Date post: | 28-Mar-2016 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | torrance-chamber-of-commerce |
View: | 216 times |
Download: | 4 times |
Of course we’d say that Camry is one heck of a drive.
But what do real owners think?
Options shown. ©2012 Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
FIND OUT WHAT THOUSANDS OF OWNERS SAY AT TOYOTA.COM/CAMRYEFFECT
Not long after Torrance was
founded, a number of businesses
realized this city had the potential
to become great, and that it did.
The city was close to a port,
with an exquisite ocean backdrop,
green hills, nearby mountains,
oil, and near Hollywood and
Los Angeles to attract scores of
visitors from all over the globe. Torrance was not just a spot on a map;
it was the future home to many visionary businesses.
With perfect climate, a good location, progressive thinking, and good
leadership, the city prospered, and it soon became apparent that Torrance
needed an organization to represent the interests of its business communi-
ty. Whether a small mom-and-pop shop, or a large industry or corporation,
the purpose of this organization was to create a strong and influential
impact on the economy and be the voice of business before government.
That voice became the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) and
73 years later it is still the advocate for Torrance area businesses.
In this issue, we present some businesses that were started in Torrance
and others that made Torrance their new home. Young or old, these
organizations have been in Torrance and with TACC for many years —
the oldest member has been with the Chamber for over 67 years!
Read about their Torrance beginnings, the move of Toyota Motor Sales
USA, Inc. (30 in Torrance), Robinson Helicopter Co. (39), Pelican Products
(36), Farmer Brothers (100!), ExxonMobil’s Torrance Refinery (83), El Camino
College (65), Torrance Memorial Medical Center (87), Spirit Cruises (50),
Kaiser Permanente South Bay (60), and Providence Little Company of Mary
Medical Center Torrance (56). Regardless of industry, size, or origin, today
their employees live in our neighborhoods, and their children attend TUSD;
they are the make-up of this great City of Torrance.
Happy 100th Torrance! We’re so glad we had a chance to celebrate with
you, and want to thank you for giving our member businesses a home.
The January 2013 issue will focus on GROWING BUSINESS. Be part of it!
Reserve your space now; submittals due December 3rd. Publishing date will
be January 15th.
Sue Moylan and Pat Sandt,
Co-Publishers, Torrance Magazine
UPCOMING DEADLINESFor the January 2013 Issue: Growing Business!Article/Advertising Space Reservation: December 3, 2012
Distribution Date: January 15, 2013
CONTACT US:Advertising: See www.Torrance-Magazine.com or
Contact [email protected] or 310.317.0841
Articles: Pat Sandt, at [email protected]
or 310.373.2880
General Information/Marketing Services: Sue Moylan, at
[email protected] or 310.539.2235
TACC Contact: [email protected] or 310.540.5858
The Torrance Magazine focuses on business stories, events, and who’s who profiles that
are of interest to Torrance Chamber of Commerce members and others doing business in
the South Bay area. The editorial is positive, information-packed, exclusive news: a diverse
mix of feature stories on Torrance and South Bay movers and shakers, businesses, events,
local industries, government and business economic development strategies and outlooks.
In this IssueOur Notes:
2 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
DEPARTMENTSNotes from the Publishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Chairman’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
A Special Note on TACC & Social Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
TACC Board of Directors & Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chamber Exec’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CELEBRATING TORRANCERobinson Helicopter Co., In Torrance for 40 years . . . . . . .6
Pelican Products – A Company That’s Very Pro-Torrance . .8
Providence – Excellence & Compassion a Tradition . . . . .9
ExxonMobil – Making History Since 1929 . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Kaiser Permanente – Serving Torrance for 60 Years . . 12-13
LeTip – A Tip for Business Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
El Camino College – Serving the So. Bay for 65 Years . . .14
Farmer Brothers Raise a Cup to 100 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Torrance Memorial Looking Back & Moving Forward . .16
Spirit Cruises Celebrating for 50 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
CSUDH – A Vital Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Toyota – In Torrance for 30 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
FROM CONGRESSCongresswoman Hahn to Deliver
State of the Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS POLICYExperts Weigh-in to Inform Policy Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
CIT Y OF TORRANCEMessage From the Mayor, Frank Scotto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
FROM TUSDRemember our Past, Forging a Successful Future . . . . . 26
CHAMBER HIGHLIGHTSAmbassador Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Leadership Torrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
CHAMBER EVENTSAn Evening Under the Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
UPCOMING EVENTSChamber Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
RIBBON CUTTINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
NEWS BRIEFSTorrance Memorial Shines a Light for Grieving . . . . . . . . 32
SBESC Easing the Ride to Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
U.S. Dept. of Ed. Grant Extension
to CSUDH Scholars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Raytheon’s Brian Arnold Joins Operation Homefront . . . . 33
Convaid Donates Over $40,000
to Nicaragua Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Landi Renzo USA & Reading Equipment & Distribution
Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
YMCA Thanks Supporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
CHAMBER BENEFITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Sue Moylan and Pat Sandt,
Green Ink Marketing
This Month’s Cover: Kirk Rossberg and Margie Cambra
pushing Torrance Bakery cake float in the Hometown
Centennial Parade. Photograph by Jordan Garcia.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 3
Then, Now, and in the Future: Success Requires A Set Course
Last month many Torrance residents lined the streets of
Old Torrance to watch the Centennial Parade and attend the
dedication of the Centennial Plaza. On behalf of the Torrance
Area Chamber of Commerce, I would like to congratulate the
City for their constant dedication in truly making Torrance a
balanced city. It was an incredible day!
I couldn’t think of Torrance’s history without reflecting upon
our Chamber’s history. Founded in 1939, the Torrance Area
Chamber of Commerce (TACC), is a membership organization
of approximately 752 businesses. Its mission is to create a
strong local economy by being the voice of business before
government, providing networking opportunities to its mem-
bers, promoting the community and taking political action.
Through these actions, we help business members to grow
and promote collaboration; thus assuring prosperity for the
Torrance area. As one of the leading accredited Chambers of
Commerce in the nation, the Torrance Area Chamber of
Commerce offers innovative programs designed to strengthen
businesses and ensure economic growth in the South Bay.
Committed to being a valuable resource to its members,
the Chamber offers networking events, vital business educa-
tion and training, and opportunities for visible community
involvement. The Chamber also maintains a strong legislative
advocacy program, voicing the
needs of its membership and
helping to establish a favorable
business climate on local,
state, and federal levels.
Southern California Edison
(SCE) became a member of
TACC in 1945. SCE is one of
the largest electric utilities in
California, serving more than 14 million people in a 50,000
square-mile area of central, coastal and Southern California,
excluding the City of Los Angeles and certain other cities. It
was Ted Porter from SCE who brought the idea of the Adopt-
A-School Program to the Chamber, 30 years ago.
We all work hand-in-hand with the City to make Torrance a
wonderful place in which to live and work. There is a mutual
respect between the Chamber and the City as each strives to
accomplish their goals.
Congratulations to the City of Torrance for celebrating
their Centennial and thank you to Southern California Edison
for being a 67 year Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
member!
AARON AALCIDES
2012-2013 TACC
Chairman of the Board
As blogging, social media and web advertising are
relatively recent arrivals in our culture, every legal
issue they raise has the veneer of “new and unique.”
Often, however, well settled legal principles are applica-
ble to inform and direct the actions of the parties who are
involved, and practical, straightforward solutions are
appropriate. For example, in recognition of potential legal
issues, the Burning Man Festival obtains a joint owner-
ship interest with its attendees in the copyrights to any
photographs taken at the event. Attendees also agree
to make only “personal use” of such photographs
(“personal” means the attendees will not upload the
images with the intent to publicly display them beyond
one’s immediate network, and one’s immediate network
is not inordinately large). The festival states that these
terms are intended to protect the event from commercial-
ization and to protect the privacy of the attendees.
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce supports the use
of cell phones and such photography during events, but
also restricts it for unauthorized, non-TACC commercial
or other non-personal use. Our TACC members should
feel free to attend TACC events without
concern that their names and/or likenesses
will be appropriated and published by
anyone other than the Chamber without
their knowledge or permission on commer-
cial or other websites available to the
general public.
A Special Note on Social Media,
Privacy and Photography at Chamber Events
By Karl Schmidt, Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce General Counsel
TACC Board of Directors and Staff About Torrance Magazine
2012-2013 Executive Board of Directors
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Aaron Aalcides
Aalcides Enterprises
CHAIR ELECT
Sherry Kramer
Continental Development Corporation
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Tara O’Brien
Kaiser Permanente
VICE CHAIR OF FINANCE
Cathy Towers
Bank of Manhattan, NA
VICE CHAIR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Charles Gale Jr.
Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California
VICE CHAIR OF INTERNAL OPERATIONS
Linda Amato
DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance - South Bay
VICE CHAIR OF REGIONAL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Pablo Borgnino
Exxon Mobil Corporation
VICE CHAIR OF MEMBERSHIP
Dan Thomas
Telepacific Communications
VICE CHAIR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
AND PUBLICITY
Heidi Cunningham
Kelly Services
GENERAL COUNSEL
Karl Schmidt
Parker, Milliken, Clark, O’Hara & Samuelian,
APC
VICE CHAIR OF FOUNDATION
and LEADERSHIP TORRANCE
Mark Waronek
Ek & Ek
2012 – 2013 Board of Directors
Joe Ahn
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
Sector Communications
Karin Baker
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Laurie Brandt
Red Car Brewery & Restaurant
Carmen Freeland
Daily Breeze
Judy Gibson
Strategic Technology Sources, Inc.
Peter Issa
CapitalSource Bank
Robert Katherman
Katherman Co. & Water Replenishment
District of So. California
Craig Leach
Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Marcella Low
Southern California Gas Company
Ellenmary Michel
Pelican Products, Inc.
Sue Moylan
Crest Marketing, Inc.
