Chapman University receives $10 million gift: elevates Argyros School to College

Oct312023 Oct 31, 2023 The George L. Arygros School of Business and Economics at Chapman University expanded into the George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics thanks to the Argyros family’s recent gift of $10 million. The shift from school to college provides an umbrella for schools dedicated to various areas of research and teaching and supports Argyros’ climb as one of the nation’s top business schools. In May, the school ranked 60th in the Best Business Schools rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The gift was announced at the launch of Argyros’ Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series, where Earvin “Magic” Johnson was the inaugural speaker.

CSUF economists shed light on complex economy at 29th annual OCBC/CSUF Economic Forecast Conference

Oct312023 Oct 31, 2023 Nationally acclaimed CSUF economists Dr. Anil Puri and Dr. Mira Farka described the economy as resilient, yet complex, at the 29th Annual Economic Forecast Conference on October 19 in Anaheim. Over 425 guests had a front row seat examining the factors contributing to mixed signals in the economy. While the economists said that the recession is postponed, it’s not completely canceled. Puri is the director of the Woods Center for Economic Analysis and Forecasting at Cal State Fullerton, and Farka, a professor of Economics, serves as the co-director. Read the full Economic Forecast 2024: Mission Impossible? Searching for Growth in an Inflationary Economy. Thank you to title sponsor Farmers & Merchants Bank for making the event possible.

2023 Legislators of the Year Announced by Orange County Business Council

2023 OCBC Legislative Scorecard Measures OC Elected Leaders on Business Priorities IRVINE, CA (October 26, 2023) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) today announced its 2023 Legislators of the Year—Senators Janet Nguyen and Kelly Seyarto, and Assemblymembers Laurie Davies, Diane Dixon, Kate Sanchez and Tri Ta. The six leaders were honored for representing Orange County’s business priorities in Sacramento, and scored highest among their peers on the Orange County Business Council 2023 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 17 bills as most critical to Orange County’s business community and regional economy. Senators Nguyen (36th District, Huntington Beach), and Seyarto (32nd District, Yorba Linda), aligned with OCBC on 11 out of 12 votes; while Assemblymembers Davies (74th District, San Clemente), Dixon (72nd District, Newport Beach), Sanchez (71st District, Mission Viejo), and Ta (70th District, Garden Grove), aligned with OCBC 100% of the time on 15 votes each. “It’s my privilege to recognize and thank Senators Nguyen and Seyarto and Assemblymembers Davies, Dixon, Sanchez and Ta for their dedicated service to Orange County,” said Orange County Business Council President and CEO Jeffrey Ball. “OCBC commends their commitment to advancing economic development in our region.” 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, 69% were killed in the legislature, while 38% of the bills supported by OCBC were signed into law, leading to a 55% overall success rate. To view the 2023 Orange County Business Council Legislative Scorecard, visit ocbc.org.   About Orange County Business Council For over 25 years, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) 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 advocating for adequate investment in regional and statewide infrastructure, education development that leads to a competitive workforce, advocating for a range of housing, and developing pro-business solutions that lead to economic growth. 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.

Nationally Acclaimed CSUF Economists: Recession Postponed, Not Completely Canceled

29th Annual Economic Forecast Conference co-hosted by CSUF and OCBC ANAHEIM, CA (October 20, 2023) — California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) economists Dr. Anil Puri and Dr. Mira Farka described the economy—locally and nationally—as resilient, yet complex at the 29th Annual Economic Forecast Conference on October 19 in Anaheim. A collaboration of CSUF and Orange County Business Council (OCBC), the conference marked the release of the 2024 CSUF Economic Forecast Report. Economists Dr. Puri and Dr. Farka attributed the complex landscape to mixed signals. One example being how soft landings and recessions are virtually indistinguishable. “Looking under the hood” to take a deeper look suggests that data itself is also complex, they shared. More than 425 guests attended the 29th Annual Economic Forecast Conference. 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, who has served as dean of the College of Business and Economics at CSUF, most recently served as CSUF’s interim provost and vice president of academic affairs. Farka has been published in academic journals and is a nationally recognized economist for the accuracy of her forecasts. Title sponsor of the 29th Annual Economic Forecast Conference was Farmers & Merchants Bank. About Orange County Business Council For over 25 years, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) 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 advocating for adequate investment in regional and statewide infrastructure, education development that leads to a competitive workforce, advocating for a range of housing, and developing pro-business solutions that lead to economic growth. 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.   Photo caption: Pictured at her first OCBC/CSUF Economic Forecast Conference October 19, 2023 is new Cal State Fullerton President Dr. Sylvia A. Alva, second from left, with (left to right) CSUF economist Dr. Anil Puri, economist Dr. Mira Farka, OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball and Dean of the College of Business and Economics Dr. Sridhar Sundaram.

Law Enforcement, Fire and Health Care Workers Honored at Orange County Business Council’s First Responders Dinner

IRVINE, CA (September 13, 2023) — Nearly 200 community and business leaders gathered at the 2023 First Responders Dinner hosted by Orange County Business Council on September 12th. The inaugural event in Anaheim recognized nine first responder organizations in law enforcement, fire and health care that protect and serve the businesses, residents and visitors of Orange County. Their commitment makes it possible for Orange County to be an economic leader in the state and the nation’s sixth largest county. Presenters also acknowledged the 22nd anniversary of 9-11 and the recent response to the shooting at Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon. 2023 honoree organizations and their stories below: Be Well Orange County—Samantha Cabrera, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Garden Grove HOPE Team

