torrance magazine ~ april 2009

APRIL 2009VOL. 32, NO.1

Businesses Choose Green (and why)!

www.g reen to r ran ce . com

Going Greenin Torrance

Chamber &Member Highlights

The All New Edition

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The word of the year on a national,international, and local level is“change.” Change can be disturbing,but in this issue we will read aboutsome great successes in technologyand new business practices as various groups and companies areadjusting, strategizing, and growing,as they seek to better safeguard ourenvironment. Many are reinventingthemselves and helping expand thelocal economy in the process.

Torrance Magazine has not been immune to change. After 25years as Editor-in-Chief, Lili Miura from Miura Advertising, haschosen to pursue other endeavors. We thank her for all herefforts and wish her great success! Green Ink Marketing (GIM),owned and operated by veterans Sue Moylan and Pat Sandt,has stepped into that position, working closely with theTorrance Area Chamber of Commerce in an effort to make thismagazine a true resource for the business community. We hopeyou enjoy the changes you see and offer your feedback [email protected].

At GIM, we are passionate about grassroot endeavors. As welaid out the plan for our first issue, we felt it was important topoint out our community’s commitment to global issues, mostnotably, how the city and businesses are committed to the benefits of Going Green. The good news is that the commitmentis strong; the refreshing news is that even though some Greenprojects can be expensive to implement, the benefit of savingdollars, energy, and our environment adds to long-term rewards.We invite you to read about green resources available and thepositive results accomplished by some of our pioneering “greencompanies.” Read for yourself!

We are pleased to serve our fellow businesses. Please supportour commitment as we seek to engage the various aspects thatmake our community so rich. We hope you enjoy our first issueas we look to July’s which will concentrate on what makesTorrance special. July’s theme is “Experience Business in

Torrance! Collaboration, Innovation, Trends & Tips.”

UPCOMING DEADLINES:Ad and Article Space Reservation: May 22, 2009

CONTACT US:Advertising: See www.torrance-magazine.com/advertise.htmor Contact [email protected] or 310.317.0841Articles: Amy Herrschaft and/or Pat Sandt, [email protected] or 310.373.2880General Information/Marketing Services: Sue Moylan, [email protected] or 310.539.2235TACC Contact: Amy Herrschaft, at [email protected] 310.543.3113

The Torrance Magazine focuses on business stories, events, and who’s who profiles that are of interest to Torrance Chamber ofCommerce members and others doing business in the South Bayarea. The editorial is positive, information-packed, exclusive news:a diverse mix of feature stories on Torrance and South Bay moversand shakers, businesses, events, local industries, government andbusiness economic development strategies and outlooks.

DEPARTMENTSChairwoman’s Message:

“Going ‘Green Should be the Commitment of all Businesses”........................................................ 4

TACC Board of Directors & Staff ...................................... 6

Message from the President & CEO ................................ 7

GOING GREEN!Explore GreenTorrance.com ........................................... 8

Green Updates from the City of Torrance .......................9

City of Torrance Public Works – Recycling Works! ..........10

Green Awards? It’s a WRAP ............................................11

Environmentally Responsible Products ..........................11

Providence Little Company of Mary

Medical Center Torrance Goes Green .......................... 12

Going Green in Times of Red ......................................... 13

America’s Port Creates Green Collar Jobs ...................... 15

Toyota’s Green Philosophy .............................................16

South Bay Environmental Services Center

…On the Move ..............................................................17

Shred 4 Good Helps the Environment ............................18

CHAMBER HIGHLIGHTSEvents:Japan Business Reception Honors Great

Community Contributors .............................................19

Assemblyman Ted Lieu Presented at

Chinese New Year Dragon Circle ................................ 20

Laker James Worthy Emceed 12th Annual

Black History Celebration........................................... 22

2009 Regional Economic Outlook

Featuring Jack Kyser ...................................................24

Ribbon Cuttings .............................................................25

Upcoming Events .......................................................... 26

FOCUS ON BUSINESSDealing with a Nasty Recession .................................... 27

NEWS BRIEFSJohn McNamara, M.D., Named Torrance Memorial’s

Chief Medical Officer .................................................. 29

Dogs Help Provide Therapy to Hospital Patients

at Providence LCMH ................................................... 30

Sunrider International Sponsors LTAA 2009

Student Leadership Program .......................................31

Charles Marshall Named M Advisory Group’s

Managing Director - Employee Benefits ..................... 32

Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation

Welcomes New Trustees ............................................. 33

CHAMBER BENEFITSTACC Member Benefits .................................................. 34

Chamber Membership Application ................................ 35

Torrance Magazine: It’s All About Business .................. 36

In this IssueNotes from the Editors:

The commitment by the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce to‘going green’ is nothing new. It has been part of the Chamber’sobjectives for over three years; and, whether the economy isthriving or struggling, the goal of making our environmenthealthy by businesses implementing green programs or providing‘green’ services is an important goal.

Several years ago, the Torrance Chamber and the City ofTorrance entered into a partnership to raise awareness of greeninitiatives and serve as a role model for businesses to drive theirown efforts to ‘go green’. With a sponsorship commitment fromthe Port of Los Angeles, a ‘green’ website was created. Thewww.greentorrance.com website provides articles about leadingedge companies in their development of various green initiatives.For example, the company at which I am employed, Virco Inc., has a number of unique programs focused on ways to help the environment. Its story has been highlighted in thewww.greentorrance.com website as are the stories of a number of our Torrance businesses.

In addition, the www.greentorrance.com website has moneysaving tips on ways in which even the smallest one-person business can make a difference in the environment. And, some of these tips to become more environmentally active may, in fact,bring some cost savings to you as well. Organizations like theSouth Bay Energy Savings Center are a great resource for tools to help all of us become environmentally conscious.

‘Going Green’ is not a ‘one stop action.’ Daily realization ofways in which each one of us can make a difference in the worldin which we live transcends the economy and its ups and downs.Helping the environment is something within our control—a little bit at a time. I urge you to be aware, to care and to take it upon yourself and your business to make our world ‘greener’on a daily basis.

Chairwoman’s Message

‘Going Green’ should be the Commitment of All BusinessesBY TONI BOCK, Vi rco, Inc .

TONI BOCK, Chairwoman of the Board

Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce

‘Going Green’is not a ‘one stopaction.’ Daily realization of ways in which each one of us can make a difference in the world in whichwe live transcendsthe economy and its ups and downs.

4 APR I L 2009

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TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E 5


PRESENTS

“Best Practices & ExperiencesGoing Green!”

DATE: June 12, 2009LOCATION: Torrance Marriott

3635 Fashion Way, Torrance, CA 90503

Exhibitors spaces are available!

Contact the Chamber for more details: 310.540.5858

www.torrancechamber.com

Save the Date!

2010

Call Jeanne Garrison to

reserve your space

310-317-0841Discounts will be offered

in the first 30 days of sales,

ending May 20, 2009

Torrance Area Chamber of CommerceBusiness Directory & Resource Guide

Advertising Sales will begin for the newupcoming Torrance Directory April 20, 2009

Why Advertise in this difficult economic market?

It is more important than ever

to have a strong, consistent &

visible presence in the community.

Your advertisement in the 2010

Directory will make a solid statement

about you and your company.

Advertising will inform others you

have survived the tough down turn.

TACC Board of Directors and Staff About Torrance Magazine2008-2009 Executive Board of Directors

Chairwoman of the BoardToni BockVirco Inc.

Chairman ElectDan KeetonTorrance Community Church of the Nazarene

President and CEOBarbara GlennieTorrance Area Chamber of Commerce

Immediate Past ChairMark ApplegateMark E. Applegate Insurance Agency

Vice Chair TACC FoundationTara O’BrienKaiser Permanente

Vice Chair FinanceCarlos SeraphimCitibank FSB

Vice Chair Eco-TourismPhilip de SouzaAurora Enterprises

Vice Chair Government AffairsMark WaronekMark Waronek & Associates

Vice Chair Leadership TorranceSue MoylanCrest Marketing, Inc.

