

Danielle Boujikian, Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Erik Bowman, Localista Media

Heidi Butzine, Social Workplace and Lomita Chamber*

Paris Chevalier, South Bay Credit Union*

Mark Hardaway, EcoSpin/Happy Nest Laundry

Victor Ibarra, So Cal Gas

Jeff Koven, Koven Video Productions

Tracy Maestro, California Water Service*

Jennifer Olvera, Coastal Funeral Center/Green Hills Memorial Park*

Tabitha Pennington, State Farm Agent

Sharon Shapiro-Fox, Athens Services

Jan Vogel, South Bay Workforce Investment Board

Teresa Workman, Workman + Kemp Real Estate Co.

Mark Waronek (ex officio liaison), City of Lomita 

*Indicates Executive Board Member

The 2023 Board of Directors will focus on critical issues for the Lomita Chamber of Commerce membership and business community, including providing valuable resources for member businesses, keeping members informed, connected, and prosperous, advancing community excellence, and maintaining organizational sustainability.

Small Business Season - Support Local

Let’s Show Our Support – Small Business Season

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

small business season

You’re Invited!

We invite you to join us to celebrate our community businesses and help them not just survive this Small Business Season, but to THRIVE!

When you’re doing your holiday shopping, we ask that you look local first. See if there is a local business who can offer the goods and services you are looking for.

Let’s support our local businesses, our neighbors and friends who provide jobs and give so much back to our community.

Shop Local

  • Commit to spending a portion of your holiday budget at local business.
  • Create a holiday shopping list with all the local businesses you love. Share with others.
  • Purchase gift cards to use at a later date or to give as gifts.
  • Take advantage of online ordering and curbside delivery.

Looking for a specific business? Support your Lomita Chamber members.

Eat Local

  • Frequent local restaurants.
  • Dine-in or get your meal(s) to go.
  • Treat yourself this holiday season and have a catered meal.
  • Purchase gift cards to use at a later date or to give as a gift.
  • Pick a day of the week and make it your take out day – Take Out Tuesdays sounds good!
  • Don’t forget dessert! Stop in at a local bakery/café/restaurant and pick up a treat.

Share the Love Online

  • When you shop or eat local, check in at the business on Facebook to give them exposure.
  • Hashtag #shoplomita #shoplocal #smallbusinessseason #shopsmall
  • Order online from a local business.
  • Post photos of your food, favorite items you’ve purchased, etc. on social media. Share photos of favorite items you would like as hints on social media for your friends and family.
  • Like and follow local businesses. Share and comment on their posts. Participate in local Facebook groups by recommending your favorite businesses.
  • Leave a review on Facebook, Google or Yelp of businesses you have been shopping at, dining in, etc.

Go The Extra Mile

  • Over tip your servers and service providers.
  • Tip your service provider in advance for future services.
  • Pay it forward. Pay for a coffee behind you, pick of a tab of another, etc.
  • If you have a membership or subscription to a business, continue paying it.
  • Take the time to say, “Thank You” to those serving you.
  • Tell the manager(s) how much you liked your experience, or how much you liked the service you received, etc.
  • Leave a nice note to your servers and service providers. A kind word can mean a lot!
  • Ask a business owner how you can help. This kind gesture will go a long way.
  • Send local businesses a holiday card to brighten their day.

Now through December 31st, we’re celebrating Small Business Season™. The chamber is encouraging every person of our community to support friends and neighbors by shopping, dining, and exploring our small businesses.

To learn more about the impact YOU have by shopping local and the impact SMALL BUSINESSES have in our communities, please read our other post/s here.

Join us and pledge to support local this holiday season. Shopping small can make a big difference.

Looking for a specific business? Support your Lomita Chamber members.

Follow the Lomita Chamber on social media for more ideas and announcements to celebrate Small Business Season™.

Icon label
Icon label
IG Post - Small Business Season

It’s Small Business Season!

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Now through December 31st, we’re celebrating Small Business Season™. The chamber is encouraging every person of our community to support friends and neighbors by shopping, dining, and exploring our small businesses.

Small Businesses Are a Big Deal to Lomita and the South Bay

Small business made up over 60% of all new jobs this year and yet they face many challenges from rising costs to filling vacancies. Plus, according to JP Morgan Chase, “The median small business holds (only) 27 cash buffer days in reserve. Half of all small businesses hold a cash buffer of less than one month. Moreover, 25% of small businesses hold fewer than 13 cash buffer days in reserve.” That means over 50% of small businesses wouldn’t last over a month on their reserves.

They need our help, and we need theirs. On average, $68 of every $100 spent locally stays in our community. Most of us turn to small businesses first when we’re seeking help for our nonprofits, youth activities, and sponsorships. When they thrive, we thrive!

Where you spend your money this holiday season matters.

