News

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...

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...

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

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

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...

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...

City of Irvine Accepting Nominations for its Wall of Recognition

Monday, November 04, 2019

The City of Irvine is accepting nominations for individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses for the city’s Wall of Recognition. The Wall of Recognition, established in 2006 at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the community. Nominations will be accepted now through Dec. 30. To be eligible for consideration, individual nominees must be or have been a person living, working, or attending school in the City of Irvine. Groups, businesses, and organizations must be or have been located in Irvine. Additional criteria include: Demonstrated creativity and/or initiative in providing service to the community; Provided long-ter...

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...

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...

US Employers Added 125,000 Jobs in October, ADP Report Shows

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Companies added more workers to payrolls than expected in October, underscoring how the labor market continues to grow at a robust, but moderating, pace. Businesses’ payrolls increased by 125,000 after a downwardly revised 93,000 gain in September, according to data released by the ADP Research Institute. That exceeded the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists that had called for a 110,000 gain. Key Insights While the ADP report never directly correlates with the Labor Department’s monthly employment report, the two measures may diverge more than usual this month given differences in accounting for the GM strike. The ADP data do no...

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...

California Leads the Nation in Private Equity Investment

Friday, October 25, 2019

California is leading the nation in private equity investment, according to a report compiled by Ernst & Young and the American Investment Council. The study shows the private equity industry directly supported more than 1.1 million jobs in 2018. Those workers averaged $73,000 a year and collectively earned $82 billion in annual wages and benefits. That boosted the Golden State’s economy by $144 billion through their contribution to the production of goods and services. When indirect jobs are figured in, those numbers ramp up to nearly 3.4 million jobs, $220 billion in annual wages and benefits, and an economic boost of $379 billion for California’...

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...

Cox Charities Awards $50,000 in Grants to Nonprofit Organizations in Orange County and Palos Verdes

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Cox Charities has awarded $50,000 in grants to 10 nonprofit organizations in Orange County and Palos Verdes to support initiatives that focus on youth, education, conservation, and the military. A philanthropic arm of Cox Communications that is funded by employee donations matched by the company, Cox Charities is celebrating 20 years of giving in California in 2019. “Our employees are passionate about giving back,” said Sam Attisha, senior vice president and region manager for Cox in California. “Being part of Cox Charities is one way they can do that, whether it’s awarding scholarships to high school students or funding local nonprofit...

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...

California Job Growth, Labor Force Expands

Friday, October 18, 2019

Nonfarm employment in California expanded at a steady pace in the latest numbers from the California Employment Development Department, increasing by 21,300 jobs according an analysis released jointly by Beacon Economics and the UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. This level of growth is exceeded by the state’s average monthly job gain (+26,700) over the last twelve months. From a year-over-year perspective, California has added 320,000 jobs as of September 2019, the largest year-over-year increase for the state in 13 months. This is equivalent to a 1.9% year-over-year increase, which is a better showing than the nation’s 1.4...

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...

Irvine Company to Add 35-Acre Modern Office Park to Accommodate City’s Job Growth

Thursday, September 26, 2019

About seven years after closing Traveland USA in Irvine, the Irvine Co. is following through with plans to build a modern office park where millions of dollars worth of RVs were once sold. For the nearly 40 years until it closed in 2012, Traveland off Sand Canyon Avenue adjacent to the 5 freeway was a one-stop RV mall that attracted families with its frontier theme, duck pond, and even a restaurant that opened in 2011. But the RV businesses suffered from economic slumps and fluctuating gas prices, and some relocated. In August, Irvine’s Planning Commission signed off on the Irvine Co.’s plans for Innovatio...

City of Irvine Launches Web-based Platform for Planning, Building, and Engineering Applications

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

As part of an ongoing effort to enhance customer service, the City of Irvine has launched Irvine Ready!, a new, streamlined, web-based platform for planning, building, and engineering applications. With Irvine Ready!, residents and businesses will no longer have to travel to the Irvine Civic Center to apply and pay for planning and building applications, engineering review, or permits. Effective Sept. 10, all new applications and resubmittals for residential, commercial, grading, and engineering projects will be migrated to the Irvine Ready! e-plan system, regardless of how the original submittal came in. As of that same date, the City of Irvine began accepting online payments for Irvine Ready! transactions. For mor...