Vice Chair MembershipMichael GoguenEdward Jones Investments

Vice Chair Economic DevelopmentJerry SayLandPoint Corporation

General CounselKarl SchmidtParker, Milliken, Clark, O’Hara & Samuelian

2008-2009 Board of Directors

Aaron AalcidesMalaga Bank

Candace AllenField Deputy Assemblymember Ted Lieu

Vanessa AramayoField Deputy Congresswoman Jane Harman

Ruben BarajasScott Newman Center

Elena De SalvoDel Amo Fashion Center

Raj DiasPhoenix International

Scott EasterdayOutback Steakhouse

Charles Gale Jr.Metropolitan Water District of So. California

Judy GibsonStrategic Technology Sources

Mary GiordanoAssistant City Manager, City of Torrance

Michael HunnProvidence Little Company of Mary

Craig LeachTorrance Memorial Medical Center

Dr. George MannonTUSD Superintendent of Schools

Milli McFaddenCOSTCO Wholesale

Julia NaganoPort of Los Angeles

Steven NapolitanoField Deputy, Supervisor Don Knabe

Max OcanseyExxonMobil Corporation

Jeffrey RogersWestern Federal Credit Union

Pam RyanTorrance Marriott

Pat SandtGreen Ink Marketing

Mark StoryBall Corporation

Dan ThomasTelePacific Communications / PhonBiz.com

B. Elaine ThompsonB. Elaine Thompson, Law Office

Richard TsaoNew Century Properties & Investments

Tracy UnderwoodToyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.

Carole Wagner VallianosLA BioMedical Research Institute

Sharon WeissmanField Deputy, Senator Jenny Oropeza

TACC Staff

Barbara GlenniePresident & CEO

Amy HerrschaftCommunications & Events Manager

Wendy SmithFinance Administrator

Kelly McLeodExecutive Office Assistant & MembershipData Coordinator

Stephanie LeeProject Coordinator

Evelyn FrancoCustomer Service Specialist

Torrance (ISSN #0194-5491)Published by the Torrance Area Chamber ofCommerce with Green Ink Marketing.Publisher: Torrance Area Chamber ofCommerce, 3400 Torrance Blvd., Ste 100,Torrance, CA 90503. (310) 540-5858;Editors: Green Ink Marketing, Sue Moylanand Pat Sandt, 1874 S. Pacific CoastHighway, #727, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, (310) 539.2235. Subscription rates: $20.00 per year. E-mail: [email protected]

Send address changes to:Torrance Area Chamber of Commercec/o Torrance Magazine 3400 Torrance Blvd, Suite 100Torrance, CA 90503 Tel: 310.540.5858

All rights reserved. Trademark.

ARTICLES: Torrance Magazine is publishedquarterly and mailed to TACC members anddistributed to selected businesses in thecommunity. The publishers welcome writtenqueries regarding articles for possible publi-cations. Articles are subject to editing andare included on an “as space permits basis”at the discretion of the Publisher, Editors andEditorial Board.

ITEMS: Material and photos for inclusionmust be received 30 days in advance of thequarterly publication date. Reproduction, inwhole or in part without written permission,is prohibited. Photos and articles notreturned.

DISCLAIMER: All reasonable efforts havebeen made to ensure the accuracy of theinformation contained in Torrance Magazine.The publisher accepts no responsibility fordamage arising directly or as a consequenceof the use or publication of inaccurate ormissing information. The opinions expressedby contributors are their own, and are notnecessarily shared by Torrance Magazine, itsstaff, TACC, Board of Directors, managementor advertisers. Editorial content is intendedas general information, and not as specificlegal or financial advice; for such, readersare advised to consult professionals in theappropriate field. The Torrance AreaChamber of Commerce and Green InkMarketing assume no liability resulting fromthe advertising contained in the publication.

Printed on FSC Certified Paper withSoy-Based Inks.6 APR I L 2009

The changing and challenging economy is front and center in the minds of all Chamber member businesses throughout theTorrance Area as it is to everyone around the country. Yet, if youtake the time to see the efforts that so many businesses are making to help our planet’s environment on a daily basis, you can only feel great pride in the community in which we live.

Whether it is recycling waste, shredding and removing businessdocuments, changing light bulbs to environmentally favorableones, so many of our members are going the extra mile to make a difference.

The partnership forged several years ago by the Torrance AreaChamber of Commerce and the City of Torrance is testimony to the emphasis that both organizations place on making thiscommunity environmentally aware. The City of Torrance is a rolemodel in its leading edge programs that deal with the environmentfor both residents and businesses. Mayor Frank Scotto was onthe cutting edge of outreaching to the Torrance Chamber in aneffort to heighten awareness among all businesses in the manyways that all businesses could take part in ‘going green.’

Our goal is to provide a myriad of resources to all our membersthat will assist them in ‘going green.’ This issue of TorranceMagazine will provide stories of role model businesses that aretaking the green component to a new level. Additionally, you willlearn new ways in which each of you can ‘go green’. Then, inApril, the Torrance Chamber will host a special “Let’s Go Green II”luncheon with a Mini Expo featuring businesses and organiza-tions who can offer products and services to help you go green.

If you want to be on the cutting edge in making our environmenta better world, regardless of whether the economy is up or down,let us help you get there. The Torrance Chamber provides theopportunities for its members to thrive...not just survive!

Message from the President & CEO

Economic Climate Not a Deterrant to

‘Going Green’BY BARBARA GLENNIE, ACE

BARBARA GLENNIE, ACE PRESIDENT AND CEO


Our goal is to provide a myriadof resources to all our members thatwill assist them in‘going green.’


CONVERGING ON “GREEN”The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) is animportant player in the City of Torrance’s commitmentto environmental stewardship. A couple of years ago, a Chamber delegation headed by then Chairman Philipde Souza, met with Assemblyman Ted Lieu and made atrip to Washington D.C. for meetings on Federal initia-tives to “go green.” About the same time, ChamberPresident Barbara Glennie had attended a WACE(Western Association of Chamber Executives) conference where a common discussion item was the necessity to “go green.”

This became a popular topic in Chamber discussions,but the majority of resources for the Chamber to participate in Torrance’s green initiatives seemed to be designed to apply to large organizations, with fewsuggestions or options offered for small-to-medium-sized enterprises. In meetings between the Chamber’sboard members and Torrance city government, MayorScotto endorsed the idea of setting up a“GreenTorrance.com” web presence to address thediverse needs. Under the leadership of Pat Sandt,Leadership Torrance Alumni Association (LTAA), a program of the TACC that promotes leadership andcommunity service, became involved by managing anddeveloping a resource program to help Torrance businesses navigate though the various resourcesoffered.

“It’s really exciting to be able to develop a valuableresource for all businesses in the Torrance area. It helpsthose who either provide “green” products and services,or those trying to implement green programs,” saysPat, Partner at Green Ink Marketing and President ofLTAA. With the help from a sponsorship by the Port ofLA, Pat’s marketing team, the City’s work on “going-green,” and Philip de Souza’s programming team atAurora Enterprises, the development of the websitebecame a reality.

G O I N G G R E E N

A strong advocate for youth and community participa-tion, Pat Sandt also suggested a contest amongst thefour Torrance high schools for developing a “GreenTorrance – Going Green” logo. With the help of TammyKahn, TUSD Public Information Officer, the contest wasannounced to the campuses and Melissa Macias,a South High junior, was declared the winner. Thisemblem (our cover graphic) can be displayed on windowsof businesses that participate in an energy-saving audit and implement any one of the recommendations.Audits can be arranged by calling the South BayEnvironmental Services Center at 310.543.3022.

USING & MAINTAINING GREENTORRANCE.COMMany small businesses don’t have time to researchgreen initiatives specific to their area or find programsto help them recycle, conserve, or build. Finding targetedinformation quickly is key. This website is designedspecifically to address those needs and provide businesses in the Torrance area with new ideas, programs and incentives.

To help keep the web content fresh, a GreenTorrance committee has been formed. Its members are businesses, City and Chamber representatives, and individuals interested in helping the City’s green initiatives.

The committee meets every second Wednesday of themonth at 4:00pm at LTK Consulting, 2601 AirportDrive, Ste 350, Torrance, CA 90505, near the AMCTheater in Rolling Hills Plaza. If you are interested inparticipating, please call Pat Sandt at 310.373.2880.

8 APR I L 2009

Explore GreenTorrance.comA green resource website for businesses

G O I N G G R E E N


From hybrid vehicles to waste recycling programs, citizens are becomingmore aware of the importance of being environmentally conscious andproactive – of “going green.” The City of Torrance is cognizant of the significance of these efforts and has implemented a number of initiativesto “green Torrance.” It is the City’s hope that by helping improve ourcommunity we are also helping save our planet.

