Orange County Early Talent Signals

February 25, 2026

Join the Orange County Business Council, regional employers, College Board and K–12 and community college educators for a networking reception focused on strengthening Orange County’s talent pipeline. We’ll share new and innovative ideas for signaling early talent and career readiness, explore ways to collaborate more deeply in the months ahead, and then head together to the OC Pathways Showcase to see students demonstrate their pathways in action.

– Connect with K-12 and community college leaders shaping local pathways

– Share what “career-ready” looks like in your industry and how early talent can show it

– Choose a simple way to engage as we build tomorrow’s workforce together

Talent Signals Mixer immediately followed by the OC Pathways Showcase, where forward thinking employers can meet their future workforce and learn how Orange County programs are preparing students for their future careers.

Prop 36: Bridging the Gap Between Voter Intent & Action

February 11, 2026

Public safety and quality of life are essential to a strong business climate, and California voters made their expectations clear with the passage of Proposition 36 in 2024. Join Orange County Business Council on Wednesday, February 11, from 12 PM – 2 PM (PST) at Orange Coast College for a timely discussion on the implementation process of Prop 36 and the growing gap between voter intent and state action, as the law moves forward without sufficient funding to support enforcement and local implementation.

This free event brings together Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, California State Senator Catherine Blakespear, Orange County Senior Assistant District Attorney Robert Mestman, and Irvine Police Department Chief Michael Kent to examine how implementation gaps affect business operations and community safety. Attendees will also receive tools to engage the administration for funding support and learn practical strategies for partnering with law enforcement to combat emerging crime trends and report crime more effectively.

As employers and job creators, the business community plays a critical role in advocating for policies that enhance public safety and protect the quality of life in Orange County, ensuring this region remains a place where businesses and communities can thrive.

Space is limited. RSVP below to secure your seat.

Speakers: Sheriff Don Barnes (Orange County Sheriff’s Department), California State Senator Catherine Blakespear (CA – District 38), The Honorable Robert Mestman (Senior Assistant District Attorney, Orange County), Michael Kent (Irvine Police Department)

Moderated by: Paul Simonds (OCBC)

2026 Orange County Community Indicators Report & Rollout

November 13, 2025

The economic success of Orange County depends on the strength of its people, infrastructure, and communities. Orange County Business Council, in collaboration with CalOptima Health, First 5 Orange County, Orange County Community Foundation, and Orange County United Way, is proud to host the 2026 Orange County Community Indicators Report & Rollout Business Connections program on Thursday, November 13, from 1:30 – 3:30 PM (PST) at the Vanguard University William J Seymour Sanctuary. 

Attendees will be the first to receive an exclusive preview of the latest insights shaping the region’s business climate and quality of life. From workforce readiness, housing affordability, and infrastructure investment, this discussion will unpack key findings from the report and provide a roadmap for businesses and community leaders to innovate, collaborate, and invest in the future of Orange County’s prosperity. 

This year’s program will explore how data-driven insights can inform local policy, guide community investment, and support shared solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the trends impacting Orange County’s economy and learn how collaborative efforts across sectors can sustain a strong, inclusive, and resilient future.

Addressing the Economic Impacts of Beach Erosion

October 22, 2025

Beach erosion isn’t just an environmental issue, it poses serious risks to Orange County’s business economy, tourism, and quality of life. Join Orange County Business Council on Wednesday, October 22, from 9:00 – 11:00 AM (PST) at The Marina Park Community & Sailing Center for a timely discussion on the economic impacts of shoreline loss and the funding challenges of protecting our coastlines. Hear from experts, elected officials, and business leaders as they examine restoration needs and explore strategies to preserve our beaches. 

With billions of dollars in regional revenue tied to our coasts, understanding and addressing this issue is critical for sustaining Orange County’s economic development. 

Panel 1 
Moderator: Tony Petros (Chief Executive Officer, LSA)
Speaker: Assemblymember Diane Dixon (CA-AD 72)

Panel 2 
Moderator: Supervisor Katrina Foley (Orange County Board of Supervisors, District 5) 
Speakers: Heather Johnston – (Visit Dana Point), Jim Merid (City of Huntington Beach), and Dave Dzwilewski (Gail Materials Inc.)

Hosted by: Newport Beach, City Councilmember Robyn Grant

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), Carrie Braun (County of Orange)

Moderated by: Jeff Ball (Orange County Business Council)

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.