2023 Health Care Forum Panelists Share Same Concerns About Staffing, Technology and More at 5th Annual Health Care Forum

Orange County Business Council hosts panel of leading Orange County health care executives IRVINE, CA (August 17, 2023) — CEOs and top executives from Orange County hospitals and health care systems discussed continuing investments, innovations in care and research, and critical issues impacting the nation’s sixth largest county at the fifth annual Orange County Business Council (OCBC) Health Care Forum, “Orange County: Innovating Health Care” August 16 in Newport Beach. Panelists included President and Chief Executive Officer of MemorialCare Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Institutes Officer of Hoag Teresa Conk, Chief Nurse Executive of Kaiser Permanente Orange County Dr. Wendy Cortez, Chief Executive of Providence, South Division and OCBC board member Laureen Driscoll, Chief Executive Officer of UCI Health Chad Lefteris, and President of City of Hope Orange County Annette M. Walker, M.H.A. Chief Administrative Officer of City of Hope Orange County and OCBC board member Annette Morgan, MBA was the title sponsor presenter. Panelists discussed the risks and benefits of AI in healthcare. For physicians, panelists don’t believe that AI will take away doctors’ jobs. In fact, they’re finding that AI is reducing doctor fatigue, for instance. On the patient side, AI is providing early detection for multiple conditions. And, while AI also improves documentation and administrative work, the consequences of risks must be weighed carefully if AI is to align with the human element. As for how the health care industry continues to respond to the labor shortage, executives agreed that hospitals and systems must remain creative, such as offering positions on the spot at job fairs. The most concerning intersection of all, however, was the lack of affordable housing for workers. The work that many do in hospitals is not easy work, yet to tack on a long commute is troublesome. In the end, panelists agreed that theirs is a humanity business where caring is at the core. Title sponsor of the 2023 Health Care Forum was City of Hope Orange County. Platinum sponsor was Hoag, while gold sponsors included CalOptima Health, Kaiser Permanente, MemorialCare, Providence, and UCI Health; silver sponsors included American Career College-West Coast University, Chapman University and CHOC. About Orange County Business Council For over 25 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 largest county. The Council’s core initiatives include advocating for adequate investment in regional and statewide infrastructure, education development that leads to a competitive workforce, advocating for a range of housing, and developing pro-business solutions that lead to sustainable economic growth. Members 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, APR Vice President of Communications Orange County Business Council [email protected]

OCBC Welcomes New Board Member

Dr. Michael J. Beals of Vanguard University Joins Orange County Business Council Board of Directors IRVINE, CA (August 4, 2023) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Dr. Michael J. Beals, President of Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, has joined OCBC’s Board of Directors. “I am honored to have this community leader join our board of directors. His insights and talents will be invaluable for the Business Council as we continue to advance our infrastructure, workforce, housing, and economic development initiatives,” said Jeffrey Ball, President and CEO of OCBC. Prior to being named the 10th President of Vanguard University, Beals served in various leadership roles at Vanguard including assistant professor of Philosophical Theology and Christian Ethics and Dean of Spiritual Formation. An alumnus of Vanguard, Beals brings 40 years of experience in higher education to the private faith-based institution. After earning his Bachelor’s degree from Vanguard, Beals earned an M.A. in Church Leadership also from Vanguard, and a second M.A. in Biblical Studies and Theology, as well as a PhD in Christian ethics, both from Fuller Theological Seminary. Vanguard University was recently accepted as a provisional member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. About Orange County Business Council For over 25 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 largest county. The Council’s core initiatives include advocating for adequate investment in regional and statewide infrastructure, education development that leads to a competitive workforce, advocating for a range of housing, and developing pro-business solutions that lead to sustainable economic growth. Members 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, APR Vice President of Communications Orange County Business Council [email protected]

OCBC Welcomes New Board Members

Dr. Henrik Cronqvist, Laureen Driscoll, MBA, MSN, RN, NE-BC and Steven Oh Join Orange County Business Council Board of Directors IRVINE, CA (May 12, 2023) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Dr. Henrik Cronqvist, the Robert J. and Carolyn A. Waltos Dean and Professor of Finance at Chapman University George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics, Laureen Driscoll, MBA, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Interim Chief Executive at Providence, south division and Steven Oh, Senior Vice President of Development at Related California, have joined OCBC’s Board of Directors. “I am honored to have these community leaders join our board of directors. Their insights and talents will be invaluable for the Business Council as we continue to advance our infrastructure, workforce, housing, and economic development initiatives,” said Jeffrey Ball, President and CEO of OCBC. Award-winning and internationally recognized researcher and author, Dr. Henrik Cronqvist is the Robert J. and Carolyn A. Waltos Dean and Professor of Finance at Chapman University’s George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics. Cronqvist, who has developed business cases and simulation models and led executive education programs in the U.S., Asia, and Latin America, serves as a consultant to corporations, investment firms, banks, and law firms. As the Interim Chief Executive for Providence, south division, Laureen Driscoll oversees 17 hospitals in Northern and Southern California, along with numerous medical offices, clinics and specialty care facilities. Driscoll’s previous experience includes serving as the organization’s Regional Chief Executive for Northern California, President of Tacoma General and Allenmore Hospitals and Vice President of Operations at MultiCare. With 15 years of experience at Related, Steven Oh is the Senior Vice President of Development for Related California where he is responsible for managing mixed-use developments in Northern and Southern California. During his time, he has overseen the execution of more than $1.5 billion of completed developments and $3 billion in pre-development, which includes the $1 billion The Grand LA and Related Bristol, a $3 billion planned development set to offer residential housing and retail across from South Coast Plaza. About Orange County Business Council For over 25 years, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) 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 advocating for adequate investment in regional and statewide infrastructure, education development that leads to a competitive workforce, advocating for a range of housing, and developing pro-business solutions that lead to economic growth. 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, APR Vice President of Communications Orange County Business Council [email protected]