News

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...

Coronavirus Vaccine Patch 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...

CA Small Business Relief Grant Round One Applications Accepted Through January 8

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

The application period for Round One of the California Small Business Covid-19 Relief Grant program is now open. Small businesses and nonprofits can visit CAReliefGrant.com and apply for micro-grants up to $25,000. Assistance is available in all counties and in multiple languages. The first round of applications ends Jan. 8, 2021. Grants will not be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Take the necessary time to go to the website, and review eligibility requirements and the application process. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the high-volume demand, connect with a local partner, ready your documents, and revisit CAReliefGrant.com during lower-peak demand times. I...

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...

The Toll Roads Again Offers Relief for Drivers Amid New Safer-at-Home Orders

Monday, December 07, 2020

Upon California’s implementation of the latest executive order urging residents to stay home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) acted immediately and again began waiving the $20 FasTrak account suspension fee that may be assessed when the account balance is negative and the method of payment is rejected by the issuing financial institution more than once. TCA previously suspended this fee from April to October to offer relief for drivers in the early days of the pandemic. Other temporary relief efforts remain in place: The timeframe to pay a toll at TheTollRoads.com, using The Toll Roads ap...

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...

Applications Open for Small Business Hiring Tax Credit

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

(CalChamber) The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) began accepting applications today for a small business hiring credit against California state income taxes or sales and use taxes. The credit (authorized by SB 1447) is available to certain California qualified small business employers that receive a tentative credit reservation. Credit reservations will be allocated to qualified small business employers on a first-come, first-served basis. The reservation system became available today at 8 a.m. and continues through January 15, 2021, according to the CDTFA. The credit applies to California small businesses that meet the following qualifications: Employed 100 or fewer employees as of Decembe...

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...

Hoag Orthpedic Institute Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Friday, November 20, 2020

Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI) celebrated its 10th anniversary in November. In 10 years, HOI has grown into the largest orthopedic hospital on the west coast, earning many national accolades affirming its high quality of care. HOI has performed more than 148,00 procedures since 2010 and is the highest volume provider of joint replacements in California for the past eight years. Established in 2010 through a unique partnership between Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and a group of visionary Orange County orthopedic physicians, HOI is a specialty hospital that focuses exclusively on orthopedics. In its 10 year history, HOI has grown to includ...

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...

Governor Newsom Slams California into Reverse Amid COVID Surge; Irvine Poised Better Than Most Cities to Rebound

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

During a press conference on Nov.16, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that 40 counties—including Orange County—are moving backward in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy tier system, rolling back reopening plans statewide. Of California's 58 counties, 41 are now in the state's most restrictive purple tier. The announcement comes after California's coronavirus cases doubled in ten days—the steepest case increase the state has seen yet—prompting officials to consider a number of tighter restrictions, including a curfew. Although a painful setback for many, Irvine’s diverse medium and small businesses are doing well, relatively speaking, under lockdown conditions, maintaining economic activity and the foundation allowing a successful return of small busines...

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...

All Those Used Delivery Boxes Are a Hot Commodity

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

(Wall Street Journal) Junk mail and discarded delivery boxes have turned into a hot commodity as the paper industry uses them as a substitute for recycled office paper, which became scarce as people work from home. That is a sharp turnaround from two years ago, when the market for recycled catalogs, boxes, and newspapers collapsed after China toughened its standards for waste paper imports. Now, U.S. paper and cardboard mills are figuring out how to turn that trash into new toilet paper, coffee cups, paper towels, and cardboard boxes. And they have more material to work with as people order more food and packages to their home...

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...

IVC Team Takes First Place in National Business Plan Pitch Competition

Monday, November 16, 2020

Last August, the Irvine Valley College (IVC) entrepreneurship department partnered with the College Leap organization, a national non-profit founded by UC Berkeley students to increase the leadership opportunities for transferring community college students. A national business plan pitch competition was held. Ten IVC student teams from different disciplines of study entered the competition, and seven teams pitched in the first round hosted by Irvine Valley College. After more than a month of preparation with guidance and mentorship from Professor John Russo, the lead of the entrepreneurship program at IVC, the first round produced some excellent business concepts with great student pitch deck...