Shirley Pe
All Yellow Cab
Pam Ryan
Torrance Marriott
Greg Saks
CSU Dominguez Hills
Pat Sandt
Green Ink Marketing
Theresa Stanberry
Stanberry Laundry Co., LLC
Joshua Thomas
South Bay Equity Lending
Tracy Underwood
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
TACC Staff
Donna Duperron
President and CEO
Maria Applegate
Marketing Coordinator
Kelly Hernandez
Membership Coordinator
Shatera Luna
Projects Manager
Brian Rosario
Government Affairs Coordinator
Torrance (ISSN #0194-5491)
Published by the Torrance Area Chamber of
Commerce with Green Ink Marketing.
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
3400 Torrance Blvd., Ste 100,
Torrance, CA 90503. (310) 540-5858;
Green Ink Marketing,
Sue Moylan and Pat Sandt,
Mailing Address (No Deliveries Accepted):
2785 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. 312
Torrance, CA 90505
310.539.2235.
Subscription rates: $20.00 per year.
E-mail: [email protected]
Send address changes to:
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
c/o Torrance Magazine
3400 Torrance Blvd, Suite 100
Torrance, CA 90503
Tel: 310.540.5858
All rights reserved. Trademarked.
ARTICLES: Torrance Magazine is published
quarterly and mailed to TACC members and
distributed to selected businesses in the
community. The publishers welcome written
queries regarding articles for possible publi-
cations. Articles are subject to editing and
are included on an “as space permits basis”
at the discretion of the Publisher, Editors and
Editorial Board.
ITEMS: Material and photos for inclusion
must be received 30 days in advance of the
quarterly publication date. Reproduction, in
whole or in part without written permission,
is prohibited. Photos and articles not
returned.
DISCLAIMER: All reasonable efforts have
been made to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained in Torrance Magazine.
The publisher accepts no responsibility for
damage arising directly or as a consequence
of the use or publication of inaccurate or miss-
ing information. The opinions and/or claims
expressed by contributors and advertisers are
their own, and are not necessarily shared or
supported by Torrance Magazine, Green Ink
Marketing, its staff, TACC, Board of Directors,
or management. Editorial content is intended
as general information, and not as specific
legal or financial advice; for such, readers
are advised to consult professionals in
the appropriate field. The Torrance Area
Chamber of Commerce and
Green Ink Marketing assume
no responsibility resulting from
the advertising contained in the
publication.
Printed on FSC Certified Paper
with Soy-Based Inks.4 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
C H A M B E R E X E C ’ S M E S S A G E
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 5
This year, as the City of Torrance
celebrates its Centennial, we recognize
those who made a commitment to be
involved in finding the needs of the
area and those who worked together to
help solve the needs in order to create
a balanced city.
Although the Torrance Area Chamber
of Commerce was founded in 1939, the
city of Torrance and the Chamber share
a core belief that commerce, jobs and
economic growth are crucial to the ulti-
mate success of the overall community.
Through a wide range of programs
and services, the Chamber provides its
members with ways to improve their
operations, grow their sales, and
enhance the skills and effectiveness of
their people.
The most important segment of the
chamber of commerce is its membership
and active volunteer leaders. The chamber
represents the most in-depth reservoir
of talent in the community. If you exam-
ine the make-up and diversity of the
many task forces, programs, committees
and the Board of Directors, I think you
will be amazed. No public or private
group could afford to pay for the talent
or expertise given by volunteers through
the chamber in any one year. These
people bring together immeasurable
knowledge and expertise from
their various segments of the business
community to solve problems and
accomplish community improvement.
Perhaps one of the most reassuring
observations of chamber work is that
often times fierce competitors join
hands to work together for the entire
community’s benefit.
Torrance is a dynamic community
which is rapidly becoming more
mature and much more sophisticated
in its lifestyle and in its business
environment.
Torrance’s horizon continues to reflect
a golden glow with great promise for
the future. The leadership of the
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
has determined that this community
will continue to improve, progress and
prosper.
The Torrance Area Chamber of
Commerce is what we want it to be and
what the active members make it each
year. Take a look at the people…and
the activities of the Chamber. There is
always room for new ideas and innova-
tive programs. So come get involved
and help make this year one in which
we have greater participation and
improved programs for a bigger
membership and an even better
community!
DONNA DUPERRONPresident and CEO
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
To maximize your exposure in the community,
or, to request more information, call the
Chamber at (310) 540-5858. We will meet
with you to create a customized plan to help
your business train for success. We want you
to succeed and we are able to provide the
tools to help you do just that!
Ambassadors
Mentoring new chamber members
Theresa Stanberry -
GAP
Government Affairs Policy Group
Charles Gale Jr. - [email protected]
Green Torrance Committee
Pat Sandt - [email protected]
HR Professionals
Human Resources Professionals of Torrance
Heidi Cunningham -
Networking at Noon
Our most popular networking lunches
TACC - [email protected]
PROFS
Professional Roundtable
of Financial Services
Candy Messer - [email protected]
Tech Pros
Technology Professionals of Torrance
Dan Thomas - [email protected]
CONTACT INFORMAT ION
Perhaps one of the most reassuring
observations of chamber work is that
often times fierce competitors
join hands to work together
for the entire community’s benefit.
For those who live, work or play in our community, we continue to be
thankful for those who were optimistic about the future of the city of
Torrance. Their faith and confidence generated long range plans for orderly
growth and development.
....................................................................................................................................
6 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
In 1973, determined to build a personal
helicopter, Frank Robinson founded
Robinson Helicopter Company in his
Palos Verdes home. In 1975, having
completed the design of his two-place
piston helicopter, he moved the
company to a tin hangar on the Torrance
Airport. There, Frank and a handful of
employees assembled the first R22
prototype.
In August 1975, the R22 took its first
flight and four years later on March 16,
1979, the FAA awarded Robinson
Helicopter Company the Type Certificate
for the R22. That same year, Robinson
moved into a 44,000 square-foot manu-
facturing facility located at the north-
east end of the airport. With a small but
steady backlog of orders, Robinson
hired 100 workers and began producing
one R22 per week. Within a decade, the
R22 became the world’s top-selling light
helicopter.
When Robinson introduced the four-
place R44 in 1992, sales doubled and
production demands quickly increased.
Robinson wanted to expand and
seriously considered leaving Torrance.
After careful consideration and with
strong support from the City, Frank
elected to stay at the Torrance Airport,
a decision that would prove to be mutu-
ally beneficial.
Robinson worked with then Torrance
Mayor Katy Geissert on the expansion
project. Their efforts resulted in a
260,000 square-foot facility that was
completed in June 1994. In 2003,
Robinson again expanded adding
224,000 square feet and more recently
in 2010, with the certification of the
five-place R66 Turbine, the company
added an additional 133,000 square
feet. Today, the factory is 617,000
square feet and occupies 28 acres on
the Torrance airfield.
Robinson has delivered over 10,000
helicopters and is the world’s leading
producer of civilian helicopters. The
company sells worldwide with exports
consistently accounting for more than
60% of sales. Robinson Helicopter
currently employs a local workforce of
over 1300 people and all of Robinson’s
products are wholly manufactured at
its Torrance, California facility.
Robinson Helicopter Company and
its employees would like to thank
the City of Torrance for its vision and
unwavering support. On the occasion
of the city’s centennial, Robinson
congratulates Torrance and looks forward
to a long and productive association.
For more company information visit
www.robinsonheli.com
Robinson Helicopter CompanyA TO RRA NCE R E S I DE NT FO R N E A RLY 40 YE A RS
Robinson’s Flight Test Ramp at Torrance Airport
Robinson Helicopter currently employs
a local workforce of over 1300 people
and all of Robinson’s products
are wholly manufactured at its
Torrance, California facility.
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 7
West High Warriors Marching Band
at the Centennial Parade
8 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
Torrance-based Pelican Products was
founded in the garage of South Bay
resident Dave Parker in 1976 where he
made dive buoy markers, watertight
flashlights and first aid kits. With a
strong reputation for engineering an
incredibly tough product and standing
behind it, the company has grown expo-
nentially due to its popularity among
professionals across the globe in the
most demanding environments.
Today, under the leadership of
President and CEO Lyndon Faulkner,
Pelican manufactures hundreds of
models of protective case solutions and
advanced portable lighting systems,
boasts a global workforce of nearly
1,200 employees, 5 global manufactur-
ing facilities, and operates 26 offices in
19 countries. Additionally, the company
has been named for the fourth year in a
row to the Inc. 500/5000 list of the nation’s
fastest-growing private companies.
As a responsible member of the
community, Pelican has a corporate
culture of giving back with either
employee time or donations. Their latest
activities include teaming up with
Robinson Helicopter and the Torrance
Fire Department by providing 3,000
flashlights to last November’s Torrance
Centennial Light Show. Additionally, 150
Pelican employees, family and friends
represented the company at the recent
Revlon Run/Walk for Breast Cancer.
From its founding Pelican has led
the industry with innovative product
designs. Most recently, their industry-
leading products have diversified into
the consumer market with the Pelican
ProGear™ line, which includes extreme-
ly tough Urban backpacks (the first
Pelican Case you can wear), small elec-
tronics protection for tablets, laptops
and iPhones©, Elite Coolers and
advanced LED lighting systems. Pelican
Produccts is a trusted brand in the most
demanding markets – first responders,
military, aerospace and industrial –
because their products excel in the
harshest conditions known to man.
They’ve used the same tough Pelican
DNA found in their commercial products
to create a wide range of rugged prod-
ucts for consumers to use as protection
for tablets, laptops, smart phones and
cameras. Consumers also have access
to world renowned lighting tools and
the tough-as-nails performance of their
all-new Pelican ProGear Elite Coolers,
which feature an industry-first,
lifetime guarantee.
