Business Connections

OCBC’s Business Connections series convenes key decision-makers to explore initiatives and issues shaping the region’s economic and policy landscape. These public meetings encourage broad participation from across the business community. With engaging formats like roundtables with elected officials, expert industry panels and virtual fireside chats, OCBC delivers timely insights and practical strategies to empower local business owners and leaders with the knowledge they need to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in Orange County.

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Upcoming Events

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

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), Molly Nichelson (County of Orange)
Moderated by: Jeff Ball (Orange County Business Council)

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Past Events

Tariff Policies in Practice: What Business Leaders Need to Know

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)

Navigating Healthcare Costs: Business Insights for Competitive Benefits & Sustainable Savings

April 29, 2025
More than 60 healthcare leaders joined industry experts for “Navigating Healthcare Costs: Business Insights for Competitive Benefits & Sustainable Savings.” Panelists included Chris Arias, Executive Director of Business Development at OCBC investor MemorialCare, Ron Scaffidi, Benefits Consultant of The Baldwin Group, and Lester Morales, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Next Impact, LLC. The event offered practical strategies for managing healthcare costs while maintaining competitive benefits, highlighting alternative solutions, cost-control methods for small to mid-sized employers and guidance for those concerned about administrative capacity.

Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses

March 19, 2025
OCBC, in partnership with Concordia University Irvine, held an "OCBC Business Connections" session that featured a panel of industry experts who shared key strategies, best practices, and resources to help businesses strengthen their resilience against cyber threats. OCBC Business Connections is a new initiative for the Council where industry leaders present in-depth insights on critical issues facing the business community. Panelists, pictured L-R, included moderator OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball, Randy Jeter of Procure IT and Lance Larson of Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center.

SCAQMD PARS 1111 & 1121

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.

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Upcoming Events

Have Questions?

To learn about OCBC Business Connections, contact OCBC Business Initiatives Facilitator Jorgie Sandoval at [email protected].