The City of Torrance is currently exploring numerous ways to modernizeits transportation systems and equipment to help lower emissions,reduce carbon footprint, save annual fuel costs, and reduce dependency on foreign oil. Specifically, thisincludes the installation of a new fuel management software program on City vehicles to track, analyze andmake immediate corrections on a vehicle’s fuel economy. A number of vehicles in Torrance’s fleet also run onalternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG), propane and electricity. These fuels are constantlyevaluated to identify and select the fuel technology that best suits replacement vehicles. Torrance Transithas also begun a long-term modernization process of its entire fleet with the goal of transforming 52 dieselbuses into hybrid fueled vehicles.

With buildings as the largest consumers of energy, water, other natural resources, and largest producersof waste and pollution, green building is the first and largest effort a city can make in its attempts to protectthe planet. The City’s internal Green Action Team (GAT) has been reviewing building procedures to accom-modate the Assembly Bill (AB) 32 regulations on energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings.The GAT is also reviewing other programs and alternatives the City can offer to the community or encouragetheir own efforts.

Recognizing that restaurants are high priority sites for green efforts because of the large amount of waste they handle, Torrance, along with the Santa Monica BayRestoration Commission (SMBRC) and the cities along the South Bay’s coast, are now recognizing those restaurants that have taken the extra effort to be environ-mentally friendly and safe. Torrance currently has 52 restaurants certified by theCommission as environmentally friendly or “Clean Bay Certified” for being 100%compliant with SMBRC’s requirements.

Residents and businesses that have gone the extra mile to help make Torrance abetter place to reside and conduct business can be recognized through the “GreenPride in Torrance Awards”. Anyone looking for ways to live or operate a business in a more eco-friendly manner, can visit www.GreenTorrance.com— a websitecosponsored by the City of Torrance and the Torrance Area Chamber of Commercethat serves as a resource for everyone’s efforts in greening Torrance. The City ofTorrance appreciates all who work to enhance our community and the environmentand looks forward to working with the business community as we continue to “greenTorrance.”

Torrance Going Green

Torrance currently has 52 restaurants certified by the Commission as

environmentally friendly and safe.

G R E E N U P D A T E S F R O M T H E C I T Y O F T O R R A N C E

G O I N G G R E E N

It’s your business.Keep it that way.

Secure Document Destruction.

562-216-5256www.shred-4-good.org

City of Torrance Public Works—Recycling Works!

10 APR I L 2009

Save Water, Energy, Money, andthe Environment

Serving Residents, Business, Cities & Schools

South Bay EnvironmentalServices Center

South Bay Cities Council of Governments

Please Note Our New Address & Phone #:15901 Hawthorne Blvd, Ste 400 • Lawndale, CA 90260 • 310.371.7222

www.sbesc.com

Call Us Today for a FREE Energy Audit!

Need a place to drop-offyour office recycling?

We have two locations where businessescan drop off recyclable items:

Smurfit-Stone Recycling20502 S. Denker Street

Torrance 90502310-533-0333

Free drop off every Saturday from 8am to 2pm

They will take everything Torrance takes inits curbside program – including paper,cardboard, glass, metal, plastics #1-7,

Styrofoam, and books (hard and soft cover)

Walser’s23145 Kashiwa Court

Torrance 90505310-891-3325

www.walsers.comDrop-off hours: 11 am to 5 pm,

Monday – SaturdayFree recycling drop-off for electronics,

appliances, electrical items, metal, paper and plastic

(small fee to recycle batteries and florescent bulbs)

Need your recycling picked up at your place

of businesses?Both Smurfit and Walser’s (listed above asdrop-off programs) can provide collectionservices, although there will be a charge.

Also, there are over 25 different refusehaulers offering collection and recycling

services to businesses in Torrance. Checkwith your current refuse hauler to see

what recycling services they can provide.

Got Hazardous Waste?If your company only produces a smallamount of hazardous materials each

month, Los Angeles offers a county-widespecial program at a reduced rate for

recycling or properly disposing of these items.

Call 1-800-98-TOXIC (800-988-6942) or go to www.lacity.org/SAN/cesqg.htm

for more information.

Need a recycling bin for the office or lunchroom?We have white cardboardboxes available free ofcharge to businesses andcommunity organizations.They are approximately 3 feethigh, with a lid and labeled for recycling. To pick them up,call Torrance Public Works at 310-781-6900.

G O I N G G R E E N

As generators of more than half the state’s waste, businesses play amajor role in helping local governments cut the amount of garbage goingto landfills. That is why the California Integrated Waste ManagementBoard developed the Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP), whichrecognizes businesses that develop progressive and creative programsthat reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Is your company doinggreat things for the planet and environment? Get the recognition youdeserve and apply for a WRAP award. Call (916) 341-6604 or [email protected]. You can also visit the WRAP website atwww.ciwmb.ca.gov/WRAP for more information.

Here are some of the Torrance businesses that have won WRAP awards in prior years:

Alberston’sAmerican Honda Motor Co. (WRAP of the Year for 2004)Ball Metal Beverage ContainerHitachi (WRAP of the Year for 2003)Southern California EdisonTargetToyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. (WRAP of the Year for 2006)Virco Manufacturing CorporationVonsWalser’s Art Supply (WRAP of the Year for 2005)Wild Birds Unlimited


Green Awards?It’s a WRAP!

Environmentally Responsible ProductsLast December, the City of Torrance formally joined the CaliforniaProducts Stewardship Council, a grassroots organization of cities, companies and concerned citizens pushing for “Extended ProducerResponsibility” or EPR. EPR means that a manufacturer of a product isresponsible for the end of life or ultimate disposal of the products theyproduce.

This is a fundamental change in the way we deal with productdesign/manufacturing as well as disposal that can lead to less hazardousproducts produced, greater innovation, lower disposal costs, less wasteand a safer, cleaner environment. And it relies on the market, not tax dollars, to solve the problem.

In California, we spend more than $100 million each year on safe disposal for pharmaceuticals, electronics and other hazardous wastes.The intentions are good, but more can be done. To join or find out more,please call the Product Stewardship Council at 415-388-5273 to visit theirwebsite at www.caproductstewardship.org

For assistance and information on these and other recycling programs,please contact Torrance Public Works at 310-781-6900 or visit us atwww.torrnet.com/publicworks.

1. Multiple WRAP winners

Kaz Inouye and John Savage of

American Honda with then Mayor

Dee Hardison at the First WRAP

Regional Recognition Luncheon

2. WRAP recognition luncheon at

Raytheon in El Segundo

3. Representatives from Virco

Manufacturing, multiple award

winner, at the WRAP recognition

luncheon event

4. Multiple 2005 WRAP winners

Jack and Janey Walser of Walsers

Art Supplies (center) surrounded

by members of the South Bay

Environmental Coalition and the

California Integrated Waste

Management Board

G O I N G G R E E N

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance Goes Green

12 APR I L 2009

Providence Health & Services is the only health care institution in the nation to receive a2009 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award.

“Going Green” isn’t a new term at Providence Little Company of MaryMedical Center Torrance. According to management, it is really a form ofstewardship, one of the organization’s core values. Stewardship meanswisely caring for and sharing human, financial and environmentalresources. It’s a form of appreciation, of gratitude and respect.

In the process of caring for people, hospitals, out of necessity, generate a lot of paper and trash. For example, keeping supplies stocked and sterilized requires a lot of packaging. So recycling is a key strategy for supporting the environment. In 2008, the hospital was able to recycle 264tons of paper and cardboard. This saved approximately 22,000 cubic yardsof landfill space which translates to the saving of about 3,000 trees.

In addition, it recycled or, where appropriate, reused various forms ofequipment such as compressionsleeves, cables, surgical instruments andmore. Not only is this good for the environment, it saved the hospital more than $168,000.

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance is part of the larger Providence Health & Services health system, which was just recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the 2009ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year in the EPA’s highest designation,Sustained Excellence in Energy Management.

G O I N G G R E E N


Traditionally, the only way business has been associatedwith “green” is that green is the color of cold hardcash. Within the last few years, businesses wereswamped with the notion of “going green” from quiteliterally everywhere. Even corporations not typicallyconsidered environmentally friendly were suddenlytouting their green credentials in print and over the airwaves. What had initially started as an attempt toprotect Mother Earth morphed into a powerful market-ing bandwagon. Calls to environmentalism continuedto ramp up as the price of oil approached record highs.Then, as the current financial crisis began to rear itsugly head, the fanfare to go green started to fade.

Now, with the credit market nearly frozen and consumerconfidence down, businesses are clearly feeling thesqueeze. Some of our nation’s most recognizable retailcorporations made headlines having folded under, andnews of job cuts seem to be a daily occurrence. Nodoubt business owners everywhere have experiencedthe effects of the slowing economy firsthand. To weatherthe recession, layoffs have been made, hours havebeen cut, and businesses are scrambling to removeanything remotely extraneous.

