Report Describes CSU Long Beach As “Economic Powerhouse” In The Region 
A report commissioned by California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), estimates the school’s economic impact on Long Beach, Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area at a value of $1.53 billion. This figure includes $523 million in benefits and income paid to CSULB employees and $42 million in tax revenues generated by economic activity stemming from the university. The report also noted that CSULB alumni own 245 businesses in Long Beach. The report was compiled by Beacon Economics, an independent research and consultancy firm hired by the school. “Students who graduate from Long Beach State, their median income a few years after graduation is nearly $100,000. So, think of that in terms of contributions to the economy,” CSULB President Jane Close Conoley stated.

Trade Volumes Described As “Healthy” And “Robust” In January
Trade volumes at the Port of Long Beach (POLB) decreased slightly in January compared to the same month in 2018, which was the port’s busiest January ever. According to the port, imports decreased 0.3% and exports decreased 2.7%, while the volume of empty containers being shipped back overseas increased 1.6%. POLB Executive Director Mario Cordero described the overall volume of trade as “healthy.” While the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) reported its busiest January ever, that is due in part to the shipment of empty containers, which increased 17.7% compared to last January. POLA Executive Director Gene Seroka stated, “These robust volumes reflect the pre-Lunar New Year surge of cargo, continued tariff-related inventory advances and strong consumer demand.”

White House Launches Initiative To Improve Economic Opportunities For Women
The White House has launched a new initiative aimed at economically empowering women: The Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative (W-GDP). The three pillars of the initiative focus on “women prospering in the workforce,” “women succeeding as entrepreneurs” and “women enabled in the economy.” The White House’s intention is to “reach 50 million women in the developing world by 2025 through U.S. government activities, private-public partnerships, and a new, innovative fund at USAID.” Focuses include removing women’s barriers to economic success throughout the world, and leveling the playing field with men at an early age in the areas of educational and vocational opportunities, financing, marketing and training. Another aspect of the initiative focuses on policymaking, legislation and regulations to “facilitate women’s participation in the economy.” To learn more about W-GDP, click here.

League Of Women Voters To Host Black History Month Celebration February 23
In celebration of Black History Month, the Long Beach chapter of the League of Women Voters is staging a free event on February 23, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, 5870 Atlantic Ave. Four guests are scheduled to speak, including 9th District Councilmember Rex Richardson; Doris Topsy-Elvord, former vice mayor of Long Beach, former Port of Long Beach harbor commissioner and co-founder of the African American Heritage Society of Long Beach; LaVerne Duncan, executive director of the Andy Street Community Association; and students Daryn Rocket and Maya Chaney of Long Beach Polytechnic High School. For more information, visit LWVLongBeach.org.

Alta Environmental Promotes Chris Waller To Director of Environmental Health And Safety
Chris Waller was promoted to director of environmental health and safety for Long Beach-based environmental and engineering consulting firm Alta Environmental. Waller previously served as a senior associate and project manager. Waller, who graduated the UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2009, was also recently appointed to the Santa Monica Airport Commission. .