This new product line is also the
subject of the company’s first television
commercials on channels such as
History, Discovery and NBC Sports, as
well as high-profile print advertisements
in magazines such as Outdoor Life and
Men’s Journal. Visibility of the Pelican
ProGear brand is also being driven
through endorsements from top
athletes, explorers and adventurers
(Pelican Pros) who use the products
and exemplify Pelican’s core values.
All Pelican Pro profiles, videos and
gear preferences are featured on
www.pelicanprogear.com as well.
Heading up the first Pelican Pros are:
• Jeb Corliss – one of the world’s
foremost BASE-jumpers and
wingsuit pilots
• Craig Sawyer – retired Navy SEAL,
tactical trainer and advisor
• Alexandra Cousteau – leading
conservationist, Cousteau family
legacy and founder of Blue Legacy
• Mark Davis – renowned salt water
fisherman and host of Big Water
Adventures on the Outdoor Channel
The Pelican ProGear line is just the tip of
the iceberg. The company continues to
execute an aggressive growth strategy
by opening up new markets and rolling
out new products and services. Their
newest commercial venture is the
Pelican BioPharma line of temperature-
controlled transport cases for the
pharmaceutical and medical industry.
Additionally, Pelican continues to
open new sales offices and distribution
centers across the globe in order to
quickly meet exploding demand.
For more information visit www.peli-
can.com or www.PelicanProGear.com.
Pelican Products—A Company That’s Very Pro-Torrance
Their latest activities include teaming up
with Robinson Helicopter and the Torrance
Fire Department by providing 3,000
flashlights to last November’s Torrance
Centennial Light Show.
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 9
The City of Torrance was
nearly a half-century old in
1957 when members of the
Catholic Sisters of the Little
Company of Mary traveled from
Chicago to finalize building
plans for a new hospital. It was
June of 1956 when Cardinal
James McIntyre invited the
Sisters to come to Torrance and
build a hospital on 10 acres granted by
the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Sister
Magdalen said years later she remem-
bered her excitement at the adventure
ahead as she traveled by plane to
California. The sisters recalled a warm
and welcoming community, one that
supported them – and continues to sup-
port the medical center today – as they
built a state-of-the-art hospital. The
project sat near the newly developing
Southwood housing tract where houses
were selling for about $14,000 and
strawberries, chickens and cows were
plentiful on nearby farms.
The 150-bed hospital with its four
operating rooms, three labor rooms and
two delivery rooms was dedicated in
1960 and over the years expanded its
footprint in what is now a busy business
center of Torrance. In 1992, Little
Company of Mary Hospital and San
Pedro Peninsula Hospital joined to form
Little Company of Mary Health Services
and in 1999, the sisters partnered with
the Sisters of Providence.
Today, the 436-bed medical center is
ranked among the nation’s best hospi-
tals and continues to expand and
improve to meet the changing needs of
Torrance and neighboring communities.
The latest addition was the 2010 open-
ing of the first of its kind for the Los
Angeles area, a neonatal intensive care
unit with private rooms to help foster
family bonding and privacy. The Torrance
campus is one of five award-winning
medical centers in the Los Angeles Area
sponsored by the two Catholic orders.
In Torrance, the organization
has expanded to include the
hospital’s top-rated Transitional
Care Center, an out-patient
diagnostic center, the soon-to-
open Providence Breeze
Medical Plaza on Torrance
Boulevard and the ever-grow-
ing Providence Medical Institute
physician foundation.
The hospital also sponsors the Vasek
Polak Health Center and numerous other
programs that provide health care to the
community’s under-served. Providence
contributed $43.7 million in charity care
and outreach to those most in need in
2011, a tradition that continues.
Now as Torrance celebrates its
Centennial, Providence Little Company
of Mary Medical Center Torrance looks
to the next decades, partnering with
the city to advance its special brand of
quality and compassionate health care.
With nearly 2,100 employees and 900
physicians on staff today, the center
continues to grow, now focusing on
health care for the 21st Century.
For more information, please visit us
at california.providence.org/torrance.
Need workers with
We can help.special skills?
We have resources to help you recruit and train new employees through our Customized Training Program.
Contact us for more informa on.
(866) 848-3321YourNextHire.biz
This equal opportunity program is nancially assisted through WIA Title I. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabili es to request a reasonable accommoda on, please call 562.570.4711 or TTY 562.570.4629.
a public workforce agency serving the ci es ofTorrance, Lomita, Signal Hill, and Long Beach
Excellence and CompassionA Providence Tradition in Torrance
LIZ DUNNEChief Executive
It was June of 1956 when Cardinal James
McIntyre invited the Sisters to come to
Torrance and build a hospital on 10 acres
granted by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
E X XON MOB I L CO R PO RAT ION—
Making History in Torrance Since 1929
The year was 1929. The
City of Torrance had
only been incorporated
for nine years when
Scottish sea captain
John Barneson built an
oil refinery where acres
of bean fields once
stood. He made his
vision of fueling ships in
the Los Angeles harbor
become a reality with
the recently discovered
crude oil from California’s
San Joaquin Valley. Soon
pipelines followed, and
during the Great
Depression, the refinery,
then known as the General Petroleum
Corporation, helped lend a much-needed
boost to the local economy. This is
how the history of what is known as
ExxonMobil’s Torrance Refinery began.
As the refinery manager, I’m proud to
carry out Captain Barneson’s vision. The
refinery has evolved from its beginnings
surrounded by oil fields to a facility
uniquely situated in the midst of a
bustling and vibrant city. Today, the
refinery’s primary role is to safely
provide reliable and affordable supplies
of energy to Southern California in
an economically, environmentally,
and socially responsible manner. We
produce approximately 10 percent of
the gasoline that is refined in California.
As the City of Torrance grew, so did
our focus on the community. Operating
in a densely populated city like Torrance
means that we’re ever conscientious
of our role as a neighbor. Our entire
workforce focuses on maintaining safe
and reliable operations to be a good
neighbor, while striving to meet energy
demand. Further, business objectives
drive our support of civic priorities.
ExxonMobil’s commit-
ment to community
investment means we
contribute significantly
to the local economy
through jobs, taxes,
spending, contributions
and volunteerism. Last
year alone, ExxonMobil
injected $120 million back
into the Torrance econo-
my and nearly $300
million into Los Angeles
County. The refinery also
paid $15 million in proper-
ty taxes and $21 million in
other taxes. Contributions
to local nonprofits and volunteer grants
injected another nearly $800,000.
I encourage employee volunteerism
and our refinery has a long history of
supporting educational initiatives
through community programs that
focus on innovative approaches to teach
science, technology, engineering and
math (STEM) to their students. We
believe that improving STEM competency
will elevate our students’ competitive-
ness in the 21st century workforce.
Our programs such as the Pegasus
STEM Awards, Sally Ride Science
Academy and Mickelson ExxonMobil
Teacher’s Academy help teachers hone
their skills, and Introduce a Girl to
Engineering Days, Bernard Harris
Summer Science Camp and the Exxon-
Mobil Youth Development Program help
expose students to STEM careers. Our
employees also donate time, talent and
resources to support local non-profits.
I’m proud of the relationship the
Torrance Refinery shares with the City.
Throughout our 83 years, we have
helped to support a strong economy
for the city that grew around us.
We look forward to helping usher
Torrance’s heritage of success for
another 100 years.
For more information about
ExxonMobil Torrance Refinery visit
www.torrancerefinery.com and for
Exxon Mobil Corporation visit
www.exxonmobil.com.
By Pablo Borgnino, Refinery Manager
Refinery Manager Pablo
Borgnino, joined by his son,
participate in Torrance’s
Centennial Parade.
Torrance Refinery employees join the celebration at the Downtown Torrance Centennial Parade.
10 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
12 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
As the City of Torrance
celebrates its Centennial
Anniversary, Kaiser
Permanente South Bay
Medical Center also marks
a more than 60-year commit-
ment to serve the Torrance,
South Bay, Harbor and Long
Beach communities.
Our vision for the future of
health care is simple:
We believe total health looks different
for everyone. It might be enjoying a
book and a brisk walk, planting trees in
the community, cooking with family or
stretching into a deep “downward dog.”
Whatever it is that moves our patients
— mind, body, and spirit — we believe
in their total health. That’s why our
physicians, nurses, and care teams work
together to provide excellent
care and a personalized, total
health experience that empow-
ers our members and our
communities to thrive.
Our electronic health record
system enables our care teams
to connect with each other
and with our patients to
provide the most personalized
and informed care. This connec-
tivity supports better communication,
new research, and better care. For our
patients, this means it is more conven-
ient to get prescriptions filled, and it’s
faster and easier to communicate with
their doctors. Test results are often
available online within hours, and it
is easy to make and change routine
appointments.
In 2011, more than 3.8 million Kaiser
Permanente members across the coun-
try were registered to use My Health
Manager on kp.org, enabling users to
send more than 12 million secure emails
to their doctors, view nearly 30 million
laboratory test results, and make or
change appointments 2.7 million times.
Total health doesn’t start or end at the
doors of our medical facilities. It doesn’t
even end at home. Total health includes
where people work, where they go to
school, and where they play. We believe
in making prevention a priority and that
healthy communities make healthy peo-
ple. So we work in collaboration with
our members, their families, and our
communities to support total health for
the mind, body, and spirit. In 2011,
Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical
LESLEY WILLE, RNExecutive Director
of Hospital and
Health Plan Operations
K AI S E R PE RM A N E NTE SOUTH BAY M E DIC A L CE NTE R
Serving Torrance & Surrounding Communities for 60 Years
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 13
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
South High Cheer
at the Centennial Parade
SOUTHBAY’S OLDEST, LARGEST, MOST EFFECTIVE
NETWORKING GROUP SINCE 1991
10-20 YEAR TENURE IS THE NORM BECAUSE
THIS GROUP PUTS DOLLARS IN THEIR POCKETS!
