News

Concordia University Irvine’s Master of Healthcare Administration Degree Program Receives CAHME Candidate Status

Friday, January 24, 2020

Concordia University Irvine’s (CUI) Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program has received candidate status from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), the national organization that grants accreditation to graduate degree programs. Candidate status puts Concordia’s MHA program closer to CAHME accreditation. Concordia Irvine’s MHA program voluntarily underwent a year-long review period by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education in order to receive candidate status. The review process included an extensive review of policies and procedures as well as site visits by the CAHME candidate committee. Candidate status must be earned before MHA programs can receive CAHM...

Cox Charities Awarding Scholarships to Graduating High School Seniors

Friday, January 24, 2020

Since it was established in 1999, Cox Charities has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships for students. As a company founded on innovation, Cox is inspired to support the next generation of innovators who demonstrate a passion for learning and a desire to pursue a higher education. Applications for Cox Scholars are currently being accepted through Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors pursuing careers in a STEM-related field. Students must live in a Cox service area. For complete details, visit www.CoxCharitiesCA.org. Cox is a Leaders Circle sponsor of the Greater Irvine Chamber. For information on how to becom...

OC Unemployment Rate Falls

Friday, January 24, 2020

Orange County’s unadjusted jobless rate dipped to 2.4% in December, down slightly from a revised 2.5% the month before and below the year-ago estimate of 2.7%, according to the state Employment Development Department. OC’s lowest-ever rate was 2.2% in December 1999. California’s rate was 3.7% and the U.S.’s was 3.4% last month. The most recent December numbers for the county, state and U.S. aren’t seasonally adjusted. OC non-farm employment increased by 6,200 jobs to just over 1.69 million in December from November. Six of the 11 employment sectors declined, while five increased. Professional and business services reported the largest increase, adding 4,900 jobs, whil...

US Business Activity Increases in Early 2020

Friday, January 24, 2020

Business activity in the U.S. improved in early 2020, contrasting with weaker economic performance in some of the world’s other major economies. Data company IHS Markit said that its composite purchasing managers index for the U.S., a measure of activity in businesses, posted a 10-month high of 53.1 in January, up from 52.7 in December. A level above 50 points to growth in business activity, while a reading below that mark points to contraction. IHS Markit said the pickup was due to growth in the services sector. Manufacturing PMI dipped to 51.7 in January, from 52.4 a month earlier. The data “highlight a manufacturing secto...

Antis Roofing & Waterproofing Partners with Greater Irvine Chamber as Platinum-Level Leaders Circle Sponsor

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Antis Roofing & Waterproofing has renewed its partnership at a new level with the Greater Irvine Chamber, as a Leaders Circle platinum-level sponsor. “I smile when I think of our partnership with the Greater Irvine Chamber because they lift us to be exponentially more powerful in keeping families safe and dry. The Chamber creates a loud echo for Antis and other top brands, using our stories to showcase local people doing great things,” said Charles Antis, founder and CEO, Antis Roofing & Waterproofing. “Cheers to Bryan Starr, Jessica Welch, and the all-in team at the Chamber. Thank you for your visio...

Audrey Schneider Named VP of Finance for Antis Roofing & Waterproofing

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Audrey Schneider has been named the Vice President of Finance for Antis Roofing & Waterproofing. In this role, she is responsible for managing all aspects of the finance organization as well as the strategic financial direction of the company. As vice president, Schneider’s focus will be on sustainable, healthy growth by expanding markets through a strategy of adding high quality and value to the customers served by Antis. She embraces Antis Roofing’s commitment to philanthropy and is a member of the Habitat for Humanity Leadership Build Committee. Last year the team raised more than $310,000 to support affordable housing for all families. “Audre...

City of Hope Previews Its First Cancer Center In Orange County

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Early next week, Orange County cancer patients seeking specialized treatment close to home can walk through the doors at a new facility near Fashion Island and be greeted with an uplifting sign: “Hope Lives Here.” The “Hope” is both aspiration for patients and their families, and a reference to the first foray into Orange County by Duarte-based City of Hope. On Tuesday, more than 300 people — including past and current patients, donors and volunteers, as well as local politicians like Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill and Rep. Harley Rouda, D-Laguna Beach — turned out for a preview and ribbon-cutting for th...

Concordia University Irvine Honors Co-Founder with the Dedication of International Center

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Standing room only was available for the Moon International Center dedication on Jan. 9. The center honors Dr. Shang Ik Moon’s journey from war-torn South Korea to America, his dedication to help co-founding Concordia University Irvine (CUI) and his dedication to loving and caring for CUI’s international students. This center welcomes students from all countries as well as sends students out into the world. New Concordia University President Michael Thomas reminded the crowd of the Great Commission. “Dr. Moon has dedicated his life to living the great commission. Therefore, it is fitting that we dedicate the Moon International Center in hono...

Greater Irvine Chamber British Partner Touts Upcoming UK Visit

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Good news travels far. Greater Irvine Chamber foreign direct investment partner TechUK is spreading the word of the upcoming U.K. arrival of a Chamber-led delegation of distinguished business leaders and life science and technology experts. This visit, scheduled for Feb. 17-20, marks the fourth time the delegation of Chamber leadership has visited the U.K. since the Chamber's Foreign Direct Investment initiative was launched in 2017, with a goal of establishing a profile for Irvine in the U.K.’s life science and technology sectors that encourages expansion-ready U.K. companies to consider Irvine/Orange County for their U.S. operation. “Irvine and Orange County initially became a hotbe...

OCO Global Founder and CEO Mark O’Connell to Deliver OC World Trade Week Keynote Address

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Mark O’Connell, founder and CEO of OCO Global, will answer the question, “Is Globalization Dead or Still Working Undercover?” during his keynote address at the Greater Irvine Chamber’s sixth annual Orange County World Trade Week (OCWTW) Breakfast and Forum on Wednesday, May 13, 7– 11 a.m., at the Irvine Marriott, 18000 Von Karman Ave. O’Connell’s work in international trade and investment spans more than 20 years, initially in the private sector for a Saudi investment fund, before moving on to Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government export agency. He spent six years in the management consulting division at PricewaterhouseCoopers specializing in trad...

Octane’s Nicole Washington to Serve as 2020 Women of Influence Master of Ceremonies

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Nicole Washington, senior advisor of community engagement, Octane, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Greater Irvine Chamber’s seventh annual Women of Influence event, set for Friday, March 6, 2020, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd. In her current role, Washington focuses on engaging with strategic partners to increase access for women and underrepresented groups to the Southern California entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. She is the founder and owner of Micro Biz Coach®, a firm that focuses on educating the micro- and small- business owner to leverage various aspects of internet technology in their business operation...

USMCA Passes Senate, Awaits President Trump’s Signature

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) passed the U.S. Senate and the deal is now awaiting President Donald J. Trump’s signature. The California Chamber of Commerce supports the USMCA based on an assessment that the agreement serves the employment, trading and environmental interests of California, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and is beneficial to the business community and the California and national economies. “Irvine is the economic center and economic powerhouse of Orange County. Our companies—whether global organizations or local businesses—have a significant impact on the region’s trade economy. To ensure we continue to succeed economically, the passage of the USMCA by th...

Key California Housing Bill’s Chances of Passing Just Improved Dramatically

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

State Sen. Scott Wiener’s bill to clear a path for denser housing around public transit and in wealthy suburbs got a big push forward when the Senate’s leader steered it out of the committee where it stalled last year. Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, said she moved SB50 out of the Appropriations Committee, whose chairman, Democratic Sen. Anthony Portantino, blocked it in 2019 and gave a frosty reception to the amended version that Wiener is now proposing. Atkins sent the bill to the Rules Committee, where it could advance directly to a Senate floor vote before a deadline for passage at th...

Call for Nominations: 2020 Greater Irvine Chamber Woman of Influence Award

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

The Greater Irvine Chamber will present the 2020 Greater Irvine Chamber Woman of Influence Award as part of its Women of Influence event set for Friday, March 6. The recognition will be awarded to a nominee with demonstrated exemplary professionalism, commitment to providing leadership in their community, and who serves as a mentor or a source of inspiration for other professional women. Nominee must meet the following criteria: Be employed by an active organization located or operating in Orange County. Have a proven track record of professionalism and integrity. Provides leadership, serving her community or industry. Is known to motivate other women within the workplace. Be present a...

Concordia University Irvine Names New Dean of the School Of Business and Economics

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Concordia University Irvine (CUI) has named George W. Wright as the Dean of its School of Business and Economics. Wright has been serving in various leadership roles, most recently as Administrative Dean, at the school since 2008. In his new role, Wright will oversee academic policy and curriculum for graduate and undergraduate degree programs, as well as guide constituent relations. Wright’s goal is to integrate best business practices with real-world experiences from an ethical and moral perspective so that students graduate with a solid foundation to serve as impactful global leaders. “George Wright’s breadth of experience from the board room to th...

California Economy Remains Strong; Finance Director Outlines Investment Objectives in Governor’s Budget

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

California is now into the 11th year of the U.S. economic recovery and all of the state’s economic vitals continue to be strong, state Finance Director Keely Martin Bosler told business leaders at a California Chamber of Commerce. Budget Is ‘Structurally Balanced’ The Department of Finance (DOF) expects the state’s economy to keep growing, though at a slower pace than before. The state saw an overall $5.6 billion surplus this year, and though the figure is lower than in previous years, Bosler cited improvements in the DOF’s ability to estimate the impact of federal tax policies on California’s revenue as the mai...

Economic Expansion Will Continue, Irvine Serves as a Model, Economist Says

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

In his economic forecast presented to well over 500 business and community leaders at the Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2020 Business Outlook, Chris Thornberg, founding partner, Beacon Economics, expressed overall optimism regarding economic growth in the year ahead. “Despite all the pessimism in the last 12 months, the economy is just fine...this expansion is going to continue,” said Thornberg. Remarking on Irvine’s strong economy, Thornberg noted that the city’s younger population is growing, indicating a strong labor market and housing availability. “This is a model that everyone can and should be focusing on,” he said about the pace of high-density, entry-level housing development. Openin...

US Employment Remains Strong, 145,000 Jobs Added in December

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

U.S. employers added 145,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate held steady at 3.5%, signaling that the job market remains strong at the start of 2020 even if hiring and wage gains have slowed somewhat more than a decade into an economic expansion. A snapshot from the Labor Department showed hiring slipped from robust gains of 256,000 in November, which were given a boost by the end of a strike at General Motors. For the year, employers added an average of roughly 175,000 jobs per month, compared with about 223,250 per month in 2018. Annual wage growth fell in December t...

US Representative Katie Porter Cites Greater Irvine Chamber in House Hearing

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

U.S. Representative Katie Porter (CA-45) at a House Oversight Committee hearing aimed at examining the Census Bureau’s strategies and plans for reaching hard-to-count communities in the 2020 Census, addressed the reasons a complete census count matters for businesses. Porter also remarked on a recent visit she made to the Greater Irvine Chamber, where she held a roundtable discussion with regional community, business, and faith leaders on the topic of the Complete Count Census Committee. She cited the Chamber’s work as an example of the ways local organizations are getting involved in ensuring a complete census count. “In my district I met wit...