100 Percent of Companies in Cap-And-Trade Program Meet 2019 Compliance Requirements

Monday, November 09, 2020

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced that all businesses covered by the state’s cap-and-trade program have fully met their obligations for compliance in 2019 – achieving a 100% compliance rate. ”As in past years, the consistently high level of compliance with the cap-and-trade regulation is a testament to how the program continues to run effectively, helping to keep California on track to remain below our 2020 target,” said Richard W. Corey, executive officer, CARB. “With that said, we’re now addressing the very serious challenge of reducing GHG emissions another 40% by 2030.” California has further reduction targets of 40% below 1990 level...

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...

Kaiser Permanente Issues $1.5 Million in Grants to Southern California Nonprofits to Promote Disease Prevention Among the Homeless

Thursday, November 05, 2020

To help protect the most vulnerable in our communities, Kaiser Permanente has awarded $1.5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in Southern California, aimed at supporting the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 for people experiencing homelessness in Southern California. The money will aid individuals who access homeless shelters and have an increased risk of developing and transmitting infectious diseases because of challenges to their overall living conditions. Homeless shelters and other housing and supportive service sites are often faced with limited resources and staff capacity, and outbreaks can cause increased strain to these organizations. Funding from Kaiser Permanente will support the collaboration betwee...

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...

Vincit Recognized as a Best Workplace in Orange County for Third Consecutive Year

Friday, October 30, 2020

Vincit has been selected by the Orange County Business Journal as one of the 2020 Best Places to Work in Orange County. This is the third year in a row Vincit has been honored. This county-wide awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in Orange County, California; benefiting the county's economy, its workforce, and businesses. “We are very proud to have created a thriving work culture that allows employees to develop new skills, feel engaged, and have the autonomy to design their own paths,” said Ville Houttu, CEO of Vincit USA. “It has been an especially challengin...

Bryan Starr Presents on the State of Business, Coronavirus Response to Irvine City Council

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Bryan Starr, President and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber, presented on the state of business in Irvine to the Irvine City Council. The Oct. 27 presentation, made by telephone in consideration of COVID-19 safety measures, covered Irvine’s workforce, businesses that are doing well despite the crisis. Starr mentioned Edwards Lifesciences, Johnson & Johnson, Masimo, Medtronix, and others, which are developing COVID-related technology from testing, monitoring, and PPE, to vaccines. “Irvine is leading the way for the state of California when it comes to dealing with how we move forward through COVID,” he said. The hotel and tourism industry and small businesses are most at ris...

OCTA Renews Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle Sponsorship

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has renewed its silver-level Leaders Circle sponsorship with the Greater Irvine Chamber. Since its formation in 1991, OCTA has kept residents and commuters moving throughout the 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County. OCTA’s responsibilities, programs and services impact every aspect of transportation within the state’s third largest county. A member of the Chamber since 2016, OCTA keeps people moving by reducing freeway congestion, improving safety and efficiency on our local roads, providing bus service and regional multimodal connections, helping people find ways to leave their cars home, and providing safe, convenient transportation to those with special needs. Leader...

UCI, OC Health Care Agency Lead State’s First Study to Widely Test Representative Sample of Residents for COVID-19 Antibodies

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Testing a representative sample of Orange County residents for a wide range of coronavirus antibodies, University of California, Irvine researchers found that 11.5% of them have antibodies for COVID-19, in contrast to previous estimates of less than 2%. Latino and low-income residents had the highest prevalence of SARS-CoV-02 antibodies with rates of 17% and 15%, respectively. UCI researchers led the actOC project in partnership with the OC Health Care Agency, which provided funding, testing sites and input on the study’s survey methods and scripts. Study results appear on the pre-print server site medRxiv. “This rigorously designed surveillance study offers important information about how many residents o...

