SCAQMD PARS 1111 & 1121

Event

February 5, 2025

The inaugural “OCBC Business Connections” featured a panel of industry experts who discussed the implications of two proposed amendments by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. If adopted, Proposed Amended Rules (PARs) 1111 and 1121 would mandate businesses, residents and new buildings to exclusively install and/or replace natural gas appliances with electric appliances. While OCBC supports clean air initiatives, the conclusion of this meeting was that these amendments would have minimal benefits for the environment yet financially would burden businesses and individuals. Most notably, these amendments would further reduce the region’s already sensitive affordability index for housing.

Helping to shed light on SCAQMD’s proposed mandate were, pictured R-L, The Honorable Don Wagner of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Jessilyn-Ellise Davis of SoCalGas, Brian Bunger of Holland & Knight LLP, and moderator OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball. AQMD declined an invitation to take part in the panel.

Workforce Committee Meeting

Uncategorized

May 14, 2025 @ 8:30 am – 10:00 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.

Housing Committee Meeting

Uncategorized

May 13, 2025 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
2 Park Plaza, Suite 125, Irvine, CA 92614
The Housing Committee takes action on housing and other important developmental issues that have a direct impact on the business community and the workforce in Orange County. If you would like more information, contact Emily Jackson.

Government Affairs Committee Meeting

Uncategorized

May 9, 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.

Orange County Business Council Welcomes New Board Members

Press Releases

IRVINE, CA (May 9, 2025) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Christopher Arias, Executive Director of Business Development for MemorialCare, Tyler Holst, PE, Senior Vice President of Infrastructure Engineering for Rancho Mission Viejo (RMV), Jarrod Ingle, Regional President and Head of Corporate Banking – Orange County-Inland Empire for PNC Bank, and Faisal M. Zubairi, Partner and Southern California Office Head of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, have joined OCBC’s Board of Directors.

OCBC Announces California Jobs First Grant Winners

Press Releases

IRVINE, CA (April 14, 2025) — Through the California Jobs First (CJF) initiative, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) is awarding $3 million to initiate local projects that support job creation and workforce development.

Since 2023, OCBC has served as the CJF Regional Convener in Orange County. CJF is part of a statewide initiative established to invest in economic development, community infrastructure and supportive services. As part of that work, OCBC brought together a collaborative of Orange County stakeholders representing businesses from a variety of industries, labor associations, California Native American Tribes, government agencies, academia and others to award these funds.