City of Hope President Annette Walker Named One of OC's 2019 Most Influential

Monday, January 13, 2020

Annette Walker wanted to make a difference in her community. Leading the charge in bringing a $1 billion, 190,000-square-foot comprehensive cancer center and hospital to Orange County seems to achieve that goal. Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, in February announced plans to open the campus in 2021 – with the hospital to follow in 2024 – on 11 acres of Irvine land purchased from developer FivePoint. The Irvine campus will provide treatment and diagnostic services, as well as access to the latest research and personalized support services for cancer patients and their families. The center will be accompanied b...

Hoag Health Partners with Greater Irvine Chamber as Platinum-Level Leaders Circle Sponsor

Monday, January 13, 2020

Hoag has renewed its community partnership with the Greater Irvine Chamber as a platinum-level Leaders Circle sponsor. “Hoag is proud to be an integral part of the Irvine community. Since opening our doors nearly a decade ago, we’ve been committed to creating a world-class destination for the health and wellness of Irvine residents and beyond. We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to continuing to make Irvine one of the healthiest cities in America,” said Marcy Brown, chief hospital operations officer, Hoag. Hoag is an approximately $1 billion nonprofit, regional health care delivery network in Orange County that treat...

Irvine Company and FivePoint Master-Planned Communities Make Real Estate's Top 50 List

Monday, January 13, 2020

Irvine serves as a model master-planned community for cities around the world. So, it’s no surprise that two Irvine developments have made the 2019 list of the 50 most successful master-planned communities by John Burns Real Estate Consulting. The Orange County Business Journal has reported that, ranked by sales, Irvine communities making the list are Irvine Company’s Irvine Ranch at #7 with 850 net sales, and Five Point Communities’ Great Park Neighborhoods at #20 with 553 net sales. Rancho Mission Viejo is the third Orange County development on the list at #33 with 445 net sales. Communities making the Top 50 lis...

US Trade Deficit Shrinks to Smallest in Three Years

Monday, January 13, 2020

The U.S. scored the smallest trade deficit since October 2016 as tariffs slowed the flow of imports into the country. With imports down while U.S. consumption continues to rise, American workers grabbed a larger share of domestic demand. The U.S. trade deficit in goods and services for November 2019 was $43.1 billion, down 8.2% on the previous month and down 19.6% on the year-earlier figure. The November decline is due to a $3.9 billion decrease in the goods deficit to $63.9 billion and a slight decrease in the services surplus of $0.1 billion to $20.8 billion. Good imports of $201.1 billion in Novembe...

SBA Announces Selection of Godfrey Hinds as Lead Economic Development Specialist

Thursday, January 09, 2020

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the selection of Godfrey Hinds as Lead Economic Development Specialist for SBA’s Orange County / Inland Empire District Office (OCIE). Hinds will lead a team of professionals responsible for developing initiatives and opportunities that maximize the delivery of SBA programs and services to approximately 7 million people throughout Southern California’s Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, which cover more than 28,000 square miles. “I am pleased to welcome Godfrey to our SBA team”, added OCIE District Director Quijada. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience that will help support the SBA focus o...

Charleston Blonde's Popular Lifestyle, Travel Blogger Adventures Through Irvine in 24 Hours

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

Popular lifestyle and travel blogger Jaime Huffman of Charleston Blonde in a recent post recapped her fun-filled, 24-hour visit to Irvine. The post highlights Huffman’s shopping experience at the Irvine Spectrum Center, her time in Irvine’s Bommer Canyon while on a full-moon hike, and her adventure through the city on a Pedego electric bike. “If you’re planning a trip to Southern California, you can’t miss out on the gem that is Irvine! Encompassing 66 square miles, it may seem overwhelming for a day trip, but with only 24 hours, there’s still plenty you can do to get the most out of the city,&rdquo...

Hoag, Kaiser, MemorialCare, UCI Medical Center Named Exceptional Neurosurgery and Spine Programs

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

Becker's Healthcare, a media platform for the industry, has named the following Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle sponsors to the 2019 edition of its list of 100 hospitals and health systems with exceptional neurosurgery and spine programs. Hoag Health Network: Hoag Health Network offers numerous spine programs, including care at Hoag Orthopedic Institute. In 2018, the institute reported 3,246 hospital spine procedures, as well as 180 ambulatory procedures. Hoag has two acute care hospitals, 11 urgent care centers and eight health centers it staffs with a team of more than 1,700 physicians and 6,000 employees. U.S. News & World Report ranked Hoag Hospita...

US Department of Commerce Invests to Equip Biotech Incubator Facility in Irvine

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration is awarding a $3 million grant to The Beall Family Foundation of Newport Beach to provide scientific lab equipment for use at the University Lab Partners biotech incubator facility in Irvine, at Research Park on the campus of University of California, Irvine. The EDA grant, to be matched with $3 million in local funds, is expected to help create 635 jobs and retain 55 jobs. “The Trump Administration is committed to helping American entrepreneurs grow and succeed,” said Secretary Ross. “The University Lab Partners state-of-the-art workspace will hel...

Chamber-Led Life Science & Technology Delegation Returning to the U.K.

Tuesday, January 07, 2020

Once again, the Greater Irvine Chamber will lead a distinguished delegation of business leaders and life science and technology experts to the United Kingdom Feb. 17-20, 2020. This visit marks the fourth time the delegation of Greater Irvine Chamber leadership has visited the U.K. since the Chamber's Foreign Direct Investment initiative was launched in 2017. The goal is to establish a profile for Irvine in the U.K.’s life science and technology sectors that encourages expansion-ready U.K. companies to establish their U.S. operation in Irvine/Orange County. With the assistance of OCO Global, the delegation plans to meet with more life science and technology companies tha...

City of Hope Approved for Irvine Outpatient Center

Tuesday, January 07, 2020

Plans for converting an office building into the first phase of a new City of Hope campus in Orange County were approved Dec. 19 by the Irvine Planning Commission. The nearly 190,000-square-foot building in the FivePoint Gateway Campus off Barranca Parkway and Alton Parkway will be used to create an outpatient cancer center. “Our team is moving forward with great momentum,” Annette Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County, said in a release. “As always, we’re grateful to FivePoint for their partnership and support, and appreciate the Planning Commission’s endorsement.” City of Hope, a nonprofit clinical cancer research center, expects to invest mor...

Hotel Irvine Completes Multi-Million Dollar Reinvestment Program

Tuesday, January 07, 2020

Hotel Irvine – a 536-room lifestyle hotel conveniently located in the heart of Orange County – has recently completed a comprehensive $6.8 million reinvestment program, emerging with a fresh contemporary look and punches of color that span the entire property from accommodations to meeting areas to dining spots. According to Jeroen Quint, general manager, Hotel Irvine, the project entailed a number of design aesthetic updates, including the installation of bold new fabrics, patterned pillows, and comfy seating throughout public areas such as EATS Kitchen & Bar and Red Bar and Lounge as well as the lobby entrance. “This most recent reinvestment project...

Orange County Soccer Club Signs Historic Partnership with Rangers Football Club of the Scottish Premiership

Tuesday, January 07, 2020

Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Rangers Football Club, founded on football, youth development, and commercial activities between California and Glasgow, Scotland. The new partnership includes several exciting programs, activities, and player movements between the two clubs. A number of Rangers professional and academy players will go on loan for the season to play in the United Soccer League (USL) for the OCSC first team in January. “Rangers will serve as the aspirational peak of the one-of-a-kind ‘Pathway to Professional Soccer’ that OCSC has built for youth soccer players in Southern California,” said Oliver Wyss, presiden...

2020 to Bring New Offices, Leasing Options to Irvine

Monday, January 06, 2020

Orange County’s Irvine Company isn’t seeing a local slowdown on the horizon for 2020. “This has been a strong cycle for us, and we anticipate that to continue,” said Steve Case, executive vice president of Irvine Company’s office division. Chapman University economists last month predicted national GDP growth of 1.9%; Case said the local economy should outpace that of the country, noting OC “compares favorably to any market in or outside our portfolio.” Irvine Company’s total office portfolio runs about 50 million square feet; much of it is in OC, where occupancy rates are well north of 90%. “We remain bullish about Orange County’...

Joan Irvine Smith, Member of Pioneer Family Who Was Instrumental in Creation of UC Irvine Campus, Dies at 86

Monday, January 06, 2020

Joan Irvine Smith, an environmental activist, philanthropist, and avid equestrian who was instrumental in establishing and advancing UC Irvine and fighting to preserve open space in Orange County, has died. She was 86. Smith died peacefully at home on Thursday, Dec. 19, her son, James Irvine Swinden, wrote in her obituary. Smith was the great-granddaughter of Irvine Ranch founder James Irvine, an agricultural pioneer whose family went on to create The Irvine Company, the influential Newport Beach-based real estate development company. The city of Irvine carries the family name. “Joan was a longtime friend and I always admired her passion for the lan...

Brenda Callen LeGault Named Greater Irvine Chamber December 2019 Ambassador of the Month

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Brenda Callen LeGault of ISC Resources, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber December 2019 Ambassador of the Month. “I’ve found the biggest benefits of my Chamber membership to be the connections I have made personally and professionally. I have been fortunate enough to call my connections friends as well as clients. Working with the Business and Workforce Development Committee has helped me understand the challenges that business have in Irvine as well as Orange County and how I can be a resource to solve those challenges,” LeGault said. Since joining the Chamber in April 2019, LeGault has become involved in ...

Jake Konaszewski Named Greater Irvine Chamber December Member of the Month

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Jake Konaszewski, director of business development, Rise Up For You, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber December 2020 Member of the Month. Since joining the Chamber in 2019, Konaszewski has become involved in a number of groups including the Business and Workforce Development, International Development, and Government Affairs Committees. Most recently, Konaszewski has become an Ambassador of the Greater Irvine Chamber. “Despite the great business connections and profitable relationships that our company has built from the Chamber, the most significant benefit is the great friendships that have been developed through the Chamber,” Konaszewski said. In addition to his volunteer leadership, Konaszewski i...

City of Hope Partners with Greater Irvine Chamber as First Ever Diamond-Level Leaders Circle Sponsor

Monday, December 30, 2019

City of Hope has renewed its community partnership with the Greater Irvine Chamber as the organization’s first ever Leaders Circle diamond-level sponsor. “City of Hope is answering a call to bring our breakthrough discoveries and specialized therapies closer to home, right here in Orange County. We are making tremendous progress, opening our medical office in Newport Beach in early 2020 and the comprehensive cancer campus in the heart of Irvine in 2021. These milestones are testimony to the power of our local partnerships, and our work with the Greater Irvine Chamber has been foundational to our success. Together, we share a visio...

New Beall-Backed Facility Features Wet Lab Incubator at UCI’s Cove

Monday, December 30, 2019

Out with the old, in with the new. That’s certainly the mentality at the Cove, UCI Beall Applied Innovation’s hub for entrepreneurs, investors, venture capital firms and community partners, which recently took the wraps off its expanded new home. “It’s another step in accelerating the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the community,” Richard Sudek, executive director of Applied Innovation, told the Orange County Business Journal following its unveiling late last month. “We are building a more robust ecosystem with a bigger platform for more partners and events.” The more than 100,000-square-foot, three-story building, once part of Broadcom’s former headquarters campus, doubles the program’s space. It also provide...

