February 11, 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.
February 4, 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…
January 10, 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.
November 13, 2024 @ 9:00 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.
Pictured from left to right are Dean Sridhar Sundaram, Dr. Mira Farka, Dr. Anil Puri, president of Farmers & Merchants Bank, and title sponsor, Kevin Tiber, and OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball. The sold out 30th annual OCBC/CSUF Economic Forecast Conference also marks release of report The sold-out OCBC/CSUF 30th Annual Economic Forecast Conference also marks release of report IRVINE, CA (October 25, 2024) — California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) economists Dr. Anil Puri and Dr. Mira Farka described the economy—locally and nationally—as maintaining, but sticky due to inflation—at the 30th Annual Economic Forecast Conference on October 24 in Irvine. A collaboration of CSUF and Orange County Business Council (OCBC), the conference also marked the release of the 2025 CSUF Economic Forecast Report. This year’s theme, “The ‘Vibes’ Economy: Outlook for Growth and Inflation Amidst Election Uncertainty,” had economists Dr. Puri and Dr. Farka explaining the disconnect between hard data and sentiment, or the vibe that consumers are feeling where the majority are not doing so well. While labor market data is showing good signs, and the overall economy is maintaining, the disconnect is due to two things being squeezed: housing costs and wages. The CSUF economists presented to a sold-out audience of 500 attendees. Dr. Anil Puri is the Director of the Woods Center for Economic Analysis and Forecasting at CSUF and Dr. Mira Farka, a Professor of Economics, serves as the Co-Director of the Woods Center for Economic Analysis and Forecasting at CSUF. Puri served as dean of the College of Business and Economics at CSUF. Farka has been published in leading academic journals and is a nationally recognized economist in business and economic forecasting. Title sponsor of the 30th Annual Economic Forecast Conference was Farmers & Merchants Bank. About Orange County Business CouncilFor nearly 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 Orange County, California. 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 for the nation’s sixth most populous county. 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, real estate and utilities. For more information, visit ocbc.org. Media Contact:Lizz Mishreki, APRVice President of CommunicationsOrange County Business [email protected]
Image courtesy of California State University, Fullerton Mar182024 October 28, 2024 Related Bristol one step closer to final Santa Ana city council approval for mixed-use project Cal State Fullerton has been awarded a $1.5 million National Institutes of Health grant to create a program designed to help students dive into the world of genomics and build diversity in the field. The grant funds “Project EAGER: Enabling Access to Genomics Experience and Research,” which allows undergraduate students to work on cutting-edge research in genomics and related fields like computational biology and bioinformatics, said Nikolas Nikolaidis, project director and professor of biological science. Genomics is a branch of science that explores genes and how they influence health, disease and even individual traits. The project partners with renowned genomics researchers at UC Berkeley, where CSUF students will conduct summer research. “Students will participate in research projects ranging from analyzing large genomic datasets to studying the evolutionary history of genes across species,” said Nikolaidis, an expert in bioinformatics and molecular evolutionary biology, which are critical components of genomics research. “This hands-on experience will allow students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world scientific problems.” The program begins this fall to recruit diverse and underrepresented students majoring in biological science, mathematics, computer science and public health interested in genomics and computational biology. Eight students will be selected each year and receive a stipend of $7,200 to cover housing and food at UC Berkeley, as well as paid travel expenses to attend an NIH research conference. Students will enroll in preparatory coursework at CSUF this academic year and begin research experiences at UC Berkeley next summer. The project is funded through the NIH National Human Genome Research Institute’s Genome Research Experiences to Attract Talented Undergraduates into Genomic Fields to Enhance Diversity. The university is receiving $236,349 in first-year funding for the five-year grant. Co-directing the project are CSUF’s Joshua Der, associate professor of biological science, an expert in population genetics and evolutionary genomics; Sam Behseta, professor of mathematics and 2022 Outstanding Professor; and Jessica Jaynes, associate professor of mathematics and director of the Center for Computational and Applied Mathematics. Behseta and Jaynes are experts in statistics and data science. Through Project EAGER, students will have the chance to acquire fundamental knowledge and skills required for entering the workforce, with a focus on evolution, genomics and data science, Jaynes said. “Data science and computational knowledge are indispensable for managing, analyzing and extracting meaningful insights from genomic data, which is fundamental to advancing research and applications in genomics,” she added. John Huelsenbeck and Doris Bachtrog, professors of integrative biology at UC Berkeley, also are co-leading the project. Huelsenbeck has developed models and computational tools that allow researchers to understand the processes driving genetic diversity. Bachtrog, an evolutionary geneticist, has made fundamental contributions to understanding the evolution of sex chromosomes. Students participating in the project will gain a foundational understanding of genetics and DNA, which are the building blocks of genomics. While genetics focuses on studying individual genes and their roles in inheritance, genomics is broader. Nikolaidis explained that the discipline examines the entirety of an organism’s genome, including how genes interact with each other and the environment. “Students will gain valuable skills, experience and knowledge, including how personal genomes can lead to personalized medicine,” Nikolaidis said. “In today’s world, understanding DNA — the blueprint of life — can lead to breakthroughs in personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup.” Project EAGER also aims to prepare students for advanced degrees and careers in science and medicine that could change the future of health care. “By encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to explore genomics and its applications, Project EAGER promotes diversity in science, leading to more inclusive and innovative solutions for health care and beyond,” Nikolaidis said. For more information or to participate in Project EAGER, contact Jaynes at [email protected].