MemorialCare Links With Alignment for Medicare

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) MemorialCare Health System, Orange County’s largest nonprofit health system and a platinum-level Leaders Circle sponsor of the Greater Irvine Chamber, is linking up with the area’s fastest-growing healthcare insurance company, in the latest sign of expansion for its value-based approach to care. Orange-based Alignment Healthcare this month said that Fountain Valley-based MemorialCare, which generated $2.4 billion in revenue in fiscal 2019 and employs about 5,400 workers in the county, will join its provider network at the start of 2021. Alignment Healthcare is a provider of Medicare Advantage insurance plans and has more than 61,500 members in the state. “MemorialCare an...

WNDE Joins CLA, Expanding Southern California Resources

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Irvine-based White Nelson Diehl Evans LLP (WNDE) intends to join national professional services firm CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) on Nov. 1, 2020. “We were approached by five firms, and, hands down, we chose CLA,” said Paul Treinen, managing partner at WNDE. “We chose CLA for many reasons but first and foremost for its future vision and its culture. CLA is an ideal fit for our clients and professionals. We are confident that this will allow us to expand service offerings to our clients while also expanding the opportunities for all of our team.” With more than nine decades of experience, WNDE is amon...

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...

California Tax Revenue Billions Higher Than Expected, Thanks in Part to Federal Help

Saturday, October 24, 2020

(The Sacramento Bee) From July through September, California collected $8.7 billion more in tax revenue than anticipated, according to the state’s Department of Finance, a bright sign amid a year of devastating economic news. The numbers reflect the positive effect of federal aid, which came in the form of one-time $1,200 checks for individuals and weekly $600 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance payments for people who lost jobs because of the coronavirus outbreak. They are also partly from taxes on 2019 income, when the economy was booming. Additionally, the numbers are higher than expected in part because the pandemic has not hurt high wage earners particularl...

Hoag Memorial Selected as Trial Site for Promising COVID-19 Vaccine

Friday, October 23, 2020

(Orange County Register) Recent UC Irvine graduate Chen Cao became the first of 35 people to be vaccinated in NantKwest Inc. and ImmunityBio’s phase 1 clinical trial for COVID-19, happening only at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach. “I want to do something good,” Cao, 25, recently said. Around the world, 44 vaccine candidates are in clinical evaluation, and another 154 in preclinical evaluation, according to the World Health Organization. Most target the coronavirus’ signature spike protein, which prompted its name — “corona” means “crown” in Latin. NantKwest/ImmunityBio’s vaccine does that, too, but it also goes, quite literally, deeper, targeting structures within th...

US Economic Activity Picks Up While Europe’s Stalls

Friday, October 23, 2020

(Wall Street Journal) Economic activity in the U.S. grew at the fastest pace in more than a year and a half as businesses anticipated greater demand, an easing of coronavirus-related restrictions and less uncertainty following November’s election, surveys of purchasing managers showed. The U.S. survey figures are the latest sign the economy continues to recover from the shock created by the coronavirus pandemic. Worker filings for jobless benefits so far this month fell to the lowest level since the pandemic started, and existing-home sales rose 9.4% in September, a 14-year high. The rush in optimism stands in contrast with Europe, where a resurgence of coronavirus cases and ne...

Easterseals Southern California Renews as Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle Sponsor

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) has renewed its Leaders Circle partnership with the Greater Irvine Chamber as a bronze-level sponsor. Easterseals Southern California has been a member of the Greater Irvine Chamber since 2018. For more than 100 years, Easterseals has been an indispensable resource for people with disabilities and their families. The services provided by Easterseals Southern California—in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura counties—make profound and positive differences in people's lives every day, helping them address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals so that they can live, learn, work, and play in our communities. With nearl...

Irvine Ranks Second Fittest City in America

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Independent research by True People Search Insights found Irvine to be the second fittest cities in America. California dominates the list overall, with eight of its cities making the top ten: Boulder, CO Irvine, CA Sunnyvale, CA Fremont, CA Bellevue, WA Milpitas, CA Santa Clara, CA Newport Beach, CA San Ramon, CA Mountain View, CA With its 16,500 acres of preserved natural habitats and wildlands offering more than 60 miles hiking and biking trails, and its 270+ parks Irvine is differentiated from other Orange County cities, providing outdoor enthusiasts an alternative to surfing and beach activities. Amid social distancing measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, Irvine’s permanently preserved open space and extensive park system, including its gem the Orang...