U.S., State Economies Show Steady Growth; Political Rhetoric Disconnected from Reality

Friday, December 20, 2019

The Great Un-Recession When we look back at 2019 there will be plenty of negative memories—from the theatrics that have dominated national politics to the ongoing trade war with China to the unnecessary crisis of confidence that exists within our borders to grim tidings on the international front as the result of a slowing European economy to deepening political crises in the Middle East. Despite all the turmoil, what will not make the list of “2019 negatives” is the health of the United States economy. Pessimistic press coverage and punditry aside, the sum total of indicators for the year shows that th...

USMCA Deal Could Have Big Impact on California Farming

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have finally come to an agreement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement deal, which will replace NAFTA. The deal may have a big impact on industries all throughout California. Relief may be right around the corner for California farmers, in the form of a new USMCA trade deal. “I think getting this done will be a big win for the economy,” Representative Doug LaMalfa said. “This is the template for how all trade deals should happen,” Representative Josh Harder said. Both Republicans and Democrats say USMCA will help California farmers and companies sell their products, while als...

California Businesses Breathe Sigh of Relief over Deal to Update NAFTA Trade Pact

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

There is little overall difference between the old North American Free Trade Agreement and the Trump administration’s replacement. But California businesses are just relieved to finally have some certainty they can plan around. Selwyn Joffe, chief executive of a Torrance auto parts manufacturer, had 3,000 workers in his Tijuana factories and was all set to add hundreds more this year. As he listened to President Trump, though, he got cold feet. Even as U.S. trade officials were renegotiating the 1994 agreement, which slashed tariffs among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Trump continued to excoriate NAFTA as “the worst trade deal” eve...

Greater Irvine Chamber Fall 2019 Financial Literacy Program Visits South Lake Middle School Students

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

More than 30 students at South Lake Middle School in Irvine participated this fall in the Financial Forum program presented by the Greater Irvine Chamber through its Business and Workforce Development (BWD) Committee. Students participating in the three-part program spanning two months attended an initial workshop focused on the basics of financial management and responsibility, followed by two separate workshops engaging students in an online stock market game. Financial Forum presenters and mentors reviewed with students the stock-market game results and awarded special recognition to three students that achieved the most well-developed budget, the highest number of completed assignments, and th...

Greater Irvine Chamber Part of Nationwide Coalition Urging Congress to Pass USMCA

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber is part of a coalition of chambers of commerce and business and agriculture organizations from across the United States to urge members of the United States Congress to support the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The agreement is critical to the nation’s economic future because it will preserve and strengthen U.S. trade ties to Canada and Mexico. “The recent ‘handshake’ agreement between the administration and lawmakers signals historic progress toward the modernization of trade rules that will benefit international commerce for America and our region,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “Irvine is the economic cente...

Leading Orange County Organizations Support Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2020 Business Outlook Event

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber’s 11th annual 2020 Business Outlook—one of the largest economic-forecast events in Orange County, drawing hundreds of professionals, executives, and community leaders from throughout the region—is supported by leading Orange County businesses and organizations. To be held on Thursday, Jan. 9, Business Outlook sponsors include: GDR Group - Corporate Sponsor Waste Manegement - Sustainability Sponsor FivePoint - Platinum Business Sponsor City of Hope, Hoag Health, Irvine Company , Parker Areospace, University of California, Irvine -Business Sponsors For the second year, Chris Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics, and a highly-regarded economist, author, and public speaker, will deliver the keynote address. Also returning to th...

OC Poised for Continued Economic Expansion

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

By Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber, as published in the Orange County Business Journal. While a historic “handshake” agreement has been made on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, volatile national politics still make for sensational headlines and paint a picture of economic uncertainty. Yet, the nation continues to experience economic vitality, and California and Irvine continue to be well-poised for economic stability and growth. Expert economist and founding partner of Beacon Economics, Chris Thornberg, agrees. Thornberg has said the current expansion is quite durable and despite all the political turmoil, the American economy has largely been unaffected by trade conflicts. Trad...

Reflecting on 2019 and a 20/20 Vision for the Future

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

By Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber, as published in the Orange County Register. As I reflect on 2019, I’m reminded of some extraordinary accomplishments made in Irvine by diverse residents, business leaders, and city officials who are dedicated to the continued success of our city. One of our city’s finest distinctions is that for the 14th consecutive year, Irvine has been ranked as the safest city in America by the FBI, due largely to the Irvine Police Department working in partnership with the community and city leaders who maintain public safety as a top priority. Responsible city management has le...

Vincit California Redesigns Containter.com

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Vincit California, a software services company and Greater Irvine Chamber member, has redesigned Container.com. The newly redesigned website for Martin Container, a shipping and logistics company based in Los Angeles Harbor, modernizes the process for ordering products, both for users and the business; it allows for customized quotes where users can see products, select which features they want, and then generate their specific quote. “After the website rebuild, we saw daily site traffic increase 400%. This not only generated a large number of leads, but the quality of the leads was much more significant,” says Charlie Martin, director of operations, Martin Container...

Concordia University Irvine Announces New President

Monday, December 16, 2019

The Concordia University Irvine Board of Regents has selected Dr. Michael A. Thomas as the fifth president of Concordia University Irvine. Thomas will lead the private Lutheran university, now in its 44th year, effective Jan. 1. He succeeds Kurt Krueger who served as President for 10 years before retiring. “Dr. Thomas brings extensive higher education experience from Concordia University Portland,” said Ron Levesque, chair of the Board of Regents. “He is highly relational and possesses a strong commitment to Lutheran theology that, when combined with his passion for higher education, makes him the ideal person to lead Concordia Irvine into the future.” Th...

IRWD’s LaMar Elected President of Statewide Water Agency Coalition

Monday, December 16, 2019

Irvine Ranch Water District Board President Steven LaMar has been elected to a two-year term as president of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), the largest statewide coalition of public water agencies in the nation. ACWA members elected him to his new role after two years as the association’s vice president. His term as president will begin in January. LaMar, a water policy and planning expert, has served on the IRWD Board of Directors since 2009, including terms as president in 2019, 2015, 2014, and 2011, and as vice president in 2018 and 2013. LaMar has extensive water policy service. He wa...

City of Hope President Annette Walker Recognized Among Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Annette Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County, has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2019’s 100 Most Influential People. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors individuals who are deemed by their peers and the senior editors of Modern Healthcare to be the most influential individuals in the industry, in terms of leadership and impact. This is Walker’s first time on this list. She shares the industry’s highest honor alongside Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, President Donald Trump, and others. “The honorees chosen this year by Modern Healthcare and our readers are those wh...

Families Forward Benefits from the Giving Spirit at Greater Irvine Chamber Holiday Open House

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

More than 200 guests celebrated and were in the giving spirit, donating nearly $600 in gift cards to benefit Families Forward during the Greater Irvine Chamber Dec. 5 Holiday Open House. “We are so appreciative of the long-time partnership we have had with the Greater Irvine Chamber. Being named the 2019 Nonprofit of the Year was an exceptional honor and the support of the Chamber through this recognition as well as the contributions made through their holiday gift card drive for families in need has been nothing short of amazing," said Madelynn Hirneise, CEO, Families Forward. "Families Forward is excited t...

Kate Klimow Returns as 2020 Business Outlook Master of Ceremonies

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Kate Klimow, chief administrative officer and director of External Relations at UCI Beall Applied Innovation, will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Greater Irvine Chamber’s 11th annual 2020 Business Outlook breakfast event to be held on Thursday, Jan. 9. The economic-forecast event is one of the largest of its kind in Orange County, drawing hundreds of professionals, executives, and community leaders from throughout the region. Klimow has experience working in both public and private sectors throughout her career. Her varied experience in government relations and public affairs includes working for the Arizona Department of Commerce, Parsons Corporation, Walt Disney Imagineering...

Linda DiMario Provides Business Leaders, Educators with Insights on 2020 OC Disruptors

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Linda DiMario, executive vice president, Greater Irvine Chamber, this month presented a keynote address to a room full of business leaders and educators during the Orange County and Vision 2020 Power Breakfast for Business and Entrepreneurship. DiMario discussed opportunities, challenges, gaps, and disruptors facing Orange County. “The alignment between business and education is essential to building a sustainable and effective workforce – particularly with the rate of change and innovation occurring at such a rapid pace. Working together, we can better take advantage of tomorrow’s innovations and the new jobs and skills they will require,” said DiMario. The event was presented in part b...

Zillow Innovates Buying and Selling Homes in OC through Online Zillow Offers

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle sponsor Zillow announced the addition of Zillow Offers to its real estate marketplace portfolio, which provides a new, hassle-free way to buy and sell eligible homes directly through Zillow. Zillow Offers is now available to homeowners across a large portion of Southern California including Orange County. “We know how difficult and stressful it can be to sell a home, so we are rebuilding the experience of buying and selling a home to make it a much simpler, smoother process,” said Jeremy Wacksman, Zillow brand president. “In the 20 months since we first introduced Zillow Offers, we’ve see...

House Democrats Support Updated Trade Deal With Mexico And Canada

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

House Democrats and organized labor have thrown their support behind an updated trade agreement among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. "This is a day we've all been working to," declared House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. "There is no question, of course, that this trade agreement is much better than NAFTA. But in terms of our work here, it is infinitely better than what was initially proposed by the administration." Democrats endorsed the trade deal after winning stronger enforcement of labor and environmental provisions, and stripping a measure that would have locked in long-term patent protection for certain pharmaceutical products. "It's an agreement that Democrat...

OC Business Executives Tackle Homelessness

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Like many in Orange County, Larry Armstrong a few years ago began noticing the hundreds of tents, makeshift shelters and piles of trash rising on the outskirts of Angel Stadium and along the Santa Ana River near the Honda Center. As it became clear several hundred people were living there, the chief executive of Ware Malcomb, Orange County’s third-largest architectural firm, decided to do something. He met with executives at Orange County United Way, the start of a partnership that led to the unveiling of the United to End Homelessness initiative with Armstrong as chairman. “The idea was to try to understand al...

SBA Modifies Method for Calculating Annual Revenues for Small Businesses

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today published in the Federal Register a final rule to modify its method for calculating annual revenues used to prescribe size standards for small businesses. The final rule is effective Jan. 6, 2020. The SBA changed its regulations on the calculation of annual revenues from a three-year averaging period to a five-year averaging period, outside of the SBA Business Loan and Disaster Loan Programs. The change in the averaging period for calculating annual average revenues from three years to five years may result in firms regaining or retaining their small business status. To assist smal...

Get REAL ID Ready Before October 2020

Monday, December 09, 2019

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will officially begin enforcing the REAL ID Act of 2005. This means that a traditional driver’s license will no longer be accepted through airport security and all Americans will be required to present REAL ID-compliant identification to go through airport security and enter federal facilities. Help spread the word: Make sure your family and friends are #REALIDready before Oct. 1, 2020—so they’re not left behind. What Makes a REAL ID Real? REAL ID-compliant cards are generally marked with a star in the upper portion of the card. The style o...

California Consumer Privacy Act Will Impact Businesses That Collect and Receive Personal Data

Friday, December 06, 2019

A law to protect the privacy of California consumers takes effect Jan. 1, and businesses that don’t comply with the mandates by July 1 will face stiff fines. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), amended and signed into law Sept. 23, broadly expands the rights of consumers and requires companies to be significantly more transparent in regard to how they collect, use and disclose personal information. Those that don’t play by new rules could potentially face millions of dollars in penalties. The U.S. government has yet to implement a federal privacy law similar to Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation, so individual states have begun to craft their ow...

