News

Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan Delivers State of the City Address

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Mayor Farrah N. Khan delivered her State of the City Address virtually from the Irvine City Hall Council Chamber on February 23. Topics included COVID-19 impact and City response, community investment and development, cultural diversity, City awards, and the celebration of Irvine’s 50th anniversary. In her address, Mayor Khan reiterated her commitment to investment in and the development of the City in the coming year. She highlighted the $17.7 million in rent relief, the formation of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and the commencement of a $2 million transportation pilot program. She also emphasized the coming $27 million in librar...

Transportation Corridor Agencies Begins Cattle Grazing Pilot Program at Live Oak Plaza Conservation Area

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) this week kicked off a pilot program in which cattle graze the land at the Agencies’ Live Oak Plaza Conservation Area in Trabuco Canyon. The first grazing period will continue for approximately two to three weeks. The program, approved by the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) Board of Directors last year, helps to mitigate wildfire risk and promote native vegetation. Conservation grazing, or targeted grazing, is the use of grazing livestock to improve and maintain the quality of biodiversity of natural areas. In May, the F/ETCA adopted conservation grazing as the preferred, science-based approach to manag...

Bank of Southern California Joins Greater Irvine Chamber as Bronze-Level Leaders Circle Partner

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Bank of Southern California has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber as a bronze-level Leaders Circle partner. “Our partnership with the Greater Irvine Chamber allows Bank of Southern California to further its commitment to the region’s business community,” said Danni Remington Smithson, executive vice president and regional manager, Bank of Southern California Orange County. “I’m honored to take part in advancing the mission of both organizations in serving the community.” Based out of the company’s Irvine office, Remington Smithson is responsible for growing the Bank’s customer base in Orange County by building lasting relationships with local businesses. Danni is well known in the Greate...

IVC Names Performing Arts Center Main Stage for Irvine Resident

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Irvine Valley College (IVC) and the Irvine Valley College Foundation are proud to announce the first-ever naming gift for the IVC Performing Arts Center. Masoud Rezanoor, an Irvine resident, pledged $250,000 to provide enrichment opportunities for the music department at IVC. To acknowledge Rezanoor’s generosity, the Main Stage of the Performing Arts Center will be renamed the Rezanoor Stage. Rezanoor is a longtime Irvine resident and retired CPA who loves the community he lives in. His connection with IVC first started when his daughter attended and graduated with her Associate in Arts degree in 2000. When the COVID-19 stay-at-home mandate wa...

UCI Researchers Join Forces to Tackle Challenges in Human Health and the Environment

Monday, February 22, 2021

The newly opened Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building at the University of California, Irvine was conceived with one goal in mind: providing a place where researchers in disparate academic fields could work together to address grand challenges, principally in human health and the planet’s climate crisis. Faculty, students and staff are now moving into the facility after three and a half years of construction. Made possible by seed financing from Susan and Henry Samueli, through the Samueli Foundation, combined with resources from the UC Office of the President and UCI, the gleaming, six-story edifice of glass, steel and concrete adds mor...

Bugatti Getting its Own Irvine Showroom for $2 Million Veyron, $3 Million Chiron

Friday, February 19, 2021

(Orange County Register) Bugatti Newport Beach in Irvine is expanding its operation with a 1,500-square-foot showroom and service center that will showcase some of the French automaker’s high-performance and ultra-pricey vehicles. The dealership at 44 Auto Center Drive recently broke ground on the $2 million expansion, which is expected to be completed in late 2021 or early 2022. The showroom will feature a “configuration table” where buyers can order custom options in regard to color, trim, and other details. “There was no Bugatti franchise in Orange County before, but we’ve been awarded the franchise so we’re building a dedicated showroom at this address,” said Pietr...

City of Irvine and MemorialCare Partnered to Provide COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

Friday, February 19, 2021

Through the leadership of Mayor Farrah N. Khan, the City of Irvine and MemorialCare partnered together to offer a COVID-19 small trial vaccine clinic for Irvine’s most vulnerable seniors. “I’m thrilled to be able to provide vaccines to our City’s most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Khan. “The City Council and I have listened to residents’ requests and needs to bring vaccines to the City, and this is just the beginning of the great work my COVID-19 Task Force is capable of achieving through our partnerships.” The small trial clinic took place Friday, Feb. 19 at Lakeview Senior Center. Seniors vaccinated include the City’s most vulnerable populatio...

Have Your Voice Heard: Participate in the Greater Irvine Chamber State of Business Survey

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

To remain in touch with Irvine businesses during the Coronavirus crisis and learn about their needs, challenges, and aspirations, the Greater Irvine Chamber is conducting a short online survey, now through March 26, 5:00 p.m. The survey results will inform the Chamber how to best focus its resources to help Irvine business during this challenging time and into the future. TAKE THE SURVEY HERE Your input is appreciated and will benefit the entire Irvine business community. The online survey allows the Chamber to keep in touch with businesses while adhering to social distancing measures and is part of the award-winning Business Outreach Rally, which is conducted twice a year. Ove...

Homes Priced From Low-$400,000 Coming to Irvine

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

(Orange County Register) Irvine will get 68 affordable homes for income-qualified buyers at roughly half the price of a typical residence in the city. Irvine Community Land Trust started construction on its first ownership project — the Sage Park development on 4 acres north of Irvine Blvd. in the Portola Springs neighborhood. The nonprofit housing developer’s attached-home project, expected to be ready in 2022, will have 16 units with two bedrooms, 36 with three bedrooms and 16 with four. The trust estimates pricing to start “in the low-$400,000s.” As a comparison, the typical Irvine home is valued at $933,518 by Zillow — up 4.6% i...

Irvine, Orange County: Leader in Patient Care

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

By Bryan Starr, President and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber As published in the Feb. 15, 2021 issue of the Orange County Business Journal Irvine is a well-established global leader in life sciences, innovation, and medical technology and manufacturing. With companies like Allergan, B. Braun, Biolase Technologies, Edwards Lifesciences, and Kahala Biosciences located in Irvine, and Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Bausch & Lomb, and Beckman Coulter close by, Orange County is a life science innovation hub and has been fairly described as the medical device capital of the world. As reported right here in the pages of the Orange County Business Journal over the past severa...

Orange County’s Coronavirus Metrics Improve Again, Putting Red Tier Within Reach

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

(Orange County Register) Marking a fifth week of improving pandemic metrics from a rough start to the new year, Orange County has dipped one toe into the next, less restrictive tier of the state’s four-tier tracking system, which governs which businesses and public spaces can reopen. The county’s testing positivity – that’s the share of swab and spit tests coming back positive and is one of three critical metrics used to determine how strict pandemic rules should be – this week fell to 7.8%, barely making it over the 8% threshold into red tier territory, according to a state Department of Publi...

California Restaurant Jobs: Is The Industry Recovering?

Monday, February 15, 2021

(Patch) Restaurant workers are among the Golden State residents who have been most at risk of unemployment since the coronavirus pandemic began almost 11 months ago. California is one of the 46 states that have seen overall losses in restaurant industry employment from the beginning of the pandemic to the end of 2020. Only Indiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma ended 2020 with more people employed in the industry than in February of that year. Idaho saw no change. The trends are not going in the right direction nationally, however. A net 19,400 restaurant industry jobs were lost in January, according to early data from the Bureau o...

City of Hope Orange County is the Presenting Sponsor for the Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence Virtual Event

Monday, February 15, 2021

City of Hope Orange County is the presenting sponsor for Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence event to be live-streamed Wednesday, March 24 at noon. “The 2021 Women of Influence awardees are special because they show us the power and creativity of determined women, especially in challenging times. Today, we face a world we could not have imagined just one year ago. Let’s take inspiration from these honorees, empowering one another to build a better future for us all,” said Annette M. Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. City of Hope launched a Newport Beach location in January as th...

Irvine-Based Company Hiring 140,000 Delivery Drivers Nationwide

Saturday, February 13, 2021

(Orange County Register) Irvine-based Delivery Drivers Inc. (DDI), is planning to hire more than 140,000 last-mile drivers nationwide, including tens of thousands in Southern California, by the end of 2021. The drivers DDI provides work as independent contractors delivering for industries such as restaurants, courier services, grocers, medical and pharmaceutical outlets, and retail. Walmart is the company’s biggest client. DDI has experienced tremendous growth over the last five years due to a surge of delivery platforms coming to market and an ever-increasing need for last-mile delivery drivers in today’s gig economy. The company’s hiring boom is also being fueled by a surge in e-commerce buying. A...

John Wayne Airport Lands Direct Route to Hawaii, Resumes Flights to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta

Saturday, February 13, 2021

(Orange County Register) After a nine-year hiatus, a direct flight to Hawaii from Orange County is returning to John Wayne Airport. As of Feb. 13, travelers were able to start booking summer flights from John Wayne Airport to Honolulu aboard a daily United Airlines flight. The daily route, according to an announcement by the airline, begins May 6 and is scheduled to depart SNA daily at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in HNL at 11:30 a.m. The return flight leaves Honolulu at 12:50 p.m. Hawaii time and lands at 9:10 p.m. in Orange County. Direct flights from Santa Ana to Hawaii’s islands have had a stop-and-star...

Cox Communications’ Sam Attisha named 2021/2022 board chair for the California Cable & Telecommunications Association

Friday, February 12, 2021

The California Cable & Telecommunications Association (CCTA) announced during its Winter Board Meeting that Sam Attisha, senior vice president and region manager for Cox Communications’ California operations, will serve as the 2021/2022 board chair, providing leadership as the association champions innovative approaches to how Californians live, work and connect. Attisha, who began his role as board chair today, will serve a two-year term. “Sam’s wealth of experience in the industry and his commitment to communities throughout California will be an asset as our board and organization continue to reshape how our industry innovates and supports our state’s future,” said Carolyn McIntyre, presiden...

Irvine’s State of the City Address Set for February 23

Friday, February 12, 2021

Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan will deliver the State of the City Address Tuesday, February 23 at 5 p.m. Mayor Khan will offer a look back on accomplishments from 2020 and will share initiatives and highlights for 2021, including the City’s 50th anniversary. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the address will be delivered through a combination of live and video formats, and will not be open to the public. The State of the City will be available to watch on ICTV, Cox Communications Local Access Channel 30, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. It will also be live-streamed online at cityofirvine.org/ictv and on YouTube at youtube.com/ictv30.

MemorialCare Introduces SilverCloud to Address Mental and Behavior Health

Friday, February 12, 2021

MemorialCare is addressing mental and behavioral health conditions related to the Coronavirus pandemic, by providing access to a free online educational and therapeutic resource, SilverCloud, to help MemorialCare patients and members of the community, to think and feel better. SilverCloud, designed by experienced clinicians and based on proven therapeutic methods, provides digital tools and tactics to promote positive behavior changes that can help with mild to moderate levels of stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression to improve well-being. It is safe, confidential, and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. A study conducted last summer by the Centers for Disease Control concluded that 40% o...

Federal COVID-19 Response Taps UCI Health as a Model for Delivering Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Monoclonal antibodies are showing promise for improving outcomes for COVID-19 patients, but when a hospital is already beyond capacity, administering them can be a challenge. As hospitalizations soared across California, clinicians with UCI Health created a system for delivering monoclonal antibodies that is keeping hospital beds available for patients with the greatest need. “The hospital bed is one of the most valuable resources that we have, which has been stretched thin by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Daniel S. Chow, an assistant professor in residence in radiological sciences and co-director for the Center for Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Medicine as well as th...

Destination Irvine Looks to Sports Groups to Lead Hotel Recovery

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

During 2020—a tumultuous year for the travel and tourism industry—Destination Irvine (a division of the Greater Irvine Chamber) was faced with a monumental task: to continue bringing groups to Irvine to support the community’s economic vitality. Despite California’s COVID-19 restrictions, which are stricter than any other states’ and include crippling restrictions for groups of any size to gather, and a lack of guidelines as to what hotel-based meetings and sports tournaments will look like in the months ahead, Destination Irvine found opportunities to bring visitors to Irvine. But it’s been an uphill battle. Prior to March 2020, Destination Irvine was on pac...