Hong Kong Delegation Visits Irvine

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber, in collaboration with UCI Beall Applied Innovation and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), hosted a delegation of executives from 25 company executives from Hong Kong for roundtable discussions at the Cove @ UCI Beall Applied Innovation, on Sept. 19. The Chamber’s Irvine Ready! team of experts responded to the call to meet with these companies and welcome them to Irvine. “We are fortunate to partner with these organizations to showcase the strength of our innovation ecosystem and introduce the scope of resources and talent available in Irvine/Orange County. This was an opportunity to encourage their consideration o...

Irvine Named Best City to Live In for 4th Consecutive Year

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

The City of Irvine has been voted Best City to Live In for the fourth consecutive year by Orange County Register readers. “As Mayor, I am often asked what makes Irvine special,” said Irvine Mayor Christina Shea. Orange County Register readers confirmed what we already know; Irvine is the best city to live in. Our public safety, our schools, our parks and trails, our exciting and diverse dining, shopping, and sports facilities all provide an unmatched quality of life.” “The City of Irvine takes pride in its partnerships and together we have built this community where excellence thrives. I am so grateful fo...

Irvine’s Life Science Ecosystem Works in Nexus with City’s Strong Healthcare Sector and Research Institutes

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

By Bryan Starr, President & CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber Irvine is on par with any life science ecosystem in the world. In fact, Irvine leads the way in life science innovation in consequential ways that contribute to the city’s economic health and its position on the world stage. Contributing to this strength are synergistic collaboration and cooperation that deliver complementary products and integrated service lines across life science, healthcare, and medical-focused research sectors. There are nearly 500 life science companies in Irvine employing nearly 300,000 highly-skilled professionals in the city’s diverse life science ecosystem. With more than 900 high-tech companies in th...

Majority of Orange County's Fastest-Growing Companies are in Irvine

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

From electric bikes to dental technologies to customized sandwiches, Orange County’s eclectic mix of private companies continue to thrive. This year’s list of the fastest-growing companies show the combined revenue of the top 100 companies here climbed to $17.8 billion as of June 30, a 48% rise from two years ago. The city with the most fast growers was Irvine, which claimed 28 of the top spots, compared with nine each in Newport Beach and Orange, followed by eight in Costa Mesa. Twenty four of Orange County’s 34 cities had at least one fast-growing company on the list. It’s clear that Orange County ha...

Port of Long Beach Follows LA’s Lead, Will Launch Incentive Program as US-China Trade War, Other Issues Throw Industry in Tumult

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

The Port of Long Beach will soon launch an incentive program for oceanic carriers — about a year after its Los Angeles neighbor started its own — in an attempt to stabilize cargo traffic, which has declined each month this year amid the ongoing trade dispute. The incentives will begin Oct. 1, the start of Long Beach’s fiscal year. The two incentive programs, taken together, are a response to seismic tumult in the industry, officials for those ports said last week. The China-U.S. trade war, which began last summer, has continually deepened: President Donald Trump has levied or announced tariffs on $550 billio...

UK Tech Company Chooses Irvine for Its Expansion to the US Market

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

The software developer of the Workspace Provisioning and Streaming Platform of the same name has incorporated a U.S. company and offices in Irvine. Virtual workspace provider, oneclick AG has announced that it will be incorporating its business into the U.S. market following its success in delivering efficient, high performing and secure digital workspaces for its European customers. Since the U.S. is the single largest, and most influential market for any SaaS & Cloud product used in Enterprise IT, oneclick’s establishment in the U.S. market was a natural step. After extensive research of several technology hubs from various U.S. states, oneclick decided to expand t...

Irvine Valley College Joins ‘Caring Campus Initiative’ Launch Across the US

Monday, September 23, 2019

Irvine Valley College (IVC) is one of 10 community colleges across the U.S. now hard at work with the Institute for Evidence-Based Change (IEBC) to incorporate the ‘Caring Campus Initiative’ into their student success efforts for the fall 2019 semester. Supported by IEBC coaching and guidance, staff teams at IVC are engaging in work developing specific behavioral commitments, helping staff to better connect with, and support, students to help them reach their educational goals. Funded through a $1 million grant from Ascendium Education Group, one of the nation’s leading higher education philanthropies, the objective of IEBCs Caring Campus program is to increase studen...