Even so, now may be a perfect time to implementenvironmentally friendly protocols in the workplace and “go green.”

Greening business operations can be a very soundeconomic strategy. With proper planning, investmentsmade to green a facility practically guarantee a returnrate with additional savings down the line. However,particularly in this economic recession, businessesneed to maintain solvency to survive, so making greeninvestments with high initial costs (such as solar panelinstallation) are unfeasible. But going green is certainly

Going Green in times of RedBY IVAN K AN, TECH GO GREEN

not contingent on spending green; in fact, the firsttenet of environmentalism is clearly in line with thesetroubling times: reducing the amount of resources consumed. Use fully and waste nothing—sustainabilityis all about efficiency and applying this mantra to allyour operations can shed light on trouble spots where“green” can be saved with minimal cost.

Going green at the workplace can be difficult, especially when job responsibilities take precedence.Communication is a key aspect of going green at theworkplace and is often overlooked. As a business is ateam effort, so too will an effort to go green at work.

Here is an example of how you canhelp green your workplace:

Greening business operations can be avery sound economicstrategy.

1. Communicate with others your intentions to reduceinefficiencies. This is an excellent time to foster team-building: make sure everyone understands that theimplication of saving money will help the businessweather the current crisis.

2. Have everyone make note of inefficiencies in theusage of resources (electricity, water, HVAC, office supplies, etc.) and record them as they go about their work.

3. At the end of the month, there should be a consider-able list to deliberate over. Brainstorm ways to reduceresource usages.

4. Set up a meeting with colleagues to weigh the potential alternatives, considering both the amount of time and money each will require.

5. Implement the necessary changes. Some will be aseasy as changing a light bulb, while others will requirekeeping each other accountable towards a mindset of saving.

6. Later, evaluate the progress and revisit issues as needed.

Despite tough times, businesses can still reap the benefits of going green.

Tech Go Green helped Hafele America Co. identify measures

that would result in annual energy savings of up to 114,512kWh

Continued on page 14

14 APR I L 2009

G O I N G G R E E N

Businesses are very diverse and this is by no means a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor thisapproach to your business to make the most impact.

Besides the obvious economic incentives, saving resources also benefits the environment.Though it may be more of an afterthought, the potential impact of businesses who “gogreen” by reducing consumption can be very significant. With all the attention focused onWall Street, we must remember that small businesses are the true backbone of our free-market economy. Indeed, small businesses alone are responsible for half the country’seconomic output and employ 50.6% of the non-farm private sector workforce. The collectivewill of many small businesses (which make up 99.7% of all businesses) to reduce electricityusage, for example, could have far-reaching implications.

Fifteen thousand businesses call the City of Torrance home. As local citizens ourselves, we at Tech Go Green hope that each and every one of these businesses will make it through this recession and continue to contribute to this great community. We hope that businesses will seriously consider the economic benefits of “going green” as outlined in this article as a means to reduce costs during this particularly tough time.

If you have any general questions about how going green can benefit your business,please feel free to email Tech Go Green at [email protected]. Tech Go Green is aTorrance-based California Public Benefit nonprofit organization dedicated to fosteringenergy efficient technology and renewable practices in the home and the workplace sothat the community can live more sustainably. If you are interested in making more over-arching changes, Tech Go Green’s Sustainable Business Consulting program can help yourbusiness identify and implement greener and cleaner practices into your operations. Weserve as your energy auditor and project manager, providing a comprehensive report sothat incorporating these changes are easier for you. Please visit www.techgogreen.orgfor more information.

Tech Go Green’sSustainableBusinessConsulting program canhelp your business identify andimplementgreener andcleaner practices intoyour operations.

Continued from page 13


G O I N G G R E E N

America’s Port CreatesGreen Collar JobsGlobal trade continues to be Southern California’sstrongest industry in terms of job creation and economicimpact. The stable, well-paying jobs related to the Port’soperations are the foundation of the region’s economicvitality. The Port directly and indirectly impacts 918,800(1 out of every 8) jobs in the five-county SouthernCalifornia region, and accounts for one-quarter of thecargo that enters the US annually. Long an advocate forclean air, water quality and habitat restoration projects,the Port is also focused on clean technology advance-ments and initiatives which balance its future growthwith new opportunities for business development.

In late 2006, the Port approved the landmark, $2 billion San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP)with its neighbor, the Port of Long Beach. A first for anyseaport complex in the world, this revolutionary, comprehensive strategy outlines programs to reduceoverall air emissions from port operations by 45 percentin five years and to reduce health risk from maritimesources. Included in the CAAP are all port-related emissions sources such as ships, trains, trucks, terminalequipment and harbor craft such as tugs.

The Port of Los Angeles is a pioneer in testing andimplementing new technologies, like AlternativeMaritime Power™ (“AMP™”), where ships plug intoelectric power while at berth. AMP™ eliminates a tonor more of emissions per 24 hours. Currently, the Port isspearheading efforts to implement uniform electricpower installations worldwide.

Another major component of the CAAP is the Port’sClean Trucks Program whereby all of the approximately16,000 trucks serving the two ports would meet 2007 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifiedclean diesel or alternative fuel standards by 2012. As ofOctober 1, 2008, the oldest trucks serving the harbor(1988 and older) were banned from entering shippingterminals. In the Port of Los Angeles’ program, licensedmotor carriers are responsible for ensuring that thetrucks are properly maintained and registered.

Clean technology projects can also create new SouthBay jobs. With the South Coast Air Quality ManagementDistrict, the Port of Los Angeles funded the developmentof a prototype all-electric, heavy duty tractor. With thesuccess of the prototype, the Port recently placed thefirst production order with Balqon Corporation to manufacture 25 tailpipe-emission-free, heavy duty electric trucks. Balqon agreed to move to Harbor City,where the company has created some 50 “green collar”jobs and is filling worldwide orders for heavy duty electric trucks.

Development of solar energy projects and other alternative energy innovations for Port of Los Angelesterminal operations will jump start the new green economy in Los Angeles region, including the SouthBay. For example, it is estimated that every 10megawatts of solar power can potentially create 200 to 400 research and development, manufacturing,installation, and maintenance and repair jobs.

The Port of Los Angeles is the maritime leader in far-reaching, innovative environmental programs for cleanwater, habitat development and recycling programs toimprove the overall environment in the communitiessurrounding the Port. A Cleaner Port. A Brighter Future.

Harbor City-based Balqon Industries manufactures the world’s

first all-electric heavy duty truck. The prototype for these trucks

was funded by the Port and are currently being tested in the

Port of Los Angeles.

Nation’s busiest harbor — already the nation’s leading container

port, the Port of Los Angeles is also an acknowledged leader in

global environmental initiatives.

G O I N G G R E E N

16 APR I L 2009

This view is embodied in our management philosophy,The Toyota Way, which guides our actions in designing,building and distributing our products and services. Fromwaste reduction to recycling to resource management andproducing cleaner, more efficient technologies, we arestriving to reduce the environmental impact of ourproducts and operations.

Toyota currently has over 175 operating locations inthe U.S., Canada and Mexico, including Toyota MotorSales, USA, Inc. (TMS) headquartered in Torrance,California. TMS is the marketing, sales, distributionand customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States. Through a network of parts andvehicle distribution centers, regional sales offices, andaffiliates, TMS markets products and services to morethan 1,450 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers.

TMS focuses on kaizens, or continuous improvements,that reduce the overall amount of waste produced andincrease the recycling rate of the remaining waste. InFY2008, the headquarters campus exceeded its targetof recycling 65% of its waste, by recycling 75%. The campus also maintained zero waste to landfill status.Our Los Angeles Parts Distribution Center, located onthe TMS campus, also reduced their overall footprint bycontinually using returnable containers to ship partsand accessories. The Toyota parts network integratesover 30,000 reusable metal containers in place of card-board and wood pallets. In FY2008, this nationwideprogram saved 13.9 million pounds of wood, 4.4 millionpounds of cardboard and $13.5 million in packagingcosts.

We also look for ways to promote recycling in ourcommunities. For the past few years, several Toyotalocations have organized “E-Waste Roundups” on Earth Day for Toyota employees to bring electronicwaste from home to be recycled. These roundups givethe materials a second useful life, and also keep toxicmaterials out of landfills. In 2008, over 45,000 poundsof consumer electronics were rounded up at theTorrance, California, headquarters facility.