Support small businesses by patronizing them and/or:

  • Writing reviews
  • Referring friends
  • Checking-in and taking pictures or videos and sharing them on social media when you’re visiting small businesses
  • Sharing small business posts on social media
  • Talking about your favorite businesses on social media
  • Hashtag #shoplomita #shoplocal #smallbusinessseason #shopsmall

Join us and pledge to support local this holiday season. Shopping small can make a big difference.

Follow the Lomita Chamber on social media for more ideas and announcements to celebrate Small Business Season™.

Icon label
Icon label
Lomita Chamber Employment Law March 2022

2022 Employment Law Update Webinar

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2022 Employment Law Update Webinar

Webinar: 2022 Employment Law Update

  • Are you familiar with new regulations affecting your business?
  • Do you know if you’re in compliance with the latest laws?
  • There are many changes in employment law requirements for businesses of all sizes.

Learn from legal experts about new laws at the state and federal level that employers must comply with in 2022.

In this informative program, business attorney DeAnn Chase and employment law attorney Scott Liner will provide the latest on 2022 employment laws.

The program will cover: current Covid-19 leaves, benefits and obligations, minimum wage laws, retirement savings plans/CalSavers mandate for employers with 5+ employees, amendments to AB 5 (Dynamex) and the use of independent contractors in the workplace.

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and have them answered by the legal experts.

Chase Law Group is an award-winning full-service law firm supporting businesses with a wide range of practice areas to protect business and personal and proprietary assets. The firm provides legal services throughout Southern California with an emphasis on business law and employment law.

FREE For Members with a current active membership in the Lomita Chamber of Commerce (or a fellow South Bay Chamber of Commerce)
$10 for Guests

The webinar will be held on Tuesday, March 29th at 12pm to 1pm via Zoom.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO ATTEND

Login instructions will be provided upon registration and again via email the day prior to the webinar.

REGISTER HERE
sbacc awards (1)

SBACC Recognizes Chamber Members Tara Nierenhausen (Community’s Child) & Larry Halvorsen (Express Employment Professionals)

, , , , , , ,

Tara Nierenhausen, Community's Child, receives Non-Profit of the Year Award
Tara Nierenhausen, Community’s Child, receives Non-Profit of the Year Award
Larry Halvorsen, Express Employment Professionals, receives Shaun Lumachi Advocacy Award
Larry Halvorsen, Express Employment Professionals, receives Shaun Lumachi Advocacy Award

Last month the South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce (SBACC) presented Tara Nierenhausen with the Non-Profit of the Year award and Larry Halvorsen received the Shaun Lumachi Advocacy Award at its Installation Luncheon. Each year, the SBACC invites all chambers of commerce affiliated with the SBACC to make nominations for different award categories.

Community’s Child under the leadership of Tara Nierenhausen was nominated and recognized as this year’s non profit of the year. Understanding the critical role that the nonprofit sector plays in our communities, this award recognizes that when business, government and nonprofits work together, their combined efforts will better solve the social issues and needs of our communities. 

The Shaun Lumachi award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in business advocacy through their work on an issue of regional importance. Larry Halvorsen was recognized for his advocacy in the creation of AB-255, meeting with Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi and business owners to discuss challenges during the pandemic specifically regarding businesses who had a financial impact and were not getting any rent relief for their commercial space.

During the event, Mark Waronek was installed as Chairman of the Board for the SBACC and LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn installed the executive board including: Serena Josel, Kaiser Permanente South Bay; Elise Swanson, San Pedro Chamber of Commerce; Chad Maender, LAX Coastal Chamber of Commerce; Dominik Knoll, Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce; Donna Duperron, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce; Heidi Butzine, Lomita Chamber of Commerce; Jill Dunn, Chevron; Julia Parton, Malaga Bank; Faviola Ochoa, SoCal Gas.

Load More

Thank You Chamber Partners & Sustaining Members

Learn More

SBACC Recognizes Chamber Members Tara Nierenhausen (Community’s Child) & Larry Halvorsen (Express Employment Professionals)
SBACC Recognizes Chamber Members Tara Nierenhausen (Community’s Child) & Larry Halvorsen (Express Employment Professionals)
SBACC Recognizes Chamber Members Tara Nierenhausen (Community’s Child) & Larry Halvorsen (Express Employment Professionals)
SBACC Recognizes Chamber Members Tara Nierenhausen (Community’s Child) & Larry Halvorsen (Express Employment Professionals)
SBACC Recognizes Chamber Members Tara Nierenhausen (Community’s Child) & Larry Halvorsen (Express Employment Professionals)
SBACC Recognizes Chamber Members Tara Nierenhausen (Community’s Child) & Larry Halvorsen (Express Employment Professionals)
SBACC Recognizes Chamber Members Tara Nierenhausen (Community’s Child) & Larry Halvorsen (Express Employment Professionals)
SBACC Recognizes Chamber Members Tara Nierenhausen (Community’s Child) & Larry Halvorsen (Express Employment Professionals)