California’s Minimum Wage Is Going up Again in January

Friday, December 06, 2019

California’s minimum wage is moving to $13 an hour in 2020. The new minimum wage goes into effect Jan. 1, and applies to employers with 26 or more employees. Employers with fewer than 26 employees will have to pay a minimum wage of $12 an hour. 2020 marks the fourth consecutive year that the minimum wage has increased in the Golden State, as California moves toward a goal of a $15-an-hour minimum wage for large employers by 2022 and for all employers by 2023. Several municipalities in California have their own minimum wage that exceeds the state’s, according to the UC Berkeley Labor Center. Those municipalities include: Alameda ($15 an hour on Jul...

Job Market Surges As Employers Add 266,000 Jobs In November

Friday, December 06, 2019

U.S. employers added a better-than-expected 266,000 jobs in November in a sign the economy continues to power ahead. The unemployment rate dipped to 3.5%. Job gains for the two previous months were revised up by a total of 41,000. The overall jobs number got a boost from the roughly 41,000 people who returned to work, after being idled in October by the United Auto Workers strike at General Motors. Manufacturing added a total of 54,000 jobs, even though factory activity has declined in each of the past four months. Factories — many of which rely on global supply chains and global markets — have been especially vulnerable t...

New 2020 Labor Laws Affecting California Businesses

Friday, December 06, 2019

There are a few new and significant 2020 California employment laws that employers need to be aware of, as they may affect daily business operations, policies and employees. Of the 2,625 bills introduced in the Legislature this year, 1,042 bills reached Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. He signed 870 and vetoed 172—and many of those signed will affect California employers. Some bills made significant changes to California employment law, such as the much-publicized independent contractor bill, AB 5. Others made small but important changes of which employers must be aware, such as those changing the mandatory harassment prevention training deadlines. The Governor vetoed severa...

US Weekly Jobless Claims Drop to Seven-Month Low

Friday, December 06, 2019

The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, hitting their lowest level in seven months, suggesting the labor market remains solid even as the economy is slowing. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 10,000 to a seasonally adjusted 203,000 for the week ended Nov. 30, the lowest level since mid-April, the Labor Department said. Data for the prior week was unrevised. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims increasing to 215,000 in the latest week. Claims data tend to be volatile around holidays like last week’s Thanksgiving Day, which was later this year compared to 2018. Thi...

Irvine City Councilmember Michael Carroll to Visit Greater Irvine Chamber Dec. 5

Wednesday, December 04, 2019

City of Irvine Councilmember Michael Carroll will address business and community leaders convening for the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee meeting on Thursday, Dec. 5, 8 – 9:30 a.m. The meeting is open to the public. Councilmember Carroll was appointed to the Irvine City Council in May, 2019. Prior to his appointment, he served as vice chair of the Irvine Planning Commission, chair of the Community Services Commission in 2016, and as Community Services Commissioner from 2012 to 2015. Councilmember Carroll is a member of the Irvine Certified Emergency Response Team. He also serves as the City of Irvine’s representative to th...

MemorialCare is the Presenting Sponsor for Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook Breakfast

Wednesday, December 04, 2019

MemorialCare is the Presenting Sponsor for the Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2020 Business Outlook Breakfast to be held Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020. “The Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook offers our business community the vital economic insights necessary to make strategic decisions in 2020,” said Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., president and CEO, MemorialCare. “MemorialCare is honored to sponsor this important event as we join the business community of Irvine and all of Orange County to help ensure the physical and economic health of our population.” MemorialCare is a nonprofit integrated healthcare delivery system that includes leading hospitals – Long Beach Medical Center, Miller Children's &...

Holiday Hiring Includes Boost in Tech-Related Jobs

Tuesday, December 03, 2019

Seasonal openings for retail jobs are expected to increase 13% this holiday season with some of the biggest gains coming in tech-related positions, according to recruitment-software provider iCIMS. iCIMS predicts overall retail hiring will expand by 7%. The company compiled its findings from a database of more than 3 million jobs posted and 4 million hires per year by more than 4,000 customers. “In addition to staffing stores and traditional retail positions, companies are looking to strengthen their tech workforce to ensure they provide a seamless online shopping experience as more consumers turn to their smartphone to avoid the holiday crowds,” iCIMS said. Deman...

Scott Jackson Named Greater Irvine Chamber November 2019 Ambassador of the Month

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Scott Jackson of CPS Employer Benefits, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber November 2019 Ambassador of the Month. “The greatest benefit of being a member of the Greater Irvine Chamber has been getting to meet new people that I now call friends that I golf with and spend quality time with! Being a member has also been beneficial to my business. Last year, I transacted a $2,000,000 and a $1,000,000 life insurance policy through connections made at the Chamber,” Jackson said. In addition to his volunteer leadership as an Ambassador of the Chamber, Jackson has become involved in various other capacitie...

Commentary: California Trade Mission to Mexico Sows Seeds for Mutual Benefits

Friday, November 29, 2019

The recent California trade mission to Mexico made enormous strides to build positive relations with our neighbors to the south. And that was no accidente, given the importance California places on its cultural, economic and environmental relationship with Mexico. A formal delegation of California government and business leaders visited Mexico earlier this month to reaffirm our mutual friendship, to build on the accomplishments and good intentions of those who have preceded us, and to once again reaffirm that California is truly a place where all dreams are welcome. The results of the visit exceeded expectations: strengthened relations and bold commitments for future direction an...

Cruise Industry Drives $2.5 Billion into California Economy

Friday, November 29, 2019

Mention California’s economy and most people think of manufacturing, technology, international trade, or tourism. Those are all significant drivers, but a new report from the Cruise Lines International Association shows California got the second biggest economic boost from the global cruise industry in 2018, second only to Florida. How big a boost? The industry contributed more than $2.5 billion to the Golden State’s economy, an increase of 5.3% since 2016. That accounted for 10.4% of the industry’s nationwide impact. 2.2 Million Passenger Visits, Crew Arrivals California is the home of headquarters and support facilities for several cruise lines including Princess and Crystal Cruises; it has four major cruise port...

UCI Charges Ahead In Tech Training

Friday, November 29, 2019

“We will keep charging ahead,” said Marios Papaefthymiou, dean of the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences at University of California, Irvine. “There’s a ton of demand for what we do.” Employers eagerly snatch up the school’s tech-savvy graduates, and will keep doing so in the future as computers are used in more segments of the economy, the UCI dean told the Business Journal. Papaefthymiou recently introduced eight new tenure-track faculty members for the school, which includes computer sciences, informatics and statistics, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. The five women and three men have specialties ranging from how to deal wit...

New 2020 Labor Laws Affecting California Employers

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

There are a few new and significant 2020 California employment laws that employers need to be aware of, as they may affect daily business operations, policies and employees. Of the 2,625 bills introduced in the Legislature this year, 1,042 bills reached Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. He signed 870 and vetoed 172 — and many of those signed will affect California employers. Some bills made significant changes to California employment law, such as the much-publicized independent contractor bill, Assembly Bill (AB) 5. Others made small but important changes of which employers must be aware, such as those changing the mandatory harassment prevention trainin...

No Deal on USMCA, but Democrats Point to Progress

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Democratic lawmakers left the capital for the Thanksgiving break without a final agreement on President Trump’s revised North American trade deal, prolonging a difficult negotiation with the administration on one of the president’s trade priorities. But top House Democrats insisted that they were closing in on a deal on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement that would satisfy their remaining concerns. Talks will continue over the break, and a vote to ratify the deal could come in the following weeks, they said. “We’re going to stay right at this for the next week,” said Representative Richard E. Neal of Massachusetts, the chairman of th...

California’s Working Landscape Makes $333-Billion Impact on State Economy

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

California’s “working landscape” represents the sixth largest economic sector in the state, outpacing the healthcare, real estate, and construction industries. That’s according to a recent report issued by the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR). “That’s going surprise an awful lot of people, because too many folks here in California just really take our working landscapes for granted,” said ANR Vice President Glenda Humiston, speaking at the California Economic Summit in Fresno earlier this month. Besides traditional agriculture, working landscapes includes fishing, forestry, mining, outdoor recreation, and renewable energy. The report showed that in 2018, direct sales of agriculture contributed more than $263 billio...

Redemption Decade: California’s 2.8 Million New Jobs Outpace the Nation

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Many of the challenges facing California today, from the high cost of housing to traffic congestion, can be seen as outgrowths of the enormous job recovery. The California economy a decade ago was in total disarray after huge misguided bets on real estate. Far-too-easy lending standards for house hunters, as well as professional investors, left the state ripe for a steep fall when property values imploded. Bankruptcies and foreclosures were numerous. Layoffs were common. In 2011, for example, one in eight California workers was unemployed. Recessionary pains created opportunities. Numerous industries worldwide sought cost savings as their revenues sagged during and after th...

Edwards Lifesciences Named a Top-Run Company by Drucker Institute

Monday, November 25, 2019

Irvine-based Edwards Lifesciences Corp. is No. 25 on this year’s Management 250, the Drucker Institute’s list of the best-run companies in the U.S., the only locally headquartered firm named to it. The heart valve maker and Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle member ranked just below Allstate Corp. and just above JPMorgan Chase & Co. and bested 90% of the list, including Starbucks, Boeing, American Express, and Oracle. Amazon was No. 1. Drucker crunched data in five areas: customer satisfaction, employee engagement and development, innovation, social responsibility, and financial strength. Edwards merited four or five stars out of five in each and it...

Irvine’s Great Park Balloon Rides Are Free Again

Monday, November 25, 2019

The giant balloon that soars above the Orange County Great Park in Irvine has been giving rides for more than a decade, but it now has one new draw for visitors: there’s no admission fee. Originally a gift from developer Lennar Corp., the balloon was installed in 2007 as a point of interest and a landmark for people looking for a new home in adjacent neighborhoods or visiting the then yet-to-be-developed park. It started out free to take a trip 400 feet up in the gondola under the 210,000-cubic-foot balloon, but in 2013 Great Park officials added a $10 charge for adult...

Parker Aerospace, Parker Foundation Support WISEPlace Local Women's Shelter with $5,000 Contribution

Thursday, November 21, 2019

As part of Parker’s ongoing commitment to the support of the community and key nonprofit organizations making a difference, Parker Aerospace Group Vice President of Program and Contract Management Barry Draskovich presented local women’s shelter WISEPlace with a $5,000 grant from the Parker Foundation, as a bronze sponsor partner with the organization. WISEPlace, located in Santa Ana, is dedicated to meeting the needs of unaccompanied homeless women, “providing them with hope, community, and a safe place to begin the hard work of getting back on their feet," according to Executive Director Brateil Aghasi. In addition to broad-based counseling programs, the cente...

City of Irvine Offers Green Business Assistance Program

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The City of Irvine is offering a free Green Business Assistance Program, designed to help businesses operate sustainably and receive local and statewide recognition for their efforts. The city launched the new program under the California Green Business Network, which provides a statewide standard of sustainability for Green Business Certification. Assistance will be provided to organizations seeking Certified Green Business status as they implement practices that reduce energy and water consumption, prevent pollution, divert waste from landfills, and create a cleaner, healthier environment for their employees. Participating businesses will receive a free on-site assessment of their business and a customized action plan on how t...