In 2008, Toyota donated $20 million to the NationalAudubon Society to fund a new program calledTogetherGreen for five years, enabling Audubon toexpand the scope and reach of its internationally-known conservation programs. TogetherGreen willinclude three program components:

Innovation Grants to fund dozens of on-the-groundprojects each year that help achieve measurable land,water and/or energy conservation results;

Conservation Fellowships to train and foster up to 200promising environmental leaders who can serve as rolemodels, expert guides and organizers for engaging newand diverse audiences in effective conservation action.

Volunteer Days to be offered at Audubon Centers and other locations nationwide, providing hands-onopportunities to address environmental problems andtake part in restoration activities.

TogetherGreen will also reach a diverse array of audiences through www.TogetherGreen.org. This sitehelps visitors discover dozens of individual conservationactions to help them independently “green” their lives.It also provides opportunities to challenge friends totake conservation actions of their own.

We realize that the road to sustainable mobility is a long one, but we are ready and willing to go the distance. To learn more about Toyota’s environmentalactivities, please visit http://www.toyota.com/about/our_commitment/environment/index.html.

Toyota Recognizes the Need to Balance Economic Growthwith the Needs of Society and the Environment

Los Angeles Parts Distribution Center uses returnable

containers to minimize waste from parts shipments


G O I N G G R E E N

South Bay Environmental Services Center

On the Move…

The South Bay Environmental Services Center (SBESC),a program of the South Bay Cities Council ofGovernments, is on the move to a new location. TheCenter recently moved to a location that is freewayclose to the entire South Bay at the intersection ofHawthorne Boulevard and the 405 Freeway at 15901Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 400 in the City of Lawndale. The SBESC serves the cities of Carson, El Segundo,Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood,Lawndale, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Palos VerdesEstates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, RollingHills, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, and parts of HarborCity and San Pedro.

The SBESC is known as the South Bay’s local clearing-house for energy and water efficiency training, materi-als and other environmental information. SBESC willcontinue to work closely with the 15 South Bay citiesregarding the implementation of energy and water savingprojects that reduce greenhouse gases as well as costs.SBESC provides resources and tools to assist residents,public agencies, and businesses in better understanding

the potential for energy and water efficiency withintheir homes and businesses. The Center hosts a widevariety of seminars, training sessions, and communityevents to assist consumers in making the best decisionregarding energy and water use, in addition to housingvarious energy and water efficiency exhibits.

The Center is operated by the South Bay CitiesCouncil of Governments (SBCCOG) which partners withThe Gas Company

SM

, Southern California Edison, WestBasin Municipal Water District, the City of Torrance, andthe Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County.

Look for an announcement in the near future regardingSBESC’s Open House at its new location: 15901Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 400, Lawndale, CA 90260. New Telephone Number 310-371-7222; Fax Number 310-371-0888. Visit www.sbesc.com for the latest activities, schedules and opportunities to participate in a greener South Bay.

Dec. 6, 2008 - SBESC participating at their “High Efficiency Toilet Give Away” event

G O I N G G R E E N

18 APR I L 2009

Shred-4-Good Helps the EnvironmentShred-4-Good is a new social enterprise of Goodwill, Serving the People ofSouthern Los Angeles County (SOLAC). Businesses and job seekers alike canbenefit from Shred-4-Good’s new document destruction service. President andCEO Janet McCarthy-Wilson said “It’s one more business start-up that willemploy additional folks and provide training in an environmental industry.”

Since 1929 Goodwill Industries has been a green company - recycling clothing, household goods, televisions and computers, and now, paper.“Goodwill was one of the first green companies. We’ve been recycling clothingand household goods for close to 80 years – about 100 years internationally.”said McCarthy-Wilson.

Shred-4-Good provides secure document destruction services to both thebusiness community and local residents. Shred-4-Good meets all statutoryrequirements for the protection and destruction of sensitive information of thehealthcare, financial, banking, real estate and legal sectors, as well as manyother government and business entities. Clients simply arrange a pickup schedule and place their paper waste into Shred-4-Good provided containers.Containers are picked-up on a weekly or monthly schedule depending on the amount of paper that is produced. One-time bulk purge service is alsoavailable.

“Revenues we produce will go back into assisting with other programs,”McCarthy-Wilson said. “The objective is to create self-sufficiency, so that wedon’t have to rely on government funding. Now, more than ever, people needjob training so they can get back to work.”

Goodwill SOLAC serves 22 cities and communities in Southern Los AngelesCounty. For more information on theservices that Shred-4-Good providesplease contact Andrea Estrada,Business Development Manager, at 562-216-5256.

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C H A M B E R H I G H L I G H T S


Japan Business ReceptionHonors Great Community Contributors

Many Japanese companies deservethis honor and hopefully in futureyears we can honor them all. The challenges faced with the current economic crisis are a goodreason for us all to come togetherand focus on business success.

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) and the JapanBusiness Association (JBA) presented the 11th Annual JapanBusiness Reception in November commemorating years of dedication and contributions from Japanese businesses to theCity of Torrance. Mayor Frank Scotto spoke on the impact andimportance of Japanese businesses in the City of Torrance.Honored speakers were Consul General of Japan Junichi Ihara and JBA President Yasuyoshi Suzuki. The honorees of the eventincluded Kaz Joe Kishita, Vice President of Enagic USA Inc., YasuoKumoda, Chairman and CEO of Frec Food USA, Hisashi Ikegami,CEO and President of Yoshinoya America, Inc. and Aki Tsurukame,President of Yugobi.

“‘Honoring the Past, Building the Future’ is Chairwoman ToniBock’s theme this year and remembering history is why thesegentlemen were selected. Their business contributions to the City of Torrance, Torrance schools, Torrance non-profits and theTorrance Chamber have made an important impact,” said JudyGibson, Divisional Chairwoman for Cultural Affairs. “ManyJapanese companies deserve this honor and hopefully in futureyears we can honor them all. The challenges faced with the current economic crisis are a good reason for us all to cometogether and focus on business success,” added Gibson.

Corporate sponsors for the reception included Providence LittleCompany of Mary Hospital, Enagic USA, Inc., Strategic TechnologySources, Inc., Murasaki Sports Co. LTD, Tokyo, Torrance MemorialMedical Center, Torrance Marriott, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.,Western Federal Credit Union, Yaegaki Corp. of USA, and Virco Inc. 1. TACC congratulates honorees. From left to right

is Hisashi Iekegami of Yoshinoya America, Inc.,

Kaz Kishita of Enagic USA, Inc., Torrance Mayor

Frank Scotto, Yasuo Kumoda of Frec Food USA,

Aki Tsurukame of Yugobi and Steve Napolitano

on behalf of Los Angeles County Supervisor

Don Knabe.

2. The TACC thanks all the sponsors, without whom

this event would not be possible. From left to right:

Kaz Kishita - Enagic USA, Dr. Richard Gibson -

Strategic Technology Sources Inc., Alex Wouters -

Western Federal Credit Union, Michael Hunn - Little

Company of Mary, Craig Leach - Torrance Memorial

Medical Center, Toshio Maehara - Murasaki Sports

Co., KTD, Tokyo and Tammie Kando - Toyota Motor

Sales, USA, Inc.

3. Breaking of the Sake Cask - an event tradition

for the last 11 years. Honored guests attired in

Japanese hapi coats, wield their heavy wooden

mallets to break open the lid of the giant sake

barrel which was generously donated by the

Yaegaki Corporation.

20 APR I L 2009


Assemblyman Ted Lieu Presented at the

Chinese New Year Dragon Circle Celebration,

The Year of the OxOn January 29th, the Torrance Area Chamber of Commercecelebrated Chinese businesses and culture with the13th Annual Chinese New Year Dragon Circle event.Assemblyman Ted Lieu was the honored speaker high-lighting the importance of Chinese business in the Cityof Torrance and he provided the audience with insightand perspective on current state issues. Torrance MayorFrank Scotto joined the cultural celebration and gave a few words of welcome.

During the event, guests enjoyed the lavish Chinese-themed accommodations provided by the DoubletreeHotel and special Chinese dances where performed bylocal Torrance students, Samantha See and Angel Kuo.In appreciation of his time and presentation, TACCdonated $100 to the Torrance Chinese School in honorof Assemblyman Ted Lieu for speaking that evening.

A special thank you to all the event’s sponsors including Sunrider International, SimpleHuman/SevilleClassics, LA BioMedical Research Institute, ToyotaMotor Sales U.S.A., Inc., Bank of the West, TorranceMemorial Medical Center and Doubletree Hotel.

Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Toni Bock,

Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto, Assemblyman Ted Lieu, Former

Principal of Torrance Chinese School Alex See, TACC board

members Judy Gibson and Richard Tsao celebrate the

Chinese New Year Dragon Circle.

3330 Lomita Boulevard, Torrance, California 90505

www.TorranceMemorial.org | 310.325.9110

behind our planned patient tower:

You. At Torrance Memorial Medical Center we believe caring for our community means

caring for its future. Welcome to the Hospital of Tomorrow — the next generation of

medical care, for the next generation of patients. Seven stories of modern hospital

design, our new patient Tower anticipates the growing healthcare needs of our

community with enhanced access to the latest medical technologies and an entirely

new level of patient care.

Home to our new operating rooms, Intensive Care Units, the Lundquist Cardiovascular

Institute, and Burn Center, the new Tower also offers private patient rooms, a healing

garden, lounges and sleeping accommodations for family members. Ample parking

and a convenient entrance make these vital patient services even easier to access.

The new Tower is scheduled for completion in 2014, but advancements are already

underway across our entire campus. We look forward to sharing our progress, and to

meeting your healthcare needs today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

First for a Reason.And the Reason is You.

The inspiration


22 APR I L 2009

Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC), in partnership with the Greater LosAngeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC), hosted the 12thAnnual Black History Celebration luncheon in February at the Torrance Marriott.Los Angeles Lakers legend James Worthy served as the master of ceremony andkept the crowd lively with his humorous remarks and special recognitions.

Many were humbled with this year’s theme, ‘Embracing Our Past…CelebratingChange for the Future,’ as the event honored the memory of Patricia Tobin, founderof Tobin & Associates, Inc. Tobin’s daughter, Lauren, attended the event and tearscame down her face as Eloise Laws sang a special tribute to her mother. After along battle with cancer, Ms. Tobin passed away in the summer of 2008. In additionto honoring Ms. Tobin’s memory, many presenters and honorees who took thestage reflected on the past and looked toward the future as they recounted theirown experiences starting their businesses and making change. They were also ableto celebrate the country’s current state of change with the first African AmericanPresident of the United States of America, Barack Obama.

Honorees were recognized by the business community for their long-standingachievements. This year’s honorees included: Carl Ballton of Union Bank ofCalifornia who was awarded with the Leadership and Community CommitmentAward, Kevin McDowell of AEG Inc. awarded the Distinguished Corporate LeaderAward, CBS 2 Sports Director, Jim HHill, of CBS Studio City Broadcast Center withthe Professional Spirit Award, La Doris McClaney of McClaney Properties with theHumanitarian Award and Tracy Underwood of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc., asthe recipient of the Clifton L. Johnson Award for Excellence in Diversity Leadership.

A special thanks to the sponsors of this event helping to make the celebrationpossible. The benefactor sponsors include: Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. andCitibank. Associate sponsors include American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and TorranceMarriott, and the supporting sponsor, the Daily Breeze. The Affiliate sponsorsinclude Alcoa Fastening Systems, Anheuser Busch, ExxonMobil Corporation, FirstBank, Kaiser Permanente, LA BioMedical Research Institute, Los Angeles KingsHockey Club, Mattel, Inc. and Southwest Airlines with a special recognition to theWater Replenishment District.

Laker James Worthy Emceed 12th Annual

Black History Celebration

1. Former Laker “Big Game” James

Worthy addresses a crowd of over

500 2. Eloise Laws sings a tribute to

Pat Tobin 3. Award winning CBS 2

sportscaster and former NFL super-

star, Jim Hill, stands with Olympian

and past Professional Spirit Award

recipient Anita DeFrantz

24 APR I L 2009


L.A. County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) offers a wealth of servicesto help you stay competitive, FREE OF CHARFREE OF CHARGEGE including...

•Cost Containment •Trade Facilitation •Finance Facilitation•Workforce Training •Business Incentives •Industry Data•Permit Assistance •Site Search

Call the LAEDC today and let us show you how we can help you keep your businessgrowing. We can make a difference.

CALL US at 888-4-LAEDC-1888-4-LAEDC-1 or VISIT US ONLINE at wwwwww.LAEDC.org.LAEDC.org

BUSINESSBUSINESSyouryour

TIMES ARE TOUGH, BUT HELP IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY!

SUCCESSSUCCESS is ouris our

On February 25, 2009, Los Angeles Economic DevelopmentCorporation (LAEDC) Chief Economist Jack Kyser gave TACCbusinesses a preview of the 2010 economic forecast for LACounty. At the Regional Economic Outlook, Kyser addressedthe housing issue in addition to offering insight and copingskills to more than 100 businesses.

Kyser reported unemployment rates will boost both locallyand nationally with the biggest job cuts in the county occurringin retail, at a loss of 25,000 positions while healthcare is one ofthe few occupational areas that will remain afloat. Kyser pointedout the housing market will continue its descent but Americansshould expect the economy to make a slow come back around2010.

Sponsors for the Regional Economic Outlook includedProvidence Little Company of Mary, Comerica Bank, The DailyBreeze, ExxonMobil Corporation, Malaga Bank, The Port of LosAngeles, The Gas Company, Torrance Memorial Medical Centerand Western Federal Credit Union.

LAEDC Economist JACK KYSER ProvidedSought-after Advice in Midst of Recession

Jack Kyser presents the economic forecast to guests at the

2009 Regional Economic Outlook.

R I B B O N C U T T I N G S


The Melting Pot a fondue restaurant opened its doors in Torrance for the first time on December 8, 2008. Address: 21525 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503, Phone: 310.316.7500, Fax: 310.346.1915 Hours: M-Thurs: 5pm to 10pm, Fri: 5pm to 11pm, Sat: 4pm to 11pm, Sun: 4pm to 10pmwww.meltingpot.com

Tropi-Cuba Café celebrated its grand opening with TACC on January 23, 2009. Address: 21730 S. Vermont Ave, Torrance, CA 90502,Phone: 310.961.9550, Open daily 6am to 11pmwww.tropi-cubacafe.com

YoYoWear! consignment shop celebrated its grand openingwith TACC on January 8, 2009. Address: 1513B W. Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501, Phone: 310.534.9696 Open Mon-Sat: 10am to 7pmwww.yoyowear.net

Magicland Dental celebrated its grand opening with TACCon November 4, 2008. Address: 3820 W. Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505 Phone: 310.792.5200, Fax: 310.792.5201Hours: M & F: 9am to 6pm, Tue, Wed, Thurs: 8am to 5pm,Sat: 8am to 2pmwww.magiclanddental.com

Tooley Transformation Training celebrated its relocationwith a ribbon cutting from TACC on November 6, 2008.Address: 4201 Torrance Blvd, Ste. 550, Torrance, CA 90503Phone: 310.832.0830Hours: Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pmwww.tooleytransformation.com

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

26 APR I L 2009

APRIL 18 - TORRANCE EDUCATION FOUNDATION - “WHEREEVERY STUDENT BENEFITS CELEBRATING EDUCATION”Please join us at 6:00pm for a social hour, silent auction andopportunity drawings followed by dinner, scholarship and grant presentations. The grand prize drawing is a 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid (donated by Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.). The Hospitality Group of Torrance “HOT” is providing 2 DineAround Certificates for 8 people each for silent auction. The dinners include appetizers, entree, dessert and transportation(provided by VanTrans) to different locations. Participatingrestaurants are Gaetanos, Torrance Marriott, Lucky Strike forone package and Outback, El Paso Cantina, and DoubleTreeTorrance for the other…plus baskets of restaurant giveaways for silent auction. To RSVP go to: www.torranceeducationfoundation.org/annualdinner.html

APRIL 26 – HONDA ‘FOR OUR CHILDREN’FOOD AND WINE FESTIVALHonda presents the 24th Annual Food and Wine Festival spon-sored by Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation andSandpipers at the Torrance headquarters of American HondaMotor Company, Inc. Guests will experience incredible gourmet foods and fine wines from over 90 restaurants and wineries.The spectacular silent and live auctions feature unique giftitems, sports tickets and memorabilia, dining, entertainmentand exciting travel packages. Proceeds benefit Providence Little Company of Mary’s Partners for Healthy Kids mobile pedi-atric van and Sandpipers charities. General admission is $150 prior to event and $175 at the door. For event information and

tickets, please visit www.sandpipers.org/events or contact the For Our Children events line at, 310-374-1748 ext 6.

MAY 3 - RIDE FOR KIDSA motorcycle ride around Palos Verdes to raise money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Starts at American Honda Motor Co. (1919 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501). Visit www.pbtfus.org for more information.

