Torres Joins UPS Roundtable with Local Businesses
ONTARIO, CA – Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) took part in a business roundtable meeting with UPS and several of their local partners to discuss issues important to Inland Empire business owners. The roundtable, hosted by UPS, took place on Wednesday at the Inland Empire United Way in Rancho Cucamonga.
“The logistics industry is one of the primary economic drivers in the Inland Empire region with a wide range of inter-connected businesses dependent on this expansive industry,” said Torres. “The issues concerning the local businesses that rely on logistics are as diverse as the businesses themselves. The one thing that was clear was that their priorities went far beyond just seeing their own businesses grow and were focused on ensuring the Inland Empire is a thriving, livable community where we can all be proud to raise our families.”
The 35th District is home to UPS’s Regional Air Hub in Ontario where many shipments are processed before being sent to destinations across the United States. In addition to discussing the business environment in the area, business owners also shared their views on topics ranging from homelessness to climate change to healthcare. Among the area employers participating in the roundtable were BJT Logistics Services, Inc., Aims Sports, US/Duty Gear, SC SK8, and others.
“Listening to the concerns of local businesses is imperative to making sure what we do in Congress helps our local economies prosper,” continued Torres. “I appreciate UPS for bringing together this group of businesses so that we can continue to build on our dialogue with the business community. They are the ones on the ground, so it is my priority to get their input and understand their perspective as I craft my own legislative agenda.”
Torres recently introduced H.R. 6112, the Communicating Lender Activity Reports from the Small Business Administration (CLEAR SBA) Act which will make it easier for small businesses to find available lenders and get the capital they need. She started her first term in Congress with a district-wide Job Creation Listening Tour where she heard from over 200 area business owners, community leaders, educational experts, and employees to get their views and ideas on the local economy. She released a white paper outlining a legislative plan based on the listening tour and a one-year update on the progress made on the plan. Both can be found here.