New Affordable Home Project in Irvine Slated to Open Next Year

Monday, September 23, 2019

A new 80-unit apartment complex that recently broke ground in Irvine could be a new beginning for the veterans, developmentally disabled people, and families at risk of homelessness who will become its tenants when it opens next year. But Salerno, as the project is called, is also important to local housing officials for the ending they hope it represents. Legislation Gov. Newsom is expected to sign would allow properties slated for affordable rental homes to get a tax exemption sooner, saving nonprofit builders between thousands and millions of dollars that could instead go toward building more homes – a benefit project...

Why We Urge Approval of the New Trade Deal with Mexico, Canada

Monday, September 23, 2019

By Bryan Starr President and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber The Greater Irvine Chamber stands in solidarity with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and business organizations across the nation in support of the congressional passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The one unalterable fact that transcends any points of debate surrounding the USMCA is that the health and vitality of the economies of California, Mexico, and Canada are inextricably linked. In fact, Mexico and Canada are California’s No. 1 and No. 2 trading partners, respectively. The largest export markets for U.S. goods last year were Canada, $298.7 billion, a 5.6% increase from th...

OCTANe Announces 2019 High Tech Award Winners

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

OCTANe, Orange County’s technology and life sciences accelerator organization, presented its 2019 High Tech Awards at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach on Sept. 12. The 26th annual awards program honored Orange County-based companies that have demonstrated exceptional leadership while developing new technological advancements in their respective industries. This year’s awardees are: Outstanding Large Technology Company: Edwards Lifesciences Outstanding Emerging Technology Company: Syntiant Best Small Technology Company CEO: Ike Kavas, Ephesoft Best Technology Innovation in Software: Titan HST Outstanding Innovation in Medical Technology & Lifesciences: Sonendo Best Large Technology Company CEO: Jeff Margolis, Welltok Best Technology Innovation in a Consumer Product: OPKIX Outstanding Small Technology Company: AWM Smart Shelf Dea...

Orange County Business Journal’s Civic 50 Includes Greater Irvine Chamber Members

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Orange County Business Journal’s 2019 Civic 50 Orange County recognizes the most community-minded companies in the county. Among them are a number of Greater Irvine Chamber members: Antis Roofing & Waterproofing Arbonne International LLC Edwards Lifesciences FivePoint Holdings LLC Ingram Micro Inc. MacKenzie Corporation Taco Bell Corp. Civic 50 OC honorees are selected based on their community engagement: investment, integration, institutionalization, and impact, as determined by an annual survey independently administered and scored by True Impact. Honorees will be formally recognized during the Civic 50 Orange County Awards on Oct. 16 at Hotel Irvine. This year's event will feature a keynote by Neil Bush, son of former President Georg...

California Has Trillions More Wealth than Any Other State

Monday, September 16, 2019

A study released by California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office this month looks at geographical distribution of wealth across the state. Wealthiest States Californians’ net worth totals over $6 trillion or about $160,000 per resident. The state holds 17% of national net worth, while making up only 12% of the U.S. population. The net worth of about $160,000 would put California at No. 23 on the list of the countries according to worldsrichestcountries.com. California would be just behind Hong Kong ($173,685) and ahead of the following nations: Qatar: $156,986 Israel: $155,982 Finland: $149,917 UAE: $144,377 Kuwait: $113,419 The Legislative Analyst’s Office study is based on 2014-2016 data and states that income and wealth are similar but distinc...

SBA Awards FY 2019 State Trade Expansion Program Grants

Monday, September 16, 2019

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that $600,000 has been awarded to the California Department of Food & Agriculture that successfully competed for funding to support export growth among small businesses through SBA’s competitive State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). “SBA is proud to partner with the STEP grant winners and provide much-needed resources that help small businesses increase their sales by exporting,” said Acting Administrator Chris Pilkerton. “These grants are especially helpful as our country is in the midst of negotiating a number of trade agreements, including one between the United States–Mexico–Canada (USMCA). All of the Administration’s work is aimed a...