Executive from UK-Based oneclick Makes US Expansion to Irvine Official

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

As a result of initial engagement during a Greater Irvine Chamber led delegation to London in February, Nehal Thakore, global director of Business Development for oneclick AG, a virtual workspace provider, has made the company’s U.S. expansion to Irvine official. “Welcome home,” Bryan Starr, president and CEO of the Chamber, said to Thakore during the Chamber’s Nov. 19 Business and Workforce Development Committee meeting. “We’re proud to welcome oneclick to the Irvine technology ecosystem. oneclick joins other global companies that are at the leading edge of innovation, and are contributing to job growth and economic activity in the region.” Also in attendance t...

Greater Irvine Chamber Launches Boston Second Jump Campaign with Trip to East Coast Business Hub

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

As an extension of its foreign direct investment initiative and Irvine Gateway program, the Greater Irvine Chamber has partnered with the east coast office of OCO Global to launch the Boston Second Jump campaign aimed at raising awareness of Irvine’s innovation ecosystem, and life science and technology strengths. “The campaign focuses on Boston because it is often the first jump for U.K. or foreign-owned companies to the U.S., particularly in the life science sector,” said Linda DiMario, executive vice president of the Chamber. “Our goal is to build awareness for Irvine/Orange County as a smart choice for Boston companies looking at West Coas...

OCTANe Plans for New Nonprofit Accelerator

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

OCTANe has plans for a new accelerator for nonprofits that will function as an extension of the SBDC Launchpad program for technology and life science startups. Initial funding was provided by the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation; the charitable branch of OC’s largest public company has given $75,000 to OCTANe for two years running. Bill Carpou, CEO, OCTANe, said that the accelerator will help nonprofit organizations “establish clear metrics and communicate mission statements,” so that they can better operate and in turn raise additional funds. The new accelerator’s first cohort includes: High School Inc., which works with the Santa Ana Unified School District and others t...

401(k) Contribution Limits Increase for 2020

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released guidance on cost-of-living adjustments affecting contributions to 401(k) plans and other retirement-related items for 2020 because the increase in the cost-of-living index met the statutory thresholds, triggering their adjustment. However, one key limit remains unchanged. The elective deferral (contribution) limit for employees who participate in 401(k) and 403(b) plans increased from $19,000 to $19,500. Employees aged 50 and over have a “catch-up” contribution limit increased from $6,000 to $6,500. The limit on annual contributions to an IRA remains unchanged at $6,000. The additional catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and older is not subject to an annua...

Greater Irvine Chamber Joins Coalition Urging Passage of USMCA

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber has joined a number of Orange County chambers of commerce and economic development organizations to urge the passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In a letter addressed to the Orange County congressional delegation, the coalition stresses the trade agreement as critical to the economic future of Orange County, as it preserves and strengthens trade ties with the region’s two largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico. U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico already supports 12 million American jobs, and in California, 1,470,700 jobs depend on trade with our North American neighbors. In 2017 these jobs supported $59.5 billio...

Greater Irvine Chamber Members Among OC's Largest Employers

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

A number of Greater Irvine Chamber member companies are featured in the Orange County Business Journal’s list of largest Orange County employers. The list includes the top 29 employers in Orange County, ranked by number of employees. Greater Irvine Chamber member companies include: University of California, Irvine (24,714 OC employees) Kaiser Permanente (8,200 OC employees) Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian (6,500 OC employees) MemorialCare (5,400 OC employees) Edwards Lifesciences (4,998 OC employees) California State University, Fullerton (4,349 OC employees) Irvine Company (4,120 OC employees) Marriott International, Inc. (3,100 OC employees) View the complete list. To learn more about becoming a member of the Greater Irvine Chamber, contact Dinh Ta.

MemorialCare Renews as Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle Platinum Sponsor

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

MemorialCare has renewed as a Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle sponsor, now at the platinum-level. “MemorialCare is honored to be a part of the Greater Irvine Chamber and to fully support its mission in every way possible. This partnership is instrumental in advancing our commitment to providing high-quality and highly accessible healthcare to the residents and businesses of Irvine and all of Orange County,” said Cathy Capaldi, senior vice president, MemorialCare. MemorialCare is a nonprofit integrated healthcare delivery system that includes leading hospitals – Long Beach Medical Center, Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach, Orange Coast Medical Center, and Saddleback Medical Center; award-winning medical group...

New Little Onion Mexican Restaurant Opens at Irvine’s Walnut Village Center

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Little Onion Mexican Restaurant has opened in Irvine’s Walnut Village Center. Featuring Spanish Hacienda style interiors and an outdoor patio, the casual Mexican eatery is owned by Lori Reich Rowe, whose father Lorin Reich founded the original Little Onion Mexican Restaurant in 1963. The Little Onion brand has enduring Southern California roots. After years of restaurant work, founder Lorin Reich acquired a Red Onion location in Hawthorne – renaming and transforming it into the popular “Little Onion” brand. The Hawthorne location closed in the mid-1970s, and his daughter Lori bought the Santa Ana eatery from her father in 2010, which stil...

OC Destination Marketing Organizations Join Together to Form OC Sports Commission

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Destination Irvine, the destination marketing organization of the Greater Irvine Chamber, in partnership with Visit Anaheim, Travel Costa Mesa, Visit Dana Point, Visit Huntington Beach, and Visit Laguna Beach, has formed the Orange County Sports Commission (OCSC). OSCS is a collection of Orange County destinations partnering together to improve the vitality of the Orange County economy and to enrich the community by attracting, creating, managing, and enhancing significant sporting and competitive events. “Our partnership with the OC Sports Commission will further enhance our director of sports sales’ efforts, increasing our capacity to host national and international sporting events. In addition, the partnershi...

California Unemployment Falls to Its Lowest Rate in More Than Four Decades

Monday, November 18, 2019

California’s job market powered ahead in October as the unemployment rate dropped to a new low and payrolls continued to grow in the state’s longest expansion on record. At 3.9%, the jobless rate was the lowest since 1976, when the state changed its statistical methodology, adding new data to its calculations, state officials reported. That was down from 4% in September, and 4.1% a year earlier. “Each month we think we can’t get any lower in the unemployment rate, but we do,” said Michael Bernick, a former director of the California Employment Development Department. “This is comparable to the rates we had i...

Community Matters: Veteran Services

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber connects you with nonprofit organizations that address issues facing the community and opportunities for you to make a difference. This month we focus on veteran services. According to the California Department of Veterans Affairs, Orange County is home to nearly 200,000 veterans. These men and women include, but are not limited to, veterans from World War II and Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Desert Storm, Bosnia, Somalia, and all those from Iraq and Afghanistan. The Orange County United Way United to End Homelessness program plays a large role in a collaborative effort to provide housing and services fo...

Greater Irvine Chamber Reaches Out to Introduce Businesses to Resources

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Forty-six member volunteers visited 224 Irvine businesses during the Greater Irvine Chamber’s fall 2019 Business Outreach Rally. They surveyed the businesses and provided them with copies of the Business Outreach Resource Guide, which features information about support resources provided through the Chamber and its partner organizations, and offers possible solutions to what they said were their most pressing needs: their ability to increase sales, and navigate business regulations. Overall, 75% of the survey respondents said they either met or exceeded their business goals. October’s Business Outreach Rally was led in activity by volunteer teams James Zhou and Thomas Lotts, and Joe Alvare...

Caltrans Begins Environmental Review Phase of the South County Traffic Relief Effort

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Caltrans, in coordination with the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), is initiating the formal environmental review phase for the South County Traffic Relief Effort (SCTRE). The state transportation agency is seeking public engagement and input on developing mobility solutions in South Orange County by holding two public scoping meetings along with a 30-day public comment period beginning Nov. 8 and concluding Dec. 9 at 5:00 p.m. “Public feedback will be an important element in the decision-making process as the alternatives are studied in more detail,” said Caltrans District 12 Director Ryan Chamberlain. The public scoping meetings will be held open-house format with no formal presentation an...

Irvine’s First City Manager William Woollett Jr. Leaves Behind Lasting Legacy

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

William “Bill” Woollett Jr., Irvine’s first city manager, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Woollett was a decorated Korean War veteran who went on to have a long and accomplished career as city manager of four California cities and the chief executive officer of the Transportation Corridor Agencies. He became the City of Irvine’s first full-time employee when he was hired as city manager in January 1972. Under his outstanding leadership, Irvine experienced numerous accomplishments including: The creation of the Irvine Police Department, The establishment of Irvine’s nationally acclaimed park system, The passage of the landmark 1988 Open Space Agreement that preserved 16,000 acres of ope...

US Jobless Claims Fall to One-Month Low of 211,000 — Labor Market Stays Strong

Friday, November 08, 2019

Most Americans who want a job can find one. Unemployment sits near a 50-year low and there’s no sign of rising layoffs. The numbers: The number of people who applied for unemployment benefits in early November fell to the lowest level in a month and clung near a half-century low, reflecting the resilience of the strongest labor market in decades. Initial jobless claims declined by 8,000 to 211,000 in the seven days ended Nov. 2, the government said. Economists polled by MarketWatch had forecast new claims to total a seasonally adjusted 215,000. Jobless claims are the best measure to track layoffs. They usually star...

Greater Irvine Chamber Salutes Dr. Glenn Roquemore for his Leadership

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Dr. Glenn Roquemore has completed his 17-year tenure as President of Irvine Valley College (IVC), and will return to teaching at Saddleback College in fall 2020, according to the South Orange County Community College District. The Greater Irvine Chamber salutes Dr. Roquemore for his exceptional leadership in the community while at the helm of IVC. “Five years ago, when the Chamber was preparing to launch a more fulsome and proactive workforce development committee, Dr. Roquemore, then a Chamber Board member, stepped up and assumed leadership,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “We are grateful for his service to educatio...

Josh Friedman Earns Rainmaker Award with More than $1 Million in Closed Business Referrals for 2019 Third Quarter

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Josh Friedman has earned the Greater Irvine Chamber’s title of Rainmaker for the third quarter in 2019 with $1,041,495 in closed business. His performance in the Wednesday Leads Group contributed to the group’s total of $2,096,632, making it the top-earning Leads Groups for total closed business during the period. "The Leads Group program is what drew me to join the Greater Irvine Chamber. It has given me an opportunity to really get to know other business owners on a level beyond small talk at a networking event,” Friedman said. “I have developed true friendships with people that have extended beyond the Lead...

Money Wise with The Money Guys KOCI Radio Hosts Interview Bryan Starr on Irvine’s Economic Strength

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Greater Irvine Chamber President and CEO Bryan Starr discusses Irvine’s economic strength with KOCI radio hosts Andrea Graham, an LPL Financial consultant; and LPL Financial registered principals William O’Connor, founder and president, Applied Financial Planning; and Sean Walker. Starr discussed the importance of the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and its impact on Orange County, which makes up nearly 10% of California’s population. He explained that Mexico is the largest recipient of Orange County exports, which are concentrated in high-tech sectors, including electronic components, computers, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. Starr also addressed Irvine’s impressive status, refuting misinformation on businesses migrating ou...