Mar182024 October 14, 2024 Related Bristol one step closer to final Santa Ana city council approval for mixed-use project In a key step forward in the public approval process for Related Bristol, the Santa Ana City Council voted 6-0 to approve a plan to redevelop a 50-year-old declining retail center along South Bristol Street into a dynamic mixed-used urban village with an unprecedented package of economic and community benefits worth an estimated $544 million. A second and final vote by the City Council on the proposed redevelopment of the Metro Town Square Shopping Center is expected on October 15 to receive approval to move forward and begin work on specific design and construction plans. Groundbreaking for Related Bristol, developed by Related California – the largest developer of mixed-income housing in the state, with 3,750 apartments, 350,000 square feet of retail and commercial uses, 200 senior living units and a 250-room hotel is anticipated in early 2026 and the project would be built in three phases over a 10-year period. “Our hope is Related Bristol will serve as a catalyst for future generations to live, work and visit Santa Ana,” said Steven Oh, Executive Vice President of Related California. “We are encouraged and appreciative of the 400 letters of support and 1,400 comments we’ve received during the past two years. We are ready to start and deliver what we believe is the future model for growth and high quality residential development in this great city and elsewhere in this region.” Once completed, Related Bristol will be the largest private investment in Santa Ana’s long history. As proposed, it will generate $500 million in new net revenue to the city in the first 30 years of the project, $544 million in community benefits and 16,800 new jobs with first source local hiring initiatives focused on Santa Ana and Orange County residents. “Related Bristol is a vision to transform south Santa Ana into a marquee destination and unparalleled center for culture, community and connection,” said Gino Canori, President of Related California. “Related Bristol will be a welcoming place for all, serving not just the residents who may live on site, but the surrounding neighborhoods and greater Santa Ana region. It is a transformative project that will impact this city and central Orange County for decades to come.” Related Bristol is adjacent to South Coast Metro where art, fashion, entertainment, commerce and businesses are thriving. This landmark development will complement and further define with its own flavor and flair, one of the most desirable and accessible lifestyle hubs in Orange County. A major component of this project is the unprecedented mix of economic and community benefits that will address many of the community priorities. In response to the community’s feedback, Related worked closely with city staff for more than a year to create and advance the largest package of benefits in Santa Ana’s history, including: 13 acres of open space or nearly one-third of the site in the form of parks, outdoor plazas, lush landscaping, water features, gardens and pedestrian-only paseos. Active programming and free community events in Related Bristol’s three major parks. A public safety office for private and public security to reduce response times and improve safety at Related Bristol and in the surrounding neighborhoods, if requested by the city. $16 million in affordable housing in Lieu Fees. $22 million contribution towards a Community Benefit Fund that could be used for fire and life safety improvements in Santa Ana, a multi-use community center or library, affordable housing, public art, or other community benefits as determined by the city at its discretion. For more information about Related Bristol and the plan to create a new southern gateway to Santa Ana, visit www.RelatedBristol.com.