The Workplace Podcast: When Employees Talk Politics at Work

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

(CalChamber) In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss how employers can navigate the election season and ways to handle political discussions in the workplace. ‘It’s Everywhere’ It’s election season and whether it’s at the company’s water cooler or in a Zoom call, political discussion is spilling over into the workplace, Frank says. And because many employees are now working remotely, discussion occurs in ways that are not always visible to the employer. “It’s everywhere,” and no matter which way someone leans politically, people feel very strongly about thei...

Visit California Offers Travel Code for Responsible/Respectful Travelers

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

(CalChamber) As some Californians choose to venture cautiously outside amid closures and restrictions due to COVID-19, travel patterns have shifted and highlight the need for visitors to show respect toward local communities. Visit California offers the Responsible Travel Code as a quick resource on how to explore the Golden State responsibly and safely. A new video on Visit California’s Travel Matters website describes the code with stunning California images. The code speaks to both preserving California and to the safety of our communities as cities and counties continue toward recovery. It is part of Visit California’s new Responsible Travel Hub, which provides clear, fact-base...

Where to Eat in Orange County in 2020: A Map of the Best Places

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

(Orange County Register) For the previous five years, this guide has served as an adventurous scavenger hunt, a bucket-list ranking of the 75 best places to eat in Orange County. But 2020 changed the way we eat, so this year’s installment is a bit different. This moment calls for a more utilitarian approach. We’re all hungry for normalcy. But as much as we might crave a normal restaurant routine, that’s not happening. Not yet. Takeout still feels like the smartest solution for many people right now. And while many others may be eager to dine out again, that doesn’t mean we’re ready to be lingerin...

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.

UCI Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center Celebrates 10 Years of Innovation

Monday, October 19, 2020

University of California Irvine, a platinum-level Leaders Circle member of the Greater Irvine Chamber, celebrates 10 years of lifesaving innovation out of the Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. In this Q&A, center director Aileen Anderson discusses some key accomplishments and describes the importance of stem cell research – how it’s the key to fighting some of the most tragic illnesses, from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to conditions such as blindness and the infectious disease of most concern today, COVID-19. Why is stem cell research so important? Does it really play a role in fighting disease and helpin...

Families Forward Named District 74 Nonprofit of the Year

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Every year the California Association of Nonprofits asks legislators to select an outstanding organization for recognition. Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris for Assembly District 74 has named Irvine-based and long-time Greater Irvine Chamber member Families Forward as its 2020 Nonprofit of the Year. While formal recognition is typically presented at a ceremony in the State Capitol, due to the pandemic, Families Forward was recognized during a Facebook Live Town Hall hosted by Petrie-Norris on Oct. 23. “For 36 years, Families Forward has helped families get back on their feet after facing unexpected crisis,” Petrie-Norris said. “I am so grateful to the team at Families Forwar...

Seven Executives Appointed to Greater Irvine Board of Directors

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Seven executives from organizations either headquartered or with offices in Orange County have been appointed to the Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors. The Chamber welcomes to its Board: Mayssa Attar, Ph.D., DABT, Vice President, Non-Clinical and Translational Sciences, Research and Development, AbbVie Attar leads an AbbVie integrated Translational Sciences unit with a team of scientists primarily focusing on neurotoxins, eye care, and aesthetics product development. Attar spent more than 21 years at Allergan (a company of AbbVie). Prior to joining the industry, Mayssa was an academic research scientist at the Loeb Research Institute in Ottawa, Canada. Since 2005, Attar has taught a...

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...

COVID-19: Moving Between Tiers

Thursday, October 08, 2020

(CalChamber) In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Executive Vice President and General Counsel Erika Frank and employment law expert Jennifer Shaw discuss California’s COVID-19 Tier Framework and what employers should keep in mind as counties transition into and out of tiers. Tier Framework California’s COVID-19 Tier Framework lays out the measures that counties must meet, based on indicators that capture disease burden, testing and health equity, in order to reopen business activity. Frank explains that the framework assigns color-designated tiers to identify these metric groups: Tier 1, Purple: Highest risk tier where disease is “widespread.” Counties fall under the Purple Tier if the...

