Independence Day fireworks are a cherished tradition along Alamitos Bay, but environmental concerns are shifting the local landscape.

 

This year, the California Coastal Commission denied the decades-old Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show permit, citing the need to protect critical nesting sites for endangered birds like the California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover.

 

While fireworks have long symbolized the Fourth, officials emphasize their impact—smoke, debris, and disruption to local habitats cannot be ignored.

 

Event organizer John Morris now faces a future featuring synchronized drone shows, but questions remain about environmental trade-offs.

 

Drones bring different impacts—battery waste and constant noise—that could also disturb wildlife.

 

Residents are left weighing tradition against regulation, and the larger issue persists: how does the community value entertainment when every choice comes with a cost?

BOSS, Business Owners Sisterhood Social, started with Taya, owner of Wicked Wolf in Long Beach, supporting a friend on the verge of closing her business.

 

Seeing missed opportunities for connection, Taya, serving on the Women’s Business Council, envisioned a space where women entrepreneurs could build genuine relationships rather than face business challenges alone.

 

What began as informal support has grown into Sisterhood, a growing community for Long Beach women business owners built on trust and honest conversations.

 

Monthly gatherings encourage members to share needs and ideas, whether for marketing tips or simply emotional support.

 

Through the Council and the Chamber, Sisterhood connects women to resources, mentorship, and opportunities that last beyond the first introduction.

 

The focus remains on long-lasting relationships, empowering women to feel seen, heard, and supported as they build their businesses in Long Beach.

More than 300 business and community leaders gathered at the Westin Long Beach to celebrate the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce’s 135th anniversary and witness a major leadership transition.

 

Outgoing Board Chair Heather Summers highlighted a year driven by advocacy, business support, and growth, as she handed leadership to Chris Reese of Cal State Long Beach.

 

Both leaders emphasized future-focused goals, centering on expanding business opportunities and retaining local students for careers in Long Beach.

 

Summers underscored the Chamber’s role as a consistent problem solver and advocate, noting a boost in membership and successful grassroots initiatives.

 

Incoming Chair Chris Reese prioritized workforce development, urging partnerships between schools and businesses to keep local talent thriving within the city.

 

This vision reflects the Chamber’s ongoing push to empower businesses, foster strong careers, and build a resilient Long Beach community.

Long Beach Gives, the city’s largest annual charitable campaign, is gearing up for its return in September.

 

At a recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon, director Carrie Rich shared the nonprofit initiative’s powerful impact—raising over $13 million since its launch and supporting more than 450 local organizations.

 

This year, organizers are setting their sights on an ambitious $2.5 million fundraising goal.

 

Rich encouraged business owners to think creatively about supporting nonprofits, from hosting events to creating custom Long Beach Gives group giving pages and motivating their employees to volunteer.

 

The luncheon brought together educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates, all eager to foster connections and grow partnerships that benefit the wider community.

 

Networking and collaboration emerged as key themes, reflecting how local relationships drive progress throughout the year—not just during campaign week.

 

Residents and businesses are invited to get involved and help shape a thriving Long Beach.

24 Hour Fitness on Bellflower Boulevard in East Long Beach reopened this week, unveiling extensive upgrades after a brief, two-and-a-half-week closure.

 

The remodeled gym, situated near Cal State Long Beach, welcomed members, local leaders, and Chamber of Commerce representatives at a celebratory ribbon cutting on May 12.

 

Modern enhancements include new workout equipment, turf training, refreshed group fitness zones, and recovery-focused amenities.

 

Interior renovations have fully updated the longtime facility, aiming to serve residents, students, and commuters even better.

 

City and state officials—including those from the offices of Mayor Rex Richardson and Senator Lena Gonzalez—attended the ceremony, signaling strong community support.

 

General Manager Moto expressed gratitude for local loyalty, emphasizing the gym’s commitment to supporting the neighborhood’s well-being for years ahead.

The Women of Excellence and Small Business Grant Dinner in Long Beach brought together local women leaders for a candid evening of connection and inspiration.

 

Hosted by the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Women's Business Council, attendees shared real stories about leadership, mentorship, burnout, and balancing family life with entrepreneurship.

 

Amanda Parson DeRosier, founder of The Bar fitness studio, received this year’s City of Hope grant, underscoring how small businesses can also build community and emotional support.

 

Throughout the night, panelists from diverse industries credited mentors, family, and local organizations like Soroptimist and Rotary for their success.

 

Authenticity, vulnerability, and community connections resonated most—with many emphasizing that growth is a team effort.

 

This relationship-driven approach continues to shape Long Beach’s business future, making now a perfect time for anyone seeking meaningful local connections to get involved.

Long Beach's Good Afternoon Long Beach luncheon gathered local professionals, business owners, and community leaders for networking and practical business planning insights.

 

Hosted by the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the event featured Bijan Roboubi from Kaiser Law Group, who emphasized the importance of estate planning and business continuity.

 

Roboubi urged attendees not to delay preparation, warning that simply signing documents isn’t enough to protect families or businesses in emergencies.

 

He detailed issues surrounding unclear succession and outdated beneficiary information, highlighting why small businesses can be especially vulnerable if too much responsibility rests on one person.

 

The Chamber also celebrated major anniversaries among dedicated members like Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles and Catalina Express, underscoring its ongoing support for Long Beach businesses.

