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A DAY ON NOT OFF, 65+ CAN GET VACCINES, IRVINE’S CARE INITIATIVE, OSO OPEN, DOWNTOWN DISNEY TURNS 20 & MORE! |
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HOT OFF THE PRESS:
IN CELEBRATION OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.:*
Bobby McDonald, CEO of the Black Chamber of Orange County, reminds us that January 19 is a day of service: “a day on, not a day off” and “what are you doing for others” is life’s most persistent question—needed now from leaders more than ever. Listen to his powerful tribute and MLK’s Orange County connections here. OCBC thanks our colleagues at OC Black Chamber.
In this Forbes article, Douglas Haynes, UCI vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion writes, “Monday, January 18 marks the 35th anniversary of the federal holiday in honor of Rev. Martin Luther King’s birthday. Signed into law in 1983 and first observed in 1986, the holiday is a deserving tribute to King for advancing civil rights and social justice through non-violent protest. … 53 years after King’s death, the promised land where Black people “take their rightful place on earth,” remains elusive. … On this MLK Day let us all re-dedicate ourselves to building a promised land where Black protest and sacrifice are not a requirement to live in the United States.”
REMINDER: VACCINE NOW AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE AGE 65 AND UP:*
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State and county health officials have authorized COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone age 65+. Eligible people who live or work in Orange County can register online through www.Othena.com to view appointment times and track vaccine availability. Or consult your healthcare provider. UCI strongly recommends the vaccine as a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others. County vaccinations are by appointment only.
CITY OF IRVINE LAUNCHES IRVINE CARES INITIATIVE AND BIZ REOPENING TASK FORCE:*
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The City of Irvine’s COVID-19 Task Force launched the Irvine Cares initiative, in which community members pledge to protect one another by wearing a mask, washing their hands frequently, practicing social distancing and staying home when sick. Take the pledge online here. Lucy Dunn, OCBC CEO, is honored to participate in Mayor Khan’s Business Reopening Task Force, which held its first meeting yesterday.
MEMORIALCARE ACQUIRES OC BLOOD & CANCER CARE:*
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OC Blood & Cancer Care is now part of the MemorialCare healthcare system. “The addition of OC Blood & Cancer Center Care, with two Orange County locations and a strong focus on cancer research, will continue our mission to drive cancer care forward,” said Marcia Manker, CEO, MemorialCare Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers. Read more.
VACCINATIONS BEGIN AT DISNEYLAND SUPER SITE:*
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OC residents are already queueing up at Disneyland’s Toy Story parking lot, Orange County’s first vaccination super-site. Limited appointment slots are available at Othena.com; vaccine eligibility is expanded to residents 65+. Read more.
HELP US ROLL OUT THOSE VACCINES - SIGN UP TODAY:*
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Volunteers, we need your help! Both medical and non-medical/general support volunteers are needed. OneOC’s Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC) is currently pre-registering volunteers to assist with distributing COVID-19 vaccines this year. Click Here to sign up today!
ASK THE EXPERTS VIRTUAL TOWN HALL: REVITALIZING CALIFORNIA'S BUSINESS CLIMATE:
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Don't miss a Chapman University panel discussion with experts, including OCBC President and CEO, Lucy Dunn, discussing what California can do to revitalize its business climate, slow down the loss of large employers, combat high unemployment, and more! The town hall is on Friday, January 22. Learn more and register here!
OSO PARKWAY BRIDGE NOW OPEN:
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Yesterday, Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) hosted the virtual grand opening of the Oso Parkway Bridge Project. The project offers six lanes of travel and provides a direct connection between the 241 Toll Road and Los Patrones Parkway, improving mobility in South Orange County. If you missed the virtual grand opening, watch a recording here. Read TCA’s press release for more information.
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ADVOCACY
OCBC JOINS CALCHAMBER IN CALL FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY:*
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OCBC was proud to join CalChamber and nearly 200 other business groups in urging the Governor and Legislature to address both the economic and health crises by reducing burdens on employers. The business community calls on Newsom for various policies that will keep small businesses afloat, including expedited financial resources. The letter also urges elimination of disincentives for telecommuting, delayed enforcement of new regulations and removal of barriers to housing, among other priorities. Read the letter here.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS – APPLY FOR PPP LOANS JANUARY 15
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U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 9 a.m. EST. The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA. Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.
OC UNITED WAY CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY WORKSHOP FOR EXECUTIVES:
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Alongside the unique and urgent challenges of 2020, a new optimism for CSR has blossomed. This means CSR is no longer optional. It’s the mechanism for future-proofing your business in what is increasingly becoming a purpose-driven economy. The course is limited to 12 participants, so register today!
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
UC PLANS TO BRING STUDENTS BACK TO CAMPUS THIS FALL:*
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UC students should expect to have a more normal college climate by the Fall 2021 semester. The CSU system made a similar announcement last month. UCI and CSUF are major centers of economic development for the region and OCBC is excited to have them at or near full force this year. Read more.
UCI PODCAST: THE ARTS RESPONSE TO COVID-19:
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How have OC’s artists and performers adapted to the challenges of the pandemic? Listen to the UCI Podcast to hear from Stephen Barker, dean of UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts, on how the school responded to COVID-19 and the potential for arts to heal the community.
NBC4 PROJECT INNOVATION GRANT CHALLENGE:
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NBC4’s Project Innovation grant challenge is back to help local nonprofits. The station's annual grant program is now open to provide $315,000 in funding (up from $225,000 last year) to support eligible nonprofit organizations helping move communities forward and addressing issues in innovative ways — please apply by February 12, 2021. Learn more.
FIRST 5 OC NEEDS YOUR FEEDBACK:
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First 5 Orange County Children & Families Commission wants your feedback. First 5 Orange County is conducting a study assessing the impacts of child care issues on the economy and wants to her from the business community. Take the short survey here.
GET TESTED NOW! WHERE TO GET TESTING IN OC
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
DOWNTOWN DISNEY CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY:*
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The Downtown Disney district is celebrating its 20th anniversary! Downtown Disney opened in 2001 with 300,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment venues that connected Disneyland Resort and area hotels with a revolutionary shopping experience. Read more!
MISSED OCBC'S PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS? View them by clicking here. PLEASE SHARE THESE UPDATES WITH COLLEAGUES, FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
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NOT AN OCBC MEMBER? JOIN TODAY! |
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Join OCBC and connect with the most influential companies and top executives actively engaged in creating a pro-business environment and prosperous economy. Hundreds of Orange County's leading businesses, cities and non-profit organizations represent an elite group from every industry cluster. But we need YOUR VOICE! For more info, contact Natalie Rubalcava, OCBC Chief Operating Officer.
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OC Community: Support Your Local Business!
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Support Local Restaurants!
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Giving Back
Donate, Volunteer or Host a Virtual Food Bank
Basic supplies needed
Help students with laptops & other financial assistance
Help support Vital Link's STEM and career pathways for students
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New items are noted with an *
If you have questions on how to get connected with OCBC online,
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OCBC works to get you the best information in these difficult times fighting COVID-19, its health and economic impacts. Check your email often for important updates AND follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. In addition, check out the COVID-19 Resources page on OCBC.org.
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