EXCLUSIVE CATAGORIES:
ONE MEMBER PER BUSINESS
Join and instantly Add 45 people to your sales force.On average, 30 business referrals (tips) are passed each week.
Join us for a free breakfast at Sizzler’s
2880 Sepulveda, Torrance at 7:00 am any Tuesday
by calling 310-491-3467 to RSVP.
SOUTHBAY LETIP SOUTHBAYLETIP.COM
Recently, I read an article
titled, “What the Most
Successful People Do
Before Breakfast” by Laura
Vanderkam that started off
as follows: “Mornings are a
great time for getting things
done. You’re less likely to be
interrupted than you are later
in the day. Your supply of
willpower is fresh after a good
night’s sleep. That makes it
possible to turn personal
priorities like exercise or strategic
thinking into reality.” Mornings are a
great time as the day is full of promise,
you’re working to achieve your goals
(you have them written down, right?)
before most people are out of bed
and you’re miles ahead of your
competition.
Not really a morning person? Well,
here comes the tough love. You can
train your mind to adapt to just about
anything. It’s all a matter of how badly
you want to succeed and
what price you are willing to
pay. Getting up at 6AM, for
example, is a really, really
small price to pay in
exchange for a 6 figure
income or increasing profits
by 10, 15 or 20% per year.
After a few weeks of early ris-
ing, it will seem natural and
you will be amazed at how
much more you accomplish.
Weekly networking with 40-50
people who will refer you business is
a good use of morning time. Imagine
meeting with your outside “sales force”
of 40 plus individuals and receiving
quality referrals that, in most cases,
lead to new business; all before 8:30AM.
Now that’s what I call something
successful people or people who want
to be successful do before breakfast.
For more information, please visit us
at southbayletip.com.
A Tip for Business Success From LeTip
PHILLIP COOKPresident
South Bay LeTip
Continued from page 12
KAISER PERMANENTE
Center invested more than $20 million
in improving the total health of the
communities we serve.
We are pleased that our hard work
has been acknowledged by some of the
most respected organizations in the
country. We are even more proud to
have achieved this recognition working
in partnership with our members. Visit
our Care Stories Blog on the web at
www.kaiserpermanentecarestories.org
to view video testimonials directly from
our patients.
As we move toward the health care
of the future, Kaiser Permanente will
continue to build on our successful
innovations to provide patient-centered
care that is more convenient, more
accessible, and more affordable.
For more information, please visit us
at www.kp.org.
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
14 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
The Board of Trustees of the El Camino
Community College District voted on
July 16 to place Measure E on the
November 2012 ballot.
El Camino College has
proudly served the South
Bay for 65 years, prepar-
ing students for the jobs
of today and the future.
We are proud to be part of
our students’ success as
they transfer to a university or
gain employment in areas includ-
ing nursing, firefighting and other first-
responder and healthcare careers.
E L C A M I NO COLLE G E—
Proudly Serving the South Bay for 65 YearsThe Board recognizes that U.C. and State
college systems are becoming so expen-
sive, more students are relying on
community colleges. Yet,
despite an increasing
demand for high-quality,
affordable college
options, community col-
leges across California
are underfunded –
this past year, El Camino
College experienced $10
million in cuts from the state
budget. More reductions are expected
in the future. It is clear that we cannot count
on the state to fully fund the needs of El Camino College.
Since El Camino College was established,
every effort has been made to offer labs,
classrooms and instructional facilities
that meet current and future academic
needs. As job opportunities in high-tech
and “green” technology industries
expand, we continue to offer the training
and resources needed to be competitive
in these professions.
The Board also acknowledged that
due to the growing number of returning
military personnel, as well as active
military, the upgrade of support services
facilities is a high priority of the District.
In these challenging economic times,
students need quality academics and
job training more than ever. In order to
provide the exceptional education our
students need, we are asking our commu-
nity for assistance.
Learn more about how you can help
shape the future of El Camino College by
visiting www.elcamino.edu.
The Board also acknowledged that due to the growing number of
returning military personnel, as well as active military, the upgrade
of support services facilities is a high priority of the District.
Over the past 100 years, Torrance-based Farmer
Brothers has grown to become one of the leading
coffee-focused, national foodservice suppliers,
known for its outstanding service and products.
This year, the company is proud to celebrate
its milestone centennial with the city where
it’s headquartered. For the last century,
Farmer Brothers and the City of Torrance have
witnessed both community and corporate
growth. Together, they look forward to another
hundred years of progress and innovation.
Farmer Brothers thanks its dedicated
employees for their commitment to product
quality and customer service – keys to making
the business longstanding and successful. The
company also extends its sincere appreciation
to its valued customers and partners – nationally,
regionally and right here in the company’s own
Torrance backyard, for their continued support
and collaboration.
Happy 100th Birthday,
Farmer Brothers and Torrance!
Farmer Brothers and the City of Torrance
Raise a Cup to 100 Years
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 15
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
16 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
TO RRA NCE M E MO R IA L M E DIC A L CE NTE R
Looking Back and Moving Forward—
Toward a Bright Healthcare FutureBy Craig Leach, President/CEO, Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Left to right: Jared Sidney Torrance Memorial Hospital and operating room with nurses circa 1925.
JARED SIDNEY
TORRANCE
HELENA CHILDS
TORRANCE
In 1921 Jared Sidney Torrance’s new
industrial city was formally incorporated
and beginning to take shape. Torrance
recognized that his new namesake city
would need a first class hospital to meet
the needs of its then 1,800 residents.
That same year he made a will leaving
$100,000 to the Torrance Hospital
Association to ensure a hospital would
be built. Unfortunately Sidney would
pass away that year and never have the
opportunity to see the result of his
vision. After his death, his wife Helena
Childs Torrance worked tirelessly to
make his dream a reality.
The Jared Sidney Torrance Memorial
Hospital was first built as a small,
stately mansion on Engracia Avenue in
old Torrance. It admitted its first patient
on May 17, 1925 and would treat 521
patients and deliver 72 babies that first
year. Mr. and Mrs. Torrance would today
be amazed to see how Torrance
Memorial Medical Center has kept up
with the latest advancements in medi-
cine. They would also no doubt be filled
with pride to see a hospital that has
stayed true to its roots as a locally gov-
erned, non-profit medical center that
treats patients with the same compas-
sion and caring as it did 87 years ago.
At the heart of Torrance
Memorial’s success are its
community ties. Its 800-
Auxiliary volunteers provide
services from running the
hospital gift shop, to greet-
ing patients and visitors, to
the Clowns on Rounds pro-
gram. The hospital’s mission
as a non-profit organization
positions it well for the
future, as it responds to the
assessed health needs of the communi-
ty through development and implemen-
tation of an annual board-approved
Community Benefits Plan. Last year,
Torrance Memorial provided more than
$40 million in Community Benefits,
including programs to prevent chronic
health conditions such as heart disease,
diabetes, obesity and lung cancer.
Torrance Memorial’s commitment to
top-level care is evident in its recent
achievement of Magnet® recognition
from the American Nurses Credentialing
Center. The Magnet Recognition
Program® acknowledges top healthcare
organizations in the nation for providing
nursing excellence. The ranking is
shared by only seven percent of hospi-
tals in the nation.
But perhaps the most
obvious demonstration of
our commitment to “moving
forward” is the embarkment
upon one of the largest con-
struction projects Torrance
has seen in more than a
decade—a seven-story,
398,350-square-foot Patient
Tower. Set to open in 2015,
the new tower will replace
Torrance Memorial’s second
structure built on Lomita Blvd. in 1971. It
will house 256 private rooms, 18 surgi-
cal and interventional treatment rooms,
as well as outdoor gardens to provide a
serene and healing space for patients,
visitors and staff. With an expected $100
million of the $450 million project cost
being funded by donations, the commu-
nity truly has a stake in shaping the
future of its healthcare. As Torrance
commences its second century as the
eighth largest city in Los Angeles
County, it’s a future that would surely
bring a smile to Jared Sidney and Helena
Childs Torrance today.
For more information and main tower
construction updates visit our website
www.TorranceMemorial.org.
New Patient Tower set to open in 2015
18 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
C A LI FO R N IA STATE U N IVE RS IT Y, DO M I NG UE Z H I LLS:
A Vital Resource for a Vital CommunityCalifornia State University,
Dominguez Hills serves as
a critical academic and
cultural resource to the
Torrance community and
South Bay region, with
over 4,000 alumni resid-
ing in the City of Torrance!
Over 900 Torrance
residents are students at
CSU Dominguez Hills or
work on campus as faculty
or staff members. The largest number of
students who transfer from community
colleges to CSUDH come from El Camino
College. Chances are you or some of
your neighbors are affiliated with CSU
Dominguez Hills. The university provides
jobs, prepares the future workforce, and
creates innovative services for the
region that will build and sustain its
economy.
The university’s positive
impact can be measured
not only by the number of
students who have success-
fully completed their
degrees, but by what those
students are doing with
their education after grad-
uation. Our alumni stay in
the community, raising
families, building careers,
and contributing to the
local economy. More than a recognized
institution of higher learning, CSU
Dominguez Hills is an integral part of our
community’s social and economic fabric.
While preparing tomorrow’s leaders,
the university also partners with individ-
uals, businesses, government agencies,
and organizations to help identify and
resolve the challenges we face as a com-
munity, a region, and a vital contributor
to our state and nation. Last year, Mayor
Frank Scotto of Torrance hosted a round-
table for university leaders and mayors
of the South Bay cities at the Torrance
City Hall to raise awareness of the uni-
versity’s resources that are available to
the community and to build and
strengthen community partnerships.
The Workforce to Fuel Local Industry
CSU Dominguez Hills is playing a
proactive role in shaping a competitive,
well-qualified workforce prepared to
meet critical labor demands. Hundreds
of CSUDH students have taken advan-
tage of internship opportunities with top
companies and organizations in the
Torrance area such as LA BioMed,
Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Toyota.
