About OCBC
For more than 30 years, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) has been representing and promoting the region’s business community together with government and academia to enhance the Economic Development of the nation’s sixth most populous county. The Council’s core initiatives include developing pro-business solutions that lead to Economic Growth, education development that leads to a competitive Workforce, advocating for a range of Housing and advocating for adequate investment in regional and statewide Infrastructure.
Member organizations include businesses and local organizations representing a diverse cross section of industries including biomedical, construction, education, financial services, health care, manufacturing, municipalities, nonprofit, real estate, technology, tourism, transportation and utilities.
Through advocacy, research, convening and strategic partnerships, OCBC helps members shape policies and initiatives that strengthen Orange County’s economy and quality of life.
Impact
Investors
OCBC represents more than 200 investor organizations across 14 industries, including:
- Biomedical
- Construction
- Education
- Financial Services
- Health Care
- Manufacturing
- Municipalities
- Nonprofit
- Real Estate
- Technology
- Tourism
- Transportation
- Utilities
Policy Wins
Recent Government Affairs policy wins include:
Regional Impact
What regional impact?
Events & Meetings
- Six annual events with more than 2,000 guests
- Timely Business Connections
- Committee Meetings
Mission
Orange County Business Council represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance Orange County’s Economic Development in order to preserve its quality of life.
Priorities
Economic Development
At the core of Orange County Business Council’s initiatives lies Economic Development. Important to sustaining a work-life balance and providing equitable opportunities, Orange County’s economic growth remains noteworthy.
Workforce
Employers, educators and community
partners, together with Orange County Business Council, recognize the importance of preparing the Workforce to compete in a global economy.
Housing
Orange County Business Council works with Orange County cities to plan for diverse Housing that reflects the region’s demographics.
Infrastructure
Orange County Business Council ensures that the nation’s sixth largest county is able to meet the demands of a growing population and expanding economy.
The History of OCBC
Orange County Business Council (OCBC) was established in 1995 through the merger of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Industrial League of Orange County, Orange County Economic Development Consortium, and the public private think tank, Partnership 2010. Together, these organizations encompassed more than 100 years of work laying the foundation for the economic success of the nation’s sixth most populous county. By working with key stakeholders, OCBC helps to develop growth opportunities throughout the county that lead to sustainable Economic Growth. To achieve this, OCBC hosts signature events and committee meetings with policy makers, advocates at local, state and federal levels representing its members and publishes data and research reports used by agencies to shape the region’s public policy.
Board of Trade is established with 50 members to help lure businesses to the newly formed Orange County. It helps establish the border with Los Angeles County.
Board of Trade is reorganized under the name of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and has 130 members.
The Chamber is folded into the Associated Chambers of Commerce of Orange County, which "fostered a spirit of county amity and harmony," according to the Santa Ana Daily Register.
The Greater Irvine Industrial League is formed as an advocate for business and later becomes the Industrial League of Orange County.
Orange County files for bankruptcy.With its pro-business reputation and tradition of involvement in civil affairs, OCBC took decisive action, helping guide Orange County out of the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
Orange County Business Council is formed by combining the Orange County Chamber, the Industrial League and Partnership 2010.
OCBC leads a regional coalition to provide financial and legislative relief to businesses during the California energy crisis.
OCBC’s Workforce Task Force partners with the Orange County Community Foundation and Orange County’s United Way to develop a major initiative to identify and produce funding to improve the math, science and technology education of Orange County’s schools.
OCBC forms the Leading Educational Attainment for Families Initiative, which equips Orange County families to help their children navigate the road to college and a successful future.
OCBC led a campaign to renew Measure M, and on November 7, 2006, OC voters responded and approved the renewal of Measure M by almost 70%.
Created OCMOVES as a follow up coalition to the Measure M support group to continue advocacy for fair-share funding and implementation of renewed Measure M.
Produced Inaugural Workforce Housing Scorecard for Orange County, now being duplicated by Los Angeles and San Diego.
OCBC co-founds The R.E.A.L. Coalition – Regional Economic Association Leaders of California – a collection of the 18 most-influential business associations in California to work together for REAL solutions to meet California’s critical needs.
OCBC supports the work of OCTA and California Transportation Commissioner, Lucy Dunn, by helping secure $457 million in funding for transportation infrastructure projects.
