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Tuesday, November 30, 2021 | View as Webpage
CLOSE CA'S DIGITAL DIVIDE, INFRASTRUCTURE BILL BRIEF, HOLIDAY RECEPTION, HELP OC STUDENTS ACHIEVE CAREER READINESS AND MORE!
HOT OFF THE PRESS
DUNN & DONE: LEGISLATURE, YOU'RE NOT DONE CLOSING CA'S DIGITAL DIVIDE:
  • OC's local economy is thriving. Unemployment is less than 5 percent and the median household income approaches $95,000. Nevertheless, inequities still leave many at a disadvantage, especially those stuck in the "digital divide," meaning they can not access high quality internet due to geographic availability and affordability. While CA has taken a few steps to address the digital divide, more must be done. Recently, the State allocated $6B to broadband network build-out via new legislation–SB 156–a historic investment indeed. But public-private collaboration will be key. There is no need to recreate the wheel with over-regulation; instead, the focus should be on addressing the gaps with targeted solutions through government and business collaboration to help the unserved areas first and foremost and ensure every home has internet access. Read more. 
TODAY! SENATOR PADILLA BRIEFS ON INFRASTRUCTURE BILL:
  • The recently passed federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act contains at least $100M for broadband in CA. The Los Angeles/Orange County Regional Broadband Consortia (LA/OCRBC), of which OCBC is a founding member, is co-sponsoring a briefing this afternoon from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. Click here to register and learn more about the resources coming to SoCal to support connectivity and help close the digital divide.
JOIN OCBC AT OCPAA'S HOLIDAY RECEPTION:
  • OCBC is pleased to sponsor OCPAA's 25th Annual Holiday Reception and hope you will join us on Dec. 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature a "Who's Who" of Orange County elected officials, staff members, public affairs pros as well as business and community leaders. RSVP today.
TURNING RED TAPE INTO RED CARPET WINNER'S SPOTLIGHT:
CITY OF PLACENTIA’S LYNCH EMS PARTNERSHIP FOR 911/ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT SERVICES:
  • Congratulations to City of Placentia for winning the Public-Private Partnership Award for its partnership with Lynch EMS for 911 and advanced life support services! The City formed a partnership with Lynch EMS, who provide ambulances and staff to the City for $1M a year, $3M less annually than they were previously paying. Successes include 19% more daily calls compared to the previous service provider, an 85% reduction in aid from neighboring cities, and reduced response times.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
LATEST UPDATES ON CITY OF HOPE'S OUTPATIENT CANCER CENTER:
  • City of Hope's 190,000-square-foot outpatient cancer center recently hit huge construction milestones and is expected to begin offering radiation and chemotherapy treatment, as well as a clinical research capabilities by the second half of next year. The outpatient center located in Irvine is part of City of Hope’s $1B investment in OC and will help bring treatment closer to OC residents. Learn more.
BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES
TOMORROW! HOW TO PARTNER WITH OC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR CAREER READINESS:
  • Join this year's OC Pathways Showcase on Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. to celebrate the partnership between industry and educational leaders and their joint efforts to equip the next generation with the skills necessary to bolster the county's future workforce through Career Technical Education. Register here.
OCBC'S UPCOMING EVENTS
EVENTS
2022 OCBC Annual Dinner and Installation of Board of Directors
February 10, 2022 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Mark your calendar to join OCBC at Disneyland Hotel on Feb. 10 for a magical night dedicated to reflecting on the previous year's successes while looking toward future opportunities and #EmbracingChange. The evening will honor OCBC's 2021 Board Chair, Jena Jensen, CHOC, and install the 2022 Board Chair, Dave Bartlett, Brookfield Properties. OCBC is grateful to title sponsor, The Orange County Register, for their commitment to ensuring this year's event is more incredible than ever! Registration open soon. Click here for additional event details!

COMMITTEE MEETINGS*
December 3 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
OCBC members, contact Connor Medina, OCBC Government Affairs Manager, to register.

December 14 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
OCBC members, contact Connor Medina, OCBC Government Affairs Manager, to register.

December 15 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
OCBC members, contact Connor Medina, OCBC Government Affairs Manager, to register.
NOT AN OCBC MEMBER? JOIN TODAY!
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.