MAY 18 – GOLF CLASSICHonda presents the 29th Annual Golf Classic in partnership withProvidence Little Company of Mary Foundation and ProvidenceTrinityCare Hospice Foundation. All golfers will tee off at thePalos Verdes Golf Club, playing either a morning or afternoonflight. Enjoy a luncheon BBQ, a hosted cocktail reception, dinner, silent and live auctions and trophy presentations.Proceeds benefit the Edmond R. and Virginia G. Doak Center for Palliative Care. For event information and sponsorshipopportunities, please contact Erin Harms at 310-303-5346 [email protected]

JUNE 13 – CITY OF TORRANCE’S ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR AT MADRONA MARSHThe Fair is planned to begin at 10am and is designed to helpintroduce our residents and businesses to some of the greentechnologies and programs available to them. There will beinformation and demonstrations on environmental products,energy saving programs and tools, water conservation and justabout anything you need to help live a greener life.

APRIL 16 – Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremonyat 4:30pm MALAGA BANK LOAN CENTER,23670 Hawthorne Blvd., Ste 102, Torrance, CA 90505

MAY 7 – MEDAL OF VALOR LUNCHEONTorrance Marriott South Bay, 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance, CA 90503

MAY 21 – STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESSTorrance Marriott South Bay, 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance, CA 90503

JUNE 12 – “BEST PRACTICES & EXPERIENCESGOING GREEN” EXPO Torrance Marriott South Bay, 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance, CA 90503

JUNE 19 – 2009/2010 INSTALLATION OF TACC Chairman Dan KeetonDoubletree Hotel, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503

2009 Community Events

www.torrancechamber.com

Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce2009 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

F O C U S O N B U S I N E S S


Dealing with a Nasty Recessionby Jack Kyser, Founding Economist — the Kyser Center

For Economic Research at the LAEDC

The U.S., California and LosAngeles County are in a

nasty recession. This is couldturn out to be a lengthy affair, as it will be late in 2009 beforewe start to see signs of improve-ment. Efforts by the federalgovernment to unfreeze thecredit markets as well as theirmultiple stimulus packagesshould start to turn the tide.

A lot will depend on consumer sentiment. Wallets have been put away, and this is hurting retailers, especially autodealers.

Our forecast for U.S. gross product calls for a -2.9% declinethis year, with just a +1.5% increase in 2010. The recoverywill be modest.

Los Angeles County’s unemployment rate hit 10.5% inJanuary, and unfortunately will move higher over the courseof 2009. Our forecast calls for a loss of -89,000 nonfarm jobsin the County during the year. When the economy starts torebound, business will be cautious about adding to theirworkforce until they are sure the recovery is durable. Thiswill cause fretting about the “jobless” recovery.

The largest employment losses in the County this year willbe in retailing, followed by manufacturing and construction.Industry sectors adding jobs include health services, thoughhospitals are hurting financially from an increase in unin-sured patients. Professional, scientific and technical serviceswill also add jobs in 2009. This includes architecture & engi-neering, which will benefit from the federal stimulus pack-age, as money goes to highways and other infrastructureprojects. There is also federal stimulus money for researchand development, which will benefit the County.

The housing sector will continue to struggle in 2009. The number of new housing units permitted in the Countywill continue to decline through 2010. In the resale housingmarket, unit sales will increase, but the median price willcontinue to decline over the rest of 2009. There are still a lotof foreclosures coming on the market, which will exert down-ward pressure on prices. Mortgage rates are low, so if onewas thinking of buying a home, now would be a good time toenter the market. However, you must be ready to stay in the

Efforts by the federal government to unfreeze thecredit markets as well as theirmultiple stimulus packagesshould start to turn the tide.

Continued on page 28

F O C U S O N B U S I N E S S

residence for at least five years, and understand that whenthe housing recovery does come, price increases at first willbe quite modest.

The commercial real estate sector is also encounteringproblems. The County’s office vacancy rate was 12.2% at theend of 2008, up from 9.7% at year-end 2007. Companies arecutting back on their office space, which is putting downwardpressure on lease rates. Some buildings in the County couldgo into foreclosure during the year. The County’s industrialreal estate market is holding up better. At year-end 2009,the County’s industrial vacancy rate was 2.2%. At year-end2007, it was 1.5%. While the economy has declined, leasesare still being signed for industrial space, which is a piece ofgood news.

People ask if there is any good news out there. There aresome positive things, including aerospace where employ-ment in the County should hold steady in 2009. Private edu-cation is also adding jobs, as people go back to school toenhance their skills. Inflation locally has also simmereddown, thanks to a decline in gas prices.

What should business do to survive over the rest of 2009?They should make sure they are using all the support servicesavailable for small-to-medium sized firms. They should alsokeep costs under control. Most importantly, they should coddletheir best customers (if they haven’t identified them yet, theyneed to do this quickly). Also, business should keep theireyes open for new opportunities. For example, who ever cancome up with a model for re-use of closed auto dealers couldstrike gold.

What about government? A lot of agencies will face significant budget pressures due to the economic slowdown,and some hard choices will have to be made. However, they should not forget their business base. One natural reaction for government when money is tight is to rush todevelop more retail. However, there is a glut of retail spaceand fewer and fewer stores to lease it.

For many consumers with retirement plans, opening thestatement is a painful affair. The stock market will remainvolatile over the course of 2009, and it will take quite sometime for it to recover. The best thing to do is to not openthem and put them in a drawer.

The rest of this year will not be easy, especially the nextfew months. However, if a household or business is cautiousand thoughtful, they should be able to make it through.

Source: Commerce Magazine – March 2009

Continued from page 27

28 APR I L 2009


N E W S B R I E F S

John McNamara, M.D., Named Torrance Memorial’s

Chief Medical Officer

John McNamara, M.D., has beennamed Chief Medical Officer of Torrance Memorial MedicalCenter, a new senior administrativeposition created to coordinatenumerous quality and strategicplans requiring significant physician involvement at the medical center.

“We are please to announcethat Dr. McNamara will serve as

Chief Medical Officer. He has served in physician lead-ership roles in the South Bay for over 20 years, mostrecently as the Chief of Staff at Torrance Memorial. Hehas repeatedly shown his ability to bring people together

New Position Provides Leadership on Physician-Led Initiatives

and move strategic plans forward in a positive way,” saidCraig Leach, president and chief executive officer,Torrance Memorial Medical Center. “He is respected byboth physicians and staff making him a great choice tooversee change in specific clinical programs requiringstrategic and physician input.”

Dr. McNamara’s responsibilities include leading thephysician education and physician deployment of thehospital’s electronic medical record, overseeing qualityimprovement initiatives and a new hospitalist program.Dr. McNamara will report directly to the president andchief executive officer.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to practice VascularSurgery for 29 years in our community. I am now look-ing forward to joining Torrance Memorial’s managementteam and contributing to their many plans to continuethe outstanding medical care offered to the residents of the South Bay,” said Dr. McNamara.

Torrance Memorial Medical Center is a 401-bed, non-profit, community medical center. For information aboutthe medical center’s programs, services and physicianopportunities, visit www.TorranceMemorial.org.

N E W S B R I E F S

30 APR I L 2009

Dogs Help Provide Therapy to Hospital PatientsProvidence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance is partnering with the local South Bay nonprofit, Love on 4Paws, to create a new therapy dog program. Led by SuniCookson, Love on 4 Paws recruits, mentors and certifies volunteer therapy dog teams that bring comfort and happi-ness to patients in several facilities in Los Angeles County.Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance is their first hospital in the South Bay. “Therapy dogs aretrained extensively to be stable and calm despite the unusualsituations they encounter in hospital settings,” Cooksonexplained. “Both the human handler and the dog go througha certification process. The dogs are immaculately groomedand special hygiene protocols are followed.”

“We’ve been delighted with the initial response to the program,” Volunteer Director Jill Schultz said. “Both thepatients and the staff get a big emotional lift from the therapydog visits, and we’re looking forward to expanding the program.”

“Therapy dogs have long been used to brighten the spiritsof both children and adults in medical settings,” Chief

Executive Michael Hunn explained. “Here at our MedicalCenter it’s one of many valuable and compassionate toolswe use to treat the whole human being—healing the mind,body and spirit.”

For more information on Love on 4 Paws or how tobecome a volunteer therapy dog team, please visitwww.loveon4paws.org.

