Chef Michael Shafer, owner of the Depot and Buffalo Fire Department restaurants in Downtown Torrance, will receive the “John Parsons Award” from the South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce (SBACC) during its annual “Installation & Awards” luncheon, which takes place on December 17th at Ports O’Call Restaurant in San Pedro. Shafer is being recognized for his continual efforts to support local nonprofit organizations and for his commitment to advancing the interests of local businesses with government.
Shafer has been instrumental in raising thousands of dollars for South Bay charities. His support of Pediatric Therapy Network, Torrance Education Foundation, Palos Verdes Education Foundation, Wellness Community and the Palos Verdes Art Center has been so valued.
In 2015, Shafer played an instrumental role as a member of a Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) advocacy coalition that actively opposed a Los Angeles (LA) County ordinance seeking to raise the minimum wage to $15/hr by 2020 in unincorporated areas of the County. Shafer testified at two LA County Board of Supervisors meetings, communicating the coalition’s viewpoint that even though Torrance businesses are not subject to the ordinance, they are still impacted by it because they need to maintain competitive wages. Although the ordinance passed, Shafer’s energetic message helped educate government about the impact of public policy on small business operations. In addition, his message was prevalent in various news outlets such as the LA Times, Channel 7 news, and others.
For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, contact the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce at info@wilmington-chamber.com.
by Donna Duperron
Donna is the President & CEO of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce. Do you have questions about or concerns for business in Torrance? Donna would like to know. Feel free to contact her at any time.