Boys & Girls Club of Irvine Students Gifted Laptops from Cox Communications

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

Cox Communications, along with City of Irvine Councilmember Michael C. Carroll and the Boys & Girls Club of Central Orange Coast, on Oct. 30 surprised 15 club members who participated in an essay writing contest by presenting them with free laptops. The club members, who have a need for financial support, believed they were going to the Cox Solutions Store for a field trip and to learn who the top three winners of the contest were. They were all instead met by members of #TeamCox who donated a free Google Chromebook to each of the youths for studying and homework. Cox i...

Sonesta Hotel Brand Now in Irvine

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has expanded the brand’s national footprint to include Sonesta Irvine – Orange County Airport, formerly the Wyndham Irvine. Sonesta Irvine offers 335 rooms and suites and 11 venues totaling 7,500 square feet of flexible meeting space. Sonesta Irvine is set in the Irvine business district near Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, and with easy access to local corporate headquarters, iconic California attractions, and some of the West Coast's most idyllic beaches. Guests have access to the hotel's state-of-the-art fitness center and indoor pool as well as Copper Chef Kitchen & Bar featuring farm-to-table Californian cuisine. “The Sonesta bran...

UK Life Science Executives Discover Irvine’s Potential for US Expansion

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

More than a dozen executives from 11 U.K. life science companies visited Irvine for a three-day Irvine Life Science Showcase in October, which highlighted Irvine’s assets and the city’s strength as a medical technology and innovation hub. Out of the 11 companies, five have already made plans to revisit Irvine before the end of the year to further explore expansion in the city. “The Chamber’s decision to encourage U.K. life science and technology companies to expand here is proving to be a very effective strategy on many levels,” said Linda DiMario, executive vice president of the Greater Irvine Chamber, who ha...

Edwards Lifesciences CEO Mussallem’s Focus Areas: Heart Health, R&D, and OC

Monday, November 04, 2019

A recurring theme at last week’s Medical Technology Innovation Forum was that the next generation of advancement in the medtech industry would largely be led by startups, forward-looking entrepreneurs, and as yet unknown innovators. Tell that to Mike Mussallem, chief executive of Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (NYSE: EW), by far Orange County’s largest public company by market value. In terms of strategic vision for Edwards, whose products—heart valves, delivery systems, critical care monitoring products and other devices—treat structural heart disease, the CEO isn’t willing to cede the future to the next generation just yet. “We believe in big, bold, breakthrough innovation,” Mussallem told th...

Malek Moubasher Named Greater Irvine Chamber October 2019 Member of the Month

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Malek Moubasher, president, Mentor Global Consultants, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber October 2019 Member of the Month. “Being a member at the Greater Irvine Chamber has given me the opportunity to contribute to the City of Irvine’s economic vitality and community’s wellbeing, as well as meet fun people to work with which was essential for me as a newcomer to Southern California,” Moubasher said. Moubasher has become involved in various Chamber groups since joining in 2017. An active participant in both the Business and Workforce Development and International Development Committees, he works on five task forces, including the Cybersecurity Tas...

Thomas Lotts Named Greater Irvine Chamber October 2019 Ambassador of the Month

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Thomas Lotts, agent, New York Life, has been selected as the October 2019 Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month for his high level of engagement in Chamber events and committees. “The most significant benefit of my Greater Irvine Chamber membership has been building connections that have provided new opportunities to create referrals, leads, and closed business,” Lotts said. To stay active and involved, Lotts regularly attends the International Development Committee, Government Affairs Committee, and meetings. He serves as co-vice chair of the Business and Workforce Development Committee and co-chair of the Chamber’s award-winning Business Outreach Rally. A mentor in the Chamber’s Caree...

Chris Schwarz of UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business to Open Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook Event

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Chris Schwarz, associate professor of finance and faculty director of the Center for Investment and Wealth Management at University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, will return for the second year as the opening speaker for the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Business Outlook Breakfast on Thursday, Jan. 9. Schwarz’s research on the investment fund industry has been published in many leading academic and practitioner financial journals, cited in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and New York Times, and included in testimony before the U.S. Congress House Financial Services Committee. Prior to arriving at UCI, Schwarz received a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts...

Irvine Ranked Safest US City by 24/7 Wall St.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Lots of folks try to measure what city is “safest” to live in, and by one new measurement, it’s Irvine. The 24/7 Wall St. website ranked the 50 safest U.S. cities among those with 100,000 people based on the FBI’s latest crime stats and demographics figures such as population growth, income and poverty. Top-ranked Irvine was one of 10 Southern California cities to make the Top 50. Here is a look at the 10 SoCal cities on the safest-city list and a snippet of 24/7 Wall St.’s analysis. Plus, added housing-cost info from Zillow figures: median value of a single-family home as of September and ho...

Jessica Welch Recognized for Leadership During National Business Women’s Week 2019

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Jessica Welch, vice president of operations, Greater Irvine Chamber, was recognized for her community leadership by Agapay in celebration of National Business Women’s Week, Oct. 21-25. “Women bring diverse perspectives that drive innovation and provide unique intellectual capital to propel business growth. As business growth continues to become increasingly dependent on gender diversity, women will likewise continue to have a stronger voice in many facets of leadership, commerce, and enterprise,” Welch said. “At the Greater Irvine Chamber, women are well represented in proactive and leadership roles on the staff and board of directors, helping to identify and drive business growth opportunities i...

Destination Irvine Winner in the 2019 MarCom Awards Competition

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Destination Irvine received a Platinum Award in the MarCom 2019 Competition for the organization’s 2019-2020 Official Irvine Visitors Guide and a Gold Award for the video “Irvine, The Sports Center of Orange County;” the video “Meet in Irvine, CA” received an Honorable Mention. The MarCom Awards recognize outstanding achievement by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design, and production of marketing and communication materials and programs. Entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies, and freelancers. More than 6,500 entries from throughout the United States, Canada, and 17 other countries were submitte...

Destination Irvine Recognizes Hotel Employee as part of the Spirit of Hospitality Award

Monday, October 28, 2019

Debbie Godoy Masaya, guest services representative, Irvine Marriott, is the first quarter recipient of Destination Irvine’s hospitality employee recognition program. Masaya was nominated for being a true team player and motivator in her department and for always going above and beyond for guests with great empathy, a genuine smile, and a calm, positive demeanor. Her efforts have resulted in enhanced team communication and collaboration. The Spirit of Hospitality Award recognizes back of house and front of house hospitality professionals who deliver exceptional experiences daily. Winners in this category are those who exhibit exemplary behavior in workplace knowledge, customer service, problem-solving, relationship buildin...

How U.S. Companies Can Enter the Canadian Market

Friday, October 25, 2019

By Kent Kufeld, partner and national practice group leader, BLG Securities and Capital Markets Group Canada is an attractive place for businesses interested in establishing a presence in another country. Canada presents a stable economy and a welcoming environment for international investors. In this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of public M&A transactions for any company interested in the Canadian market. From plans of arrangement and takeover bids to acquiring a minority interest in a company and advising on the Investment Canada Act, find out how you can gain a foothold in Canada. Canada’s Open Economy with Few Significant Regulatory Requirements As an open economy...

American Research Center in Egypt Chooses Irvine for 2022 Annual Meeting

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

The American Research Center in Egypt (ACRE) will host its April 2022 Annual Meeting in Irvine, bringing to the city a total of 730 room nights with an anticipated economic impact of nearly $270,000. The booking is a result of the sales efforts of Destination Irvine, the destination marketing organization of the Greater Irvine Chamber and the participation of select Irvine hotels. “I had a splendid time during my site visit to Irvine! Being as it was my first visit to the area, I went from knowing next to nothing about Irvine to being able to confidently discuss the area and it...

FivePoint to Keep Great Park Balloon Aloft and Free for Riders

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

In an Oct. 22 decision, FivePoint entered into a sponsorship agreement with the City of Irvine to support the operation and maintenance of the Great Park Balloon—originally a gift from the developer to the city—for the next five fiscal years, and drop the $10 admission charge for riders. The balloon has been at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine since before there even was a park. During this time, more than 500,000 riders have actively enjoyed the balloon, which has become a widely recognizable attraction at the Great Park. Until Irvine struck the sponsorship deal with FivePoint, city leaders worrie...

Home for USA Water Polo to Make a Splash at Orange County Great Park

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Irvine officials have agreed to move ahead with plans for a top-shelf water polo complex at the Orange County Great Park. Under a partnership with developer FivePoint Holdings, which created many of the park’s existing features, the city will build an aquatics facility where the U.S. Olympic team will train as well as a field house for basketball and volleyball and a parking garage to serve those and the park’s other sports facilities. “I think we’ll finally be able to call Irvine our home,” two-time Olympian Maggie Steffens said in celebrating the facility where the U.S. men’s and women’s water polo teams will b...

Expert Economist Chris Thornberg Returns for 2020 Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook Event

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Expert economist Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics is returning to the Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook stage to deliver a 2020 economic forecast on Thursday, Jan. 9, 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., at Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd. “I look forward to seeing everyone at the next Business Outlook event in January. We will catch up on the ongoing schism between solid economic fundamentals and declining economic confidence, and what it may all mean for the economy of 2020,” Thornberg said. Prior to launching Beacon Economics, Thornberg was a senior economist with UCLA’s Anderson Forecast. He previously taught in the MBA progra...

Linda DiMario Appointed to Third Term on International Economic Development Council Board

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Linda DiMario, executive vice president, Greater Irvine Chamber, has been appointed to the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Board of Directors by the organization’s Nominating Committee for a third two-year term, beginning January 2020. She has served on the board since 2016. She currently serves as the vice chair of the organization’s External/Member Relations Committee and has served on the Planning and Business Development Committee. "We look forward to Linda DiMario’s continued leadership on the Board of Directors. Linda has many years of dedicated service to IEDC and the profession of economic development. Her contributions have had a positive impact on IED...

CalChamber, Business Leaders Join Lt. Governor in Trade Delegation to Mexico

Monday, October 21, 2019

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis led a California government and business delegation, Oct. 1–4, to Mexico City to collaborate and sign new agreements with Mexico on a number of key issues, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, clean technology, trade, and commerce. The mission was the first international delegation of the Newsom administration. Participants included about 20 state agency representatives and 20 private sector leaders, including two members of the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors—Stuart Woolf of Woolf Farming and Processing, and Jennifer Haley of Kern Oil & Refining Co. The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) helped organize an...

Irvine Quality of Life Survey Results “Unprecedented”

Monday, October 21, 2019

Irvine residents gave their city and its Master Plan remarkably high marks, according to results from a scientific public opinion poll conducted between Aug. 27 and Sept. 3. Nearly 90% (89%) of residents say that their quality of life is either “excellent” or “good,” compared to just one percent who say it’s not good. “Irvine’s tremendous quality of life numbers are about as good as it gets,” said Paul Maslin, partner at Fairbanks, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates, a national research firm that conducted the poll. “The positive numbers are almost unprecedented in our decades of polling in cities across America.” City governmen...

Amina Rafiqzada Named Greater Irvine Chamber September 2019 Ambassador of the Month

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Amina Rafiqzada, vice president and manager, HomeStreet Bank, has been named the September 2019 Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month. Her continued engagement in Chamber programs and activities made her an obvious choice for the recognition. Since joining the Chamber in 2017, Rafiqzada has attended nearly 15 grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies for new members. She also regularly attends Chamber events including After Hours Mixers and has volunteered for the organization’s award-winning Business Outreach Rally. “I am passionate about supporting our communities and business owners and it is my privilege to be an Ambassador for the Great Irvine Chamber,&rdquo...

