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Monday, March 28, 2022 | View as Webpage
THIS WEEK IN ORANGE COUNTY
EYES ON THE BALL: Challenges and Opportunities for OC's Recovery
As we mark the two-year anniversary of the initial government response to COVID-19, it is important to assess how Orange County was impacted and what to expect going forward. Our recovery will continue to be a process, as there are lingering effects from the state and federal pandemic response that will impact our economy for many years to come. Going forward, it is critical that our policies become focused on attributes that allow for economic growth. It is time to take a fresh look at the compiling restrictions that have been placed on the private sector which are driving job-creating businesses away from California and limiting the ability for our remaining businesses to grow. Read more.
CISA Warns of Potential Increased Attacks from Russia
President Biden recently warned the nation of the potential increase of Russian attacks against the US and urges everyone to proactively take action. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is working 24/7 to monitor threats and share vital information with international partners in Ukraine, Germany, and other countries. Shields Up is provided for a heightened posture for critical infrastructures of all sizes, especially surrounding transportation, financial, communications, energy and water sectors. Every sector, business and entity should consider themselves at risk and report any usual activity and/or security breach to CISA immediately via email at report@cisa.gov or by phone at 888-282-0870.
TODAY! Apply for California Competes Tax Credit
Are you looking to grow your business? The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC). With more than $104.7M in tax credits available during the application period, businesses that are expanding and adding quality, full-time jobs in CA that might not otherwise be created by the business or any other business--should apply. But hurry! The application deadline is today, March 28 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Apply here.
Using the Power of Storytelling to Inspire a Better World
Disney recently released its 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report to share the actions the company is taking to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion through stories and storytellers who reflect the rich diversity of our world, support environmental sustainability and bring comfort, optimism, and joy to our communities through charitable giving. The report also spotlights their commitment to investing in cast members and to operating responsibly in everything they do. Read more in the report and take a peek at their newly refreshed website.
OCBC SACRAMENTO ADVOCACY TRIP RECAP
The Council Hosts Successful Meetings with 18 State Leaders in Sacramento
The Council welcomed a large group of business leaders representing a diverse array of industry sectors to Sacramento on March 21-22 to speak with 18 prominent state leaders, including Attorney General Rob Bonta, GO-Biz Director Dee Dee Myers and State Controller Betty Yee. We thank Title Sponsor Southern California Edison and all of our trip sponsors for making this great opportunity possible.

Among the many discussions held over the two days of exclusive, in-person sessions was a focus on housing, including the state's arbitrary goals, the failure and cost of past legislation affecting development, the severe need for housing supply in OC and our suggestions for modifications to properly address the issue, including a clear demand for CEQA reform. Significant points were made on the need for tax reform to support economic development, sources and application of the short-term state budget surplus and the potential workforce impact of VMT calculations. There was also emphasis on the need for CA to start making strategic investments in the supply chain and a regional approach to water policy, which included commendation to OC water districts as models for others to follow in their water recycling efforts. Attendees also emphasized the challenges of running a business in a highly regulated labor landscape, including the need to eliminate or significantly reform PAGA, and a clear case was made for using a portion of the unsustainable surplus to significantly pay down or eliminate the $20B Unemployment Insurance Fund debt. Our key transportation leaders stated their visions for appropriately distributing historic infrastructure funding, and there was a detailed budget discussion centered around our clear concerns for the state’s long-term fiscal health.

In addition, trip attendees were treated to a memorable Avenger-themed Reception and Dinner on Monday night, generously hosted by Disneyland Resort, which provided unparalleled networking opportunities as nearly all of Orange County’s state legislators were in attendance.

