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Monday, May 15, 2023 | View as Webpage
LATEST IN OC
#CaliforniansForAll College Corps OC Connection
Last fall, two Orange County Business Council (OCBC) investors—Concordia University Irvine and Irvine Valley College—together with Vanguard University, formed a consortium as part of the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, a first-of-its-kind initiative launched in partnership with 45 partner colleges and universities across the state. Over the next four years, campuses will deploy more than 10,000 College Corps students known as fellows to tackle statewide challenges such as food insecurity, K-12 education and climate action. For their participation, fellows earn financial support—a $7,000 living stipend and a $3,000 educational award upon completion—helping to pay off college debt while gaining professional experience. While Orange County may be the nation’s sixth largest county and an economic leader, many of the challenges addressed by the College Corps program are right here in Orange County neighborhoods. Read the newest issue of OCBC’s Making a Difference feature series to see how this group of Orange County college students is making a difference for good.  
Photo courtesy of Irvine Valley College
Visit California: Tourism Economy Heading Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Visit California released its 2022 Economic Impact Report (EIR) that assesses the impact of tourism statewide and at county levels. New data from 2022 shows that California’s tourism economy is slowly returning to pre-pandemic levels. Key takeaways from the report include:
  • Travel spending increased to $134.4 billion, a 31.7% increase over 2021.
  • California’s travel sector added 157,000 jobs in 2022 to 1.1 million—94% back to 2019 levels.
  • Projections from Tourism Economics show that California this year will surpass the record $144.9 billion in visitor spending from 2019.
The largest urban destinations—Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco—made significant gains in 2022.
Image courtesy of Visit California
INVESTOR NEWS
Concordia University Irvine Awarded $3 million Grant to Support Hispanic Graduate Students
On the heels of receiving its first Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) grant from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) last fall, Concordia University Irvine (CUI) announced that it has been awarded its second grant from the USDOE—a $3 million grant for its “Vocación” initiative as part of the Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans Program (PPOHA) for graduate students in the School of Education. The new grant will help CUI equip future Hispanic teachers, school administrators, and K-12 district leaders. Providing $600,000 a year over the next five years, grant-funded projects beginning this fall include launching a faculty mentoring program for Ed.D. students, designing a clearer pathway from the Education master to the doctoral level, and providing professional development for School of Education graduate faculty and course developers.
Photo courtesy of Concordia University Irvine
New Fuels Index Helps Fire Science Team Gauge Wildfire Threat
After record-breaking rain and snow in California, lush vegetation along mountains and roadsides will eventually dry out and pose a fire threat to the region. According to Tom Rolinski, Southern California Edison Fire Sscientist, fire activity, which typically increases during the month of May, will likely be delayed until June or July. To forecast the risk of wildfire, SCE’s fire science team developed a Fuels Index. For the first time, the team is using the index in its 50,000-square-mile service area to assess the wildfire threat across high fire risk areas. 
Image courtesy of Southern California Edison
ONT 2nd Annual Multi Chamber Mixer
Network and be awestruck on Ontario International Airport’s (ONT) runway at their 2nd Annual Multi Chamber Mixer on May 31. ONT is home to the Bob Hope USO, the third-largest USO operation in the United States. To support soldiers, ONT will be collecting donations and supplies for the USO at the mixer. Serving as a hub for IE infrastructure, this year alone ONT has handled over 184,000 tons of cargo and contributed to the region's tourism by serving 1.3M+ passengers.
Image courtesy of Ontario International Airport
CERF CORNER
Orange County Business Council is proud to have been awarded a state grant to be the regional convener for the Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) program. The purpose of CERF is for an inclusive group of balanced representation from local stakeholders to develop a regional economic development plan that drives greater equity, environmental sustainability, and resiliency in Orange County’s economy. Once the plan is developed, significant projects in alignment with that plan can be funded by the state to realize greater economic growth in the region. To lend your voice and to become involved, complete the stakeholder mapping survey by 7 p.m. today. If you are active in supporting or could benefit from a High Road Economy—an economy that achieves economic growth, economic equity, shared prosperity and a clean environment—complete the survey. For nonprofit organizations interested in applying for CERF grant funds, RFPs are due May 26. We encourage your participation and value your input. To learn more about CERF or attend future meetings, visit ocbc.org/cerf or contact cerf@ocbc.org.  