3 Simple Things to Protect Against Cyber Attacks

Friday, September 13, 2019

There were nearly 42,000 online security incidents around the world over the past year. And about 43% of those targeted small businesses. That means that small businesses are more likely than any other entity to fall victim to data breaches and cyber attacks. These incidents can lead to financial loss, stolen customer data, or compromised proprietary information. So it’s essential that small businesses take steps to lessen chances of falling victim to cyber attacks, and to lessen the impact if they do. However, small businesses also tend to have fewer resources to avoid these attacks than large enterprises and government entities. For example, smal...

Greater Irvine Chamber Meets Demand for New Leads Group

Friday, September 13, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber has added its sixth Leads Group as a result of the high demand of its members interested in participation. The new Leads Group will meet on the first and third Thursday of each month from 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. at the Greater Irvine Chamber offices, 36 Executive Park, Ste. 100. Leads Groups are the Chamber's premier lead generation and referral networks. These popular referral groups have helped hundreds of professionals gain a competitive advantage in the Irvine and Orange County marketplace, as well as build lasting professional and personal relationships. Participation in these groups is an exclusive ye...

Parker Aerospace Joins Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle as Gold-Level Sponsor

Friday, September 13, 2019

Parker Aerospace, an operating group of Parker Hannifin Corporation, has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle as a gold-level sponsor. Parker Aerospace has been a member of the Greater Irvine Chamber since 2018. “Involvement with the Greater Irvine Chamber as a Leaders Circle sponsor provides Parker Aerospace with an opportunity to elevate our presence and engagement in the community, ensuring the future of Irvine’s position as a leader in the technology sector,” said Barry Draskovich, group vice president of program and contract management for the company. Parker Aerospace is a global leader in flight control actuation, hydraulic, fuel, inerting, fluid conveyance...

Labor Won Big with Bill to Rewrite California Employment Law — But It’s Flawed

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Independent trucker Robert Schott was driving his big rig down the I-10 near Pomona when I reached him on his cell to talk about the “gig” bill. He hated the measure. We chatted shortly before the state Senate passed the bill after an emotional debate. Then the Assembly sent it to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who already had endorsed the measure. It’s organized labor’s biggest legislative victory in years. The bill will reclassify an estimated 1 million California workers as company employees rather than independent contractors, enshrining in law a state Supreme Court ruling. As employees, they’ll be eligible for new benefits, pa...

US Weekly Jobless Claims Drop to Five-Month Low

Thursday, September 12, 2019

The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits fell to a five-month low, suggesting the labor market remains strong despite slowing job growth. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits declined 15,000 to a seasonally adjusted 204,000 for the week ended Sept. 7, the lowest level since April, the Labor Department said. The drop in claims was the largest since May. Data for the prior week was revised to show 2,000 more applications received than previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims slipping to 215,000 in the latest week. The claims data covered the Labor Day holiday. Claims tend to b...

Community Matters: Education Support

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Despite Orange County’s top-rated school districts and schools, many students and their families experience obstacles in accessing quality education opportunities offered in the county. Challenges include socioeconomic disadvantages, access to adequate nutrition, disabilities and learning impediments, gender and ethnicity biases, language barriers, immigration status, and homelessness and foster-living situations. According to the Orange County Department of Education, Orange County is home to 27 school districts, more than 600 schools and 20,000 educators serving more than 500,000 students. Irvine Unified School District educates a diverse student population numbering more than 36,000 (transitional, K-12), in 24 elementary schools, one early childhood learning center, fou...

IUSD Superintendent Terry Walker Spells Out District Success at Greater Irvine Chamber

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Terry Walker, superintendent of schools for the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD)—one of the fastest-growing school districts in the nation—brought business and community leaders up to date on the District’s initiatives and plans for the future during the September Greater Irvine Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee meeting. Walker detailed ways in which IUSD is ensuring a rich, sustainable learning environment for college- and career-ready students through the use of technology across its campuses, dedication to mental health best practices, and a commitment to modernizing the District's facilities through the passage of Measure E, a school facilities improvement measure passed by Irvine voter...

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...

Vincit CEO Ville Houttu Elected to Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Ville Houttu, CEO of Vincit, has been elected to serve on the 2019-2020 Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors. “The Expansion of Vincit to Irvine has proven to be a good move from the start. Among my first exploratory experiences in the city was with the Greater Irvine Chamber. As the partnership has continued to develop, it’s fitting and an honor that I am able to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors,” Houttu said. “I look forward to bringing the perspective of the digital technology industry to the Chamber’s governance.” Houttu expanded his digital design and software development company from Finlan...