Irvine Named the Fifth Top American City of the Future by Foreign Direct Investment Magazine

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Irvine has been recognized by the foreign direct investment publication FDI Magazine as the fifth top American City of the Future 2019/20 in its size category. Ranking fifth for human capital and lifestyle, ninth for economic potential, and ninth for connectivity, as well as ranking high in Cost Effectiveness and Business Friendliness, were factors in Irvine attaining the top fifth overall spot from among comparably-sized American cities. “Irvine has earned this continued recognition because its forward-looking master plan sustains our enviable quality of life and robust economy. It is this balance that supports our economic potential,” said Linda DiMario, executive vice president...

Orange County Business Journal’s 2019 General Counsel Award Nominees Include Greater Irvine Chamber Members

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The Orange County Business Journal has announced the nominees for its 2019 General Counsel Awards, designed to recognize the significant role in-house counsels play in the success of businesses within the community. Among the nominees are individuals and groups from a number of Greater Irvine Chamber member companies: Bernadette Chala – Arbonne International, LLC Linda Park – Edwards Lifesciences Tara Martin – Nutrawise Health & Beauty Corporation Moshen Parsa – Orange County Soccer Club Andrea Eaton – University of California, Irvine Kristin Godeke – Wells Fargo In-House Legal Team – Taco Bell Corp. Awardees will be announced at the 10th annual General Counsel Awards Dinner in November a...

UCI Named No. 1 College in California

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) has been named the 2019-2020 No. 1 college in California by MONEY. UCI is one of the youngest campuses in the state's public university system, but it's already among the world's most respected research institutions – three former faculty members have received Nobel Prizes. MONEY estimates UCI’s graduation rate is about 30% higher than colleges that serve similar students. About 85% of freshmen go on to graduate within six years. From there, the typical UCI student’s early career earnings come in at about $57,700, according to PayScale, which is nearly 14% more than alums of comparabl...

USMCA Is Good for California’s Economy and Good for Trucking

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Southern California receives many blessings by virtue of its latitude. Sunny weather and beautiful beaches make this corner of the country one of America’s natural treasures. But its location on the map has an even greater significance than its panoramic beauty, making it a pivotal part in our nation’s economic engine. As a key border state and home to our largest port, Southern California is a vital gateway of global commerce essential to the prosperity of the United States. That is why it is essential for California’s Congressional delegation to be a leading voice in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada trad...

Irvine Extends its Run as Host City for NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship Through 2021

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Irvine was the host city the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Men’s Soccer National Championship in 2018 and will again host the tournament this year in November. The NAIA announced on Oct. 4 that the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) has reached an agreement to extend its contract as the host of the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship through the 2020 and 2021 seasons in Irvine. “We are happy to continue to have Irvine as the home of the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship. With the support of the Anaheim Ducks and Destination Irvine, the GSAC is able to provide a tremendous championship experience fo...

The Fastest-Growing Sector for Jobs Has More Than 128,000 Openings—Here’s Who’s Hiring

Monday, October 14, 2019

There are lots of opportunities to work in government — and they don’t require a relocation to Capitol Hill. Open positions in the government sector grew by 25.2% in September 2019 compared to September 2018, according to Glassdoor’s latest job market report, which compares job growth and wage data year over year in September. It was by far the sector that saw the biggest job listings bump; the second-fastest-growing sector was legal and accounting, which had 18.7% more job listings this September compared to last. The growth in government job opportunities goes beyond the federal level. Of the 128,540 total openings in September...

Adviser of Irvine-Based Enevate Shares Nobel Prize

Friday, October 11, 2019

John Goodenough, a member of Irvine-based Enevate’s technology advisory board, has shared in the Nobel Prize in chemistry with two other scientists for the development of lithium-ion batteries. At age 97, he is the oldest person to win a Nobel award. Enevate works with lithium-ion batteries and is developing technology to recharge batteries for electric vehicles in a matter of minutes, and Goodenough is considered one of the chief innovators of li-ion battery technology. After the award was announced in Stockholm, Enevate CTO Ben Park said in a statement addressed to the winners that “it's not just battery industry people like me tha...

California Rolls Out Proposed Data Privacy Rules for Businesses

Thursday, October 10, 2019

A sweeping consumer-privacy law is closer to launch as California Attorney General Xavier Becerra introduced draft rules businesses must follow to “mine” and sell Californians’ personal data. As of Jan. 1, 2020, California residents will have the right to know when a business has collected or sold their personal information as well as the power to deny the sale of the data to marketing companies. Proponents tout the legislation, officially the California Consumer Privacy Act, as first-of-a-kind protections that will hold major retailers and marketers accountable for how they gather and use personal data. “Data is today’s gold, everyone is rushing t...

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris Details First Year in Office at Greater Irvine Chamber Government Affairs Committee Meeting

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris provided an update on her first year in the State Assembly to business and community leaders convening for the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee meeting on Oct. 3. A member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris has made it a priority to consider policy proposals impacting veteran issues, this year securing $2.9 million in state funding to aid in ending veteran homelessness in Orange County. She also authored AB 558, which will expand coordination of pro bono legal assistance for veterans to include active duty service members and their families who could otherwise not afford legal services. Assemblywoma...

Forty OC Professionals Recognized during Greater Irvine Chamber’s Inaugural 40 Under 40 Event

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

Forty of Orange County’s most talented professionals under the age of 40 were formally recognized during the Greater Irvine Chamber’s inaugural 40 Under 40 reception in front of a sold-out crowd of nearly 500 attendees at the Marriot Irvine Spectrum on Oct. 3. “To have 40 of Orange County’s most accomplished young professionals together in the same room for the Chamber’s 40 Under 40 event was an honor and a promise of continued innovation for our region,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “I congratulate them all for what they have achieved, the example they set, and I look forwar...

Irvine’s Exclusive Attractions Featured in Popular Blog

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

A taste of the modern, Mexican cuisine at Puesto, a premier shopping experience at Irvine Spectrum Center, a full-moon hike in Bommer Canyon, and a Pedego electric bike ride to the Orange County Great Park were among the Irvine-exclusive activities featured by Michelle Robinson on her blog, Modern Day Moguls. “Every city I go to from here on out I plan on finding a Pedego nearby to take a tour via bike. These were so fun and give you a great way to view the city,” said Robinson. “Irvine has bike trails everywhere!” Robinson’s visit to Irvine was a result of ...

SoCalGas Applauds More than 100 Local Governments in Southern California that Pass Resolutions in Support of Balanced Energy Policies

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) applauded the more than 100 local governments across Southern California, representing approximately 6.75 million Californians, that have passed resolutions in support of affordable and balanced strategies to reduce emissions from buildings and that call on state policymakers to preserve consumers’ ability to choose either natural gas or electric appliances for their homes and businesses. These resolutions were passed in response to concerns state policymakers are taking steps to prohibit the use of natural gas in new buildings. State energy regulators are actively considering calls for new regulations that would eliminate natural gas use in ne...

Student Travels Three Hours to Attend Greater Irvine Chamber Career Edge Workshop

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber’s award-winning Career Edge program is growing, reaching its highest attendance yet for a single workshop. And, students who make an effort to attend say it is well worth it. Fullerton College student and aspiring entrepreneur Cristihan Sales Carrera commuted for three hours by bus and bicycle, to attend the Oct. 5 Career Edge workshop. “I left my house on a bike at about 5:45 a.m. to catch the bus at 6 a.m. The morning was still crisp when I arrived in Irvine; I enjoyed the two-mile bike ride to the Greater Irvine Chamber,” Carrera said. “Attending this worksho...

Irvine Public Schools Foundation Raises a Record $1.8 Million to Benefit Critical Programs and Classroom Support at Annual Gala

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

Generous supporters of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF), an education partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber, gathered for the 10th Anniversary Spirit of Excellence Gala at KIA Motors Headquarters in Irvine on Oct. 5. The elegant celebration, including a mix of civic and business leaders as well as individual community members, raised a record $1.8 million to fund critical programs and classroom support for Irvine Unified School District (IUSD). As a leading nonprofit, whose mission is to enrich the education experience of each child in every school, IPSF relies on generous community support to fulfill its commitment to provide programs, rais...

Employee or Not? Business, Freelancers Consider Gig-Work Future

Monday, October 07, 2019

Music instructors at Berkeley’s Freight and Salvage teach instruments from clawhammer banjo to mountain dulcimer, as well as leading bluegrass jams, singing circles and a community chorus. About 1,000 people a year study traditional music at the nonprofit arts organization. Now the Freight is preparing to reclassify its 30 music teachers as employees rather than independent contractors to comply with California’s new gig-work bill, AB5, which takes effect Jan. 1. “We decided that it was a better business practice,” said Sharon Dolan, executive director of the Freight. “A shift like this helps you clarify your values. We really, really want to support musicians an...

Jobs Galore: Southern California Continues to See Gains

Monday, October 07, 2019

Southern California’s steady job growth continued in August, and the state is carrying its share of the water on the national hiring front, too, a state report released shows. An estimated 109,000 jobs in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties have been added in the last 12 months, according to the Employment Development Department. More than half of that growth was in Los Angeles County, while the largest percentage of expansion continues to be in the Inland Empire. August’s job gains were below July’s growth of about 120,000 jobs but still represented one of 2019’s best months. Statewide, there was ...

Linda DiMario Details Irvine’s Booming Life Science Sector on DeviceAlliance’s MedTech Radio

Monday, October 07, 2019

Linda DiMario, executive vice president, Greater Irvine Chamber, discussed Irvine’s medical technology and life science sector strength, and the Chamber’s work to expand and enhance those industries, on the latest episode of DeviceAlliance’s Medtech Radio podcast. “Everyone knows that the life science industry is absolutely an essential cornerstone of Orange County’s economy. The medical device and medical technology sector here is dominant,” DiMario said. In the episode, DiMario explains the various channels through which the Chamber works to ensure the strength of the life science sector in Irvine, including through its Business and Workforce Development and International Development committees, and its IRVIN...

Small Businesses Increasingly a Target for Cybercriminals

Monday, October 07, 2019

While small and mid-sized businesses are increasingly targets for cybercriminals, companies are struggling to devote enough resources to protect their technology from attack. That’s one of the findings of an annual survey of companies released by the Poneman Institute, which researches data protection, and Keeper Security, a manufacturer of password protection software. The survey found that 76% of the 592 U.S. companies surveyed had experienced a cyberattack in the previous 12 months. That was up from 70% in a survey in 2018, and 63% in a 2017 survey. The most common attacks were phishing and social engineering scams, cited by 57% of companies. These ar...

Summary of CalChamber Priority Bills Still Awaiting Action by Governor

Monday, October 07, 2019

Twenty-four California Chamber of Commerce-opposed bills, including one job killer bill, are currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting action. CalChamber job killer bill SB 1 (Atkins; D-San Diego) was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 27. Seventeen CalChamber-supported bills, including three job creator bills, also are awaiting action. Governor Gavin Newsom has until Sunday, Oct. 13 to take action on the following bills. Job Killer Bill The CalChamber is urging the Governor to veto AB 51 (Lorena Gonzalez; D-San Diego). The bill bans arbitration agreements made as a condition of employment. Opposed Bills The CalChamber is asking the Governor to veto the following bills: AB 9 (Reyes; D-Bernardino): Unnecessarily extends the statute o...

