While U.S. Economic Expansion Continues, Surge May Be Temporary
The current economic growth surge in the United States may be temporary, according to a report released today by the California Chamber of Commerce Economic Advisory Council. The report indicates that the 4.1% growth in gross domestic product during the second quarter was due in part to weak consumer spending during the first quarter. Trade disputes, particularly between the U.S. and China, could impact American companies dependent on Chinese imports for industrial production as they become more expensive due to increasing tariffs, the report notes. Lastly, the report states that inflation has caused the consumer price index to approach 3% at the fastest rate since 2011. The California unemployment rate remained at 4.2% in July for the fourth consecutive month, and job growth continues to outpace 2017. Housing will likely impede the state’s economic growth over the long term, the report added.
Los Angeles Becomes First U.S. Port To Join International Association
The Port of Los Angeles (POLA) became the first U.S. member of the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), the port announced today. IPCSA members operate worldwide and “exchange electronic information with more than 150 sea and air ports, rail and inland waterways, and border crossing points,” according to the port’s statement. POLA membership comes on the heels of its pilot program with GE Transportation to test cloud-based software that shares data with port stakeholders to enhance supply chain performance and predictability. “We look forward to sharing and exchanging knowledge with the Port of Los Angeles, which has pioneered the Port Optimizer over the past two years,” IPCSA Secretary General Richard Morton stated.
Zaferia Business Association Luncheon
Third District Councilmember Suzie Price is the guest speaker at tomorrow’s (September 18) Zaferia Business Association luncheon. The event is from noon to 1 p.m. at Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St. Click here to register.
Port Of L.A. Project Selected For Engineering Award
The Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers selected the Port of Los Angeles’ Harbor Boulevard and Plaza Park improvement project as ‘Outstanding Roadway and Highway Project of the Year 2018,’ the port announced today. The project involved realigning and reconfiguring a three-street intersection at Harbor Boulevard, 7th Street and Miner Street, including new traffic signals, crosswalks and bike lanes. The project also included improvements to adjacent Plaza Park, such as re-grading, drought-tolerant landscaping and a lookout deck. Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. served as engineering consultants on the project.
Rancho Los Cerritos Announces New Membership Program
Rancho Los Cerritos announced a new membership program this week that will better engage visitors with the rancho’s history. The new program offers seven levels of membership that range from $5 to $100 monthly with options to pay the full amount annually. Each membership level will receive special gifts, invites to member-only events, discounts at the museum shop and more. Rancho Los Cerritos Executive Director Alison Bruesehoff stated that the most important benefit is “the knowledge that members are helping bring education to thousands of children and restoring the rancho for generations to come.” Proceeds from membership fees will support the rancho in providing more programming for visitors, including after-school programs, school field trips, library archives and special exhibits. Anyone can sign-up to be a member of Rancho Los Cerritos through their website or in person at their visitor center.