Photo courtesy of OCBC
The Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) is a grant created by the state of California. Orange County Business Council has been awarded the role of convener for CERF in Orange County. To learn more about CERF, visit ocbc.org/cerf.
WORKFORCE CORNER
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, landscape architects in California are earning an average of nearly $90,000 annually. At Saddleback College in Mission Viejo—part of the South Orange County Community College District—the Horticulture and Landscape Design program is one of several career education offerings that are boosting skills and yielding higher pay for graduates. Students who earn a certificate, for instance, earn on average $7 more per hour than prior to enrolling and over 71% of students get a job in their field of study within three months. One recent graduate is creating urban farms. Saddleback College’s horticulture program, which opened in 1975, works closely with the landscape and horticulture industry to develop curriculum and offers work experience with local businesses such as Rancho Mission Viejo Farms, Home Depot, Gothic Landscape, Brightview Design Group, Roger’s Gardens and others.
Image courtesy of Saddleback College
"Workforce Corner" is an occasional feature that highlights local college and high school programs preparing Orange County’s future workforce—an initiative at the core of OCBC’s mission.
UPCOMING ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL EVENTS
2023 Health Care Forum
August 16, 2023 | 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Save the date for OCBC's 2023 Health Care Forum on August 16, 2023. Event and registration details coming soon. Thank you to title sponsor City of Hope Orange County, gold sponsors Kaiser Permanente, MemorialCare and Providence, and silver sponsor Chapman University. For sponsor opportunities, contact Lauren Martin, OCBC director of events.
2023 First Responders Dinner
September 12, 2023 | 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Save the date for OCBC's inaugural 2023 First Responders Dinner on September 12, 2023. Event and registration details coming soon. Thank you to title sponsor UCI Health, gold sponsor Chevron and silver sponsors Automobile Club of Southern California and SoCalGas. For sponsor opportunities, contact Lauren Martin, OCBC director of events.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Committee meetings are an exclusive benefit offered only to Business Council investors.
Click the committee meeting link to learn about upcoming topics, issues and guest speakers.
May 18
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Email Emily Jackson for registration details.
May 24
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Email Emily Jackson for registration details.
June 2
9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Email Connor Medina for registration details.
July 19
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Email Emily Jackson for registration details.
Next meeting date announced soon.


Email Emily Jackson for registration details.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
  • According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, May marks the start of summer smog season. To help employees who work outdoors avoid unhealthy smog levels, employers can stay informed and make adjustments by checking air quality levels in their areas.
  • There will be free train rides for workers who bring bikes onboard Metrolink during Bike-to-Work Week, May 15-19, in celebration of National Bike Month promoted by OCTA!
  • Join Disneyland Resort’s President Ken Potrock at a luncheon May 17 hosted by OC Forum to hear highlights about The Happiest Place on Earth's Disney 100 Celebration and the vision for the future with Disneyland Forward.
  • Educators, high school and college students could win up to $500 by submitting a 60 seconds or less video highlighting an Orange County Sanitation District career to the Find Yourself at OC San Video Contest. The competition is designed to demonstrate the impact and contributions of OC San’s efforts while highlighting career opportunities in the wastewater field.
  • Attend the "Broadband for All" and Digital Equity Planning Workshop on Wednesday, May 24, to learn more and offer feedback about the state's investment in broadband and how to close its digital divide.
NOT AN INVESTOR? JOIN TODAY!
Join Orange County Business Council 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. But we need YOUR VOICE! For more info, contact Jeff Ball, President and CEO of OCBC.
SEND US YOUR NEWS
If your company, business, or nonprofit is a member of OCBC, send your news for consideration to news@ocbc.org.