Brian Dozer Named Greater Irvine Chamber October Member of the Month

Tuesday, October 06, 2020

Brian Dozer, president, Vital Link, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber Member of the Month for October 2020. Since joining the Chamber in 2015, Dozer has become increasingly involved with the Chamber, holding various volunteer leadership roles on committees. He currently serves as co-chair of the Chamber’s Business & Workforce Development Committee (BWD). “I am extremely honored to receive this recognition from an organization and group of dedicated professionals that I hold in such high regard. The work that everyone does on the Business & Workforce Development Committee is so critical for our students, leaders, and businesses, especially in the curren...

California’s Export Trade Resurgent in Latest Numbers

Tuesday, October 06, 2020

(CalChamber) California’s export trade staged an impressive recovery in July despite the adverse economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and unfavorable tariffs overseas, according to Beacon Economics’ analysis of U.S. trade statistics released Sept. 3 by the U.S. Census Bureau. In a month that saw overall U.S. merchandise exports decline by more than 15% from one year earlier, California businesses shipped a total of $13.487 billion in merchandise abroad in July, a nominal decline of just 0.4% from the $13.544 billion in exports the state recorded in July 2019. Shipments of manufactured products by California firms were down 5.7% to $8.386 billio...

How to Vote in California

Tuesday, October 06, 2020

(Los Angeles Times) The general election is approaching fast, with presidential, congressional, state legislative, and local races on the Nov. 3 ballot. This year, Gov. Gavin Newsom is encouraging voters to vote by mail in order to protect them from the coronavirus. Everyone will get a mail-in ballot, but if you prefer to vote in person, you still can. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your vote is counted. Register to vote by Oct. 19 The California secretary of state’s website has a few handy tools to make sure you’re ready to vote. To register online, visit RegisterToVote.ca.gov. If you’re not sure if you’re registered &mdash...

Nominations Open for Greater Irvine Chamber’s 40-Under-40 Awards

Tuesday, October 06, 2020

The Greater Irvine Chamber will recognize 40 of Orange County’s best and brightest emerging professionals under the age of 40, during a virtual 40-Under-40 presentation on Thursday, Dec. 3, 12 – 1 p.m. Nominations are being accepted through Nov. 6 for professionals under the age of 40 who are making strides in their industries and the Orange County community. Nominees considered for 40-Under-40 recognition must: Be 39 years of age or younger on Dec. 3, 2020. Be employed by a business located or operating in Orange County. Have demonstrated leadership skills, integrity, and initiative. Nominate HERE The 40-Under-40 presentation is free to attend. Registration is required. Register HERE Anti...

Zillow Group Continues Partnership with Greater Irvine Chamber

Tuesday, October 06, 2020

Zillow Group, Inc. has renewed its partnership with the Greater Irvine Chamber as a gold-level Leaders Circle sponsor. Zillow has been a member of the Greater Irvine Chamber since 2012. Zillow is the leading real estate and rental marketplace serving the full lifecycle of owning and living in a home: buying, selling, renting, financing, remodeling, and more. It starts with Zillow's living database of more than 110 million U.S. homes, including homes for sale, homes for rent, and homes not currently on the market, as well as Zestimate home values, Rent Zestimates, and other home-related information. Zillow operates the most popular suit...

New Laws: California at Forefront of Health Policy Innovation

Monday, October 05, 2020

(Capitol Weekly) Though COVID-19 forced California leaders to scale back their ambitious health care agenda, they still managed to enact significant new laws intended to lower consumer health care spending and expand access to health coverage. When Gov. Gavin Newsom concluded the chaotic legislative year — his deadline to sign or veto bills — what emerged wasn’t the sweeping platform he and state lawmakers had outlined at the beginning of the year. But the dozens of health care measures they approved included first-in-the-nation policies to require more comprehensive coverage of mental health and addiction, and thrusting the state into the generic drug-makin...