Qatar Donates $40,000 to OCSC Community Foundation

Tuesday, February 09, 2021

The Orange County Soccer Club Community Foundation has received a $40,000 donation from the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States to support healthy, active communities in Orange County in celebration of Qatar’s National Sports Day. The donation received from the people of Qatar helps OCSC Community Foundation fulfill its mission: to use soccer as a vehicle to promote health and wellness, develop youth leadership, advance social change and create positive community impact. "This generous support will allow us to continue making our community a better, healthier place through soccer clinics, mental health clinics, equipment distribution, and academic programs,"...

11 Great Things About Living in Irvine

Monday, February 08, 2021

Irvine residents already what makes it a great city in which to live, play, and work. And there are well beyond 11 reasons. But to help those who are interested in moving to Irvine, Extra Space Storage has put together a list of 11 of the master-planned city's desirable qualities. Recognized as one of the happiest cities in America and one of the best U.S. cities for raising a family, this California city is incredibly safe, offers a rapidly growing job market, and has an abundance of family-friendly activities. Here are 11 things you need to know about living in Irvine! Plant Roots in America’s Safest City Phot...

CBRE Ranks Irvine's Tech Talent Pool as Top in Growth Potential

Monday, February 08, 2021

(Site Selection Magazine) CBRE has identified Irvine as a growing market for tech workers. Home to the University of California, Irvine, the city is one of the CBRE’s 2020 Scoring Tech Talent report's top gainers, having climbed five ranking spots to No. 21. Download the report. Baltimore (No. 11) and Columbus, Ohio, (No. 24), both of which rose three ranking spots, enjoy the presence of major universities and research labs, as do Madison, Wisconsin (No. 27) and Pittsburgh (No. 30). Does tech investment follow tech talent or the other way around? It’s actually some of both. The question going forward, said Colin Yasukochi, executive directo...

Greater Irvine Chamber Earns Top Awards from Industry Association

Monday, February 08, 2021

The Greater Irvine Chamber was honored with top awards by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) for its communications program and branded portfolio. The announcement was made during the 2021 W.A.C.E. Conference presented virtually Feb. 3-5. The Chamber received the top honor of Best Overall Communications Program. This is the Chamber’s fourth time to earn the title. The Chamber also earned three first-place honors: outstanding program for its Celebrate Resiliency campaign, best digital newsletter for Weekly Connection, and outstanding achievement in video for Greater Irvine Chamber: Here to Ensure You Are Part of Irvine’s Success, as well as special merit in the website category. The Western Association of Chamber Executives is the premie...

Hoag Orthopedic Institute Names Jay Patel, MD, New Chief Strategy Officer

Monday, February 08, 2021

Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI) has named Jay Patel, M.D., the new chief strategy officer. He replaces James Caillouette, M.D., a founder of HOI who held the position for more than 10 years. Dr. Caillouette assumed the board Chair position on January 1, 2021. The institute performs the most hip and knee replacement surgeries in California. “Dr. Patel is unique at HOI in that beyond his superb training as a hip and knee surgeon, he also worked as a consultant for McKinsey—a world-renown strategic consultancy group. This combination of expertise will be extremely valuable for the institution moving forward,” said Dr. Caillouette, wh...

Port Activity Surges as Pandemic Drives E-Commerce Imports

Sunday, February 07, 2021

(The Grunion) When 2020 dawned, the major concern at the Port of Long Beach centered around a burgeoning trade war with China. But then the global coronavirus pandemic quickly changed that, posing challenges the port had never before faced. The fallout from the pandemic was the focus of Executive Director Mario Cordero’s annual State of the Port address on Feb. 4, during which he touched on how the port marshaled resources to keep operations going, chronicled the year’s wildly inconsistent cargo numbers — which flatlined in the first half of 2020 and then boomed to record levels ahead of the holidays — an...

COVID-19 Shots Speed Up In Orange County As Health Networks Join the Race

Saturday, February 06, 2021

(Orange County Register) The Orange County government’s mass coronavirus vaccination drive is no longer the main option in town as traditional health networks ramp up immunizing their own elderly patients. Together, county representatives and health care providers – including large players such as Kaiser Permanente, Providence, and UCI Health – had administered about 265,000 first and second doses to 221,000 people by Jan. 31, according to the OC Health Care Agency’s latest figures. The shots are speeding up. Administrators have more than doubled the average number of shots given daily since mid-January to about 12,000 per day. The county Health Care Agency’s vaccination networ...

Why US Hiring Could Rebound Faster Than You Might Expect

Saturday, February 06, 2021

(Associated Press) Hiring has weakened for six straight months. Nearly 10 million jobs remain lost since the coronavirus struck. And this week, the Congressional Budget Office forecast that employment won’t regain its pre-pandemic level until 2024. And yet a hopeful view is gaining steam that as vaccinations reach a critical mass, perhaps around midyear, and the government provides further stimulus, the economy and the job market will strengthen much faster than they did after previous recessions. “I am not often optimistic,” said Heidi Shierholz, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute. “But I am optimistic now.” The brighter outlook rests on three premises. The first is tha...

California's Export Trade Rebounds In Latest Numbers Despite COVID's Ongoing Economic Fallout

Friday, February 05, 2021

(Beacon Economics) Despite the economic drag from recurring outbreaks of both old and new strains of the coronavirus, and from ongoing trade disputes inherited by the new Biden administration, California’s export trade in December nearly matched levels in December 2019, according to Beacon Economics’ analysis of the latest U.S. trade statistics released on Feb. 5 by the U.S. Census Bureau. Businesses in the state shipped a total of $14.019 billion in merchandise abroad in December, a nominal decline of less than one-tenth of 1% from the $14.033 billion in exports the state recorded in December 2019. By comparison, the value of al...

Free 2020 Tax-Preparation Services Available in Irvine

Friday, February 05, 2021

The City of Irvine, in partnership with Orange County United Way (OCUW), is offering free tax preparation services to taxpayers who earned less than $60,000 in 2020. Qualifying taxpayers who live, work, or attend school in Irvine can receive help filing their taxes from IRS-trained and certified volunteers, who will also assist eligible taxpayers in applying for tax credits, including the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). Free tax-preparation services are available at Cypress Community Park, 255 Visions in Irvine, from Feb. 10 through April 7, 2021, on Wednesdays between 12–7 p.m. An appointment is required; no walk-ins will b...

MemorialCare Participating in I-SPY COVID Trial to Evaluate Treatments for Severely-Ill COVID-19 Patients

Friday, February 05, 2021

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center continues its fight against COVID-19 as a participant in the I-SPY COVID Trial (Investigation of Serial Studies to Predict Your COVID Therapeutic Response with Biomarker Integration and Adaptive Learning). The focus of the trial is to improve outcomes for severely-ill COVID-19 patients. The I-SPY COVID Trial is an adaptive platform trial that incorporates a single-study structure to evaluate multiple treatments independently within the same trial. This method allows for the rapid assessment of potentially impactful therapies. All patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 requiring high flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation are screened for potential participation in thi...

UCI Institute for Future Health to Harness Technology to Build Personalized Health Model

Thursday, February 04, 2021

A newly established Institute for Future Health at the University of California, Irvine will combine research and clinical work to address the movement toward a more personalized healthcare model. The institute aims to integrate lifestyle, community, environment, and socioeconomic factors in conjunction with biomedical and clinical knowledge to radically transform health systems away from hospitals and clinics and into the hands of each individual. “The mission of the Institute for Future Health is to empower people to better manage their health and quality of life with technology-enabled, personalized, and timely advice,” said Pramod Khargonekar, vice chancellor for research. “Our approach is to understand lifestyle an...

Destination Irvine Earns Global Hospitality Award: Irvine, USA’s Best Emerging Leisure & Recreation Travel Destination

Tuesday, February 02, 2021

LUXlife has awarded its 5th annual Hospitality Award to Destination Irvine for its work to market Irvine’s well-deserved status as “USA’s Best Emerging Leisure & Recreation Travel Destination.” “To be globally recognized with this award, during a truly challenging year, is quite an honor,” said Wendy Haase, vice president, Destination Irvine. “Irvine being recognized as the best U.S. destination for leisure and recreation will further our marketing efforts that highlight the city’s safe and responsible COVID-19 recovery.” LUXlife Magazine, one of AI Global Media’s most popular standalone publications, recognized that many firms whose work is vital to the industry were not bein...

Concordia University Irvine Exceeds Comprehensive Campaign Goal Topping $100 Million

Monday, February 01, 2021

Concordia University Irvine (CUI) today announced the successful completion of its comprehensive campaign exceeding $100 million and surpassing its original goal of $85 million, making it the largest campaign in the University’s history. Launched in 2013, Forward in Faith—The Campaign for Concordia focused on new facilities, scholarships, academic programs, and the University’s endowment. “To witness donors place their confidence in our academic tradition and in our Concordia family in this way is both remarkable and historic,” said Dr. Michael Thomas who became Concordia University Irvine’s fifth president January 2020. “Celebrating this accomplishment, however, during the current circumstances of our state and countr...

Executive Coach Marsha Link, Ph.D., to Give Women of Influence Keynote on Emotional Intelligence & Self-Care in the Modern Workplace

Monday, February 01, 2021

Popular speaker and principal of Link Consulting Marsha Link, Ph.D., will provide the keynote presentation on emotional intelligence and self-care in the modern workplace, titled Time to Thrive, for the Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence virtual event on Wednesday, March 24 at 12:00 p.m. Dr. Link is an experienced clinician and consultant who has worked with individuals and groups in a variety of settings in business, education, and nonprofit organizations. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about advancing women in their respective roles and chosen directions. As an executive coach, Dr. Link has helped many women identify and achieve their professiona...

OCTA Plans New $38 Million Operations Facility

Monday, February 01, 2021

(Orange County Register) The Orange County Transportation Authority plans to move its security, dispatching, and emergency operations from Garden Grove to a new facility that will be built in Anaheim next to the 5 freeway. The $38 million, 32,000-square-foot building, known as the Transit Security and Operations Center, or TSOC, will be put on a 2.9-acre property at Lincoln Avenue and North Manchester Avenue. It will replace a three-decades-old facility that was not designed to accommodate emergency services or today’s technology, and that doesn’t have enough space, said Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, who chairs OCTA’s board. Trying to retrofit and maintain the ol...

Two H Mart Stores Expected in 2021 Will Bring Irvine’s Total to Three

Monday, February 01, 2021

(Orange County Register) Irvine will have two more H Mart supermarkets by year’s end when the Korean-American chain lands at Northpark Plaza and Westpark Plaza, bringing the city’s total to three. The stores are replacing Albertsons, which are due to close by the end of February. H Mart, which has an anchor location at Diamond Jamboree, offers a large selection of traditional Asian food plus the usual pantry essentials. The market is known for its kimchi bar, a selection of pickled and spiced cabbage. It also has an array of produce and fresh fish. The stores at Northpark Plaza and Westpark Plaza will span mor...

Chapman University Joins Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle as a Platinum-Level Partner

Sunday, January 31, 2021

Chapman University has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber as a platinum-level Leaders Circle partner. “Chapman University is very proud to be a part of the Greater Irvine Chamber,” said Daniele C. Struppa, president of Chapman University. “With the establishment of our Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in 2014, Chapman took a decisive step forward in both health science education and research. Our Rinker Campus is home to our School of Pharmacy, and several graduate programs within Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. In various and unique ways, this campus supports the community and enterprises of not only th...

COVID-19 Dominates California’s Latest Workplace Regulations

Sunday, January 31, 2021

(The Press-Enterprise) In response to the coronavirus pandemic, California lawmakers and regulatory agencies spent much of 2020 passing legislation and issuing regulations to prevent and address the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Many of these laws and regulations went into effect Jan. 1 and will continue impacting California businesses well beyond 2021. New Measures in Workplaces California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health approved sweeping emergency temporary standards on COVID-19 infection prevention in November for all employees not covered by Cal/OSHA’s Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard. The state’s ATD regulations commonly apply to workers in health care facilities, laboratories, public health as wel...