Professionals from these industry part-
ners also serve as adjunct professors,
sharing a wealth of real-world knowl-
edge and experience with our students.
While at CSU Dominguez Hills, our
students also participate in research
projects, community service learning,
and international study programs. They
develop an appreciation for diverse
ideas and global perspectives, and as
graduates are well-trained profession-
als, engaged community leaders, and
innovative contributors to our society.
Through our relevant academic pro-
grams, we are helping build a pipeline
of professionals our community needs
most: health care workers, business
leaders, technology professionals,
educators, transportation workers,
and early childhood developers.
Students come to CSU Dominguez
Hills to make a future for themselves.
They stay in the South Bay to make a
difference for the community.
About CSU Dominguez Hills —
California State University, Dominguez
Hills is a model urban university located
in the South Bay region of Los Angeles
County. The university prides itself on
a world-class faculty and innovative
and relevant academic programs that
prepare a multicultural student body to
compete in a global economy.
For more information on establish-
ing community partnerships with the
university, please contact University
Advancement at (310) 243-3787.
Proud graduates of the
CSUDH Class of 2012
Students come to CSU Dominguez Hills
to make a future for themselves.
They stay in the South Bay
to make a difference for the community.
PH
OT
O B
Y F
RE
DW
ILL
HE
RN
AN
DE
Z
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 19
We are proud to serve as an eminent educational and cultural center for the South Bay and the metropolitan Los Angeles region, featuring:
� Outstanding academic programs and faculty� Convenient location in the South Bay� Exciting new majors and facilities� Career preparation and workforce training� Financial aid and scholarships available
� Beautiful park-like campus
LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIESLEADERS
C A L I F O R N I A S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y , D O M I N G U E Z H I L L S
Torrance Area Youth Band
at the Centennial Parade
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
20 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
Torrance, A Home to Toyota for 30 YearsIn October 1957, Toyota Motor Sales,
U.S.A., Inc. established its headquarters
in a former Rambler dealership in
Hollywood, California. In its first year,
it sold 287 Toyopet Crown sedans and
one Land Cruiser.
Over the next 10 years, Toyota became
the third best-selling import brand in
the United States, giving credence to its
1970s marketing campaign, which
included “You Asked For It/You Got It!”
and the hit “Oh What A Feeling!”
campaign.
As Toyota celebrated its 25th Anniver-
sary in America in 1982, it opened a new
national sales headquarters complex in
Torrance, California.
Toyota’s history is filled with success.
In 1991, Lexus earned the title of “No. 1
Luxury Import in the United States”, sur-
passing both Mercedes-Benz and BMW;
and in 1997, the Camry earned the title
of No.1 selling passenger car in America,
a crown it has worn for 14 of the last
15 years.
With the start of the new millennium,
Toyota launched the Prius, the world’s
first mass-produced gas/electric hybrid
car. And by the end of 2000, following
“The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection,”
Lexus edged out Mercedes-Benz by 423
units to become the top-selling luxury
brand in the United States, a position it
has held for 10 years running.
In 2002, Toyota delivered its first two
zero-emission/market-ready hydrogen
fuel cell vehicles to customers in
California for real-world testing, and the
“Hybrid Synergy Drive” debuted in the
all-new 2004 Prius.
In 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake
struck the Tohoku region of Japan and
was followed by a tsunami that claimed
the lives of nearly 16,000 people. The
devastation was widespread and many
businesses were shut down, including
four Toyota plants. Despite these natural
disasters, production returned to near-
normal levels by the end of the 2011, a
testimonial to Toyota’s resiliency and
efficiency, proven in March of 2012,
when Toyota was once again the No. 1
automotive brand in the United States.
Today, Toyota directly employs more
than 30,000 Americans while its dealers
As Toyota celebrated its 25th Anniversary
in America in 1982, it opened a new
national sales headquarters complex
in Torrance, California.
Toyota Then & Now:1. 1957 Headquarters in Hollywood, CA
2. Current Headquarter Building Torrance, CA
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 21
SKYPARK OFFICE & MEDICAL CENTER
R. Timothy VaughanLic. 00902652Senior Vice [email protected]
David A. SmithLic. 00991425Senior Vice [email protected]
For further information, please contact:
12 Buildings OfferMedical and OfficeSuites from 841Square Feet to6,000 Square Feet
Recently Renovated Lobbies and Common Areas
Immediately Adjacent to Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Ground Floor Suites Available
Private Physician Entrance/Exit Available In Most Suites
Free Surface Parking
Accessible Corner Location With High Street Visibility
Responsive/Committed Property Managment and Ownership by Continental Development Corporation
Congratulations toTorrance for 100years of prosperity!
Torrance
Mad
ison
St
Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance Blvd
Anza Ave Madro
na A
ve
Lomita Blvd
Sepulveda Blvd
Carson St
Pacific Coast Hwy
�
�� �
�
Little Company of Mary Hospital
Torrance MemorialMedical Center
SKYPARK OFFICE& MEDICAL CENTER
C E L E B R A T I N G T O R R A N C E
Continued from page 20
TOYOTA
employ another 120,000 and its major
suppliers account for another 51,000. In
addition, each direct job created by Toyota
and its dealers generates spin-off jobs.
Altogether, Toyota is responsible for over
300,000 American jobs.
Toyota is actively committed to improving
education by supporting programs that
offer the tools and training to help enrich
people’s lives. The Toyota U.S.A. Foundation’s
$100 million endowment supports K-12
programs in math, science, and environmental
science. For over 30 years, Toyota and their
associates have contributed to the South
Bay and made it a better place.
Happy Birthday Torrance!
For more information, please visit
www.toyota.com.
North High Marching Band
at the Centennial Parade
F R O M C O N G R E S S
22 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC)
is proud once again to host the annual State of
the Region Address being delivered by
Congresswoman Janice Hahn. This will be the
Congresswoman’s second address to our region
and unfortunately the last in coordination with the
TACC due to redistricting. Nonetheless, TACC is
very proud to host the Congresswoman who was
elected to Congress in a special election in July of
2011. Prior to Congress, she served for ten years
on the Los Angeles City Council. She currently holds
positions on the Committee on Homeland Security
and the Committee on Small Business.
She has championed the creation of a green technology
incubator at the Port of Los Angeles to create more green
jobs at the Port. She secured affordable health care for LAX
workers, and helped hotel workers earn a living wage and
respectable working conditions. Congresswoman Hahn
believes in after-school programs and job training as a way
to combat gang violence and has worked with community
leaders on an anti-gang strategy using anti-gang curriculum
in the classroom.
As a member of Congress, she founded and co-chairs the
PORTS Caucus, a bi-partisan group of Representatives work-
ing to highlight the economic importance of America’s ports
Congresswoman Hahn to Deliver State of the Regionand how we can better ensure their security. As a
freshman member, Congresswoman Hahn passed
her first bill in the house which will further security
in our nation’s ports. This is a significant accom-
plishment for a freshman member in the minority.
She has also written legislation to reduce the
amount of paperwork for small businesses, fought
for passage of tax cuts for working families, voted
to end the war in Afghanistan, and passed legisla-
tion to extend port security funding.
Congresswoman Hahn was born and raised in
Los Angeles and lives in San Pedro. Her father was
County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn and her brother is James
Hahn, the former Mayor of Los Angeles. She has three grown
children and five beautiful grandchildren.
The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton
Torrance – South Bay on October 17, 2012. The program will
start at 12:00 with the Congresswoman delivering her
address shortly after. The TACC has begun taking registration
requests at $40/person and/or $400 for a table of ten.
You can reach the TACC at (310) 540-5858 or visiting
www.torrancechamber.com.
To contact Congresswoman Hahn, go to
http://hahn.house.gov or call 310-831-1799.
Congresswoman
JANICE HAHN
Happy Birthday
TORRANCE!At KDI, we are celebrating the
Torrance Centennial as if it were
our very own birthday! As members
of the Torrance Area Chamber of
Commerce, National Association of
Music Manufacturers (NAMM), and
the So Bay Volunteer Council, we
like to think we can claim that
right.
With the foresight to progress and
forward thinking Torrance is known
for, more incredible things are bound
to happen, and music, we’re certain,
will always be a part of the Torrance
landscape.
Wishing you many more 100’s!
—The Staff at KDI Music
Rheuben Allen SaxophonesKenny G SaxophonesBlack Diamond Saxophones
USA Educator InstrumentsVintage Posters & T-ShirtsMusic Accessories
“A Passion For The Perfect Sound”
www.kdimusic.comThe Premier Internet Store For Great Deals
for more information please email us at: [email protected]
KDI Music supports the Annual Nisei Week Foundation Grand Parade
and Marching Band & Dance Team held each year by providing opportunities
for all ages to participate.
A notable champion for helping the local community,
please visit us at www.kdimusic.com
or www.facebook.com/pages/KDI-Music/297106148071 -
Like Our Page!
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 23
G O V E R N M E N T A F F A I R S P O L I C Y
Experts Weigh-in to Inform Policy Group
With many department heads present for the issues relating
to the November propositions and measures, the Government
Affairs Policy (GAP) group was able to make informed deci-
sions on all matters relating to the November ballot. The
November ballot has 11 propositions varying from issues of
sales and income tax increases, 2-year state government
budget cycles, political contributions, driver’s insurance dis-
counts, food labeling, redistricting, and crime and safety.
There are two measures being considered, the first of which
is Measure J, the 30-year tax extension to expedite many of
Metro’s transportation and rail projects around the county,
and Measure E, the $350 million facilities bond for El Camino
College.
Alan Patashnick, the Director of Corridors at Metro, briefed
the group on how Measure J would affect the Torrance Area
and South Bay. He was able to answer many of the ques-
tions members of the group had concerning the Green Line
start date and when the South Bay businesses and residence
would get a return on investment from the taxes they are pay-
ing to county-wide projects. Ann Garten, Francisco Arce, and
Tory Natividad, all from El Camino College, were there to dis-
cuss how Measure E would affect all facilities at the college,
and no funds from the measure would go to administration or
professor salaries.