Transportation Corridor Agencies Expand Online Educational Resources for Kids

Monday, October 05, 2020

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA)—a bronze-level Leaders Circle sponsor of the Greater Irvine Chamber—have expanded their successful online Educational Resources program for children. Launched in the spring as parents and teachers were thrust into a world of distance learning, the library of content caters to students from preschool to middle school. New content added for fall at TheTollRoads.com/Educational-Resources enhances the already rich assortment of activities available on the new webpage. Younger children will enjoy a connect-the-dots activity that forms the shape of Orange County. Preschoolers will also have fun with worksheets that guide them through cutting practice (with safety scissors – of course!)...

US Service Industries Expand More Than Forecasted

Monday, October 05, 2020

(Bloomberg) U.S. service industries expanded in September by more than forecasted as faster growth in new orders and a pickup in employment pointed toward a better pace of economic recovery. The Institute for Supply Management’s services index, which represents about 90% of the economy, climbed to 57.8 during the month from 56.9 in August, according to data released on Monday. Readings above 50 indicate expansion, and the September figure exceeded the 56.2 median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists. More Momentum Gauge of U.S. services stronger than forecast as orders, activity accelerate Improving orders and business activity are encouraging more service providers to ad...

Hoag Orthopedic Institute Receives Three Press Ganey Guardian Patient Experience Awards

Saturday, October 03, 2020

Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI), one of the largest providers of orthopedic care in the nation, has received three Press Ganey Patient Experience awards for 2020, including, the Guardian of Excellence® for Patient Experience for the seventh consecutive year, the Pinnacle of Excellence® for Patient Experience in HCAHPS for maintaining consistently high levels of excellence over multiple years, and the Pinnacle of Excellence® for Patient Experience in Inpatient for maintaining consistently high levels of excellence over multiple years. The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a nationally recognized symbol of achievement in health care. Presented annually, the award honors clients who consistentl...

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...

Cox Communications Commits $60 Million to Close the Digital Learning Gap

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Cox Communications’ President and CEO Pat Esser announced in a live press conference today that Cox will pledge $60 million over the next year to close the digital learning gap. Esser urged in the press conference the need for collaboration to solve the digital divide. “Our commitment remains strong, but we cannot do this alone. We need to keep partnering with cities, school districts, counties, and community-based organizations to get families connected,” said Esser. “Connection is more important than ever before, especially for kids.” Esser also announced that Cox will be extending the company’s offer to new customers that qualify for Connect2Compete. Ne...

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...

Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People Includes Greater Irvine Chamber Members

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Top executives from Greater Irvine Chamber member companies have been nominated for Modern Healthcare’s annual list of 100 most influential people in healthcare for 2020. The list recognizes exceptional leaders who have had the greatest impact on the healthcare industry in the United States. Gregory Adams, Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Permanente; Dr. Barry Arbuckle, President and CEO, MemorialCare Health System; Richard Gonzalez, Chairman and CEO, AbbVie (acquired Allergan); and Annette Walker, President, City of Hope Orange County, are among an elite group of 2020 nominees that are up for consideration. The list includes California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, former Vic...

UCI is No. 1 in Sierra Magazine’s 2020 ‘Cool Schools’ Ranking of Sustainability Leaders

Monday, September 28, 2020

Sierra magazine has named the University of California, Irvine (UCI) No. 1 overall in its annual “Cool Schools” ranking of sustainability leaders among U.S. and Canadian universities and colleges, marking the fourth time in the last seven years that UCI has topped the widely acclaimed list. UCI’s history of environmental stewardship dates back to the Nobel Prize-winning research by chemistry professor F. Sherwood Rowland into the depletion of the ozone layer almost five decades ago. This work led to the development and growth of UCI’s campus culture of eco-friendly practices, groundbreaking sustainability research, and remarkable green accomplishments that has put th...

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...