Irvine Ranked No. 1 in Fiscal Strength Survey for Fourth Year

Sunday, January 31, 2021

(Orange County Register) Truth in Accounting, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to translating inscrutable financial documents into a language everyone can understand, has ranked the City of Irvine as No. 1 in fiscal strength in the nation. In the group’s fifth annual report card on the nation’s 75 biggest cities, Irvine retains its title as the fiscally healthiest city in America for the fourth consecutive year—even while the vast majority of its brethren, both in California and across the nation, sink more deeply in debt thanks to promises they’ve made for pensions and retiree health care that are far more expensive than they ever expected. In its report, Truth i...

Progress Made by Great Park Developer FivePoint on Wildlife Corridor Connecting O.C. Coast with Cleveland National Forest

Sunday, January 31, 2021

(Los Angeles Times) During the Laguna Beach fire of 1993, many animals had difficulty retreating from the massive blaze due to a lack of open space. About 20% of Orange County’s gnatcatchers, an endangered songbird, were killed in the fire, which caused devastating damage, burning 16,000 acres and hundreds of homes. Then, in the wake of the fire, animals from the surrounding habitat could not access coastal areas to replenish their populations. Nearly three decades later, some progress has been made on a wildlife corridor funded, designed and constructed by Great Park developer FivePoint Holdings. The company is working alongside the environmental group Laguna Greenbelt, whic...

312-Apartment Complex Approved for Commercial Park Near John Wayne Airport

Saturday, January 30, 2021

(Orange County Register) Plans to make the commercial area near John Wayne Airport a bit more residential and reflect the rest of the seaside town’s look and feel is moving forward. On Tuesday, the Newport Beach City Council gave the OK for a local developer to begin work on a proposed 312-apartment building that will be stacked over an underground parking garage in the Koll Center Business Park. The project was approved unanimously 6-0, with Councilman Will O’Neill recusing himself because he is a member of the Pacific Club located nearby. The project will go back before the council on Feb. 9 fo...

U.K. Launches Formal Bid to Join Transpacific Trading Bloc

Saturday, January 30, 2021

(Bloomberg) The U.K. will formally request to join an 11-member transpacific trading bloc Feb. 1, with negotiations expected to start later this year. Since leaving the European Union, Britain has signed bilateral trade agreements of varying depths with seven members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP, including Japan, Vietnam, and Singapore. The U.K. Department for International Trade said it hoped accession to the group would build on these to facilitate easier business travel, eliminate tariffs on British exports such as whisky and cars, and simplify rules of origin so that U.K. manufacturers can use more components made in membe...

Bond Refunding Yields Significant Savings for Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency

Friday, January 29, 2021

The Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) has executed a bond refunding transaction on certain outstanding 2013A and all 2013C bonds in a move that further strengthens the Agency’s cash position and creates additional flexibility to pay down other bonds early or invest in key capital projects. “This transaction is another example of how the F/ETCA works in the best interest of the public to reduce debt service and ensure the long-term financial health of the Agency. I commend the work our staff has done to facilitate the continued strong fiscal position of the Agency,” said F/ETCA Chair and Yorba Linda Mayo...

In Case You Missed It: Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook Presentation and Slides Available Online

Friday, January 29, 2021

Whether you missed the Jan. 28 live-streamed presentation of the 2021 Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook event, would like to revisit it, or share it with others, the complete presentation, program booklet, and Chris Schwarz’s slide deck can be accessed here: Business Outlook 2021.

Irvine Company is Nation’s First Commercial Real Estate Co. to Partner with Environmental Quality Testing Leader to Confirm Ventilation, Filtration Systems Effectiveness

Friday, January 29, 2021

A healthy workplace environment starts with healthy air. The Irvine Company is the first commercial real estate company in the nation to partner with SafeTraces, an indoor environmental quality testing leader, to confirm the effectiveness of our ventilation and filtration systems. The Irvine Company also continues to proactively evaluate our building systems and wellness protocols: UL Verified Healthy Building Mark - Indoor Air. Irvine Company is the first commercial real estate provider in the United States to receive the UL Verified Healthy Building Mark for Indoor Air. Learn more about the comprehensive testing process and results. UCI Health - Workplace Wellness Protocols. Top epidemiologist...

Orange County House Members Land Key Committee Roles

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

(Orange County Register) Orange County’s seven-member congressional delegation is settling into committee assignments for the upcoming session, with freshmen members getting word of their appointments from House leadership. The diverse committee appointments — ranging from Foreign Affairs to Transportation to Natural Resources — could play major roles in shaping what representatives do for their constituents over the next two years in office. Partisanship and the close political divide of the House of Representatives combine for a “national lawmaking environment (that) makes it incredibly difficult to get things done,” said UC Irvine political science professor Matthew Beckmann. But Beckmann added that gridlock isn’t a given...

Nominations Open for Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence Awards Recognizing Women in Eight Categories

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

The Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2021 Women of Influence virtual event on Wednesday, March 24 at noon, will recognize an outstanding woman in each of eight categories who have positively impacted their industries and the business community in Orange County. In honor of International Women’s Day, a special Lifetime Achievement Award is included in the lineup, recognizing a woman whose history, contributions, and achievements have had a profound impact, inspiring the next generation of women leaders. Eligible nominees must lead, serve, or work for an active business or nonprofit located or operating in Orange County, or attend a high school, college, o...

Record-Breaking Half-Year for Leads Groups with $25 Million in Closed Business Referrals; David Feldberg Earns Q2 2020 FY Rainmaker Title with $10.3 Million

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

The previous (2019-2020) fiscal year was a record-breaking year for Greater Irvine Chamber Leads Groups. With more than 2,200 leads exchanged, the six leads groups generated $22,247,720 in closed business referrals during the period, surpassing any figure during the history of the program. But despite the limitations of COVID-19 related shutdowns, the groups were even more productive this fiscal year with a combined $25,035,558 in closed business in just the first six months of reporting for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The top-performing members by closed business referrals for the first half of the fiscal year 2020-2021 are: $10,383,500– David Feldberg $4,200,290 – Mel Ray $1,445,923 – Jammi...

UCI Alum Appointed COVID Data Director, White House COVID-19 Response

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

University of California, Irvine alum Dr. Cyrus Shahpar has been appointed to the Biden administration in the role of COVID data director. Dr. Shahpar has focused on infectious disease and public health throughout his career, and previously led rapid response for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He departs a role as vice president for Epidemic Intelligence at the Resolve to Save Lives Initiative to join the Biden administration, having previously served on the incoming administration’s Agency Review Team for the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Shahpar earned his medical degree and MBA at UC Irvine and his master’s i...

Stay-At-Home Order Lifted for Orange County Businesses

Monday, January 25, 2021

(Orange County Register) Owners and staff in some Orange County business sectors, including restaurants, gyms, and hair and nail salons, welcomed the surprising news on Jan. 25, that they could immediately reopen – at least outdoors in some cases – after state health officials lifted the latest stay-at-home order, which all Southern California counties had been under since Dec. 6. Restaurants and gyms can open outdoors and nail and hair salons can reopen indoors at limited capacity – but everyone must wear a mask, said Gov. Gavin Newsom during a news conference on Jan. 25. Certain youth sports competitions can resume, he said. However, Orange Count...

Transportation Corridor Agencies CEO Samuel Johnson Receives Humanitarian Award

Monday, January 25, 2021

Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) CEO Samuel Johnson was honored recently by the Women in Tolling Council with the presentation of its Humanitarian Ambassador award for 2020. The Women in Tolling Council is part of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them. IBTTA has members in 23 countries on six continents. Johnson is the organization’s Immediate Past President. “In a year of unrest and unknowns, we are so grateful to you for helping to create and support the Women in Tolling Council and th...

COVID Vaccine Given at Soka University, OC’s Second Mass Vaccination Site

Saturday, January 23, 2021

(Orange County Register) The county opened its second Super Point-of-Dispensing, or POD, vaccination site on Jan. 23 at Soka University in Aliso Viejo. With 1,500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine on hand, the inoculations began. Eventually, officials hope to ramp up to delivering 3,000 to 4,000 doses a day at the site, seven days a week, as long as supplies are available. Currently, the county has about 66,000 doses of vaccine, which are being delivered at the super PODs and smaller mobile sites. Disneyland was the first large site to open. The county receives only about 20% of the overall supply designated for Orang...

OC OKs Commuter Jet Operations at John Wayne Airport

Saturday, January 23, 2021

While the long-term future of commuter flights at John Wayne Airport is unclear, they’re no longer banned in contracts with companies that serve small planes and private jets. Commuter carrier JSX (formerly Jet Suite X) has developed a following in the two and a half years it’s flown out of JWA, but some airport activists and residents have complained about noise and air pollution from a service that isn’t covered by the legal agreement that governs commercial airlines using the airport. Residents and hobby pilots lobbied for several years to ensure more profitable commuter jets wouldn’t squeeze Cessnas and other personal aircraf...

UCI to Build $1 Billion, 144-Bed World-Class Hospital on Irvine Campus

Saturday, January 23, 2021

Plans to build a world-class, acute care hospital on the northern edge of the University of California, Irvine academic campus advanced significantly today, as the University of California Board of Regents granted approval of the project’s 144-bed acute care facility, ambulatory care center, and cancer center. The hospital joins the previously approved UCI Health Center for Advanced Care to create the new UCI Medical Center Irvine-Newport, a full-service academic health complex that will bring a broad spectrum of the most advanced healthcare services to coastal and southern Orange County, including access to the hundreds of clinical trials underway at UCI Health...

UCI Coronavirus Vaccine Could Protect Against All COVID Strains

Friday, January 22, 2021

(Patch) UC Irvine scientists are developing a vaccine to attack all strains of coronavirus, the university reported on Jan. 21. Along with the vaccine, scientists say they have identified a potential breakthrough that —if it works—would solve many of the problems related to distributing the medicine to patients across the world, a UCI professor on the project says. Lbachir BenMohamed— a UCI School of Medicine professor of immunology and the founder of the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology at the University of California, Irvine—says that his team is developing what they envision will be a vaccine that could work on al...

City of Irvine Cares Campaign

Thursday, January 21, 2021

The City of Irvine launched Irvine Cares, the first initiative of Mayor Farrah N. Khan’s newly assembled COVID-19 Task Force. The campaign invites the public to slow the spread of COVID-19 by pledging support of mitigation measures which includes acting as an advocate to ensure the health and safety of Irvine’s most vulnerable. Through Irvine Cares, community members pledge to protect one another by wearing a mask, washing their hands frequently, practicing social distancing, and staying home when sick. They commit to practicing kindness and good judgment by being respectful of others, especially those who are at increased risk for severe illness, and to be an advocate by promoting best practices in preventing COVID-19. Community members can take the pledge online at cityofirvine.org/irvinecares or download a pledge card and mai...

Irvine Unified Receives $2 Million From Irvine Company for Art, Music, Science Programs

Wednesday, January 20, 2021

(Orange County Register) The Irvine Unified School District on Jan. 19, received some much-needed financial assistance from one of its partners. A $2 million donation from the Irvine Company will help the district provide art, music, and science programs for students in grades fourth through sixth. The contribution is part of an ongoing 20-year, $45 million commitment by the Irvine Company’s Excellence in Education Enrichment program. Established in 2006, the program has helped Irvine Unified navigate declining state and local budgets and is now offering aid amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials said. “This commitment is essential in helping IUSD address the challenges brought o...

COVID-19 Vaccine: Can It Be Required?

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

(CalChamber) In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss what employers need to consider before mandating that their employees get the COVID-19 vaccine. *This podcast was recorded on January 12. Listeners should be aware that given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, information shared on this podcast episode may change at any time. The recent distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine has sparked a lot of questions from employers and many of them are asking whether employees can be required to get the vaccine, Frank tells podcast listeners. Because th...