Torrance Police Chief John Neu spoke on Propositions 35
and 36, concerning human trafficking and three-strikes law
respectively. The group asked how each would affect the
business community, along with the short and long term
effects of each proposition. Tammy Khan, from the Torrance
Unified School District, supplied side by side comparisons of
Propositions 30 and 38, along with members weighing in
from a presentation by Molly Munger they sat in on last
month. Also, John Tang, Imprenta Communications Group,
gave insightful information on Proposition 33 which will
allow insurance companies to offer discounts based on the 5
previous years that a customer was insured.
The following shows how GAP voted on each proposition
and measure:
GAP is very grateful to have so many of the speakers
present to discuss how each issue will affect the Torrance
business community. The Torrance Area Chamber of
Commerce, with the help of GAP, is taking a hands-on
approach to all issues concerning our members and will
continue having a voice throughout the election season.
Next GAP meeting will be held October 10, 2012 from
12:00-1:30pm at the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce.
Please contact Brian Rosario, Government Affairs Coordinator,
with any issues or concerns you would like GAP advocate for
at (310) 792-2339 or [email protected].
G AP - A CHAM B E R L I N K FO R I N FO RM AT ION ON PROPOS IT ION S & M E A S U R E S
Wishing the City of Torrance Happy 100 years!
Transit.TorranceCA.Govwww.facebook.com/TorranceTransit
www.twitter.com/TorranceTransit
Prop 30: No Position
Prop 31: Support
Prop 32: Support
Prop 33: Support
Prop 34: No Position
Prop 35: Support
Prop 36: Oppose
Prop 37: Oppose
Prop 37: Oppose
Prop 38: Oppose
Prop 39: Tabled to next month
Prop 40: Support to keep the
Citizens Redistricting Comm. lines
Measure J: Oppose
Measure E: Support
TACC with the help
of GAP, is taking a
hands-on approach to
all issues concerning
our members and
will continue having
a voice throughout
the election season.
24 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
C I T Y O F T O R R A N C E
Message from Mayor Scotto:
Torrance Turns 100!
Here in the City of Torrance, our motto reads “A Balanced City,”
one that past and present generations have worked hard to
create and maintain. I cannot find a more appropriate example
of the unique hometown feel to pay homage to our motto
than the extraordinary Centennial Parade that took place in
Downtown Torrance last month.
It was an incredible sight to see approximately 80 groups representing the City,
and the outpour of camaraderie and Torrance pride as business owners, friends
and neighbors cheered on the participants from the sidelines. The support, effort
and time that was dedicated to the event by residents and City staff alike was
phenomenal. There are few community events that people remember years after
taking place and I really hope this is one that remains vibrant in all of our hearts
and minds.
I have said it time and again—I feel so fortunate to be Mayor during our
Centennial year. It truly is a humbling experience to be a part of all the wonderful
festivities and events taking place to celebrate the past, present and future of this
great City. From past events such as ‘Lights, Camera, Action!’ to last month’s
Centennial Parade, it is amazing to see everyone come together to honor our
City’s history.
I invite you all: residents, businesses, friends and family of Torrance, to the
Birthday Bash on Sunday, October 28, 2012, from 10 AM to 5 PM at Wilson Park.
We will celebrate our City’s Centennial with activities, entertainment stages, arts
and crafts booths, vendors, food trucks and more! I hope to see many familiar
faces at the event, and look forward to welcoming and meeting many more.
Warm regards,
Mayor Frank Scott0
MAYOR
FRANK SCOTTO
For more information about the
Torrance Birthday Bash, please
visit www.TorranceCentennial.org
or call the City Manager’s Office
at (310) 618-5880.
Councilmember Gene Barnett
Councilmember Tom Brewer
Councilmember Susan Rhilinger
City Clerk Sue Herbers
Dr. Laurie Love – Chair
Dee Hardison – Vice Chair
Hubert Chan
Melanie Dreike
Donna Duperron
Judith Gibson
Keri Gilbert
Debbie Hays
Barbara Heughins
Mary Hoffman
Kathryn Joiner
Tammy Khan
Daniel Lee
Don Lee
Kristin Matsuda
Frances Mullan
Terri Nishimura
Janet Payne
Michelle Polcari
Tom Rische
Pat Sandt
Cindy Scotto
Dr. John Stecker
Stephanie Yee
CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
26 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
Hundreds of thou-
sands of children
have walked down
the halls of our
District schools.
Learning, laughing,
excelling, and get-
ting a high quality
education. The
very first school in
Torrance was a farmhouse, and was
able to educate about 25 students from
ages 6 to 15. In 2012, TUSD teachers,
administrators, and support staff edu-
cate over 24,000 students, who come
from diverse families, and speak over
83 languages.
In 1947 Torrance schools separated from LAUSD and the
Torrance Unified School District was created with Dr. John
Henrich “Hank” Hull at its helm as Superintendent. Over the
decades schools were built, enrollment grew, and students,
parents, and community leaders continued to build a legacy
of academic excellence, which persists today. TUSD students
have gone on to become leaders of industry and communi-
ties. Notable graduates of TUSD include, Olympian Louis
Zamperini, Anchorman Paul Moyer, actor Chuck Norris, and
Deputy Secretary of Defense Rudy DeLeon.
Four years ago the Torrance community came together and
overwhelmingly passed Measures Y and Z, a comprehensive
facilities modernization bond package. In that time, we have
rebuilt J.H. Hull Middle school, united Fern Elementary
School, and renovated and modernized Seaside, Walteria,
Wood Elementary Schools, Bert Lynn, Calle Mayor, Magruder
Middle Schools, and South High School. Our school sites are
Remember Our Past, Forging A Successful Future
DR. GEORGE MANNON
Torrance Unified School
District Superintendent
F RO M TH E OF F ICE OF DR. G EO RG E M A N NON
now entering the 21st century
with improved facilities and learning
environments.
Our mission at TUSD is to provide
students an educational foundation
that allows them to reach their goals.
Whether students want to pursue
a career in engineering, business,
medicine, politics, or the arts, we provide
them with opportunities to follow a path
that will lead them to fulfill their dreams.
We are proud of the West High students
who defeated all L.A. County schools
each year in the Academic Decathlon competition. We are
proud to be the first District in the South Bay to offer online
English classes to students at North High. We are proud that
almost every one of our schools has been recognized as a
California Distinguished School and four are National Blue
Ribbon Schools. We are proud that all four of our high
schools have consistently been ranked on the Newsweek
Best High Schools in America list. I am proud to be part of
a group of committed teachers, classified staff, and adminis-
trators who are leading students with innovation, creativity,
and passion.
Thank you to the students, parents, community leaders,
businesses, teachers, classified employees, and administrators
that are part of our rich history and continue to be a part of
our successful future.
For more information on TUSD, visit www.TUSD.org.
FROM TORRANCE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Fern Elementary School:1. New fourth grade classroom
2. September 6, 2012 School Dedication
For a hundred years,
the Torrance business
community has thrived
and displayed strong
character and integrity
when faced with adversi-
ty. Overcoming these
challenges required a
unified effort among our
business leaders in the
community. As Henry Ford eloquently
stated, “Coming together is a begin-
ning, staying together is progress,
and working together is success.”
These sage words define the charac-
ter and integrity of our business
leaders in the Torrance community.
One hundred years ago, this busi-
ness mantra enabled us to persevere
and thrive. Today, as business lead-
ers, we continue to come together,
stay together, and work together in
our community.
For business leaders, character
and integrity are essential qualities
to ensure success in any industry.
As John Wooden stated, “Be more
concerned with your character than
your reputation, because your
character is what you really
are, while your reputation is
merely what others think you
are.” As the CEO of Business
Inquiry Solutions, Kathleen
Taylor strives to apply these
words in every aspect of busi-
ness operations. As a result,
her Staff Development training
services enhance character develop-
ment and the integrity of employees
in the workplace. Fourteen years of
experience provide effective staff
development training to enhance
employee performance, productivity,
team-building, management skills,
and leadership development. Her
investment in the character and
integrity of her services is reflected
in testimonials from clients like
Personnel for the City of Long Beach
and Personnel of El Camino College.
Business Inquiry Solutions is active
in the Torrance community. Kathleen
Taylor is a Leadership Torrance Alum
of Class of 2011. Earlier this year, she
provided Leadership Development
training for the 2012 Leadership
Torrance Program. She also serves as
a member of the Torrance Black
History Celebration Committee spon-
sored by the Torrance Area Chamber
of Commerce (TACC). Her views for
being an active member for the TACC
are reflected in a statement made by
Aaron Aalcides, Chairman of the TAAC
Board, “Only your imagination limits
the possibilities of what your mem-
bership can mean to you. We need to
know who you are and what you do,
and one of the best ways to get your
message across is to be an active
member of the Torrance Area
Chamber of Commerce.” Well-stated
Mr. Chairman!
Business Inquiry Solutions can
enhance the professional growth
and development of your employees
in the workplace.
Please contact Kathleen Taylor
at 310-907-6940, www.business-
inquirysolutions.com, or KT@business-
inquirysolutions.com for more
information.