OCBC commences “Turning Red Tape Into Red Carpet” competition and awards with 35 applicants.
Successfully advocated for a $15 million grant with business support for OCDE and community college districts. OCBC awarded $20,000 to add a mapping component to the Location OC website.
Received federal “Investing in Manufacturing Community Partnership” designation supporting the aerospace industry.
Supported local transportation projects including ARTIC and ARC in Anaheim, high-speed rail, OCTA improvements to the I-405 freeway and completion of the toll road system.
Participated in development of new non-profit HOME(FUL), an innovative funding mechanism to end homelessness, developed by Jeff Roos of Lennar.
Reinvigorated the Orange County Housing Trust (OCHT) in partnership with NeighborWorks Orange County to spur development of affordable and permanent supportive Housing.
Board of Trade is established with 50 members to help lure businesses to the newly formed Orange County. It helps establish the border with Los Angeles County.
Board of Trade is reorganized under the name of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and has 130 members.
The Chamber is folded into the Associated Chambers of Commerce of Orange County, which "fostered a spirit of county amity and harmony," according to the Santa Ana Daily Register.
The Greater Irvine Industrial League is formed as an advocate for business and later becomes the Industrial League of Orange County.
Orange County files for bankruptcy.With its pro-business reputation and tradition of involvement in civil affairs, OCBC took decisive action, helping guide Orange County out of the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
Orange County Business Council is formed by combining the Orange County Chamber, the Industrial League and Partnership 2010.
OCBC leads a regional coalition to provide financial and legislative relief to businesses during the California energy crisis.
OCBC’s Workforce Task Force partners with the Orange County Community Foundation and Orange County’s United Way to develop a major initiative to identify and produce funding to improve the math, science and technology education of Orange County’s schools.
OCBC forms the Leading Educational Attainment for Families Initiative, which equips Orange County families to help their children navigate the road to college and a successful future.
OCBC led a campaign to renew Measure M, and on November 7, 2006, OC voters responded and approved the renewal of Measure M by almost 70%.
Created OCMOVES as a follow up coalition to the Measure M support group to continue advocacy for fair-share funding and implementation of renewed Measure M.
Produced Inaugural Workforce Housing Scorecard for Orange County, now being duplicated by Los Angeles and San Diego.
OCBC co-founds The R.E.A.L. Coalition – Regional Economic Association Leaders of California – a collection of the 18 most-influential business associations in California to work together for REAL solutions to meet California’s critical needs.
OCBC supports the work of OCTA and California Transportation Commissioner, Lucy Dunn, by helping secure $457 million in funding for transportation infrastructure projects.
OCBC commences “Turning Red Tape Into Red Carpet” competition and awards with 35 applicants.
Successfully advocated for a $15 million grant with business support for OCDE and community college districts. OCBC awarded $20,000 to add a mapping component to the Location OC website.
Received federal “Investing in Manufacturing Community Partnership” designation supporting the aerospace industry.
Supported local transportation projects including ARTIC and ARC in Anaheim, high-speed rail, OCTA improvements to the I-405 freeway and completion of the toll road system.
Participated in development of new non-profit HOME(FUL), an innovative funding mechanism to end homelessness, developed by Jeff Roos of Lennar.
Reinvigorated the Orange County Housing Trust (OCHT) in partnership with NeighborWorks Orange County to spur development of affordable and permanent supportive Housing.
Celebrating 30 Years
For more than three decades, OCBC has been the voice of Orange County’s business community, working alongside government and academia to drive economic prosperity in the nation’s sixth most populous county. In 2025, OCBC was proud to mark its 30th anniversary with a yearlong celebration of the partnerships, progress and innovation that have shaped our region. Thank you to everyone who was part of this milestone—OCBC looks forward to the next 30 years of growth and success together!
Congratulatory Letters
As OCBC celebrated three decades of championing Economic Growth and collaboration in Orange County, we were honored to receive recognition from leaders across the region. These congratulatory letters reflect the strong partnerships we’ve built and the lasting impact of our work in advancing a thriving business community.
Photo Gallery
Explore highlights from OCBC’s 30th anniversary celebrations, including special moments, recognitions, and resolutions honoring our impact. Check back throughout the year for more photos as we continue celebrating this milestone!
Contact
Carl Heft
Vice President of Investor Relations
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 209
cheft@ocbc.org