City of Irvine to Participate in California Clean Air Day on October 7

Friday, September 25, 2020

The City of Irvine is joining the statewide effort to improve air quality by encouraging residents, businesses, and organizations to participate in California Clean Air Day on Oct. 7. Established in 2018 by the Coalition for Clean Air, California Clean Air Day brings individuals, businesses, local governments, and nonprofit organizations together to take actions that will clear the air and improve the health of residents and communities. Irvine residents, businesses, and organizations are invited to take the Clean Air pledge and make a commitment to do their part through actions big and small such as: using natural all-purpose cleaners, buying produce locally...

Gov. Newsom Orders 2035 Phaseout of Gas-Powered Vehicles

Thursday, September 24, 2020

(Lake County News) Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 23 announced that he will aggressively move the state further away from its reliance on climate change-causing fossil fuels while retaining and creating jobs and spurring economic growth. Newsom issued an executive order requiring sales of all new passenger vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035 and additional measures to eliminate harmful emissions from the transportation sector. The transportation sector is responsible for more than half of all of California’s carbon pollution, 80% of smog-forming pollution, and 95% of toxic diesel emissions—all while communities in the Los Angeles Basin and Central Valley see some of the dirtiest and mos...

Hoag Hospital Irvine Will Deliver New Maternity Services this Winter

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Hoag’s family of maternity services is growing. Thanks to the generosity of Gary Fudge, the Tsao family, and other visionary philanthropic donors, Hoag Hospital Irvine will open 12 new birthing suites this winter which reimages the evolving trends in maternity care in one of the county’s fastest-growing communities. The Fudge Family Birthing Suites will offer a unique birthing experience for pregnant women and their families. 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 the birthing suites whic...

John Wayne Airport Once Again Ranked Among the Nation’s Best

Thursday, September 24, 2020

John Wayne Airport (JWA) ranked #2 among large airports in North America by J.D. Power's 2020 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, continuing its record of top rankings since it was elevated to the large airport category in 2017. The Airport was ranked #1 among large airports in 2017 and 2018. "We are pleased that our efforts to continually elevate the guest experience are reflected in the customer satisfaction survey," said Airport Director Barry Rondinella. "I am proud of our entire team for rising to the unique challenges we encountered this year. It is through their dedication and commitment that we continu...

Destination Irvine’s Work Contributes to Millions of Dollars in Economic Impact for the City

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

As many Orange County hotels compete for business, Destination Irvine—the destination marketing division of the Greater Irvine Chamber—is distinguishing the city as a preferred location for overnight visitors. The Destination Irvine team focuses on bringing business and sports groups to Irvine, matching them with properties that offer sought-after amenities and access to Irvine and Orange County facilities and locales. “The economic impact of visitor spending in Irvine contributes millions of dollars to local and state taxes, which offsets these costs for residents, said Wendy Haase, vice president, Destination Irvine. “Destination Irvine’s marketing and sales initiatives play a strategic role in generating trave...

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...

Samuel Johnson Named CEO of Transportation Corridor Agencies

Monday, September 14, 2020

The Transportation Corridor Agencies’ (TCA) two Boards of Directors, comprised entirely of elected officials, affirmed that Interim CEO Samuel Johnson will retain the role of CEO effective immediately. Johnson, an award-winning industry leader with nearly 30 years of public agency experience, has led the Agencies to key successes since being named Interim CEO in April against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among his recent accomplishments, Johnson reformed TCA’s internal audit function for increased transparency, oversaw the creation of a more robust consumer privacy policy, and worked with Board leadership to reduce the Agencies’ annual budget by 51% while preserving job...

Gov. Newsom Signs Three Bills to help Small Businesses Recover from COVID-19, Economic Downturn

Thursday, September 10, 2020

(California Globe) Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept. 9 signed three bills into law aimed at assisting small businesses and construction in California. Senate Bill 1447, authored by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), was the first bill signed on Sept. 9. The bill institutes the Main Street Hiring Tax Credit, which allows businesses with less than 100 employees to get a tax credit against personal and corporate income taxes each year. The credits are good for $1,000 for each new employee hired between July and November, with a set limit of $100,000 per business. The bill was tied back into the COVID-19 and economic crisis by having businesses qualif...