GO-Biz Adviser Outlines Strategy to Enhance State’s Global Competitiveness

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Leveraging existing programs is central to the administration’s strategy for improving California’s global trade competitiveness, according to the recently named senior international adviser at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Bud Colligan, named GO-Biz senior adviser for international affairs and trade in March, reviewed his activities over the last few months at the international breakfast meeting of the California Chamber of Commerce Council for International Trade on Sept. 6. The breakfast was sponsored by the Automobile Club of Southern California. “Trade matters to all Californians,” Colligan pointed out, noting that with increasing interconnections in the global economy, 1 in ...

Irvine Unified School District Ranked Among California’s Best

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) has been ranked the No. 2 school district in Orange County out of 26, and in the top 20 best districts in California out of 742, according to a report by the review site Niche. The 2019-20 Best Schools in America report, lists IUSD, which serves more than 36,000 students and has 41 schools, as one of the best districts in the county and state. The ranking was based on a variety of factors including state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, teacher quality, and student life on campus. Niche collects and calculates data fro...

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...

Students Start New School Year with New Campus

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Irvine Unified School District welcomed students back to classes Aug. 22. Students entering Loma Ridge Elementary in Irvine that day got to meet their new teachers — and a whole new school. Loma Ridge, the second elementary school to serve the Portola Springs neighborhood, opened to 255 students. The 59,000-square-foot campus features a media center, collaboration spaces, dedicated music classrooms, and outdoor learning areas. The school is open to students in kindergarten through fourth grades, with plans to add a grade each of the next two years. It is the 24th elementary school in the Irvine Unified School District. To serve its growing population, th...

Concordia University Irvine’s Master’s Counseling Program Earns National Accreditation

Monday, September 09, 2019

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the national association that accredits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling offered by colleges and universities, has granted accreditation to the Master of Arts in Counseling program at Concordia University Irvine in partnership with the Townsend Institute. The voluntary accreditation assures that graduates have met the majority of the educational requirements for licensure or certification as a counselor in most states. After a multi-stage external review process, Concordia Irvine’s Master of Arts in Counseling program, as well as its curriculum and faculty, were found to have substantially meet th...

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...

Harassment Training Deadline Extended, Clarified

Thursday, September 05, 2019

Governor Newsom signed “clean up” legislation to help clarify training deadlines for employers. Some California employers now have until Jan. 1, 2021 to train employees on sexual harassment prevention—a one-year extension of the original Jan. 1, 2020 deadline. The deadline was not extended for employers of seasonal and temporary employees, who are hired to work for less than six months. Starting Jan. 1, 2020, these employees must be trained within 30 calendar days after their hire date or within 100 hours worked, whichever occurs first. Employer Training Deadlines Under the new law, SB 778, all employees — supervisory and nonsupervisory — must be trained by Jan. 1...

US Services Sector Suggests Economy Weathering Trade Storm

Thursday, September 05, 2019

U.S. services sector activity accelerated in August and private employers boosted hiring, suggesting the economy continued to grow at a moderate pace despite trade tensions which have stoked financial market fears of a recession. The upbeat reports took some of the sting from data that showed the manufacturing sector contracted for the first time in August as the year-old trade war between the United States and China intensified. But given the erosion of business confidence as a result of the trade impasse and the threat it poses to the longest economic expansion in history, the Federal Reserve is still expected to cu...

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

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

Destination Irvine Generates a Record $18.5 Million in Hotel Revenue

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

Destination Irvine generated $18.5 million in hotel revenue for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, a 117% increase from the previous year, and the greatest revenue generated in a single year for the organization. The total revenue is a combination of direct group sales and marketing campaigns conducted by the Greater Irvine Chamber’s destination marketing organization. Direct group sales efforts brought in more than $7.7 million in revenue and daily spend, compared to $6.8 million the previous year, and filled more than 31,800 room nights for meetings groups, sports events, leisure visitors, and business travelers. Destination Irvine’s marketing campaigns, including a CBS social influence...

