Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard thanked members of six local area chambers of commerce for attending the first strategic planning session of the 34th Congressional District Chamber of Commerce Alliance held at the Florence Firestone Community Service Center. Recognizing the value of strength in numbers, the congresswoman has worked over the last four years with local area chambers of commerce to form the alliance to address common concerns and strengthen the chambers’ influence in the region.  In April, business representatives from 13 local chambers and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce joined her at a roundtable to discuss a range of issues, including the need to reduce crime and improve access to public transportation.  A follow-up to the April meeting, the strategic planning session provided the opportunity for business leaders to establish an alliance action plan for the coming year.  During the session, the group agreed to pursue hosting a regional Business Expo to bring together city, state and federal experts to discuss resources available to assist local businesses.  The alliance also agreed to explore the establishment of economic empowerment zones and enterprise communities to maximize tax incentives and other benefits for local businesses and spur neighborhood revitalization.

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