KATHLEEN
TAYLOR
C H A M B E R H I G H L I G H T S
Ambassador Spotlight
K ATHLEEN TAYLOR, BUSINESS INQUIRY SOLUT ION S
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 27
Rotary International
at the Centennial Parade
Character and Integrity: A Vital Part of Business
28 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
C H A M B E R H I G H L I G H T S
Leadership Torrance, a program sponsored by the Torrance
Area Chamber of Commerce, is the City of Torrance’s most
prominent leadership development and networking group
focused on building a stronger community. The seven-month
long program teaches participants to become more effective
professional and community leaders by:
• Connecting with top leaders and experts in the South Bay
• Examining Torrance’s city-wide issues and resources
• Developing a broad network of professional relationships and resources
This is achieved through a curriculum that includes concen-
trated skill(s) development sessions, team-building activities,
visits to local businesses and city municipalities, regional
educational facilities, and the completion of a community
project. The program’s success is deeply rooted in the
commitment of the participants and the long-standing
support of alumni, residents, current businesses, and the
City of Torrance. These collective efforts come together to
cultivate an environment that builds skills, helps forge life-
long professional and personal friendships, and produces
exceptional outcomes for the community in leaders and
project results.
Highlights of Leadership Torrance 2013 will include:
Team Building and Leadership Development, History Day, City
Day, Business Day, Sacramento Trip, Class Project, Networking
Opportunities and more. Classes will commence in January
and look to have a diverse group of 20-25 participants who
want to grow as leaders and be a part of something special
in Torrance.
For more information regarding the 2013 class,
please contact any of this year’s leadership team:
Executive Director, Sheldon Brackett at sheldonbrackett
@sbecglobal.net or 562.244.8588
Co-Director, Kasey Choe at [email protected] or
310.891.3444
Co-Director, Lisa Silva at [email protected] or
310.707.3688
Leadership Torrance
Space is Limited
So Apply Today!!!
Tuition:$995 (includes cost of all
meetings, local field trips,
AND airfare with hotel
accommodation in Sacramento
Application: Call the Torrance Chamber at
310.540.5858
Application Deadline:December 7, 2012
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 29
C H A M B E R E V E N T S
Congratulations Torranceon your 100 year anniversary!
We are proud to be part of the celebration!
21333 Hawthorne Boulevard 310-540-0500
www.torrancesouthbay.doubletree.com
More than 800 commu-
nity members gathered
Saturday, July 28 at
American Honda’s
Torrance headquarters
to sample some of the
South Bay ’s best
cuisine at the 26th
annual “Evening Under
the Stars” Gourmet
Food and Wine Festival.
Steve Morikawa, assistant
vice president, Corporate Community
Relations, American Honda Motor Co.,
Inc., capped off the evening with a check
presentation for proceeds totaling
$150,000. Proceeds help fund construc-
tion of Torrance Memorial’s new Patient
Tower and Pediatric Services.
“We’re so honored to be the beneficiary
of this wonderful event that brings the
community together year after year to
enjoy this sampling of the very best
in South Bay fare,” said Craig Leach,
president and CEO, Torrance Memorial
Medical Center. “The proceeds provide
a tremendous boost to our continued
efforts to provide the most advanced
healthcare possible to serve our grow-
ing community.”
Attendees were serenaded by
saxophonist Kenny G as he made his
way toward the stage playing tunes from
his award-winning albums. Following a
90-minute performance, he personally
auctioned off the saxophone he was
playing for a winning bid of $7,500—
with all proceeds donated to Torrance
Memorial Medical Center.
Guests sampled approximately 80
varietals of wine. Professional somme-
liers from The Disneyland Resort educat-
ed guests about their samplings.
A silent auction raised more than
$42,000. These items were secured by
“Evening Under the
Stars” Committee mem-
bers, American Honda
and Luminaries, a group
of parent volunteers
whose children also vol-
unteer for the hospital.
2012 marks the sixth
consecutive year that
Honda has chosen
Torrance Memorial as
the event’s beneficiary. American Honda
created the Gourmet Food & Wine
Festival in partnership with the Torrance
Area Chamber of Commerce in 1987 as a
way to bring corporate business, resi-
dents, and local commerce together with
city officials for a relaxing community
celebration.
To date, Torrance Memorial has raised
more than $123 million, more than half
of its fundraising goal of $200 million,
to construct the new Patient Tower.
The $450 million, 398,250-square-
foot Patient Tower is scheduled to be
completed in November, 2014, with an
opening in spring 2015.
Proceeds from Honda’s Gourmet Food and Wine Festival
Total $150,000 to Benefit
Torrance Memorial Medical CenterGuests Enjoy Enchanting Performance by Saxophonist Kenny G
Evening Under the Stars 1. Chairmen, Steve Morikawa and Craig Leach
2. Gourmet Grindz 3. Red Car Brewery
KENNY G
30 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
Friday, October 5 - “Business Survival Following a
Disaster” featuring a Panel of Experts on Disaster
Preparedness, Business Continuity and more.
Lunch provided 11:00 AM-1:30 PM at Torrance
Memorial Medical Center.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Thursday, October 11 - Business Expo 2012,
4:30-7:30 PM at the Torrance Marriott.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Wednesday, October 17 - Adopt-A-School Forum
at 3:30 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Torrance, featuring TUSD & TACC Foundation
celebrating business and school partnerships and
shared achievements.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Wednesday, October 17 - State of the Region
featuring Congresswoman Janice Hahn, 11:30 AM
at the Torrance DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Friday, October 26 - Lunch & Learn: “What can the
Entrepreneur Center Do For You?,” 11:45 AM at the
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Office.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Thursday, November 15 - Lunch & Learn: “How to
Cultivate Your Employees To Maximize Their
Potential,” 11:45 AM at the Torrance Area Chamber
of Commerce office.
Thursday, December 6 - Lunch & Learn: “How to
Succeed in Business,” 11:45 AM at the Torrance
Area Chamber of Commerce office.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Thursday, December 6 - Holiday Mixer at
Edelbrock, 2700 California Street, Torrance, CA
90503 from 5:30-7 PM.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Friday, December 7 - Women in Business: Royal
Holiday Tea & Boutique featuring Sheri Rose
Shepherd, at 11:00 AM at the DoubleTree by Hilton
Hotel Torrance.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Saturday, October 20 - Celebrity Lecture Series: “Eyes of the Artillery,” featuring Bob
Cashman, Airborne Artillery Spotter, 11:00 AM at the Western Museum of Flight, more info
at www.wmof.com
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Wednesday, October 24 - Career Expo & Majors Fair, 10 AM-2 PM at El Camino College,
register at [email protected]
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Sunday, October 28 - City of Torrance Birthday Bash, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Wilson Park,
more info at www.TorranceCentennial.org
For information, please contact the Torrance Area
Chamber of Commerce located at 3400 Torrance
Blvd., Suite 100, or call (310) 540-5858.
Visit www.TorranceChamber.com to see ongoing
events or meetings put on by various groups.
Save the Date!—Upcoming Chamber Events
Upcoming Community Events
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 31
R I B B O N C U T T I N G S
Let the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrate with You!For details and to schedule a ribbon cutting, grand opening or ground breaking ceremony, please contact
Kelly Hernandez at 310-792-3808 at the Chamber no later than one month prior to the event and provide two preferred dates.
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
17352 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90504
(310) 214-9200
www.capriottis.com
Driftwood Healthcare Center
4109 Emerald Street, Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 793-3000
�
State Farm Agency - Neal Bracewell
24406 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 592-0301
www.StateFarm.com
�
Walmart
22015 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 750-0179
www.walmart.com
��
Malaga Bank
23670 Hawthorne Blvd., #101A, Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 544-5180
www.malagabank.com
�
Tortilla Cantina
1225 El Prado Avenue, Torrance, CA 90501
(310) 533-9606
www.tortillacantina.com
�
N E W S B R I E F S
32 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
In honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
in November, Torrance Memorial Home Health &
Hospice will host the 17th annual “Light up a Life” tree
lighting ceremony and fundraiser from 4 to 6 PM on
Sunday, Nov. 11 at Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s
Health Conference Center. The event helps the commu-
nity celebrate the lives of lost loved ones. Individuals
can illuminate a light on the hospice tree by making a
donation of any amount. Donations assist those who
can’t afford hospice care. For more information,
contact Torrance Memorial Home Health & Hospice at
310-784-3751, ext. 7866.
TORRANCE MEMORIALShines a Light for Those
Grieving Lost Ones This Holiday Season
Bagpiper and Color Guard at the Centennial Parade
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 33
N E W S B R I E F S
South Bay Employers Can Ease Their Employees Ride to Work –
SBESC Offers Vanpool Formation Assistance
The South Bay Environmental Services Center (SBESC),
a program of the South Bay Cities Council of Govern-
ments, in partnership with Los Angeles County Metro,
encourages residents and employees in the South Bay to
consider vanpooling.
Businesses should
know about this option
for their employees.
Vanpoolers that partici-
pate in Metro’s program
can save up to 70% off
their usual commute
costs by switching
from driving alone. With
rising fuel costs, vanpooling is a cost savings strategy for
any household!
The Metro Vanpool Program provides qualifying van-
pools with an ongoing subsidy of up to $400 per month
to offset the lease costs making it easier to get vanpools
up and running. Vanpools range
from 5 to 15 people who regular-
ly share a ride together and are
ideal for commuters who travel
15 miles or more to work.
SBESC works directly with
businesses wanting to offer this
opportunity to their interested
employees. SBESC staff will
organize employee meetings,
identify possible vanpool routes, and provide information
on vanpool providers. They will also explain how to take
advantage of the $400 subsidy from Metro. This person-
alized assistance is FREE to interested businesses.
SBESC can also assess a business’ vanpool potential by
analyzing employee zip codes.
For more information, call SBESC at 310-371-7222.
PH
OT
OG
RA
PH
S
CO
UR
TE
SY
OF
ME
TR
O ©
20
12 L
AC
MT
A
California State University, Dominguez
Hills has been awarded the first install-
ment—$288,800—of a five-year $1.4
million grant from the U.S. Department
of Education to continue the Ronald E.
McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement
Program at the university.
The federal program began in 1989 to
provide financial support and academic
guidance to encourage and prepare
under-represented, first-generation
juniors and seniors for graduate studies.