The Orange County Register politics editor Kaitlyn Schallhorn leads the team within the Register newsroom that contacts every candidate vying for every seat on the ballot in Orange County. Mar182024 October 14, 2024 Related Bristol one step closer to final Santa Ana city council approval for mixed-use project The Orange County Register Voter Guide for the November 5 general election is now live online at ocregister.com/voter-guide. Every election cycle, the politics team at the Register produces a definitive Voter Guide, a one-stop-shop where voters can hear from candidates on various issues in their own words, peruse quick explainers breaking down ballot measures, see the Register’s editorial board’s endorsements, and more. “It’s a herculean effort, and truly a team effort, to get the Voter Guide together, and each year we add more to it — like a map of ballot drop boxes, or additional FAQs based on feedback from readers and voters,” politics and city editor Kaitlyn Schallhorn says. To start a free 4-week digital subscription, OCBC readers can use this exclusive link: ocregister.com/OCBCgift.
2024 OCBC Legislative Scorecard Measures OC Elected Leaders on Business Priorities 2024 OCBC Legislative Scorecard Measures OC Elected Leaders on Business Priorities IRVINE, CA (October 4, 2024) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) has announced its 2024 Legislator of the Year—Assemblymember Laurie Davies. Her legislative leadership is being honored for representing Orange County’s business priorities in Sacramento as she scored highest among her peers on the Orange County Business Council 2024 Legislative Scorecard. OCBC’s annual Legislative Scorecard measures and compares how well Orange County’s elected leaders in the State Legislature aligned with OCBC’s policy priorities, including its core initiatives of economic development, workforce, housing and infrastructure. OCBC identified 20 bills as most critical to Orange County’s business community and regional economy. Assemblymember Davies aligned with OCBC 100% of the time on a total of 16 scoreable votes. “On behalf of the Orange County Business Council, I want to express our sincere gratitude to our legislators who demonstrated unwavering commitment to supporting business and fostering economic growth during this past legislative cycle,” said Jeff Ball, OCBC’s President & CEO. “Their leadership and dedication are essential to ensuring Orange County continues to thrive as a leading hub for innovation and opportunity. We are especially proud to recognize Assemblywoman Laurie Davies as OCBC’s 2024 Legislator of the Year. Her tireless advocacy for policies that strengthen our business community has been exemplary, and we congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.” OCBC’s annual Legislative Scorecard is a tool that holds elected officials accountable for how they represent the business sector of the nation’s sixth most populous county. In this most recent legislative cycle, OCBC continued to oppose and advocate for sustainable policies. Of the bills that OCBC opposed, 35% were killed in the legislature or vetoed by the Governor, while 20% of the bills supported by OCBC were signed into law, leading to a 55% overall success rate. “2024 has been another challenging year for business across the state, with mounting economic pressures and regulatory hurdles,” said Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs. “The need for strong, business-friendly legislation has never been more critical, and we’re grateful to Assemblymember Davies and her colleagues for their leadership in protecting the interests of the business community during such a tough year.” To view the 2024 Orange County Business Council Legislative Scorecard, visit ocbc.org. About Orange County Business CouncilFor nearly 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 Orange County, California. 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 for the nation’s sixth most populous county. 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, real estate and utilities. For more information, visit ocbc.org. Media Contact:Lizz Mishreki, APRVice President of CommunicationsOrange County Business [email protected]
Pictured are President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Suzanne Clark with OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball at a recent meeting.IRVINE, CA (October 2, 2024) — Jeffrey Ball, President and CEO of Orange County Business Council (OCBC), has been appointed to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 (CCC100). Founded in 1958, the CCC100 is an elite group of chamber executives (CEOs only) that advises the U.S. Chamber’s board of directors, enhances the U.S. Chamber’s pro-business advocacy and coalition work, and strengthens Chamber efforts to fight for American businesses. “The CCC100 has a long-standing reputation as one of the most prestigious appointments in the chamber community,” said Sara Armstrong, Vice President and Managing Director, Federation Relations and Coalition Partnerships at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “These appointments reflect our continued dedication to naming diverse, high-profile leaders to serve on this important committee.” “I am honored to join this elite group of Chamber colleagues and work more closely with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on their initiatives which focus on preservation of the free enterprise system,” said Ball. “Having this opportunity to represent Orange County on a national stage will be a benefit to our continued focus on Economic Development for the 6th most populous county in the nation. I look forward to working with my colleagues from across the country to provide greater opportunities for success while continuing to support our local and ethnic chambers in service to businesses and organizations of all sizes across Orange County.” For nearly 30 years, Orange County Business Council has been representing and promoting the region’s business community together with government and academia to enhance Orange County’s economic development. 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. For more information, visit ocbc.org. Media Contact Lizz Mishreki, APR Vice President of Communications Orange County Business Council [email protected]
Orange County Business Council represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance the economic development of the nation’s sixth largest county.
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