Thank you again to all investors who participated in this year’s Sacramento Advocacy Trip. Together, we made the voice of business loud and clear in Sacramento. Check out some of the photos from the trip.
SPECIAL FEATURE: WORKFORCE INITIATIVES IN ORANGE COUNTY
Disney Announces Workforce Initiative
Since 1955, Disneyland Resort has welcomed guests to experience fully immersive stories and imagine the possibilities within them. That same commitment continues into the community, as the resort has been focused on empowering underserved youth, finding hope in the future and emboldening leaders to build the workforce of tomorrow. Visit the Disney Parks Blog to learn how Disneyland Resort works with nonprofits like Chrysalis, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & The Inland Empire and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress to change lives and create meaningful opportunities for both job-seekers and Anaheim students.
Edison Lineworker Scholarship Program
Edison believes that better business begins with a diverse applicant pool and workforce that reflect the communities and companies they serve. Their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report released in Aug. 2020 outlined a multipronged diversity initiative that included funding a lineworker scholarship program--a four-year, $1M pilot scholarship program to provide support of up to $25,000 per recipient. In 2022, the purpose of this scholarship program is to increase Black representation in the lineworker role. Learn more about the program and its eligibility, awards and requirements. The deadline to apply is May 6.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
INVESTORS IN THE NEWS
Congresswoman Kim and Senator Padilla Secure $500,000 for YLWD
Congresswoman Young Kim and Senator Alex Padilla secured $500,000 of federal appropriations for Yorba Linda Water District to purchase its third Heli-Hydrant, which saves firefighting helicopters critical time and increases efficiency by offering water access in areas most at risk for fires. This vital funding ensures the District can expand support to areas most susceptible to wildfires and ultimately save lives. The District will work with local fire authorities to ensure this heli-hydrant will benefit their air operations.
Mesa Water's 10th Anniversary of 100% Local Water
Mesa Water District is celebrating 10 years of providing customers 100% local, reliable, clean, safe water. It is the only water district in Orange County to fulfill water demand entirely from local groundwater supplies. The benefits of using local water supplies include lower costs to consumers than imported water because of the tremendous amount of energy to pipe imported water to Orange County, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the abundant local water supply is reliable during dry seasons. Learn more.
OCBC'S UPCOMING EVENTS
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! You won’t want to miss OCBC's 2022 Annual Dinner on April 7! Join us at Disneyland Resort to hear insights on the importance of embracing change from former NASA astronaut, Mike Massimino, welcome OCBC's new President and CEO, Jeff Ball, recognize the leadership of 2021 Board Chair, Jena Jensen, install 2022 Board Chair, Dave Bartlett, and wish Lucy Dunn well in her retirement!

A special thank you our sponsors! Title Sponsor: The Orange County Register; Platinum Sponsor: Amazon; VIP Reception Sponsor: UCI; Gold Sponsors: Brookfield Properties, Disneyland Resort, Experian and FivePoint Holdings, LLC; Silver Sponsors: AAA, Bank of America, The Boeing Company, BIA-SC, City of Hope Orange County, Clay Lacy Aviation, HNTB, JPMorgan Chase, Kaiser Permanente, Ontario International Airport, SDG&E, SoCalGas, Southern California Edison and U.S. Bank; and Bronze Sponsors, American Career College & West Coast University West Coast University, Anaheim Public Utilities, AT&T, CalOptima, Cal State Fullerton, Charter Communications, Chevron, Cox Business, CSUF College of Business, Curt Pringle & Associates, Girl Scouts of Orange County, Goodwill of Orange County, Holland & Knight Idea Hall, Jamboree, LSA, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, MemorialCare, Nossaman LLP, Orange County Department of Education, Rancho Mission Viejo, SCAG, South Orange County Community College District, Transportation Corridor Agencies, Tri Pointe Homes, University of Massachusetts Global, UPS, Verizon, Wells Fargo and WSP USA.
OCBC's Chairman's Leadership Breakfast featuring Nicole Suydam
Join OCBC on Tuesday, May 3, at The Cove at UCI for the first Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast of the 2022 series featuring Nicole Suydam, President and CEO, Goodwill of Orange County.

Thank you Supporting Sponsor, Goodwill of Orange County.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
OCBC Committee meetings are an exclusive benefit offered to OCBC members.
Click the committee meeting link to learn more about the specific topics and issues that will be covered and any special guest speakers.
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.