OCBC Announces California Jobs First Grant Winners

Press Releases

IRVINE, CA (July 28, 2025) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) is proud to announce the recipients of to $4.6 million in funding through the California Jobs First (CJF) initiative, supporting a range of high-impact, job-creating projects across Orange County. Since 2023, OCBC has served as the CJF Regional Convener for Orange County, leading a local collaborative composed of regional business leaders, labor representatives, California Native American Tribes, government agencies, academic institutions, and community-based organizations. Together, they identified priority projects aimed at boosting equitable economic development, preparing the region’s workforce for long-term success and uplifting underserved communities.

Orange County’s Emergency Response System: How Businesses Can Mobilize for Resilience During a Crisis

Event

July 23, 2025

When a crisis occurs, every second counts, and so does your business’s response. Join Orange County Business Council and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for an exclusive, in-person panel discussion that offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the County activates during major disasters. This program is designed to help business leaders understand and align with the County’s emergency response system while also providing actionable insights on communication and coordination planning. Be ready when it counts. Learn how to mobilize your business for crisis readiness and resilience.

Panelists: Michelle Anderson, CEM, CA-PEM (Orange County Sheriff’s Department), Matt Olson (Orange County Fire Authority), Carrie Braun (County of Orange)

Moderated by: Jeff Ball (Orange County Business Council)

Workforce Committee Meeting

Uncategorized

June 30, 2025 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
2 Park Plaza, Suite 125, Irvine, CA 92614
Comprised of leaders in business, academia, and government, the Workforce Committee meets throughout the course of the year to discuss a variety of issues relating to career readiness in Orange County. Contact Jesse Ben-Ron for meeting details.

Government Affairs Committee Meeting

Uncategorized

June 13, 2025 @ 9:30 am – 11:00 am
2 Park Plaza, Suite 125, Irvine, CA 92614
Join the upcoming Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee Meeting. The Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee discusses and takes action on public policy issues that have a direct impact on the business community. Contact George Boutros for meeting details.

Infrastructure Committee Meeting

Uncategorized

June 10, 2025 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
2 Park Plaza, Suite 125, Irvine, CA 92614
The Infrastructure Committee advocates for an infrastructure system critical to meeting the growing needs of Orange County’s residents and businesses. Whether it’s increased investment in the county’s roads and highway system, or increasing the supply of quality drinking water, OCBC works to make sure Orange…

Orange County Business Council Welcomes New Vice President of Public Affairs

Press Releases

IRVINE, CA (June 9, 2025) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Sarah Ghebrial has joined the organization as the new Vice President of Public Affairs.
“We are proud to welcome Sarah to our team,” said Jeffrey Ball, President and CEO of Orange County Business Council. “Her addition represents the work we have done in expanding OCBC’s role in promoting economic development for the region and will help OCBC amplify its role as a dependable resource for local businesses and organizations.”

Tariff Policies in Practice: What Business Leaders Need to Know

Event

May 28, 2025

Tariffs are shaping the future of global business and understanding them is essential. Orange County Business Council and The Richard Nixon Foundation invite you to join us for a high-impact discussion that explores the purpose and structure of tariffs, as well as the operational and strategic considerations companies must evaluate in today’s evolving trade environment. Our panel of industry and policy experts will break down what business leaders need to know and how to proactively position their organization for long-term resilience. Whether you manage business strategy or public relations, this is a timely opportunity to gain clarity and walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your approach to trade policy.

Panelists: Kevin Depew (RSM US LLP), TJ McCree (Cathay Bank), Dr. Christopher Schwarz (UCI), Charron Ricks (UPS Supply Chain Solutions), Jeff Ball (Moderator)