Irvine Launches Third District Small Business Support Program

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

The City of Irvine received $722,000 from the County of Orange to assist small businesses affected by COVID-19 within the Irvine portion of Orange County’s Third Supervisorial District. One-time grants up to $5,000 are available to eligible small businesses to help cover the costs of business interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and related stay-at-home orders. To qualify, the business must be in the 3rd District of Irvine and employ 10 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees. Additionally, businesses must not have received grant funding through the City of Irvine Small Business Support Program from June 2020, and must have an active City of Irvine Business License tha...

UCI Researchers Developing Vaccine Designed to Prevent Future Coronavirus Outbreaks

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

(KABC) Remember the SARS and MERS outbreaks? Those were both coronaviruses. Could another deadly outbreak occur in the next few years? If there's anything we've learned is that we need to be prepared. Scientists at UC Irvine are developing a vaccine designed to prevent future coronavirus outbreaks. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus appeared in Wuhan, China. Shortly after, Chinese scientists released the virus's full genome sequence. With that, researchers were able to develop COVID-19 vaccines in record time. But even with unprecedented speed, the virus has killed nearly 2 million people worldwide. UCI professor Lbachir BenMohamed, Ph.D. said it's not a matter of i...

City of Hope’s COVID-19 Vaccine Research Receives Boost from Broadcom

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Tech innovator Broadcom Inc. has recognized the promise of City of Hope’s pioneering research, by donating to its preclinical coronavirus research and development efforts. The investigational research for the vaccine, known as COH04S1, is in phase 1 clinical trials. Research is being led by City of Hope Professor Don J. Diamond, Ph.D., a viral immunologist, and assistant research professors Felix Wussow, Ph.D. and Flavia Chiuppesi, Ph.D., scientists with vast expertise in studying the immune system’s abilities to fight viral infections—a common concern for immune-compromised cancer patients during treatment. The vaccine has the potential for delivery in a freeze-dried form that would eliminate cold-chain requirements. All o...

Nationally Recognized Radiologist, Nuclear Medicine Expert Joins Hoag Family Cancer Institute to Bring Molecular Imaging and Therapy to Orange County

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian is building upon its personalized, science-based approach to cancer care with the launch of its Molecular Imaging and Therapy Program, led by nationally recognized expert Gary A. Ulaner, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Ulaner, who is dual board-certified in radiology and nuclear medicine, recently joined Hoag Family Cancer Institute from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where he served as the PET/CT expert on the Breast Cancer and Myeloma Disease Management Teams. He is bringing with him multiple innovative clinical trials, some of which are federally-funded by the National Institutes of Health, that use molecular imaging to detect cancer a...

MemorialCare Acquires OC Blood & Cancer Care

Friday, January 15, 2021

MemorialCare, the largest nonprofit healthcare system headquartered in Orange County, acquired OC Blood & Cancer Care, a prominent, nationally recognized group of board-certified oncologists and hematologists treating cancer and blood diseases in locations in Laguna Hills and Fountain Valley and at MemorialCare Cancer Institute facilities. OC Blood & Cancer Care’s team of physicians, clinicians, and support staff are recognized for their research-based, academically focused approach to the treatment of all forms of cancer and blood diseases. With locations in North and South Orange County, care is made easier and more convenient for patients and families. “It’s exciting to be part of ...

Hoag Orthopedic Institute Announces David Gazzaniga, M.D., as First Division Chief for Sports Medicine

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI), one of the largest providers of orthopedic care in the nation, announced the election of orthopedic surgeon David Gazzaniga, M.D., as its Division Chief for Sports Medicine. Dr. Gazzaniga, who serves as head team physician for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, will be the first Division Chief of Sports Medicine at HOI and will be responsible for the continuum of care for the entire sports medicine service line. “Hoag Orthopedic Institute would like to congratulate Dr. Gazzaniga on his appointment as our first Division Chief for Sports Medicine,” said Jennifer Mitzner, CEO of HOI. “Dr. Gazzaniga is ...

Linda DiMario Joins Octane Team

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Octane has contracted with Linda DiMario to serve as Director of Community Engagement leading Octane Foundation for Innovation. In this role, DiMario will manage four key initiatives under OFI including STEM Fellows, Non-Profit Accelerator, NextGen, and Women Leaders of Octane. All were initiated during 2018-2019 and significant in the development of the Orange County innovation ecosystem. Recently retired as Executive Vice President of the Greater Irvine Chamber, DiMario is well established in the community. She continues to serve the Chamber as an economic development consultant. “I am excited to work with Octane, their very talented leadership, team, and Board to grow th...

Disneyland, OC's First Large-Scale Vaccination Center Opens To Lines

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

(Patch) If you are trying to get a handle on how to get vaccinated in Orange County, you are not alone. On Jan. 13, Cars lined up on the streets near Disneyland Resort of hopefuls awaiting their dose of coronavirus vaccine. As of Jan. 13, only those who fall in Phase 1A of the vaccination plan, and those 65-years-old or older, can register. Still, the application designed to handle the registry was not working as of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Orange County officials planned to open a guest parking area off Katella, transforming that into a coronavirus vaccination center—one of five planned fo...

State Expects to Receive Surplus Revenue, But Sees Deficits on the Horizon

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

(CalChamber) Despite enjoying a record $34 billion budget surplus and prudent reserves from burgeoning but one-time tax revenues, California budget officials expect to see fiscal deficits in the next three years, state Finance Director Keely Martin Bosler told business leaders during a Jan. 12 California Chamber of Commerce webinar. These projections mean that it is critical to maintain funding reserves if the state wishes to preserve existing programs, and it means that the Legislature should not create new funding obligations, she explained. “We can’t afford additional ongoing spending at all,” Bosler cautioned. In fact, California’s strong financial foundation during this pandemic comes from years o...

Disneyland to be Orange County’s First Large-Scale Vaccination Site

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

(Orange County Register) On the day the coronavirus death toll in California reached 30,000, Disneyland and other locations such as Dodger Stadium were established as vaccination super sites. Newly confirmed infections are rising at a dizzying rate of more than a quarter-million a week and during the weekend a record 1,163 deaths were reported – Orange County surpassed 2,000 reported deaths. Bereft of visitors for months because of the pandemic, Disneyland will soon see thousands of guests when it serves as one of Orange County’s five planned mass vaccination sites. County officials announced the deal Monday, Jan. 11, to use the theme park i...

Newsom’s Budget Offers Tax Breaks to Businesses, Job Training to Spur California Economy

Monday, January 11, 2021

(The Sacramento Bee) Californians struggling to get back to work during the coronavirus pandemic could get help from more than a billion dollars earmarked for job creation and workforce training in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new budget proposal. If approved, more than $750 million would go toward a so-called California Jobs Initiative that would provide a combination of tax credits, micro-grants, and loans aimed at boosting job creation. Newsom is also proposing $353 million for job training and apprenticeship programs, in sectors ranging from construction to cybersecurity. The money would come on top of $575 million in grants Newsom is asking the Legislature to be distribute...

SBA and Treasury Re-Open PPP with New Guidance

Monday, January 11, 2021

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, reopens the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, Jan. 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, Jan. 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on Jan. 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act. This round of the PPP continue...

Mayor Farrah N. Khan’s COVID-19 Task Force Launches First Initiative

Saturday, January 09, 2021

Irvine: Focused on Economic Recovery

Friday, January 08, 2021

By Bryan Starr, President and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber As published in the Dec. 21, 2020 issue of Orange County Business Journal To say this year has been a challenging time for the economy is an understatement. During the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Economic Forecast event last January, University of California, Irvine’s expert economist Chris Schwarz warned of “black swans” as potential disruptors for the perfectly healthy economy we enjoyed in what seems like a world away today. As it turned out, a magnitude of black swans swooped in on the coattails of COVID-19. The economy went from bustling in February to bust i...

California's Export Trade Drops In Latest Numbers But Still Beats The Competition

Thursday, January 07, 2021

(Bacon Economics) California’s export trade continued to be buffeted by resurgent waves of COVID-19 both here and abroad, by ongoing trade disputes, by a weaker dollar, and by a reported shortage of shipping containers available to exporters, according to a Beacon Economics’ analysis of the latest U.S. trade statistics released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. In a month that saw the value of all U.S. merchandise exports drop by 7.5% from one year earlier, California exporters did better. Businesses in the state shipped a total of $14.238 billion in merchandise abroad in November, a nominal 3.5% decline from the $14.757 billio...

James M. Cox Foundation Donates $75,000 To Feed Families Across Southern California During Pandemic

Thursday, January 07, 2021

Cox Communications is helping feed families throughout Cox’s California markets with $25,000 donations to Second Harvest Food Bank, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. The grants, totaling $75,000 from the James M. Cox Foundation, will support local families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Cox has always supported the communities we serve,” said Sam Attisha, senior vice president and region manager for Cox Communications in California. “Now, more than ever, supporting our food banks and enabling access to nutritious food for families and children who need our help is so important. We’re committed to doing our part and will continue t...

UCI Health Infectious Disease Experts Answer questions About COVID-19 Vaccines

Thursday, January 07, 2021

We all want this pandemic to end. By mid-December 2020, the coronavirus has caused 75 million confirmed infections and 1.7 million deaths worldwide. More than 310,000 Americans have died due to COVID-19-related illnesses, which now exceeds heart disease as the leading cause of U.S. deaths. During the current winter surge, the virus is claiming about 2,500 U.S. lives every day. But safe and effective vaccines can end the pandemic if, as experts believe, at least 70% of people are vaccinated. Two COVID-19 vaccines have received emergency approval for frontline healthcare workers and residents of long-term care homes. UCI Health infectious disease expert...

Governor Newsom Plans $4 Billion for Economic Recovery

Wednesday, January 06, 2021

(NBCLA) California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Jan. 5 proposed a $4 billion spending plan he says will create jobs and help small businesses recover from the economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Close to half of that money — $1.5 billion — would help people purchase electric cars and build the charging stations necessary for drivers to use them. That proposal is part of Newsom's goal to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars in California by 2035. Small businesses would get $575 million. The money would pay for grants of up to $25,000 each to small business owners, with priorit...

Legislative Lifeline for Small Business Deemed Urgent

Wednesday, January 06, 2021

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach), Senator Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno), and Senator Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) unveiled new coalition support and legislative details of the Keep California Working Act during a Jan. 6 virtual press conference. The Keep California Working Act, otherwise known as Senate Bill 74, is a bipartisan small business relief package spearheaded by Senators Andreas Borgeas and Anna Caballero, and Assembly Member Cottie Petrie-Norris. The bill invests $2.6 billion (or 10% of California's projected windfall) in grants for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. "SB 74 may be an essential lifeline for California businesses that are struggling to maintain jobs an...

Oso Parkway Bridge Virtual Grand Opening

Tuesday, January 05, 2021

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), County of Orange, and Caltrans will host a virtual grand opening on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. for the Oso Parkway Bridge Project. Highlights will include a clever “virtual ribbon-cutting” featuring local elected officials; remarks from Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and TCA Board Members; comments from stakeholders, including Caltrans; project video; drone footage; and more. Watch the Simulcast on Facebook.com/TheTollRoads, YouTube.com/TheTollRoadsOC. The Oso Parkway Bridge provides motorists with a direct connection between Los Patrones Parkway and State Route 241, improving safety and traffic flow on Oso Parkway. The bridge contains six lanes (three in each direction)...

Sonesta Hospitality Portfolio Grows with Two New Irvine Hotels

Tuesday, January 05, 2021

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has introduced two of its newest properties in the U.S. in Irvine: Sonesta Irvine - Orange County Airport (formerly the Wyndham Irvine–Orange County Airport) located at 17941 Von Karman Ave., and Sonesta Simply Suites Orange County–Spectrum Center (formerly Candlewood Suites) at 16150 Sand Canyon Ave. With the addition of these Irvine hotels, Sonesta’s national footprint expands in a key tourism and business region. Sonesta Irvine is the company’s third full-service hotel in the California. Minutes away from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, Sonesta Irvine boasts 335 rooms and suites and 11 venues totaling 7,500 square feet of flexible meetin...