Long Paper Receipts Can Stay For Now, As California Lawmakers Reject Ban

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

Props, costumes and a Jimmy Kimmel joke weren’t enough to prevent the California Senate from trashing a bill that would have restricted retailers from routinely handing out unwanted and unusually long receipts. Assembly Bill 161 by Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) would have required stores to ask consumers if they wanted receipts before printing them in an effort to reduce paper waste in the state. The bill had been significantly scaled back in recent months after criticism from the paper industry and business groups. Finally, it stalled in the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We are very disappointed,” Ting said, adding that he will probabl...

Martina Stojanovic Joins Greater Irvine Chamber Staff

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

Martina Stojanovic has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber professional staff as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator for the organization’s destination marketing division, Destination Irvine. In this role, Stojanovic will provide overall project support for the Destination Irvine team, including sales research, data management, website content, visitor guide distribution, and social media initiatives. She brings to the Destination Irvine team five years of experience in sales, marketing, and hospitality. In her previous position with Valiant Marketing Group in Huntington Beach, she was part of a team responsible for one-third of the company’s campaigns, representing more than $1.3 million in revenue. “Martina’s education, enthusiasm for the trave...

Two New Task Forces for the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Economic Vitality Council Support International Trade and Business Expansion

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber’s Economic Vitality Council (EVC) has formed two new task forces to support the Chamber’s capacity to influence Irvine’s competitiveness in a global economy, attract new businesses, improve business retention, and expand and grow businesses. The Growing Irvine Exporters Task Force has been formed to identify local companies that are not exporting but that would benefit from exporting to grow their business. The task force will focus on developing a set of criteria to evaluate a company’s viability to export. It will then connect interested companies to such export assets as U.S. Commercial Service, Export Assistance Center, U.S...

UCI Tops List of Green US Colleges

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

For the fourth time in six years, University of California, Irvine (UCI) was named as the most environmentally sustainable college in the United States by a Sierra magazine ranking that considers curriculum, research and on-campus practices. This year, 282 colleges in the U.S. and Canada vied in the “Cool Schools” ranking as ranked by the Sierra Club publication. In the announcement, only Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia finished ahead of UCI, which is the sole college to make the list’s top 10 for each of the past 10 years. “We’re continually impressed with (UCI’s) commitment to modeling, teaching and embodying excellent environmental stewardshi...

Ware Disposal to Present Future Leader Award at Greater Irvine Chamber 40 Under 40 Reception

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

Ten-year-old Ryan Hickman of Ryan’s Recycling will be presented the Future Leader Award by Ware Disposal during the Greater Irvine Chamber’s inaugural 40 Under 40 reception held on Thursday, Oct. 3, 6 – 8 p.m., at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, 7905 Irvine Center Dr. Hickman has become an international icon for recycling awareness, and has recycled more than 600,000 cans and bottles since launching Ryan’s Recycling in 2012 when he was just three years old. Hickman is active in leading beach cleanup events in Orange County and travels globally speaking about recycling and saving the planet. He's a junior ambassador for Recycl...

U.S. Metro Areas Exported $1.5 Trillion in Merchandise Across the World in 2018

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

The U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration in August released the 2018 goods export data for the nation's 392 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA), highlighting that U.S. metro areas exported a significant $1.5 trillion in merchandise across the world last year. In fact, from 2017 to 2018, exports from MSAs increased $110.3 billion – or 8.1%, and 259 metropolitan areas reported positive export growth, with 94 reaching record-level exports. "The Trump Administration is committed to addressing trade imbalances, breaking down trade barriers, and providing U.S. companies with new reach in foreign markets," said Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, Gilbert Kaplan...

What is the Actual Cost of an Employee for Small-Business Owners?

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers advice on determining the actual financial cost of adding a new employee to the payroll to help small-business owners budget appropriately. When thinking about adding a new employee to the payroll, determine what the actual financial cost of doing so means to your business. This includes the dollars and cents over and above the basic wage or salary you agree to pay. There’s a rule of thumb that the cost is typically 1.25 to 1.4 times the salary, depending on certain variables. So, if you pay someone a salary of $35,000, your actual costs likel...

