Now accepting applications! Who turns Red Tape Into Red Carpet in your community?

Press Releases

IRVINE, CA— Orange County Business Council (OCBC) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the fourth annual “Turning Red Tape Into Red Carpet” Awards. Acknowledging the good work local government can do in tough times, the awards program honors Orange County’s local governments that have implemented innovative policies and programs that cut through red tape, eliminate barriers to economic growth and open the door to private sector jobs creation. Since its inception the program has expanded to include over 40 nominees each year, showcasing the county’s most innovative and cost-reducing government programs. Its success is recognized throughout the state, including the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, “Streamlining Superstars,” and California Association for Local Economic Development’s annual “Awards of Excellence,” programs. Winners will be recognized at an Awards Reception on November 20, 2014 at the Irvine Marriot, for achievement in the following categories: Business Retention and Expansion, Responding to Globalization, Sustainable and Green Development, and Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse. The Partnership Award will be presented to the nominee demonstrating a steadfast commitment to public-private partnerships, and the Leadership Award for Public Service will be presented to an outstanding leader in the public sector who is advancing economic development in their community. Details: Nomination deadline: Friday, September 12, 2014 Entry fee: $75 per nomination. No limit to the number of entries an agency may submit. Submitted to: www.ocbc.org/redcarpet, or mailed to OCBC, 2 Park Plaza, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92614. Awards Reception and Announcement: Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the Irvine Marriot. For more information: visit www.ocbc.org/redcarpet or contact Matt Petteruto, Vice President of Economic Development, at 949.794.7209 or [email protected]. About OCBC: Orange County Business Council is the leading voice of business in Orange County, California. OCBC represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance Orange County’s economic development and prosperity in order to preserve a high quality of life. OCBC serves member and investor businesses with nearly 250,000 employees and 2,000,000 worldwide. In providing a proactive forum for business and supporting organizations, OCBC helps assure the financial growth of America’s sixth largest county. For more information, visit www.ocbc.org. # # #

OCBC applauds state for keeping High-Speed Rail on track

Press Releases

IRVINE, CA —Orange County Business Council released the following statement today from President and CEO Lucy Dunn in response to the state Legislature’s approval of SB1029, allocating $4.5 billion in funding for the nation’s first High-Speed Rail system. OCBC applauds the vision, leadership and perseverance of those who voted in favor of jobs, the environment and the economy by supporting funding for high-speed rail, including Orange County’s elected leaders Senator Lou Correa and Assembly Members Tony Mendoza and Jose Solorio. As a business organization working to enhance Orange County’s economic development and prosperity, OCBC has been a strong supporter of high-speed rail, recognizing it as a critical component of a comprehensive transportation network for the state. “Orange County and California’s economic vitality depend on an effective multi-modal 21st century transportation system,” Dunn said. “From greater mobility, to job creation, to environmental and economic benefits, every country in the world that has a high-speed train system has been enhanced by its development. In the U.S., California is once again on the forefront of innovation, the first in the nation to create a system that we believe will ultimately lead to improved passenger rail travel throughout the country.” With the state’s population expected to grow by 500,000 each year over the next 20 years, California is faced with increased infrastructure demands that cannot be met with the current transportation system. California needs a long-term, multi-modal transportation plan to meet these growing needs and high-speed rail provides the better, faster, and cheaper option to increase mobility and economic vitality for years to come. Built out in phases over 25 years, the 800 mile rail system would take 70 million cars off the road annually, while costing less than half of that needed to expand the state’s current transportation system. California’s high-speed rail will result in improved movement of people, goods and services by allowing for faster ground travel between major metropolitan areas and reliving congestion on all major freeways and airports. About OCBC: Orange County Business Council is the leading voice of business in Orange County, California. OCBC represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance Orange County’s economic development and prosperity in order to preserve a high quality of life. OCBC serves member and investor businesses with nearly 250,000 employees and 2,000,000 worldwide. In providing a proactive forum for business and supporting organizations, OCBC helps assure the financial growth of America’s sixth largest county. For more information, visit www.ocbc.org. # # #

Hoag CEO Dr. Richard Afable Kicks Off OCBC Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast Series

Press Releases

IRVINE, CA—Orange County Business Council (OCBC) is pleased to announce the 2011 Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast Series, beginning on Wednesday, March 2, featuring Dr. Richard Afable, President and CEO of Hoag Memorial Hospital. OCBC’s Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast Series features high-level guest speakers who share their tools for success and leadership philosophy. The series is hosted by Thomas Phelps of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, and takes place quarterly at the Center Club in Costa Mesa. Prior to joining Hoag in 2005, Dr. Afable was the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Catholic Health East, an East Coast health system comprised of 31 acute care hospitals and 47 long-term care facilities. Before joining Catholic Health East, Dr. Afable was the founder and President/CEO of Preferred Physician Partners (PPP), an Ohio-based physician practice management company that supported physician groups and provider networks. The second breakfast on Thursday, May 26 features guest speaker Scott Davis, Chairman and CEO of United Parcel Service, the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services. Prior to his current position, Davis served as vice chairman and chief financial officer. The third breakfast on Tuesday, August 23 features guest speaker David Pyott, Chairman and CEO of Allergan. Pyott has more than 26 years of international experience in nutrition and health care and has worked in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. The final guest speaker of the series is Victor Nichols, CEO of Experian North America, who will be speaking at the Tuesday, October 18 breakfast. Prior to this appointment in 2010, Nichols was Chief Executive Officer, UK and EMEA, and leader of Experian’s Marketing Services practice globally. He joined Experian in early 2007 with 27 years of experience in the fields of finance and technology.