The Leading Voice of Business
Thursday, July 1, 2021 | View as Webpage
VACCINE QR CODES WORK, BUSINESS INPUT IS CRITICAL ON SOCAL GREENPRINT, CALL FOR BROADBAND INVESTMENT, WELCOME LUCAS PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND MORE!
HOT OFF THE PRESS
CA's DIGITAL VACCINE QR CODES ARE PURPOSEFUL:  
  • Some CA residents noticed their digital COVID-19 vaccination record generated a QR code that does not retrieve any information when scanned. However, that is an intentional feature of the verification system as it can only be scanned by a compatible device. Learn more.

OCBC, SOCAL BIZ GROUPS REQUEST SPECIAL HEARING ON SCAG GREENPRINT: 
  • OCBC and SoCal business, industry and community associations asked Southern CA Association of Governments (SCAG) to hold a Special Hearing on SoCal Greenprint, a tool that will impact the region’s land use planning and mapping by gathering land inventory data. Business community input is vital to ensure the Greenprint does not have unintended consequences harmful to housing and infrastructure. Read the coalition’s letter  

GOOD NEWS FOR EMPLOYERS IN NEED OF QUALIFIED TALENT:
  • On July 11, the Employment Development Department (EDD) will require CA residents receiving unemployment benefits to look for work to maintain eligibility. During the pandemic, CA suspended the work search requirement but has brought it back as the state reopens. Resources for job seekers and employers are available through EDD. OCBC advocated for this change, but it is not the only solution businesses need to consider to incentivize employees who receive substantial unemployment benefits to go back to work.

INTERVIEW WITH SENATOR PADILLA: 
  • Join OC Forum on July 8 at noon for an exclusive interview with CA Senator Alex Padilla moderated by UCI's Chancellor Howard Gillman. Gain insight into what's on the horizon for CA and learn about his experiences as a new Senator. Register here 

SAVE THE DATE! ECONOMIC FORECAST CONFERENCE:
ADVOCACY UPDATE
OCBC JOINS NATIONAL CALL FOR BROADBAND INVESTMENT:
  • OCBC and 196 business community leaders nationwide urged Congress to prioritize digital infrastructure investment when considering infrastructure legislation. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how critical digital tools are for healthcare providers, students, government and others —but has also exposed gaps in America’s connectivity. Read more about the steps needed to modernize digital infrastructure, including leveraging private sector investment and addressing affordability. 

CA TO EXTEND EVICTION MORATORIUM THROUGH SEPTEMBER: 
  • The Governor and Legislature announced an extension of CA’s statewide eviction moratorium through Sept. 30, 2021. The proposal fully reimburses landlords for past and prospective payments. It would also prohibit cities and counties from adopting new eviction delays through March 2022. Read CA Apartment Association’s analysis of the extension here
BUSINESS RESOURCES
COUNTY OF ORANGE OFFERS FREE HR HOTLINE TO ASSIST EMPLYOYERS:
  • OC employers can join a webinar or call a free HR support hotline hotline provided by County of Orange in partnership with OC Workforce Development Board and CA Employers Association. Take advantage of the expert guidance on basic HR questions like claims for unemployment insurance, labor commission and much more!

SHOWCASE YOUR COMPANY WITH ONEOC'S CIVIC 50 SURVEY:
  • Take The Civic 50 Orange County survey and gain recognition for community engagement programs, corporate community involvement and best practices. Have the opportunity to share processes with the broader business community and learn from the scorecard and ranking on areas to improve further. Begin the survey today!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
LAST WEEK TO VOTE! SHOW YOUR SUPPORT:  
  • Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach is nominated by USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice for Best Air Show! Help OC secure this recognition by voting for the Pacific Airshow today.

INPUT NEEDED AS OC PREPARES FOR 2021 REDISTRICTING: 
  • OC’s five supervisorial districts will be redrawn this year to ensure that every district’s population is roughly equal. The County currently receives input from businesses, community leaders and the public on district boundaries. Get involved by attending a meeting or submitting a public comment.

LATEST OCHCA COVID-19 RESOURCES:  
  • CA Department of Public Health is tracking variants as they emerge and spread. The Delta (B.1.617.2) variant has been upgraded to a Variant of Concern. Eligible individuals should get vaccinated to avoid contracting the virus and to help prevent future mutations. Masks will also remain mandatory in specific settings such as inside K-12 schools and public transit. Learn more
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
SPECTRUM AWARDS $10K TO CAP OC: 
  • On June 26, Spectrum announced a $10K donation to the Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC), an organization that seeks to end poverty by empowering people with critical resources. The funding will allow CAP OC to provide more meals, diapers, rental assistance and support to low-income families and individuals in need. Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu participated in the celebration with Spectrum executives. Keep up the great work CAP OC!
WELCOME!
JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEW MEMBER:
OCBC welcomes Lucas Public Affairs, a top CA based public affairs firm that specializes in developing strategic communications to meet clients’ business and policy objectives. LPA works with the state’s leading foundations, nonprofit organizations, associations, businesses and government entities to help navigate some of the most complex and controversial CA issues like health care, education, civic engagement and much more! 
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
EVENTS
Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast featuring Greg Seibly
July 21 | 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Join OCBC virtually for the second event in the 2021 Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast Series featuring Greg Seibly, President, Head of Regional Banking, Union Bank.
Register for free here. For more information contact Lauren Martin, OCBC Events Manager.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS
July 9 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Featuring a discussion with Senator Josh Newman, District 29.
To register, contact Connor Medina, OCBC Government Affairs Manager.

July 13 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Featuring a presentation from Southern California Edison.
To register, contact Connor Medina, OCBC Government Affairs Manager.

August 11 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Featuring a discussion with Ian Williamson, Dean of UCI Paul Merage School of Business and Sridhar Sundaram, Dean of CSUF College of Business and Economics.
To register, contact Jesse Ben-Ron, OCBC VP, Workforce and Economic Development.
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.