 

Additional conversations touched on leveraging AI and e-commerce, ensuring local companies stay prepared for the future.

 

The Chamber remains a hub for connection and growth in the Long Beach business community.

The 19th Annual Seal Beach Be More Healthy Expo returns to the Seal Beach Pier on Saturday, June 13, 2026, offering a vibrant day centered on health, wellness, and community connection.

 

Organized by the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, this free public event welcomes hundreds of residents, families, and visitors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Attendees can enjoy fitness demos, health screenings for all ages, plus interactive wellness presentations and activities for kids.

 

Local healthcare providers, nonprofits, and businesses will showcase services, making it a unique opportunity for face-to-face networking and community engagement along the scenic waterfront.

 

With increasing interest in preventative care and mental wellness, the expo’s broad appeal continues to make it a signature gathering for Seal Beach.

 

Vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available, and admission is free for everyone.

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and its Women’s Business Council will host the Women of Excellence and Small Business Grant Dinner on May 21 at Events on Pine.

 

This special evening brings together local leaders to celebrate and highlight the achievements of women in business, education, and community roles.

 

An engaging panel discussion will feature voices across major Long Beach sectors, offering insight and inspiration.

 

The event isn’t just about recognition—it also provides direct support via a competitive grant designed for small businesses, reinforcing the importance of local economic growth.

 

Key sponsors like City of Hope, LBS Financial, and MemorialCare add to the evening’s impact, while Downtown Long Beach’s Events on Pine sets a vibrant stage.

 

The gathering welcomes both Chamber members and non-members from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, supporting connection and empowerment throughout the community.

Bryson Financial celebrated a major milestone as it opened its new headquarters at 2165 E. Spring St. in Long Beach, welcoming city leaders, business partners, and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

 

The company now occupies two floors in the building, doubling its previous space and showcasing both rapid national growth and a steadfast commitment to the Long Beach community.

 

Mayor Rex Richardson praised Bryson Financial’s fifty-year legacy and highlighted its role in supporting “Space Beach” — an area seeing significant investment and job creation.

 

Several elected officials and Chamber members joined the celebration, recognizing the company’s dedication to investing locally and building strong community ties.

 

CEO Trent Bryson reflected on his personal ties to the city and the company’s decision to stay rooted in Long Beach, crediting long-term employees for shared success.

 

The grand opening drew a festive crowd and marked a new chapter, reinforcing Bryson Financial’s reputation as both a business leader and a community institution.

Long Beach is gearing up for its highly anticipated Biggest Small Business Expo, returning on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Sports Basement on North Bellflower Boulevard.

 

Hosted by the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, the expo unites local entrepreneurs, professionals, and vendors for an evening devoted to networking, growth, and fresh opportunities.

 

Attendees will have the chance to explore diverse vendor booths, connect with fellow business owners, and forge partnerships that stretch beyond the event.

 

Vendor opportunities with tiered, member-first pricing give businesses direct access to Long Beach’s engaged commercial community.

 

Backed by community sponsors like Kiiwi and Naples Rib Company, the event is more than a gathering—it’s a launchpad for new ideas and collaborations.

 

For both established and emerging businesses, the expo is a vital spark for visibility and long-term relationships rooted in local spirit.

This year, the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates 135 years as a driving force for local business connections and growth.

 

Before Long Beach even became a city, entrepreneurs were gathering to shape its future.

 

What began as a simple business association in 1891 has evolved into a vital organization dedicated to bringing people together.

 

For solopreneurs and small businesses, genuine relationships and regular networking make a real difference.

 

Within the chamber, focused councils—like the Women's Business Council and International Business Association—offer connections tailored to diverse industries.

 

Networking here is natural—every lasting partnership starts with a hello, often at casual mixers or community events.

 

By showing up, you find not just contacts, but a community invested in your success.

 

The Chamber’s strategy isn’t about quick wins—it’s about nurturing long-term relationships to help businesses thrive across Long Beach.

Webster, a dedicated gamer since the 1980s, has transformed his lifelong passion into a unique retro gaming business in Long Beach.

 

His shop, open for about eight months, is packed with vintage arcade cabinets and restored gaming consoles, capturing the magic of classic wooden cabinets and tactile controls.

 

The nostalgic atmosphere invites visitors to reconnect with gaming’s golden era while offering rentals for parties and local events.

 

The space also bridges generations by featuring modern technology, like immersive VR games, blending the past and present for all ages to enjoy.

 

This isn’t just a business—Webster’s genuine love for gaming is clear in every detail, creating a welcoming destination where people can celebrate arcade history and share the joy of play right in the heart of Long Beach.

Network Nexus 2026 offers Long Beach professionals a powerful opportunity to build real regional connections, moving far beyond standard networking events.

 

On January 21, business leaders and organizations from across Southern California will gather at the Anaheim Marriott Suites in Garden Grove.

 

Hosted by the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce with partners like the Long Beach Area Chamber and SBA, the event encourages deep collaboration rather than surface-level introductions.

 

This evening is designed for serious conversations and connections, opening doors to new clients, vendors, and mentors from outside your usual circles.

 

If you’re looking to grow your business footprint, this is where you’ll meet decision-makers, community builders, and resource partners ready to help.

 

Admission starts at $25, with exhibit tables available for those seeking greater visibility.

 

Expect a room of motivated professionals ready to trade ideas and create lasting partnerships.