The mission of the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce is to enrich the lives of young professionals in the greater Los Angeles area and to develop strong corporate, civic and nonprofit leaders through professional growth, leadership development, personal enrichment and community involvement.

The mission of the LAJCC Charity Foundation is to provide opportunities and resources that create a positive influence in the greater Los Angeles area by empowering individuals to become responsible, contributing members of their communities.

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

L.A. Ballet. L.A. Repertory Theater. L.A. Master Chorale. L.A. Marathon. What do these historic Los Angeles institutions have in common? They were created by volunteers of the Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce. Since 1924, the LAJCC’s members and volunteers have been dedicated to improving the quality of life for the community of Los Angeles.

In 1926, the LAJCC brought the first professional sporting event to the West Coast, the Los Angeles Open, with an unheard of purse of $10,000. The tournament put Los Angeles on the map and was instrumental in L.A. being awarded the 1932 Olympic Games. This premiere golf event attracts the top PGA TOUR pros, who compete each February for a purse worth $6.2 million. Through funds generated by the tournament, the LAJCC has directed more than $50 million into local charitable and community service programs.

Membership is comprised of professionals who gain hands-on experience by planning and implementing LAJCC programs and projects. Qualified members can sit on the Board of Directors and govern an organization with a $7 million annual budget. Member benefits include monthly receptions and mixers which feature timely discussions by prominent LA citizens. Recent speakers include Secretary of State Bruce McPherson, representatives from Korn/Ferry, and Chris Thornberg from the UCLA Anderson Forecast. Interested members can participate in the Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program, which trains for service in nonprofit board governance.

LAJCC programs serve 15,000 youth annually and provide athletic, arts and educational opportunities which encourage integrity and self-esteem. Sports programs include: L.A. Watts Summer Games, Safe Passage Tennis Program, and Urban Youth Golf Program. Community service projects include: Ready To Learn Literacy Project, Foster Family Picnic, and Children’s Hospital Art Project. The LAJCC Foundation supports youth seeking higher education and awards more than $50,000 in scholarships annually.

For 82 years, the LAJCC has provided opportunities for individuals to address the needs of the Greater Los Angeles Area through a spirit of teamwork and togetherness.