Deadline Extended for First Round of Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Applications

Monday, January 04, 2021

California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced that the deadline for the first round of applications for the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be extended to Jan. 13, 2021. The program, which officially opened Dec. 30, experienced high traffic—receiving thousands of completed applications. However, due to the high traffic, some businesses may have had trouble accessing the application. Adjustments to the program’s website have been made and the application period has been extended to ensure that all interested applicants have the opportunity to apply. The Round ...

MemorialCare is Presenting Sponsor for Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook

Monday, January 04, 2021

MemorialCare, a platinum-level Leaders Circle partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber, is returning for the second year as Presenting Sponsor for the Chamber's Business Outlook featuring UCI's economy expert Chris Schwarz, and live-streamed on Thursday, Jan. 28, at noon. "The Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook event couldn't come at a more important time, as our business community is focused on mitigating the fiscal impact that COVID-19 has had on employers," said Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., president and CEO, MemorialCare. "MemorialCare is honored to once again sponsor this timely event, as we join the community of Irvine and all of Orange County in gaining the vita...

MemorialCare Recognized Nationally for Heroism During COVID-19 Pandemic

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

MemorialCare has been honored nationally with Special Recognition for Heroism for the Southern California health system's continued commitment to patient safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prestigious Pandemic Heroes Award honor was selected by leaders and advisors of The Leapfrog Group, an independent national organization of employers and other groups focused on healthcare safety and quality. Selections were based on nominations from U.S. hospitals. MemorialCare was one of only two health systems on the West Coast to receive this prestigious honor presented to just 24 health care organizations and individuals nationwide. "We are honored, humbled, and enormously grateful for this honor," says Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., MemorialCare president an...

California’s New Series of COVID-19 Reporting Requirements

Monday, December 21, 2020

(CalChamber) During the 2020 California legislative session, COVID-19 forced lawmakers to pivot from their routine business to addressing the growing pandemic, and answering the question: "One of my employees just reported that they tested positive for COVID-19. Do I have to report this positive case?" In response, the Legislature enacted SB 1159 and AB 685 that created certain reporting requirements for employers when learning of a positive case. Following up, Cal/OSHA recently approved and implemented COVID-19 emergency regulations that also create a set of reporting requirements. Outline of Requirements To help readers sort out these varied requirements, we have created the table below outlining th...

Cox Charities Offers $35,000 in Scholarships

Monday, December 21, 2020

Cox Charities is offering $35,000 in college scholarships to high school seniors in the Orange County and Palos Verdes areas. The Cox Scholars scholarships range from $2,500 to $5,000. Recipients must be a 2021 graduating high school senior living in Cox’s Southern California service area. Applications are now open. Deadline to complete and submit the online application is Friday, Feb. 3, 2021. For more information, visit www.CoxCharitiesCA.org. “Now more than ever, students in our community are working hard to achieve their educational dreams amid new learning circumstances and tough financial times due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a company founded by a teacher...

Greater Irvine Chamber Member MemorialCare and Others Recognized Among OC’s Top Workplaces for 2020

Monday, December 21, 2020

The Orange County Register published its Top Workplaces for 2020. Based on employee feedback through a survey conducted by the Register with its Top Workplaces partner Energage, 105 Orange County employers earned the recognition, including Greater Irvine Chamber platinum-level Leaders Circle partner MemorialCare, and member companies Astronics Test Systems, CBE Office Solutions, Girl Scouts of Orange County, Insperity, and Vincit. MemorialCare hospitals were the only hospitals to be recognized this year and MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center has been honored with this distinction for eleven consecutive years. As Orange County hospitals are experiencing more COVID-19 positive patients, being recognized serves a...

Economic Recovery Assistance: OC Allocates $10 Million for Small Businesses

Friday, December 18, 2020

Small businesses in Orange County will soon be able to tap into a $10 million economic recovery program. During its Dec. 15 Board meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously supported Vice Chairman Andrew Do’s $10 million small business economic support program to provide immediate relief to local businesses who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. “We are nine months into the pandemic and small business owners don’t know how much longer they can remain open,” said Vice Chairman Do. Vice Chairman Do’s directive calls for the allocation of $10 million from County reserves for economic support initiatives for small businesses, spli...

TCA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Valarie McFall Named Woman of the Year

Friday, December 18, 2020

Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Valarie McFall has been named Woman of the Year by the Orange County Chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) during a virtual ceremony held Dec. 17. The annual award honors a woman who is a leader in transportation and has made an outstanding contribution to the transportation industry. McFall joined TCA in 2000 and has spent 20 years spearheading management and restoration efforts of nearly 2,200 acres of land for mitigation of transportation projects. She has held several key positions within the Agencies that allowed her to perform this important work, progressing ove...

TIME Names Best Innovations of 2020

Friday, December 18, 2020

Some good things came out of 2020. Among them, were 100 Best Innovations changing how we live as named by TIME. The list includes Virti, a training platform that drops workers into high-stress augmented and virtual reality scenarios, where they can practice responding and receive feedback. Trauma surgeon Dr. Alex Young launched the U.K.-based Virti in 2018 to help medical professionals train for difficult situations, such as what to do when an artery is nicked during surgery. This year, the company found an important new use case: the pandemic. Virti’s COVID-19 modules teach frontline workers around the world skills like the proper wa...

Hoag Earns Straight A's for Hospital Safety

Thursday, December 17, 2020

The Leapfrog Group has awarded Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian straight “A’s” on the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for its hospitals in Newport Beach and Irvine. Achieving the nation’s top honor for patient safety, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade rates how well hospitals protect patients from preventable harm and medical errors. “Patient safety has been, and continues to be, our priority and we are honored that Hoag has been recognized by Leapfrog as one of the top hospitals in the nation for keeping our patients safe,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag president and chief executive officer. “We are proud of and grateful fo...

UCI Health Receives COVID-19 Vaccine, First Batch of 3,000 to be Given to Frontline Healthcare Employees

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

UCI Health on Dec. 16 received an initial shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine at the UCI Medical Center and will begin providing the first round of injections to its front-line healthcare workers. UCI Health was allotted some 3,000 units of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. It will begin offering vaccinations to frontline healthcare workers today and continue with a full roll out tomorrow to its frontline clinical co-workers who care for patients in high-risk settings or patients with unknown COVID-19 status. UCI Health officials say they plan to vaccinate 2,000 people in this group, known as Group A, by Sunday and then begin t...

CalChamber Joins California’s Community Vaccine Advisory Committee

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

(CalChamber) The California Chamber of Commerce will be joining a broad coalition of community stakeholders to serve on the state’s Community Vaccine Advisory Committee. The committee will help guide the state’s decision making about COVID-19 vaccine distribution and allocation. As the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine arrive in California, state officials plan to leverage a well-established existing immunization framework and emergency response infrastructure to coordinate efforts between state, local, and territorial authorities to distribute and administer the vaccine. The Community Vaccine Advisory Committee will build on the work of the Scientific Safety Review Work Group and the Drafting Guidelines Work Group. The Committe...

California Governor Extends Small Business Tax Deadlines

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

(AP News) California small businesses will have more time to file their tax returns in 2021. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Monday giving small businesses until the end of July to file their first-quarter tax returns. More broadly, the order gives a 90-day extension on returns and payments for all businesses with returns of less than $1 million. It comes as California prepares to enter 2021 still in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic, which has led Newsom to implement restrictions that have shuttered businesses. In most of the state, restaurants are closed for indoor dining, hair and nail salons can’...

Hoag Hospital Expands Maternity Services with the Opening of the Fudge Family Birthing Suites in Irvine

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has announced the opening of the Fudge Family Birthing Suites at Hoag Hospital Irvine which reimagines pregnancy, delivery, and recovery for modern families -- with private birthing suites, a perinatal VR guided program, and a calming outdoor walking garden. Take a 360 virtual tour and watch the grand opening video. Already a leader in women’s health, with the most prestigious nursing credentials in the nation and the most trusted maternity staff in Orange County, Hoag has listened to the needs and desires of today’s new mothers in designing 12 birthing suites in Irvine that are unlike anything else available in a hospital setting...

Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Plan to Receive Up to $115M From California Energy Commission

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

(Hydrogen Fuel News) The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently gave the nod to a new plan to invest as much as $115 million into boosting the hydrogen fueling infrastructure in the state. The idea is to considerably increase the number of refueling stations that support H2 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The new funds nearly double what the state has already invested into this cause until now. Once deployed, the investment into the state’s hydrogen fueling infrastructure will almost reach its goal for the construction of 200 public H2 refueling stations. This goal also aligns with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order to eliminate the sale o...

Hydrogen's Role in Clean Energy to Take the Spotlight in SoCalGas' H2 Hydrogen Home

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

As part of its efforts to support California's climate change goals and its mission to become the cleanest, safest and most innovative energy company in America, Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced it will build a state-of-the-art demonstration project to show the role hydrogen could play in attaining California's goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Named the H2 Hydrogen Home, the project is the first of its kind in the U.S. and will include a home, solar panels, a home battery, an electrolyzer to convert solar energy into clean hydrogen, and a fuel cell to convert that hydrogen back to electricity. The hydrogen will also be blended with natural gas for us...

Mayor Farrah N. Khan Announces COVID-19 and Business Reopening Task Forces

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan has announced the formation of COVID-19 and Business Reopening task forces to guide the city in 2021 and beyond. The City, in partnership with key business leaders, will coordinate establishment of the Business Reopening Task Force to assist the Mayor in her efforts to help promote small business growth, support local entrepreneurship, target industry relocation within City boundaries, and assist the City in remaining responsive to the business community. Additionally, it advises the Mayor on topics where the City has the ability to shape issues affecting the business community. The Taskforce provides a foru...

OC Hospitals Ready to Distribute Vaccine

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) OC healthcare workers could receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as the week of Dec 14. The OC Health Care Agency said it expects to receive 25,350 doses of Pfizer’s vaccine as soon as Dec. 15 and will begin distributing the vaccine to the area’s 31 hospitals the same day. “News of a vaccine is a sign of the virus’ last deep breath—a long, deep breath that will take time,” Chad Lefteris, chief executive of UCI Health, told the Business Journal. “It does create a sense of a light at the end of the tunnel.” News o...

Pillsbury Law Joins Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle as Silver-Level Partner

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle as a silver-level partner. Pillsbury is an international law firm with a particular focus on the technology and media, energy, financial, and real estate and construction sectors. Recognized as one of the most innovative law firms by Financial Times and one of the top firms for client service by BTI Consulting, Pillsbury and its lawyers are highly regarded for their forward-thinking approach, their enthusiasm for collaborating across disciplines, and their authoritative commercial awareness. That’s how Pillsbury Law achieved the 12th-highest percentage of law Chambers-ranked lawyers among all AmLaw 100 firms. Leaders Circle members o...

UC Irvine’s Chris Schwarz to Headline Greater Irvine Chamber's 2021 Business Outlook

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Chris Schwarz, associate professor of finance and faculty director of the Center for Investment and Wealth Management at University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, returns for the third year to the Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook event. A popular opening speaker in the past, Schwarz headlines the 2021 event, delivering his presentation digitally on Thursday, Jan. 28, at 12:00 p.m. “An expert in the field of economics, Chris Schwarz is also a crowd favorite, capturing the attention of large audiences with his knowledge, insights, and good humor about a salient topic,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “His observations and analyses are now mor...

City of Hope’s Annette Walker Named Among Most Influential People in American Healthcare

Friday, December 11, 2020

Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2020’s 100 Most Influential People. This is the second consecutive year Walker has been honored for her legacy of healthcare contributions and transformational leadership centered on making a difference in people’s lives. “I’m extremely humbled by this honor during a year when we saw remarkable leadership, bravery, and resilience from people on the front lines. Helping others and improving the lives of people in our communities is the most important thing a person or organization can do. This award speaks to our incredible City o...

Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency Approves Plan to Refund Bonds for Significant Savings

Friday, December 11, 2020

The Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) Board of Directors has approved plans to reduce debt service and save millions by refunding some of the Agency’s outstanding 2013A and 2013C bonds. The refunding is estimated to save the F/ETCA in excess of $100 million without expending cash or extending bond maturity dates. The refunding would also enhance the Agency’s cash position, which is key given the uncertainties of COVID-19, but also allows the Agency flexibility to pay down other bonds early – something the Board has expressed interest in – or invest the savings in key capital projects. “At the direction of ou...

New Assembly Bill Would Prioritize Food Sector Workers For COVID-19 Vaccinations

Friday, December 11, 2020

(California Globe) A bill that would prioritize food supply industry workers, such as supermarket workers and farmworkers, for COVID-19 vaccinations was introduced in the Assembly this week. Assembly Bill 93, authored by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), would specifically prioritize those workers for testing and vaccination. AB 93 has yet to be fleshed out in more detail, including where in line with other prioritized people would get testing and vaccinations, as well as if certain factors, such as immigration status or employment status, would play a role in prioritization. Assemblyman Garcia, who introduced the bill earlier this week along with Assemblyman Robert Rivas (D-Hollister), said that he ha...

UCI Joins National Manufacturing Cybersecurity Collaboration

Friday, December 11, 2020

The California Institute for Telecommunications & Information Technology at the University of California, Irvine is joining the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute, a national organization focused on improving cybersecurity and energy efficiency in American manufacturing. In late November, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) formally launched CyManII, a $111 million public-private partnership funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, to engage in collaborative research and development that will help U.S. manufacturers become more resilient against cyber threats. UTSA will lead the consortium of 59 proposed member institutions. U.S. manufacturers are among the top targets for cybercriminals and nation-state adversaries, impacting the productio...

CUI President Michael Thomas Delivers His First State of the University Address

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Dr. Michael A. Thomas in October gave his State of the University address, looking back on his first year leading Concordia University Irvine and sharing his vision for the university’s future. Despite a year of unforeseen challenges, Dr. Thomas expressed there is much for which to be thankful. “I want to first acknowledge all of the hard work, sacrifices, trust, shared communal spirit, and corporate faith that the CUI community has demonstrated over these last six months. And I do so with gratitude and thanksgiving,” Thomas said in his address. “So, thank you! Each and every one of you students, faculty, staff, deans...

Bryan Starr Introduces Holiday Shopping Guide in Irvine Standard

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Residents and visitors alike enjoy Irvine’s open-air shopping centers during the holidays. The lights, sights, and sounds create an outdoor experience unlike anywhere in Southern California. This year, Irvine Standard has made the experience even easier by providing a gift guide with ideas, from fitness to fashion, at dozens of shops throughout the city – all just a short walk or drive from home. Shopping local not only supports local businesses, but it also strengthens Irvine’s economy. The sales tax from these centers helps to maintain Irvine’s top-rated park system and the city’s modern police department, which has kept Irvine as America’...

Businesses Struggling with Stay at Home Orders: Your Chambers Are Here For You

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

New Stay at Home Orders for Southern California include Orange County. Orange County is once again subject to stay-at-home orders in response to surging COVID-19 levels and a regionally impacted ICU and hospital system. The business community has been a staunch advocate that Good Health is Good Business, maintaining a commitment to masks, social distancing, widespread testing, and the myriad of suggested public safety measures recommended by health leaders. With good protocols in place, local businesses have for the most part implemented recommended safety measures to protect workers and customers. The recent announcement of lockdowns have once again placed businesses of all sizes i...

EXIM Honors GBC International Bank as Lender of the Year for Outstanding Support of America’s Small Business Exporters

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) presented a Lender of the Year award to GBC International Bank (GBCIB), a Greater Irvine Chamber member, for its outstanding support for U.S. small business exports at the 2020 EXIM Annual Conference, the largest conference in the agency’s history, which was held virtually in September. Over the past 21 years, the bank has facilitated more than $1 billion of EXIM-backed export sales on behalf of U.S. small business exporters. An EXIM Bank Letter of Credit policyholder since 2001, over the past years, GBCIB actively has utilized the Bank Letter of Credit policy to mitigate the foreign concentration risk...

New Labor Laws Will Affect California Businesses Big and Small

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

(Turlock Journal) A number of new California laws set to hit the books Jan. 1 will impact business owners both large and small, from increased minimum wage to COVID-related requirements. First, most employees must be paid the minimum wage of $14 an hour come Jan. 1 under state law signed by then-Gov. Jerry Brown in 2015. The legislation launched a wage progression each year starting in 2017, adding 50 cents annually to the former $10-per-hour standard. From the beginning of 2019, the wage has gone up by a dollar and currently stands at $13. More than 20 new labor and employment bills wer...

Orange County SC-Rangers FC Soccer Documentary “Path To Glory” Picked Up by CBS Sports Network

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

The Orange County Soccer Club and Rangers Football Club original documentary, Path to Glory, presented by PRO EM Event Services, has been picked up by CBS Sports Network and will premiere on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m. PT (6:30 p.m. ET), with Episode #2 airing Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 3:30 PM/PT (6:30 p.m. ET). The final 2 episodes of the series will premiere on Dec. 24 at 4:30 p.m. PT (7:30 p.m. ET). The four-part documentary follows the professional journeys of three young players from each club as they cross the Atlantic to live and train far from home in the other’s country (Glasgow an...

UCI Researchers Develop At-Home Coronavirus Saliva Test

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Researchers in the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at the University of California, Irvine announced promising results in the development of a noninvasive at-home antigen test to detect the spike of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in saliva. The team, led by Michelle Khine, professor of biomedical engineering, posted their findings on the preprint server medRxiv.org. Khine is proposing a point-of-care platform that uses saliva, an electrochemical reaction and the children’s toy Shrinky Dinks to create the low-cost electrodes. “A rapid, population-scale diagnostic and screening device is our goal, and we think our electrochemical aptamer-based assay could be an ideal candidate,” Khine said. Working with Khine...

California Commission Approves $2 Billion in Infrastructure Projects

Monday, December 07, 2020

(Transport Topics) The California Transportation Commission has approved $2 billion for 56 new projects, some of which aim to improve the movement of goods and reduce congestion. These projects are supported by three programs that were created by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The legislation, also known as Senate Bill 1, raised the tax for diesel by 20 cents to 36 cents per gallon and for gasoline by 12 cents to 41.7 cents per gallon. The commission’s scope of funding responsibility covers highway, rail, transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure needs. “These projects are going to benefit California in multiple important ways,&rdquo...

Jammie Hsu Named December 2020 Member of the Month

Monday, December 07, 2020

Jammie Hsu, a brand marketing solutions provider for Proforma Element 7, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber Member of the Month for December 2020. A Chamber member since 2014, Hsu has served on the Ambassadors Committee and the Wednesday Afternoon Leads Group. She has been a highly-engaged member, attending numerous networking and signature events each year—whether in-person or virtual, including Networkers Luncheons, After Hours Mixers, Ribbon Cutting ceremonies, and signature events 40 Under 40 and Celebrate Resilience awards presentations. She has volunteered to conduct primary research on behalf of the Greater Irvine Chamber through several Business Outreach Rallies. “I have reall...

UCI Researchers Develop Rapid Antibody Generation Technology to Target SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Monday, December 07, 2020

Using the same strain of yeast that ferments wine and makes dough rise, a team led by University of California, Irvine and Harvard Medical School researchers has developed an in vitro technology that can rapidly hypermutate antibodies. The new technology generates antibodies faster than animal immune systems and better than current synthetic methods, giving researchers the tools for evolving exceptionally potent agents, including therapeutic candidates that target SARS-CoV-2. In the research, posted as a preprint on BioRxiv.org, the UCI/HMS team created the synthetic antibody generation system called autonomous hypermutation yeast surface display, nicknamed AHEAD. They demonstrated the power of their system in a number of experiments. “Ou...

City of Hope Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial to Test its First SARS-CoV-2 Investigational Vaccine

Friday, December 04, 2020

City of Hope has initiated a phase 1 clinical trial that will test one of its investigational SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55 who have not had COVID-19. The investigational vaccine, known as COH04S1, aims to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, which can block the virus from entering cells, and also spur abundant T cells that are thought to provide the elusive long-term protection that could protect against future outbreaks. “Based on preclinical research, we are hopeful that the vaccine will protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection that can lead to COVID-19 disease, helping t...

UCI's Dr. Susan M. O'Brien named Giant of Cancer Care

Friday, December 04, 2020

Dr. Susan M. O’Brien, the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center’s associate director for clinical research, has been named a Giant of Cancer Care® for her sustained contributions in the field of leukemia. O’Brien was one of 15 international pioneers in cancer research and care to be honored during the Nov. 5 awards program ceremony, which was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is the eighth consecutive year the program has recognized the physician-scientists whose work has propelled the field of oncology across the spectrum of cancer types and created pathways for future breakthroughs. This year’s awardees bring to 113 the total numbe...

Greater Irvine Chamber Recognizes Orange County's Best and Brightest

Thursday, December 03, 2020

Forty outstanding Orange County professionals under the age of 40 were recognized during the Greater Irvine Chamber’s 40 Under 40 digital awards presentation on Dec. 3, for their demonstrated leadership skills, integrity, and initiative, advancing their industries and the Orange County community. “The Chamber is honored to recognize 40 of Orange County’s most accomplished young professionals, each a promise of continued innovation for our region,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “I congratulate them all for what they have achieved, the example they set, and I look forward to their future contributions.” Greater Irvine Chamber 2020 40 Under 40 Honorees: Kath...

California's Newest Small Business Relief Programs Announced

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a New Small Business Relief package of assistance for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including sales tax relief, $500 million in grants, and an additional $12.5 million added to the California Rebuilding Fund. If you are a small business or nonprofit interested in the $500 million grant program, the California's Office of the Small Business Advocate is working quickly to establish the program; for updates, sign up here. As businesses across the state face challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the opening of the California Rebuilding Fund to help impacted small businesses rebuild from the economic crisi...

Cox Charities Grants $75,000 to Support Local Nonprofits

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Cox Charities surprised nine nonprofit organizations with grants totaling $75,000 to help them address the immediate needs of our local communities. The grants focus on three key areas of need: COVID-19 relief, the digital divide, and social justice efforts. Cox Charities is funded by employee donations that are matched by Cox and overseen by a volunteer advisory board of employees. Cox Charities members (employees who donate to the foundation) were given the opportunity to vote for which organizations they thought were making an essential impact in one of the three focus areas and should receive a grant The following Orange County an...

Greater Irvine Chamber CEO Bryan Starr and Member Company Executives Among Orange County’s 500 Most Influential People

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber, and more than 50 executives from Greater Irvine Chamber member companies were featured in Orange County Business Journal’s fourth annual OC 500 Directory of Influence. This is Starr’s second consequent year on the list. The directory includes an impressive list of influential business and community leaders from a variety of Orange County companies, ranging from nonprofits to large corporations. As its President and CEO, Starr has raised the profile of the Greater Irvine Chamber and empowered its economic development work and impact for the City of Irvine and its business community. He has successfull...

Greater Irvine Chamber Website Features Resources for New Businesses and Members

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

The Greater Irvine Chamber recently added a Business Ready Checklist page to its website, which includes Building Better Businesses 1. 2. 3. resources aimed at helping new and existing businesses optimize disruption readiness and minimize vulnerabilities. Resources include a checklist of fundamental business operations, templates, and a list of partner organizations offering free or affordable business support programs, and opportunities for pro bono advice from business experts. Additionally, the Chamber’s website newly features a New Member Toolkit page of resources for new members to help them navigate the benefits of their membership and business growth opportunities. To become a Greater Irvine Chambe...