N E W S B R I E F S


This year’s dynamic group of 24 young leaders hail from both North and South High Schools. The LTAAStudent Leadership Torrance Program began as thebrainchild of Pat Sandt , LTAA Board President; RodGuyton, member of the Leadership Torrance AlumniAssociation (LTAA), and Marc Pioch, Student ActivitiesDirector at North High School. LTAA, a program of theTorrance Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomes allLeadership Torrance graduates as it seeks to promoteLeadership Torrance’s values of community involvement,leadership, and networking. This year’s course hasbeen possible because of the generous contributionmade by Sunrider International. Sunrider stepped in at a time when LTAA wasn’t sure it would have thefinancial resources to follow-through with the success-ful program that had been initiated the year before, recognizing the importance and potential for leadershipopportunities for the community’s youth. The company’scommitment to fostering leadership skills in our youthis not only reflected in their monetary contribution but through their active participation. They haveopened their doors to provide a tour of their manufac-turing facility and will host a graduation reception forthe program participants and their families. SunriderInternational is an exemplary organization that is not only committed to excellence in their products but extends that excellence into the communities they serve.

Sunrider International Sponsors LTAA2009 Student Leadership Program

The Student Leadership Program provides exposure to various facets of Torrance and a unique vision of the communitywhere the students live and go to school. Through a foursession course, and involvement in a community project, the students participating in this program get a rare glimpseinto the various aspects of their city – the business community,the government, the history, and the philanthropy.

Sunrider’s mission is to improve the lifestyle and well-being of people around the world. Established in 1982 by Dr.Tei-Fu Chen, Sunrider is a family-owned company that helpspeople in over 42 countries own a franchise-like business fora low investment. They provide full operational support,training, and service to thousands of entrepreneurs.Sunrider has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in theiroperations and state-of-the-art manufacturing, includingtheir large plant in Torrance. For more information onSunrider International, please visit www.sunrider.com

The Leadership Torrance Alumni Association (a program ofthe Torrance Chamber of Commerce, perpetuates LeadershipTorrance class connections through organized activities. It provides opportunities so that members can socialize, network, volunteer for community projects, enhance leader-ship in the South Bay, and provide support for each otherand for the Leadership Torrance program and its participants.For more information on this program, visitwww.TorranceChamber.com Programs & events, orwww.LeadershipTorrance.org

The 2009 Student Leadership Torrance Class, made up of students

from North and South High Schools, complete City Day with Torrance

Police Chief John J. Neu and Torrance Fire Chief William Racowschi

LTAA Student Leadership class visits Sunrider International and

were given a plant tour by Victor Ecklund, Production Manager,

and Gary Koerner, Director of Operations

N E W S B R I E F S

32 APR I L 2009

Charles S. MarshallNamed M AdvisoryGroup’s Managing

Director - EmployeeBenefits

Chuck Marshall began his insurance careerin 1959 in Los Angeles, CA. During his first

years in the business, Chuck worked hisway through each and every department

from the mail room, to underwriting, to claims processing, from pre-trial settlement to sales management.

In 1979, The Marshall Agency was found-ed in the South Bay. For the last 30 yearsChuck has provided business owners withunequalled service in Employee Benefits

for themselves and their employees.Effective March 15, 2009,

The Marshall Agency will be merging with M Advisory Group to bring

100+ years of combined experience to our valued clients.

Chuck will serve as Managing Director –Employee Benefits,

working with our Corporate Benefit Group division clients.

Chuck may be reached at (310) 614-9224 or at

[email protected]

M ADVISORY GROUP21515 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 500 •Torrance, CA, 90503 • 310-530-5525

EXECUTIVE BENEFITS – EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

– RETIREMENT SERVICES –

– WEALTH TRANSFER/PROTECTION –

– WEALTH ADVISORY –

www.madvisory.com

N E W S B R I E F S


Providence Little Company of MaryFoundation Welcomes New Trustees

Providence Little Company of Mary Foundationannounces new board of trustee members fromacross the South Bay and Harbor Communities.

From left: Tim McOsker of San Pedro; Paula Del Vicario ofPalos Verdes Estates; Yvonne Liu of Rancho Palos Verdes;Paul Sanford of Redondo Beach; Ed Fountain Jr. of PalosVerdes Estates; Sister Terrence Landini, L.C.M.; Jon Jacobsonof Redondo Beach; Janet Fogle of San Pedro; David Fong ofManhattan Beach and Stephen Gale of Palos Verdes Estates.Outgoing trustees are Claudia Levin of Hermosa Beach andLynn Watson of Palos Verdes with a combined twelve years of faithful service. Providence Little Company of MaryFoundation provides institutional support and communityoutreach though Providence Little Company of Mary MedicalCenters in San Pedro and Torrance.

For information about partnering with the Foundation

please call 310-303-5340 or go to www.lcmweb.org/foundation.

34 APR I L 2009

C H A M B E R B E N E F I T S

NETWORKING:Connect With Other Business Professionals

Networking at Noon

Offered twice monthly at local restaurants, allows you to promote your business with business card exchange and 30-second introductions

New Member Luncheon

A quarterly orientation for new and prospective members

Business at Breakfast

Breakfast at corporate sites designed to meet other businesscontacts and see a business operation first-hand

P.R.O.F.S.

Professional Roundtable of Financial Services. Chamber members from financial services network to develop a groupof trusted colleagues

Young Professionals Group: A group of chamber members 40 years of age or younger who meet once a month to network, learn about professional development, contributeto community services and build relationships within theTorrance Chamber

Leadership Torrance Alumni Association (LTAA)

Graduates of Leadership Torrance supporting leadership,networking and community projects

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY: Supporting Business Interests before Government

GAP

The Government Affairs Policy group acts as a legislative andregulatory advocate for business by reviewing bills on local,county, state and federal levels and lobbies for pro- businesslegislation

TACC-PAC

The Political Action Committee seeks, endorses and supportscandidates to run for public office at the city, county, state and federal levels and whose views represent the businessinterests of this region

Sacramento Lobbying Trips

Torrance Chamber business outreach and the annual CaliforniaLegislative Summit take the business policy positions of thiscommunity to the state’s legislative representatives

Access D.C.

In partnership with the Los Angeles Chamber, annual federallegislative outreach to national legislative representatives onbusiness issues

South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce

The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce works in partnership with 15 other South Bay Chambers on regionallegislative matters impacting this region

Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce 3400 Torrance Blvd., Ste. 100Torrance, California 90503Office (310) 540-5858, Fax (310) 540-7662

5 Core Membership BenefitsVOLUNTEERING:Enhance the community with your involvement

Committees

Opportunities to network while working on legislative issues, diversity projects, GreenTorrance.com, and community events

Ambassador Program

Mentor new and prospective members

Cultural Involvement Task Force

Serve on one of four diversity event teams: Japan BusinessPartnership Reception, Dragon Circle Chinese New Year Celebration,Black History Celebration and Latino Business Reception

Adopt-A-School Program

A partnership matching private sector expertise and resources with the needs of local schools

DISCOUNTS FOR MEMBERS:Member 2 Member Discount

Credit Union Programs

Daily Breeze Monthly Advertising Supplement

Member Referral Program

Employee Savings Tickets

HIGH VISIBILITY BENEFITS:Connect with other business professionals

Business listings in the Membership Directory & Resource Guide

New member listing in the Torrance Business Monthly

Web directory listing in www.torrancechamber.com

Referrals by TACC members via phone, fax, e-mail or to walk-in visitors

Advertising opportunities in Torrance Magazine, TACC website, Torrance Business Monthly and Member Directory

E-mail blast Advertising access

Event Sponsorship opportunities at Chamber events

Discounts at the Business Expo Trade Show

Premier Investors Program Opportunities

To join the Chamber, or for more information contact www.TorranceChamber.com or reach our staff at (310) 540-5858.



1-10 $235

11-20 $300

21-40 $375

41-60 $500

61-100 $750

101-150 $950

151-200 $1150

201-250 $1350

251-300 $1550

301-400 $1950

401-500 $2200

501-600 $2500

601-700 $2700

701-800 $2900

801-900 $3100

901-1000 $3300

Community Volunteer $100

Number ofEmployees

AnnualMembershipInvestment

I Would Like to Become a Member

36 APR I L 2009


Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce3400 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100Torrance, CA 90503

PRST-STDU.S. Postage

PAIDTorrance, CA

Permit No. 54

Check out the latest issue.For comments and submittals, contact [email protected] call 310.373.2880

For advertising opportunities, contact [email protected] call 310.317.0841

OUR JULY THEME I S

Experience Torrance BusinessInnovations • Collaboration • Trends & Tips

torrance magazine ~ april 2009

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