Amazon Puts its Delivery Robots to the Test in Irvine

Thursday, August 29, 2019

After testing delivery robots near its home base in Seattle, Amazon has expanded its trial use of Scout to Irvine. “We’re still in field test mode, and our expansion to the Irvine area is just another in the many steps forward for this new delivery system,” a recent Amazon blog post said. Scout is a blue, six-wheeled, electric robot about the size of a large drink cooler that travels on the sidewalk and can apparently maneuver around obstacles such as skateboards and trash cans, according to the blog post. A video on the company’s blog shows the robot gently rolling to a sto...

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...

David Tiemeier Named Managing Director of Research Translation at UCI Beall Applied Innovation

Friday, August 23, 2019

UC Irvine (UCI) Beall Applied Innovation has named David Tiemeier the managing director for the Research Translation Group (RTG), effective Sept. 3. He will report directly to Richard Sudek, Applied Innovation’s executive director and chief innovation officer at UCI. In this role, Tiemeier will lead RTG and build robust relationships with companies to facilitate and promote the use of UCI research while driving forward the translation and commercialization of UCI intellectual property. Tiemeier brings with him extensive experience in scientific research, business development and building high-performance teams within academic, biotech and Big Pharma environments. Throughout his career, he has been a tireless supporte...

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...

UCI is No. 1 among Money magazine’s Best Colleges

Monday, August 12, 2019

Money magazine has ranked the University of California, Irvine (UCI) No. 1 on its 2019-20 list of the nation’s Best Colleges. Knocking Princeton University off the top spot, this also makes UCI the first public university to achieve No. 1. The ranking is up from No. 3 last year and No. 7 in 2017, acknowledging UCI’s continued growth in providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering alumni success. According to Money, which recently went all digital and is now known as Money.com, UCI scored well across the board but especially in the measures of low-income and Pell Grant enrollment and favorable graduate outcomes. “This lates...

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to California Businesses and Residents Affected by Earthquakes

Friday, August 09, 2019

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California businesses and residents affected by earthquakes that occurred July 4-12, 2019, announced acting Administrator Christopher M. Pilkerton of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s designated representative, Mark S. Ghilarducci, director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, on Aug. 5, 2019. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Inyo, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare and Ventura counties in California; and La Paz an...

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...

Bryan Starr Elected to Chamber Industry Board of Directors

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Bryan Starr, president and CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber, has been elected to serve on the 2019-2020 Board of Directors for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), a Virginia-based association of more than 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,300 chambers of commerce nationally. “It’s an honor to be included in this impressive group of chamber executives. I’m looking forward to engaging my colleagues from some of the most successful chambers the nation for meaningful exchanges of ideas,” Starr said. “Bringing a Southern California point of view to the discussions at the national level wil...

Greater Irvine Chamber Named a Best Place to Work for the Second Year by OCBJ

Monday, July 01, 2019

The Greater Irvine Chamber has been named a Best Places to Work in Orange County by the Orange County Business Journal, for the second consecutive year. “The Board of Directors congratulates the professional staff at the Greater Irvine Chamber for being named a 2019 Best Place to Work,” said Kate Klimow, chief administrative officer and director of external relations, UCI Beall Applied Innovation, and chair, Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors. “The Chamber staff has cultivated a winning workplace as it works to advance economic vitality in the region.” The professional staff at the Chamber benefits from a work culture that encourage...

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...

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Required for all California Employers with Five or More Employees

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

A new law that took effect on Jan. 1, requires all California employers with five or more employees (including those located out of state) to provide at least two hours of classroom or other effective interactive training and education regarding sexual harassment to all supervisory employees and at least one hour of classroom or other effective interactive training and education regarding sexual harassment to all nonsupervisory employees within six months of their assumption of a position. To comply with the January 1, 2020 deadline, all employees must be trained during the 2019 calendar year. This training must be provided once every two years. Th...

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...

New California Required Harassment Prevention Training FAQs White Paper

Monday, April 01, 2019

Effective Jan. 1, 2019, California made a substantial change to mandatory sexual harassment prevention training. Now employers with five or more employees must provide this training to all supervisors and employees by Jan. 1, 2020. In addition to supervisors receiving two hours of sexual harassment prevention training, nonsupervisory employees must receive one hour of sexual harassment prevention training. Training must take place within six months of hire or promotion and every two years thereafter. After CalChamber held 2019 Employment Law Updates seminars up and down the state in January, attendees showed there are still many unanswered questions about complying with the ne...