Marianna Marysheva Appointed Interim City Manager

Wednesday, September 09, 2020

The Irvine City Council voted to appoint Marianna Marysheva as Interim City Manager, effective Sept. 9. Marysheva has served as Assistant City Manager since July 2018. An innovative and creative leader with more than two decades of municipal government experience, Marysheva has a track record of implementing programs that promote transparency and open governments; building partnerships and encouraging collaboration; and accomplishing projects with multiple cross-pressures and competing priorities. “As Assistant City Manager, Marianna Marysheva has proven to be an excellent leader,” Mayor Christina Shea said. “She has skillfully managed our multi-faceted response to the COVID-19 pandemic and addressed the $16 million budget defici...

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...

What’s Open, What’s Closed in Orange County

Monday, August 31, 2020

(Orange County Business Journal) Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Aug. 28 reveal of the new COVID-19 tracking system, Blueprint for a Safer Economy, set new timing for business reopenings. The monitoring system, with changes effective Aug. 31, replaced the previous County Data Monitoring List in outlining what businesses can reopen with health and safety modifications to their operations. OC is currently in the highest risk, or purple, tier of the Blueprint. Here, a list of the status of each business sector as of Aug. 31 in Orange County as outlined by the state. Businesses that do reopen must follow safety guidelines. Full information on th...

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...

Good Attendance Leads to Leads Groups’ Record Success Despite Remote Networking

Monday, July 13, 2020

The success of the Greater Irvine Chamber’s six Leads Groups is undoubtedly in large part due to record attendance. Attendance has been at its highest level despite networking being conducted online amid COVID-19 closures and social distancing practices. Following are Leads Groups members with the highest attendance record for FY 2019-2020: 22 meetings – John Forbes and Samantha Kist (1st & 3rd AM Wednesday) 22 meetings – Brian Page (1st & 3rd Wednesday) 21 meetings – Courtney Nakagawa (2nd & 4th Monday) 21 meetings – Ailene Dewar and David Harrington (1st & 3rd Tuesday) 21 meetings – Claire Na and Reza Ray Ghamsari (2nd & 4th Thursday) 13 meeting...

City of Irvine to Begin Offering Drive-Up COVID-19 Testing

Friday, July 10, 2020

The City of Irvine, in partnership with Curogram and multiple laboratories, including local Pangea Laboratory, will begin providing drive-up COVID-19 testing for individuals that live or work in Irvine beginning Monday, July 13 at the Orange County Great Park. Tests will be available to those who are symptomatic and asymptomatic. The City will have multiple lanes dedicated to testing, and can accommodate approximately 200-260 tests per day. Only PCR testing, which determines if someone currently has the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is available. “The City Council has put in place appropriate and forward-thinking safety measures every step of the way since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,&rdquo...

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...

HBLA’s Dov Lazarus, City of Hope’s Nisha Morris Elected to Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors

Sunday, February 09, 2020

Dov Lazarus, CPA, audit partner at HBLA Certified Public Accountants, Inc., and Nisha Morris, associate vice president, Marketing and Communications at City of Hope Orange County, have been elected to serve on the 2020-2021 Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors. Lazarus has more than twenty years of accounting and auditing experience, with significant experience serving companies in a variety of industries including importing, manufacturing, distribution, automotive and retail. He has serviced some of the firm’s more significant clients. He previously worked at Price Waterhouse South Africa and Price Waterhouse Australia. Lazarus is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant...

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...

Dr. Edward Kim to Lead City of Hope Irvine Campus

Monday, November 16, 2020

(Orange County Register) In their search for the right person to head up their as-yet unopened Irvine cancer center, officials at City of Hope Orange County wanted someone with experience in community medicine, expertise in care and research, and a hunger for innovation. They say they found all that and more in nationally recognized cancer researcher and oncologist Dr. Edward S. Kim, who today is being announced as physician-in-chief for the medical campus, which is part of a $1 billion investment by City of Hope in Orange County. “He is so much the right person,” said Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County. Walker touted Kim’...

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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