IRVINE, CA (February 7, 2025) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Brian Helleland, Chief Executive at St. Joseph Hospital & Orange County/High Desert for Providence, and Mitra Novin Rogers, Public Policy Lead of Amazon Web Services (AWS), have joined OCBC’s Board of Directors.
IRVINE, CA (December 9, 2024) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Paul Simonds has joined the organization as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Jorge (Jorgie) Sandoval has joined OCBC as the new Business Initiatives Facilitator. Both appointments are effective December 9, 2024.
IRVINE, CA (November 8, 2024) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County Superintendent of Schools for the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE), has joined OCBC’s Board of Directors.
BIZPAC also announces endorsements of State Senate and Assembly candidates IRVINE, CA (November 4, 2024) — Orange County Business Council’s BIZPAC announced it has endorsed U.S. Representatives Lou Correa (46th District), Young Kim (40th District) and Michelle Steel (45th District) in each of their bids for reelection to Congress. “OCBC’s BIZPAC is proud to endorse leaders who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Orange County’s economic growth and quality of life,” said Amanda Walsh, Orange County Business Council Vice President of Government Affairs. “Congressman Correa stands out for his bipartisan approach and his understanding of the vital role that economic development, workforce, and infrastructure investments play in sustaining our community. Congresswoman Kim has proven herself as a champion of business growth, helping keep Orange County competitive. Congresswoman Steel remains a dedicated advocate for the business community, consistently supporting both small and large businesses and advocating for taxpayer protections.” “Additionally, OCBC’s BIZPAC has endorsed several state legislative candidates who align with OCBC’s mission of promoting a healthy business climate in California. Their commitment to practical, pro-business policies ensures that Orange County will continue to thrive economically while navigating regulatory and fiscal challenges. In addition to its endorsements of Correa, Kim, and Steel, OCBC’s BIZPAC also announced its support for candidates in various State Senate and Assembly races throughout Orange County.” The candidates who have received BIZPAC’s endorsement include: FEDERAL: Michelle Steel for Congress 2024 Young Kim for Congress 2024 Lou Correa for Congress 2024 Scott Baugh for Congress 2024 STATE: Cottie Petrie-Norris for Assembly 2024 Laurie Davies for Assembly 2024 Diane Dixon for Assembly 2024 Kate Sanchez for Assembly 2024 Tri Ta for Assembly 2024 Josh Newman for Senate 2024 About OCBC’s BIZPAC Orange County Business Council’s Political Action Committee, BIZPAC, was established more than 20 years ago as a means to support candidates and ballot measures which promote and protect the public policy agenda of the Orange County Business Council. Media Contact: Amanda Walsh Vice President, Government Affairs [email protected] 714.292.7080
IRVINE, CA (November 4, 2024) — Orange County Business Council’s BIZPAC announced it has endorsed numerous candidates seeking election to local city and county offices in Orange County. “Strong local leadership is essential to achieving Orange County’s economic and quality-of-life objectives, and it’s crucial for the business community to work alongside our government partners,” said Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs at Orange County Business Council (OCBC). “OCBC’s BIZPAC is honored to back these dedicated public servants and community leaders in their efforts to serve Orange County.” The candidates who have received BIZPAC’s endorsement include: SUPERVISORIAL: Janet Nguyen for Supervisor 2024 Don Wagner for Supervisor 2024 LOCAL: Kristen Maahs for Anaheim City Council 2024, District 5 Carlos Franco for Buena Park City Council 2024, District 2 Stephanie Klopfenstein for Garden Grove Mayor 2024 Mike Carroll for Irvine City Council 2024, District 4 John Park for Irvine City Council 2024, District 1 James Mai for Irvine City Council 2024, District 3 Nicholas Dunlap for Fullerton City Council 2024, District 2 Tanya Doby for Los Alamitos City Council 2024, District 1 Kathy Tavoularis for Orange City Council 2024, District 3 Jon Dumitru for Orange City Council 2024, District 2 Ryan Gallagher for Tustin City Council 2024 Tara Campbell for Yorba Linda City Council 2024 Peggy Huang for Yorba Linda City Council 2024 Anthony Johnson for Yorba Linda City Council 2024 WATER: Frank Ury for SMWD Board 2024 SCHOOL BOARD: Timothy Jemal for SOCCCD Board 2024 Teri Rocco for GGUSD School Board 2024 About OCBC’s BIZPAC Orange County Business Council’s Political Action Committee, BIZPAC, was established more than 20 years ago as a means to support candidates and ballot measures which promote and protect the public policy agenda of the Orange County Business Council. Media Contact: Amanda Walsh Vice President, Government Affairs [email protected] 714.292.7080
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]
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]
Participants of the first moderated session for the 2024 Orange County Business Council (OCBC) Legislative Day are pictured from left Assistant Vice Chancellor for Community and Government Relations Alberto Sandoval of the University of California, Irvine, and The Honorable Josh Newman from the California State Senate. IRVINE, CA (September 13, 2023)—Community and business leaders gathered at Orange County Business Council’s second annual First Responders Dinner on September 12th in Anaheim. The event recognized first responder honorees who protect and serve the businesses, residents and visitors of Orange County. Their commitment and service makes it possible for Orange County to be an economic leader in the state. 2024 honoree organizations and their stories include: Automobile Club of Southern California and Bitetto Towing—Vice President of Automotive Services Nannalee Haywood and Senior Trainer Scott Swann of Automobile Club of Southern California, as well as Bitetto Towing Service Technician Andrew Hernandez Falck—Operations Managers Jeremy Ruga and Matthew Spencer Fullerton Police Department—Police Officer George Peterson Newport Beach Police Department—Police Officer Lina You and Detective Beau Rains Orange County District Attorney’s Office—TARGET/GANGS, Organized Crime Unit, and Public Affairs Unit Orange County Fire Authority—Fire Captain Richard Ventura, Fire Apparatus Engineer Andrew Strebel, and Firefigher/Paramedics Zachary Richardson and Alan Yturralde. Placentia Fire and Life Safety—Fire Captain Joshua Martin, Fire Engineer Samuel Listoe, and Firefighter Mark Aguirre University of California, Irvine Police Department—Police Officer Orng Liev Former NBCLA, Orange County Bureau Chief Vikki Vargas announced the honoree awards and stories. A moment of silence also recognized first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty. They included: Rob Culp, Fire Captain, Orange County Fire Authority, last assigned to Fire Station 27, Irvine Alexander Rodish, Equipment Operator II, Caltrans The evening concluded with a cyber-security presentation by a cybercrimes investigator of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Sponsors included title sponsor UCI Health, and gold sponsors Chevron, Falck, Hoag, MemorialCare, and Providence. 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 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 of 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]
Jason Bennett, Paul King and Enrique Perez, J.D., Join Orange County Business Council Board of Directors IRVINE, CA (August 9, 2024) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Jason Bennett, Senior Vice President and Director of Branch Banking for Farmers & Merchants Bank (F&M Bank), Paul King, Senior Vice President at McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., and Enrique Perez, J.D., Vice Chancellor of Educational Services at Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD), have joined OCBC’s Board of Directors.
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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