Where the US-Japan Trade Deal Falls Short of Trans-Pacific Pact Abandoned by Trump

Monday, October 07, 2019

U.S. President Donald Trump has called his new trade deal with Japan a “phenomenal” victory for U.S. farmers. But don’t expect America’s Land O’Lakes butter to knock New Zealand’s Anchor or France’s President brands off store shelves in Japan, the world’s third largest economy. Butter is one of several U.S. dairy products that will not get improved access to Japan’s 127 million consumers under the limited bilateral trade deal signed by Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sept. 25. The deal’s full text has not been released and remains classified, but congressional aides, trade experts and industry groups briefed on i...

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris to Visit Greater Irvine Chamber Oct. 3

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris will speak with business and community leaders convening for the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee meeting on Thursday, Oct. 3, 8 – 9:30 a.m. The meeting is open to the public. The Assemblywoman represents the 74th Assembly District, which encompasses the coastal Orange County communities of Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Beach. As chair of the Accountability and Administrative Review Committee, Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris is committed to ensuring that the state government works diligently for Californians. For more information about the Greater Irvine Chamber’s work in government affairs and how to become involved, contact Whi...

Bryan Starr, US Chamber of Commerce Urge Congressional Passage of USMCA

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

As a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 (CCC100), Bryan Starr, president and CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber, has taken an active and consequential role in advocating for the congressional passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). During a September visit to Washington, D.C., Starr and other chamber executives from across the nation convened to discuss how the new North American trade agreement will bolster American businesses, local economies, and the national economy; and detrimental effects should it not pass ratification. “Irvine is the economic center and economic powerhouse of Orange County. Our companies—whether global organizations o...

Dinh Ta Promoted to Greater Irvine Chamber Senior Director of Business Development

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Dinh Ta has been promoted to Senior Director of Business Development for the Greater Irvine Chamber. He has far surpassed membership goals, breaking all-time records set for enrollment, as well as assisting to increase Leads Groups attendance by more than 200% since joining the Chamber professional staff in 2017. “Dinh has been a game-changer and has proven to be instrumental in communicating the value of Chamber membership to prospective members and guiding new members to the appropriate resources,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “With first-hand knowledge of the benefits of membership, Dinh continues to grow the Chamber network, providin...

Greater Irvine Chamber Executive Leadership Present State of the Chamber to Irvine City Council

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber executive team presented to the Irvine City Council and members of the public during the Sept. 24 Irvine City Council meeting. Bryan Starr, president and CEO of the Chamber, Linda DiMario, executive vice president, and Wendy Haase, vice president of Destination Irvine, the Chamber’s destination marketing division, delivered the update to Irvine Mayor Christina Shea, and Councilmembers Michael Carroll, Melissa Fox, Farrah Khan, and Anthony Kuo, and members of the city’s management team. Haase provided an overview of the organization’s economic impact on the city. She said the completion of the Orange County Great Park in Irvine has bee...

Linda DiMario Opens Executive Workshop with a Perspective on the Region’s Economic Landscape

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Linda DiMario, executive vice president, Greater Irvine Chamber opened a workshop for C-Suite executives, detailing Irvine and Orange County’s dynamic economic landscape. Opening Executive Next Practices Institute’s Disrupt HR 7.0 workshop, DiMario explained how a growing life science and med-tech sector, record-low unemployment, and a talented career-ready workforce make the region the ideal place to do business. “The opportunity to set the stage for this amazing roster of professionals to share their expertise and perspectives on how to manage the challenges facing companies today was an honor," said DiMario. “The Chamber is deeply engaged in workforce development as a growth strategy fo...

Concordia University Irvine Reaches Hispanic-Serving Institution Designation

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Concordia University Irvine has reached Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation, administrators announced. With 25.79% of its undergraduate student body identifying as Hispanic or Latinx in the campus’ fall 2019 census, the private nonprofit university moves from emerging HSI status to designated HSI status, allowing it to compete for federal grants that serve low-income first-generation Hispanic students. The required threshold for HSI designation is 25%, set by the U.S. Department of Education. Concordia University Irvine began to formalize its HSI efforts in 2016 in response to a growing Hispanic student population with its signature Latina Leadership Conference—a free half-day event designed for first-generatio...

Irvine is Safest City of its Size for 14th Consecutive Year

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Irvine is the Safest City of its size according to the FBI’s Annual Uniform Crime Report. Information released shows Irvine has the lowest rate of violent crime per capita of any city in the nation with a population of 250,000 or more. This is the 14th consecutive year Irvine has had the lowest per capita violent crime rate for its size. In 2018, Irvine also had the lowest rate of total Part I crime for a city of its size. Irvine Mayor Christina Shea congratulated the Irvine Police Department on this achievement. “The men and women of the Irvine Police Department are consummat...

Survey of Orange County Students Reveals their Thoughts on Making Career Choices

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

A non-scientific survey conducted in May 2019 by a Special Sessions Task Force of the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Business and Workforce Development Committee reveals what factors influence Orange County students when considering career choices. Respondents of the survey totaled 653 high school students from five Orange County school districts, with a quarter coming from Irvine Unified School District. Career specialists from Coastline Regional Occupational Program located on the campuses selected students randomly with efforts made to recruit a balance of ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, and academic achievement. The survey was distributed and accessible using a QR code displayed on cell phone...

Mentors Invited to Facilitate Greater Irvine Chamber’s Award-Winning Career-Readiness Program for OC College Students

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Are you interested in helping students get an edge as they prepare to enter the workforce? Business professionals are encouraged to volunteer as mentors for students participating in the fifth series of the Greater Irvine Chamber’s award-winning Career Edge program, hosted in collaboration with Google, Irvine Valley College, Webster University, Irvine Campus, and the members of the business community. Career Edge is a simple but important solution to a challenge that Orange County companies face: new employees who arrive with the knowledge and technical skills necessary but lack satisfactory business writing, presentation, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Volunteer mentors and presenters fro...

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Offering Tuition Assistance for Your Employees

Monday, September 09, 2019

Today’s working professionals are unlike those of years past. The influx of Millennial and Generation Z employees are driving a variety of new trends that are causing employers to rethink their priorities. There’s been a recent rise in “job-hopping,” for example. As a result, organizations are taking a different approach to topics like job satisfaction and benefits to better retain the professionals they hire. Employers actually paid around $600 billion in turnover costs in 2018 — and it’s expected to increase to $680 billion in 2020. But organizations have opportunities to find a more sustainable path forward. In fact, it's estimated 77% of turnove...

What to do if Immigration Officials Come Knocking at Your Business

Saturday, August 24, 2019

CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg discussed with immigration expert Kevin Johnson, Dean of the UC Davis School of Law, what employers are required to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials raid a job site or ask to inspect records. Under the Obama administration, ICE officials focused primarily on deporting undocumented immigrants who were in jail or prison, and more or less backed off of workplace enforcement. Now under the Trump administration, ICE has shifted more of its focus to the workplace, Johnson said. Doing business in a state with high numbers of undocumented immigrants, employers in California need to know wha...

Hoag Promise Campaign Still Going Strong After Hitting $627M Goal 18 Months Early

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Hoag Hospital Foundation has surpassed the $627 million Hoag Promise Campaign goal 18 months ahead of its Dec.31, 2020, target thanks to more than 22,000 donors who made 83,000-plus Hoag Promise Campaign gifts. Hoag will continue raising funds for the Hoag Promise Campaign until its end date in a bid to meet or exceed its ambitious clinical fundraising priorities within the larger Campaign. “Health care will never stop evolving and innovating, and Hoag will never relinquish its vision of providing leading-edge care in all of our service lines,” said Flynn A. Andrizzi, Ph.D., Hoag Hospital Foundation president. “Philanthropy is the key t...

Greater Irvine Chamber Welcomes New and Returning Board Members and 2019-2020 Chair Dan Han

Monday, August 05, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber recently welcomed new and returning members to its Board of Directors, some in new roles. Board members are Orange County entrepreneurs and executives that hold fiduciary responsibilities for the Chamber and are committed to supporting the Chamber’s mission of advancing the economic vitality of greater Irvine. Chairing the Chamber’s 2019-2020 Board of Directors is Dan Han, president of Agapay, a payment processing company. Han has served on the Chamber’s Board since 2015 and has been a Chamber member since 2012. “As a small business owner, being involved in the Greater Irvine Chamber has been instrumental in helpin...

US Representative Katie Porter Visits Greater Irvine Chamber

Friday, August 02, 2019

U.S. Representative Katie Porter (CA-45) visited the Greater Irvine Chamber two consecutive days, July 30 and Aug. 1. During her first visit, Rep. Porter held a roundtable discussion with regional community, business, and faith leaders on the topic the Complete Count Census Committee, a national initiative with local action aimed at counting historically and potentially underreported populations in the 2020 U.S. census. The United State Census is performed every 10 years to count the number of persons, of all ages, in the U.S. Its mission is mandated by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution and is meant to be completel...

Thomas Lotts Named Greater Irvine Chamber July 2019 Ambassador of the Month

Thursday, August 01, 2019

Thomas Lotts, agent, New York Life, has been selected as the July 2019 Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month for his high level of engagement in Chamber events and committees. “One of my favorite things in life, has always been to meet someone new every day. Being an Ambassador allows me to do this, and by doing so, I widen my circle of relationships, eventually creating a space for mutual business growth,” Lotts said. To stay active and involved, Lotts regularly attends the International Development Committee, Government Affairs Committee, and Economic Vitality Council meetings. He serves as a co-chair of the Business and Workforce Developmen...

Destination Irvine Releases 2019-2020 Irvine Visitors Guide

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Destination Irvine has released its 2019-2020 Irvine Visitors Guide, a resource that visitors use when looking for where to stay, play, meet, and eat in Irvine. Destination Irvine distributes 35,000 copies of the guide to locations throughout Irvine, including hotels, the Orange County Great Park Visitors Center, Irvine Metrolink/Amtrak Station, John Wayne and Ontario airports, California Welcome Centers throughout the state, University of California, Irvine, and the Irvine Spectrum Center visitor kiosk. The annually updated promotional publication is also distributed in key markets like Arizona, Seattle, and Texas. The guide is utilized at tradeshows and media marketplaces. View the 2019-2020 Irvine Visitors Guide digita...

Greater Irvine Chamber’s Business Outlook 2020 Set for January 9

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber will host its 11th annual Business Outlook Breakfast on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, 7:30 – 9:15 a.m., at Hotel Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd. The Chamber’s annual economic-forecast event is one of the largest of its kind in the region. Drawing hundreds of professionals, executives, and community leaders from throughout Orange County each year, the event provides attendees insights into economic trends delivered by economy experts, and networking opportunities. Watch for more details as they develop. Register now to secure your seat at the 2020 Business Outlook Breakfast. Individual ticket prices are: members - $75; nonmembers - $105. Table sponsorship...

why
irvine

Irvine is #3 in the Top Ten Cities of the Future Economic Potential

The top 10 of fDi’s third biennial ranking of American cities is a wholly North American affair, with all entrants located in Canada or the US. Rebounding somewhat following a turbulent economic period, FDI projects into North America increased 4.55% between 2012 and 2014.