Top Companies Sponsor Greater Irvine Chamber 40 Under 40 Awards

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Several top companies sponsor the Greater Irvine Chamber 40 Under 40 awards presentation, which will be delivered digitally on Thursday, Dec 3, 12 – 1 p.m. Joining Presenting Sponsor Antis Roofing & Waterproofing are: Sustainability Sponsor: Waste Management Healthcare Sponsor: City of Hope Orange County Event Sponsors: B Braun CBE Chevron Concordia University, Irvine COX Diamond Jamboree Easterseals Edwards Lifesciences FivePoint GDR Group Google Greater Newport Physicians HBLA Hoag Hoag Orthopedic Institute Jackson Titus Kaiser Permanente Kelley Bluebook Orange County Soccer Club OmniPrint Parker Aerospace SoCalGas Southern California Edison UC Irvine WNDE Zillow Group These companies support the Greater Irvine Chamber as it recognizes the next generation of business leaders and advocates who are making strides in their industries and the business community in Orange County For more information about the 40 Under 40 award...

What California Workers Need to Know About the State’s New COVID-19 Workplace Rules

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

(Sacramento Bee) More than eight months into the pandemic, California officially has rules in place aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19 at workplaces. The emergency rules will be in effect at least until late May. The standards board of Cal-OSHA may extend the period and could also work to make those rules permanent. Here’s what to know about the new rules. WHAT DOES MY EMPLOYER NEED TO DO TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS? Masks: Your employer must provide face coverings and ensure you and your co-workers wear them over the nose and mouth when indoors, or outdoors and less than six feet awa...

Thousands of Top U.S. Hospitals Encourage Everyone to #MaskUp

Thursday, November 19, 2020

One hundred of the nation’s top health care systems, representing thousands of hospitals in communities across the U.S., have come together with an urgent plea for all Americans – mask up, because wearing a facemask is our best chance at slowing the surging COVID-19 pandemic now. More than 11.5 million Americans have tested positive for the virus – including an additional one million in just the past week – leading to nearly 250,000 deaths. The current trends are daunting and frightening. If the nation stays on its current course, hospital leaders are increasingly concerned that more healthcare facilities will be overwhelmed as shortage...

Amazon Plans New Irvine Logistics Hub

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

(Orange Country Business Journal) Amazon has made its largest reported real estate investment in Orange County, for a site in the Irvine Spectrum area that’s expected to see development of a new distribution facility. The e-commerce giant, which has been on a buying and leasing spree that’s added more than 1.5 million square feet of industrial space to its local portfolio in the past two years, recently closed on a 31-acre site in Irvine formerly belonging to the motion and control division of aerospace firm Parker-Hannifin. Amazon paid $112.5 million for the vacant site, property records indicate. It’s the most paid to dat...

Orange County Restaurants: Outdoor Dining Grants Available

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

(Orange County Patch) Restaurants in Orange County will soon be eligible to apply for a $1,000 outdoor dining grant, according to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. As winter arrives across Orange County towns and the weather turns cooler, outdoor dining could become problematic for restaurants not ready for the conditions. The new OC Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant program will serve to implement or expand Orange County restaurants' outdoor dining capacity amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Nowhere has the outdoor dining in Orange County been more successful than with Laguna Beach's Promenade on Forest. Wildly successful since its inception over the summer, th...

Vivian Atkinson Named November 2020 Member of the Month

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Vivian Atkinson, branch owner of Express Employment Professionals, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber Member of the Month for November 2020. A Chamber member since 2012, Atkinson holds leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Directors since 2018 and chairing the Ambassadors Committee, for which she has been a member since 2013. She has volunteered to conduct primary research on behalf of the Greater Irvine Chamber through several Business Outreach Rallies, including the virtual event held in August amid the Coronavirus-related shutdown. Atkinson spearheaded another outreach: coordinating Ambassadors to connect with difficult-to-reach Chamber members by telephone to access thei...

What California Exodus? Exits Fell 5.4% Last Year

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

(Orange County Register: Jonathan Lansner) Despite all the talk about a California exodus, 5.4% fewer people left last year for other states — the first decline in eight years, new census stats show. The annual state-to-state migration report shows 653,551 people left the state, the largest exit count among the states in 2019. But my trusty spreadsheet tells me this is a 37,594 drop from 691,145 in 2018. It’s the first decline in eight years and the fewest exits since 2015. Only Missouri had a bigger dip last year. I say this each year this migration data is published: Scale matters when yo...

Destination Irvine Earns Smart Meetings’ Platinum Choice Award

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Destination Irvine has earned a Platinum Choice Award by Smart Meetings, the nation’s leading meetings industry publisher and voice of inspiration for meeting professionals. Smart Meetings readers nominate hotels, conference centers, convention and visitors bureaus (CVB), and destination marketing organizations that consistently exceed expectations and help planners deliver on their goals. Destination Irvine is only one of five organizations in California to earn the distinction. “I am extremely proud of the Destination Irvine team and beyond grateful to all of our hoteliers for their continued support of our sales and marketing efforts,” said Wendy Haase, the organization’s vice president. “While COVID-1...

City of Hope Orange County Names Dr. Edward S. Kim its Physician-In-Chief

Monday, November 16, 2020

City of Hope Orange County announced today it has appointed preeminent oncologist Edward S. Kim, M.D., M.B.A., as the senior vice president and vice physician-in-chief at City of Hope and Orange County physician-in-chief. In recruiting this leading expert, City of Hope is fulfilling the promise of enhancing access to cancer breakthroughs in Orange County and becoming a model for the nation in revolutionizing the delivery of cancer treatment and research. “Dr. Kim has a depth and breadth of cancer expertise that is well-matched for the expansion of City of Hope into Orange County. We needed a clinician-scientist who embraces the innovatio...

California’s Initial Pay Data Reporting Guidance Released

Monday, November 09, 2020

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) released some initial, helpful guidance on one of California’s new laws taking effect next year — certain employers will be required to report demographic and pay data by March 31, 2021. As previously reported, SB 973 requires employers with 100 or more employees, that are also required to file the federal EEO-1 report with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), to report the following demographic and pay data information to the DFEH: The number of employees by race, ethnicity, and sex in 10 different job title categories (Component 1); and The number of employees by race...

Hoag to Launch Health Clinic at JWA

Monday, November 09, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian announced it will open a clinic inside Orange County's John Wayne Airport in the spring. Ahead of the clinic opening, Hoag will offer flu vaccinations and screenings, nutrition and exercise tips and virtual reality mindfulness activities at JWA beginning today. The Fly Well Clinic, an 850-square-foot facility, will offer Covid-19 testing, flu and other vaccinations, urgent care services, telehealth consults, vital screenings and more. “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world’s travel habits, shining a spotlight brighter than ever on passengers’ health and travel safety,” Robert Braithwaite, chief executive of Hoag, said in a statement. “Hoa...

Kaiser Permanente Renews as Greater Irvine Chamber Gold-Level Leaders Circle Sponsor

Monday, November 09, 2020

Kaiser Permanente has renewed its gold-level Leaders Circle sponsorship with the Greater Irvine Chamber. Kaiser Permanente’s mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of its members and the communities it serves. As a nonprofit health care system, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and their respective subsidiaries advance this mission through investments in high-quality integrated care and coverage to make health care more affordable. Leaders Circle members of the Greater Irvine Chamber are among the most influential companies and organizations in Irvine and Orange County. They take a proactive role in supporting the region’s business community at the highes...

Unemployment Drops to 6.9% and US Adds a Solid 638,000 Jobs

Monday, November 09, 2020

Defying fears of another slowdown, U.S. businesses kept hiring at a solid pace in October, yet there are signs they remain cautious about the economy’s future as the pandemic worsens. The Labor Department said that employers added 638,000 jobs and the unemployment rate tumbled a full percentage point to 6.9%, extending what has been a faster recovery than many economists expected in the spring. But the pace of hiring isn’t robust enough to rapidly soak up the millions of Americans who were thrown out of work by the pandemic recession. The job gains were little changed from September’s 672,000 and less than half August’s 1....

Hoag Hospital Irvine Expansion Helps Position City as Patient Care Hub

Saturday, November 07, 2020

(Orange County Register) Already known as a hub for medical technology and research firms, Irvine is also increasingly becoming a center for direct patient care, with a proposed expansion of Hoag Hospital Irvine as the latest example of the trend. Hoag in Irvine is moving forward with plans that would expand its Sand Canyon Avenue facilities to more than double the number of patient beds and add nine buildings, reorganizing the hospital into specialized institutes of care. While the hospital is already allowed some expansion under city rules, updates and additions to older plans will go before the city’s Planning Commission late...

Antis Roofing & Waterproofing Returns as Greater Irvine Chamber 40-Under-40 Presenting Sponsor

Wednesday, November 04, 2020

Antis Roofing & Waterproofing is returning as the Presenting Sponsor of the Greater Irvine Chamber 40-Under-40 awards presentation, which will be delivered digitally on Thursday, Dec. 3, 12 – 1 p.m. “Yes, —it’s here again! Antis Roofing is thrilled to return as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 Greater Irvine Chamber 40-Under-40. These young leaders are making the wake! They’re not merely riding the wave, nor standing watching idly on the shore. They’re world-changers,” said Charles Antis, president, Antis Roofing & Waterproofing. During the presentation, the Greater Irvine Chamber will recognize the next generation of business leaders and advocates who are making strides in their industries and the busines...

Chevron Renews Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle Sponsorship

Wednesday, November 04, 2020

Chevron has renewed its sponsorship with the Greater Irvine Chamber as a silver-level Leaders Circle member. Established as the Pacific Coast Oil Co. in 1879, today Chevron is a leading energy provider worldwide. Chevron’s success is driven by its people and their commitment to get results the right way – by operating responsibly, executing with excellence, applying innovative technologies and capturing new opportunities for profitable growth. Leaders Circle members of the Greater Irvine Chamber are among the most influential companies and organizations in Irvine and Orange County. They take a proactive role in supporting the region’s business community at the highest level. For information on how to become ...

Edison’s Looking for the Makers of Tomorrow and Giving Them $40,000 STEM Scholarships

Tuesday, November 03, 2020

Edison Scholars recognizes students that want to be makers of tomorrow – the dreamers, inventors, guardians and pioneers – those that dare to be great. Each year, Southern California Edison awards $40,000 scholarships to 30 high school seniors who want to make a difference in the world by studying science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) in college. Last year, Orange County had eight Edison Scholars with four scholarship recipients from Irvine. From preventing greenhouse gas emissions to increasing access to clean energy in underserved communities, real issues need bright ideas to create change. This is a chance for students to stand up...

More Airlines to Add John Wayne Airport Stops in 2021

Tuesday, November 03, 2020

(Orange County Register) If the coming of Spirit Airlines later this month wasn’t enough, travelers looking for budget flights into and out of Orange County should have even more options in 2021. Allegiant Air is expected to be the next to arrive, with service to start in February, followed by Sun Country Airlines in April, and in May, Air Canada should begin international service, according to a report from airport Director Barry Rondinella. The Orange County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on John Wayne Airport’s 2021 seat allotments on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Why so many newcomers in such a short span o...

Community Heroes Recognized during Greater Irvine Chamber’s Virtual Celebrate Resilience Show

Monday, October 26, 2020

During its Celebrate Resilience awards presentation, the Greater Irvine Chamber recognized companies, organizations, and individuals that have made a positive impact on the greater Irvine community in response to the Coronavirus crisis. Congratulations to the 2020 Celebrate Resilience award recipients: Community Hero Chaplain Jeff Hetschel, Hoag Benefactor Award Google Fiber Community Impact Award OmniPrint International Community Impact Award B. Braun Community Impact Award Irvine Mayor Christina Shea and the Irvine City Council Corporate Responsibility Award FivePoint Corporate Responsibility Award University of California, Irvine Frontline Champion The Stand Frontline Champion Ampronix Innovation Award Second Harvest Food Bank Innovation Award Monica Pal Innovation Award Golden State Foods Nonprofit Hero Families Forward Partnership Hero UCI Beall Applied Innovation Service Award Genee Hansen Hospitality Award Wayne Lanthier, Hyatt House Supporting Celebrate Resilience are Presenting Sponsor: City of Hope Orange County; Sustainabilit...