It is named in honor of astronaut Ronald
McNair, who died in the 1986 Space
Shuttle Challenger explosion. An African
American, McNair was a first-generation
college student who went on to earn his
Ph.D. in physics.
“We are thrilled to be able to continue
to provide services to students who are
interested in obtaining an advanced
degree,” said Michelle Martinez, director
of the CSU Dominguez Hills McNair
Scholars Program. “During the next
funding cycle, we will be focusing our
efforts on STEM (science, technology,
engineering, mathematics) participants.”
CSU Dominguez Hills has had a McNair
Scholars Program since 2003. The pro-
gram boasts a 97 percent admittance
rate of those students who applied to
master’s or Ph.D. programs. To-date 107
McNair Scholars have graduated from
CSU Dominguez Hills and of those,
currently 32 are in M.A. programs, and
50 are in Ph.D. programs.
Each year, the CSU Dominguez Hills
McNair Scholars Program accepts only
26 juniors and seniors in good academic
standing, making the program highly
selective. For more information, call
(310) 243-2098.
U.S. Department of Education Awards GrantExtension to McNair Scholars Program
at CSU Dominguez Hills
Brian A. Arnold JoinsOperation Homefront
Brian A. Arnold, Vice President of
Space Strategy for Raytheon Space
and Airborne Systems
in El Segundo was
recently elected to the
national board of
directors for
Operation Homefront,
a non-profit organiza-
tion. Operation
Homefront provides
emergency financial and other
assistance to the families of service
members and Wounded Warriors.
Assistance is in the form of grants to
meet the most basic needs like rent,
utilities, food and housing. Ninety-four
percent of total revenue donated to
Operation Homefront goes directly
to assist service members. His past
experience includes 35 years’ as a pilot
in the Air Force.
BRIAN A. ARNOLD
N E W S B R I E F S
34 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
Landi Renzo USA and Reading Equipment & Distribution
have announced a partnership to produce and deliver
alternative fuel vehicles using compressed natural gas
(CNG) directly to Ford dealership floors across North
America.
Landi Renzo is the leading global supplier/installer
of alternative fuel systems to OEM projects, and
Reading Equipment & Distribution is a part of The
Reading Group, LLC and provides vocational truck
equipment of the highest quality, based upon the most
innovative designs in the industry and at a competitive price.
“We are pleased to have entered into this agreement with Landi
Renzo” commented Mike Snyder, Director of Sales for Reading
Equipment & Distribution. “As the world’s largest alternative fuel modi-
fier, they bring innovation and experience to this emerging growth mar-
ket. Coupling our experience and facilities with them will allow us to
serve the marketplace in an aggressive and cost efficient manner.”
For more information, please visit them at www.readingbody.com
and www.landiusa.com.
Convaid Donates Over $40,ooo of Products to the Children of Nicaragua “ORITEL Telethon”
To help improve the quality of life of people
with disabilities in Latin American countries,
Convaid, Inc. has partnered with the
International Telethons Organization
(ORITEL) to donate 27 wheelchairs worth
$43,755 to the Children of Nicaragua
“ORITEL Teleton.”
Convaid continuously donates wheel-
chairs throughout the year to end users and
other organizations, but doesn’t normally
issue a donation this big. “We decided to donate a
large number of chairs because we wanted to make a
noticeable impact to many kids at one time,” said
President of Convaid Chris Braun. “We wanted to make a
significant difference in these children’s lives.”
Landi Renzo USA and Reading Equipment & Distribution Announce
Natural Gas Vehicle Partnership
Bishop Montgomery HS Marching Band
at the Centennial Parade
According to Executive Director of ORITEL
Veronica Rattin, the donation has done just
that. “Thanks to this contribution, Telethon
Nicaragua will be able to project with
greater confidence the goal of assisting
more than 37,000 children in its 50 regional
rehabilitation centers and early education
centers this year alone,” Rattin said.
“The equipment will contribute to improv-
ing the quality of life of disabled children
who come from needy homes and we want
to express our deepest gratitude for the donation.”
For more information on the company or products please
visit www.convaid.com or call 1-888-CONVAID.
ANDREA LANDI
Landi Renzo USA,
President
N E W S B R I E F S
TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012 35
(Left to Right) Terry Bichlmeier, Executive Vice President of
Bichlmeier Insurance Services Inc.; Ray Frew, President/CEO
of Green Hills Memorial Park; and Ken Hurley, VP-Chief
Administrative Officer of US Bank
AN EVENING OF GRATITUDE 66th Annual Volunteer Celebration and Recognition Dinner
Join us as we thank our YMCA’s incredible volunteers for advancing our cause –strengthening communities!
Thursday, November 8th, 20125:30 pm Registration / 6:30 pm Dinner and Program
Torrance Marriott South Bay, 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance
Space is still available—reserve your seat today!
Individual tickets $45 Table sponsorships $450
In the spirit of our three focus areas -
youth development, healthy living, and social
responsibility - please bring a toy that promotes
physical fitness for a deserving child!
To learn more, please contact:
JC Bass at 213-639-7630 or [email protected].
2900 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505 (P) 310 325 5885 www.ymcala.org/tsb
On Friday, August 10th, the Torrance-South Bay YMCA
welcomed more than 100 business and community leaders
to a celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Phil and
Margaret Pelland Community Center and Annual Donor
Appreciation Reception.
Guests were treated to facility tours, historical displays,
and entertainment by the YMCA’s youth Tahitian and creative
dance classes at the “Taste of the Town” themed evening
which featured many local restaurants and eateries.
Generous sponsors included Fresh Brothers, Good Stuff,
King’s Hawaiian Bakery, Lisa’s Bon Appétit, Morrison’s
Management Specialists, My Fit Foods, and Silvio’s BBQ.
While the evening recognized current high-level YMCA
supporters, special attention was also paid to those who were
instrumental to the success of the organization’s “Building for
Tomorrow” capital campaign which raised more than $4 million
for the construction of the Pelland Community Center.
The YMCA Thanks Supporters at the 10th Anniversary of the Pelland Community Center and Donor Appreciation Reception
For more information, contact the Y’s Senior Director of Development Lisa Van Ingen Pope
at [email protected] or 213-639-7480.
Torrance High Cheer
at the Centennial Parade
C H A M B E R B E N E F I T S
GAP (Government Affairs Policy group) GAP is comprised of Chamber members who act as legislative
and regulatory analysts for local business by reviewing bills on local,
county, state and federal levels and who lobby for support or
opposition to proposed legislation.
Green Torrance The City of Torrance and the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
partner to promote and introduce environmental initiatives and
eco-friendly companies in the South Bay.
Human Resources ProfessionalsHuman Resources Professionals network and are presented with
information on current compliance laws and trends.
Networking at NoonNetworking at Noon is offered monthly at local Chamber member
restaurants. This event allows members to promote their businesses,
introduce themselves and their company with a 30 second self
introduction and to possibly be chosen as a spotlight speaker for a
future Networking at Noon.
Political Action Committee (PAC)Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee seeks,
endorses and supports candidates whose views represent the businesses
of this region to run for public office at the city, county, state, and federal
levels.
P.R.O.F.S. (Professional Roundtable of Financial Services)PROFS is a monthly meeting that gives opportunities to network
with others in the financial field, as well as expand your education
within the industry.
Tech Pros Tech Pros brings together technology related companies and
professionals (Hardware, Software and Services) as well as those
wanting to be educated in making their business tech savvy. Members
grow and benefit through networking, support, education and have
opportunities for group presentations.
What are the benefits of being a member of theTorrance Area Chamber of Commerce?
• Credibility as a Chamber member
• Free Business listings in the
Membership Directory/Business
Resource Guide
• Free Business listed in web directory
at www.TorranceChamber.com
• Access group meetings, events and
business leaders
• Free editorial submissions in
Torrance Magazine ( quarterly)
• Daily office referrals of TACC
members via phone, fax, e-mail
or walk in visitors
• Advertising opportunities in the
Torrance Magazine, TACC website
and Member Directory
• Advertising access to E-mail blasts
• Sponsorship and hosting opportunities
at Chamber events
• Opportunity to participate in annual
Premier Investors program
• Enhancement of visibility with a
Ribbon Cutting to commemorate a
Grand Opening or Anniversary
• Free SCORE counseling; once a week
and by appointment only
• Free and unlimited Certificate
of Origins
‘MEMBERS ONLY’ BENEFITS
TORRANCE ARE A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE3400 Torrance Blvd. Sui te 100, Torrance, C A 9050 3
T (310) 540-5858 F (310) 540-7662
www.TorranceChamber.com • [email protected]
36 TO RRA NCE M AG A Z I N E I OCTOB E R 2012
Staffed byTorrance Memorial Physicians
• No Appointment Necessary• Wait Time Usually Less Than 30 mins.
• Accepting Most Insurance Plans• THIPA Accepted at Both Locations
www.TorranceMemorial.org/UrgentCare
TWO LOCATIONS TOBETTER SERVE YOU!
Carson St.
Sepulveda Blvd.
Lomita Blvd.
An
zaA
ve.
Madrona
Ave.
Haw
thorneBlvd.
Map
leA
ve.
TORRANCE M EM O RIALU RGENT CARE
N
Manhattan Beach Blvd.
91 Artesia Blvd.
Po
insettia
Ave.
Sep
ulved
aB
lvd.
Pacific
Ave.
Ardm
oreAve.
TO RRAN CE M EMORIALU RG EN T CARE
N
MANHATTAN BEACH855 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Ste. 101
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310-939-7873HOURS: Monday—Friday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Major Holidays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NEW TORRANCE22411 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505
Just south of Sepulveda, near Gable House Bowl
310-921-7100HOURS: Monday—Friday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday & Major Holidays: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
3400 Torrance Blvd., Suite 100
Torrance, CA 90503
PRST-STDU.S. Postage
PAIDTorrance, CA
Permit No. 54