Greater Irvine Chamber Receives Industry's Top Honors

Monday, February 11, 2019

Greater Irvine Chamber President and CEO Bryan Starr has been named the 2019 Executive of the Year by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.). Starr was selected from CEOs throughout the Western United States and was formally recognized during the 2019 W.A.C.E. Conference in Anaheim in front of more than 500 attendees. Starr was honored for leading the Greater Irvine Chamber to achievements in membership attainment goals, economic development, staff empowerment, thought leadership, and positioning the organization as a leader in advancing economic vitality in greater Irvine. Greater Irvine Chamber Vice President of Operations Jessica Welch, IOM, received the 2018 W.A.C.E...

Irvine Tops List in Financial Health

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Irvine is the financially healthiest big city in America, according to a new study by a nonprofit dedicated to financial transparency in the public sector. “Irvine is a community that was master-planned for success from its inception more than 50 years ago. Its founders planned the city to ensure sustainable fiscal strength long into the future,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO,Greater Irvine Chamber. “It comes as no surprise that Irvine has been recognized for its financial health.” California’s other big cities fall firmly in the middle, with Southern California burgs healthier than many of their Northern California counterparts, says Chicago-based watchdog group Truth in Accounting. Th...

Meet the Individuals Leading the Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors For Four Decades

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Over the past four decades, the Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors has been chaired by 38 of Orange County’s most accomplished business leaders. They have held fiduciary responsibilities for the Chamber and have been committed to supporting the Chamber’s mission of advancing the economic vitality of greater Irvine. As the Chamber celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2019, the Board is now led by Kate Klimow, chief administrative officer and director of External Relations at UCI Applied Innovation. “The diverse group of business leaders that have served over the past 40 years and continue to serve today on the Greater Irvin...

Greater Irvine Chamber Marks its 40th Year Supporting the Visionary Irvine Master Plan

Wednesday, January 02, 2019

A Message from Greater Irvine Chamber President and CEO Bryan Starr Originally published in the Jan. 3, 2019 issue of the Orange County Register|Irvine World News. As the Greater Irvine Chamber celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year, the organization’s professional staff and Board of Directors continues its work to support the Irvine Master Plan and to advance the economic vitality of greater Irvine. Through its numerous programs and events, the Greater Irvine Chamber convenes thousands of business leaders every year to build long-lasting professional relationships. The Greater Irvine Chamber has partnered with Irvine’s highly-ranked schools and 15 colleges and universities on programs that help ensure ...

US Chamber Awards Greater Irvine Chamber the Nation's Highest Accreditation

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

The United States Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Greater Irvine Chamber with 5-Star Accreditation for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community. “Receiving the highest honor in the chamber industry is a testament to our tremendous Board of Directors, dedicated volunteers, and exceptional professional staff,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “I’m extremely proud of our collective accomplishment as we continue our efforts to advance the economic vitality of greater Irvine.” The Greater Irvine Chamber is one of seven chambers in California to hold this distinction, and one of 120 in the nation...

Orange County Business Journal’s Civic 50 List Honors Greater Irvine Chamber Members

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

A number of Greater Irvine Chamber members are featured Orange County Business Journal’s 2019 Civic 50 Orange County list. The list recognizes the most community-minded companies in Orange County. Greater Irvine Chamber members included on the list are: Antis Roofing & Waterproofing Arbonne International LLC Edwards Lifesciences FivePoint Holdings LLC Ingram Micro Inc. MacKenzie Corporation Taco Bell Corp. Civic 50 OC honorees are selected based upon four dimensions of their community engagement programs: investment, integration, institutionalization, and impact, as determined by an annual survey independently administered and scored by True Impact. The honorees will be formally recognized during the Civic 50 Orange County Awards on Oct. 16 at Hotel Irvine...

why
irvine

5th out of the 50 Best Places to Live…

…in the Country!” says Bloomberg BusinessWeek With help from Bloomberg Rankings, Businessweek.com evaluated 100 of the country’s largest cities based on 16 criteria. Irvine, California came in 5th out of 50. “The area has the best schools among the cities on our list. In short, it’s a great place to settle down.”