Police Chief Mike Hamel and City of Irvine Employees Honored for Years of Service

Monday, October 26, 2020

The Irvine City Council recognized six employees for 25, 30, and 35 years of dedicated service to the City. City of Irvine employees work to keep the community safe, reduce Irvine’s carbon footprint, keep traffic flowing, and support events and activities for residents and visitors. Police Chief Mike Hamel, Irvine Police Department 25 Years of Service Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel is a 27-year law enforcement veteran who has been with the Irvine Police Department since 1995. He is the first Irvine Police Chief to rise through the ranks from police officer to Chief. Chief Hamel began his law enforcement career in 199...

New California Employment Laws Effective Now and Coming January 1, 2021

Monday, October 19, 2020

September 30, 2020, was the last day of this year’s legislative session, which ended with California Governor Gavin Newsom signing a flurry of bills — and vetoing a few as well. New California employment laws cover: COVID-19: Workers’ Compensation, Paid Sick Leave, and Workplace Safety. Leaves of Absence. Worker Classification. Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Protections. Privacy. Wage and Hour. Unless otherwise stated, the new laws take effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

UC Irvine Renews as Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle Platinum Partner

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

University of California, Irvine (UCI) continues to increase its community engagement, renewing as a Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle platinum-level partner. Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, and innovation. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 222 degree programs. Located in Irvine—one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities—UCI is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy. Leaders Circle members of the Greater Irvine Chamber are among the most influential companies an...

UC Irvine Partners with O.C. Businesses to Develop Safe Reopening Protocols

Friday, October 02, 2020

(Los Angeles Times-Daily Pilot) UC Irvine is providing consulting services to private businesses to develop rules and procedures to keep employees and customers safe from COVID-19 as the economy starts to open up. “As the only program in public health in Orange County, we have an obligation to assist our community,” UCI professor Karen Edwards said in a press release. “I think there’s a gap in this area for us to step up and offer these types of services. This has the potential to have a major positive impact.” Orange County was on track to move into the state’s less restrictive orange tier until th...

Irvine is Safest City of its Size for 15th Year

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

For the 15th consecutive year, Irvine is the Safest City of its size for violent crime, according to FBI data for 2019. Information released on Sept. 28 shows Irvine has the lowest rate of violent crime per capita of any city in the nation with a population of 250,000 or more. Irvine is also the Safest City of its size for violent crime for the first half of 2020, according to preliminary FBI data released earlier this month. The FBI’s Annual Uniform Crime Report measures crime, which includes murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, auto theft, and arson. Irvine Mayor Christina Shea congratulated the Irvine Police Departmen...

Best of Orange County 2020: Irvine Voted Best City to Live In

Saturday, September 26, 2020

(Orange County Register) For the past 24 years, Best of Orange County voters have been asked to name the county’s best city to live in. Irvine has never failed to place in the top 3, and it has been the top vote recipient for 13 of those years and ranked second for 10 more. Many reasons are cited for Irvine’s livability. It routinely ranks among the nation’s safest cities—including being ranked "America's Safest Big City" by the FBI crime ranking of cities over 100,000 in population every year since 2005—and has recorded the lowest per capita crime rate for cities with 250,000 o...

Kaiser Permanente is First US Health Care System to Achieve Carbon-Neutral Status

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

(Patch) Kaiser Permanente, the nation's largest integrated, nonprofit health system, has become the first health care system in the United States to achieve carbon-neutral status. With its longstanding commitment to improving conditions that lead to poor health, Kaiser Permanente has prioritized sustainability to contribute to and catalyze a green future free of the extreme climate conditions currently harming so many Americans. This move to carbon neutrality eliminates the organization's 800,000-ton annual carbon footprint, the equivalent of taking 175,000 cars off the road. The U.S. health care industry overall is responsible for roughly 10 percent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. "As wildfires rag...

Wells Fargo Gives $1 Million in Scholarships to Bridge Financial Gaps Faced by Students Amidst COVID-19

Wednesday, September 09, 2020

Students dedicated to making a positive difference in the world offer the greatest hope for the future, but for many their plans are threatened due to the unexpected financial gap posed by COVID-19—sometimes prohibiting them from continuing and completing college. Wells Fargo wants to help close that gap by launching the Wells Fargo Student Impact Scholarship. This new initiative will provide 200 students with $5,000 each—funds that could help them cover various costs for their instruction and potentially make the difference in being able to continue their education. Wells Fargo’s commitment will go beyond financial assistance to include an optiona...

California’s Longstanding Partnership with the United Kingdom

Wednesday, September 02, 2020

California and the U.K. have strong, historic ties that have a sizable impact on both economies. The U.K. is the second-largest source of foreign investment in California––supporting more than 111,000 jobs in the state. In 2019 there was more than $11 billion in two-way trade between the economies. “I am proud to have the opportunity to work with many foreign partners in furthering our commercial and diplomatic activity, but also particularly glad to engage with our local economic development partners, including the economic development team in Irvine who has done such a fantastic job building a deliberate, long-term, and mutually-beneficial relationshi...

Cox Expands Commitment to Bridging the Learning Divide, Provides Additional Support for Kids and Families Learning from Home

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Cox announced on Aug. 25 an expanded commitment to bridging the learning divide as part of its ongoing effort to support kids and families learning and teaching from home during the coronavirus pandemic. Through June 30, 2021, Cox is suspending late fees and extending payment relief offerings for customers in the company’s low-cost internet program Connect2Compete who express an inability to pay due to pandemic hardships. “I would like to thank Cox Communications for their commitment,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Now, more than ever, it’s critical that every Californian have the ability to connect to the internet and that every child ha...

Virtual Business Outreach Rally Provides Primary Data About Business During COVID

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

To remain in touch with Irvine businesses during the Coronavirus crisis and to learn about their needs, challenges, and aspirations, the Greater Irvine Chamber re-engineered its award-winning Business Outreach Rally as a virtual program this August. Chamber Ambassadors volunteered their time to conduct the Chamber’s outreach out to Irvine companies to inform them of resources available through the Chamber and to survey what businesses are experiencing during this economic and health crisis. The volunteers connected with more than 120 businesses over the telephone, gaining primary data about their operations now and in the future. Most of the more than 120 businesses surveye...

United Kingdom-California Relations: Cultural Parallels, Mutual Interests Form Core of Strategic Trading Partnership

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

The following answers to questions posed by the California Chamber of Commerce are from Andrew Whittaker, consul general, British Consulate General San Francisco. Please describe your thoughts on the unique relationship between the United Kingdom and California? California is a significant piece of the United Kingdom’s special relationship with the United States, both as a strategic partner given the size of our bilateral trade, investment within the state, cultural parallels and mutual overarching interests, such as reducing our carbon footprint, but also as a cultural friend. Every year, more than 686,000 Brits visit California, spending an average of $905 million within the state...

Greater Irvine Chamber Member Marketing Opportunities

Tuesday, August 04, 2020

Marketing is at a particular premium during these economically challenged times. As one of the many benefits of membership, the Greater Irvine Chamber offers several opportunities for members to market their products and services. Members are encouraged to: Market updates of products and services updates on their company directory profile page (accessed through the member portal) Upload product and services marketing/promotions (whether a discount or not) to the hot deals page (accessed through member portal) Submit events to the community calendar Submit newsworthy articles (other than product/services promotion or events) for inclusion in our website news Advertise with the Chamber Tourism-related businesses, retail, and restaurants have th...

Irvine's Great Park to Welcome New Community of Single-Family Homes

Thursday, July 30, 2020

(Orange County Register) Irvine’s Great Park residential community will get 38 new houses with starting prices planned in the mid-$1 million range. The New Home Co. will build the Atlas community — single-family homes ranging from 3,360 to 3,647 square feet with up to five bedrooms and five bathrooms — at the Rise neighborhood at the Great Park Neighborhoods. Sales are expected to begin in early 2021. The home building industry has been adapting to rapidly changing homebuyer tastes. In recent years, a preference for smaller, more-affordable housing nudged many developers to create smaller residences. But the ongoing pandemic that forced many families to spend more time at hom...

Irvine Gateway Experts Webinar Series Continues the Work of the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Foreign Direct Investment Initiatives

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

While the Greater Irvine Chamber continues to build on the momentum of its foreign direct investment programs, the work is being reimagined as the world responds to disruptions caused by the Coronavirus crisis. To continue to offer expansion-ready U.K. life science and technology companies with the information they need to make the decision to expand to Irvine/Orange County, the Chamber offers advice provided by experts in their field through the Irvine Gateway Experts webinar series. Topics include: VISAs and Immigration Organizational Preparedness U.S. Healthcare Market Entry International Banking FDA Approval Workforce Development Credits and State Incentives Funding and Capital Networks Taxes Legal Considerations for Establishing a Business in the U.S. OCTANE LaunchPad Accelerator To access the Irvine Gateway Experts webinar series, visit irvineglobalmarkets.com/foreign-direct-investment/irvine-ready-gateway The Greater Irvine Chamber remains connecte...

OCO Global, a Valued Partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber

Wednesday, July 01, 2020

In 2017, the Greater Irvine Chamber made an audacious decision to conduct an aggressive foreign direct investment (FDI) campaign in the U.K. We knew we had successful and happy international companies in Irvine. And we knew that we had the assets and an exciting, innovative ecosystem here. What we needed was an independent professional evaluation of our proposed initiative targeting the life science sector in the United Kingdom. Enter OCO Global. For 20 + years, OCO Global has been working with cities, states, and economic development organizations to help build and execute successful strategies to attract international investment. Choosing them to wor...

Coronavirus Trackers

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Tracking by County State’s Daily Actions Everything You Need to Know About California’s Response to Coronavirus Daily Coronavirus Tracker Coronavirus State by State

Octane Has Released its 2019 Impact Report

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Octane has released its 2019 Impact Report. Orange County has become nationally recognized or creating high-quality ideas, entrepreneurs, and a lifestyle to build sustainable growing businesses. Octane portfolio companies raised a record $337M in 2019, up 57% from 2018. Today, Octane stands at a positive inflection point and is a powerful catalyst to position Southern California for sustained growth of companies, to create high-paying jobs, and to deliver successful financial returns for investors. Additionally, InSoCal, an organization that includes Octane, Connect/SDVG, LAVA, and Alliance for SoCal Innovation, has held multiple events and programs that have pushed innovation further for Southern California, drawing more than 6,000 people from acros...

Greater Irvine Chamber CEO Bryan Starr and Member Company Executives Among Orange County’s 500 Most Influential People

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber and more than 50 executives from Greater Irvine Chamber member companies were featured in Orange County Business Journal’s fourth annual OC 500 Directory of Influence. This is Starr’s second consecutive year on the list. The directory includes an impressive list of influential business and community leaders from a variety of Orange County companies, ranging from nonprofits to large corporations. As its President and CEO, Starr has raised the profile of the Greater Irvine Chamber and empowered its economic development work and impact for the City of Irvine and its business community. He has successfull...

California Aims to Phase Out New Gas-Powered Vehicles by 2035

Thursday, September 24, 2020

(CalChamber) Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept. 23 issued an executive order that directs the state to require that all new cars and passenger trucks sold within California be zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) by 2035. In response, the California Chamber of Commerce issued a statement pointing out that California needs to have standards that other states and nations can follow. It cannot do it alone. “Banning vehicles with internal combustion engines in just 14 years is unrealistic, since it presumes that consumer demand will not create a viable ZEV market by 2035,” according to CalChamber. “Unless California, along with other states and countries, supports a market for ZEVs tha...

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