The Leading Voice of Business
Tuesday, August 24, 2021 | View as Webpage
OCBC'S CEO SEARCH IS ON, CALL FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE, GET VACCINATED NOT MANDATED, PROP 22 STRUCK DOWN AND MORE!
HOT OFF THE PRESS
 A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM OCBC'S PRESIDENT AND CEO:
  • Last month, after an incredible 16 years as OCBC’s President and CEO, I publicly announced my intention to retire on December 31, 2021. Under the leadership of OCBC’s immediate past Board Chair, Joe Hensley, Market President of U.S. Bank, and former Board Chair, Steve Churm, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs for FivePoint Holdings, LLC, OCBC's Search Committee selected McDermott + Bull as the executive search firm that will help identify and select OCBC's next President and CEO. For those interested in learning more about or applying for this prestigious CEO leadership position, please contact Chris Bull. I am truly grateful for your partnership. I am privileged and honored to be part of Orange County’s innovative community, working alongside world-class leaders like you. View the full letter.

OCBC JOINS MWD IN CALL FOR SOCAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS:
  • OCBC, Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and dozens of water districts, business organizations and other stakeholders are asking the Governor and legislative leadership to provide equitable access to financial assistance for Southern California drought relief and climate resiliency actions. The coalition is requesting $250 million for groundwater storage and $850 million for local supply projects, among other investments supporting SoCal businesses and residents. Read the letter.

ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING TRUST + DISNEYLAND + JAMBOREE HOUSING = GOOD HOPE:
  • Yesterday, Jamboree Housing celebrated the grand opening of Buena Esperanza, meaning "good hope", an adaptive reuse of an old Econo Lodge into Permanent Supportive Housing for those experiencing homelessness. "The lack of housing supply in all categories in Orange County exacerbates the issue for the county's most vulnerable residents. That's where the business community comes in. The Orange County Housing Trust is made up of private sector donors contributing last-mile funding for projects like this, which was kickstarted by a leadership donation and challenge grant of $5 million by the Disneyland Resort,” said Lucy Dunn, OCBC's President and CEO. Learn more.

MAJOR OC PERFORMING ARTS TO OPEN SEASON SAFELY:
  • OC’s largest performing arts organizations joined together to provide audiences the safest spaces possible to enjoy live entertainment once again. Announced yesterday in partnership with Arts Orange County: Irvine Barclay Theatre, Musco Center for the Arts, Pacific Chorale, Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Soka Performing Arts Center and South Coast Repertory will require ticket holders to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask while inside the venues. Learn more.

JOIN OCBC'S ANNUAL LEA RECEPTION:
  • Join OCBC virtually on August 31 to celebrate 17 years of helping families succeed through the LEA program. Formerly “Latino Educational Attainment,” LEA is now “Leading Educational Attainment for Families” as the program has expanded to meet the needs of OC’s ever-growing ethnic diversity. LEA changes the lives of hundreds of families every year by educating and empowering them to be active in their child’s educational attainment. Hear from the families who have graduated from this program, as well as a special message from Congressman Lou Correa. Register for free here.
COVID-19 UPDATES
ENCOURAGE VACCINATIONS, NOT STATEWIDE MANDATES: 
  • OCBC members represent some of CA’s largest employers and, as leaders in their industries, have been ahead of the curve in terms of encouraging employee vaccinations and workplace safety. However, employers must not be punished by statewide mandates via lawsuit threats and unfair share of higher costs. Statewide business leaders are calling for Governor and Legislature and Attorney General Bonta to remove barriers to increase COVID-19 vaccinations.
ADVOCACY
PROP 22 STRUCK DOWN AS UNCONSTITUTIONAL:
  • Proposition 22, an OCBC-supported ballot measure classifying app-based drivers as independent contractors that passed with 58% voter support, was struck down as unconstitutional. The initiative was in response to AB 5 (2019), a detrimental law designating gig workers as full-time employees which limits flexibility for both employers and workers. Despite Prop 22 providing workers with an earnings guarantee and health care, this ruling could place unprecedented new burdens on app-based services. The decision will be appealed. Learn more.
TURNING RED TAPE INTO RED CARPET NOMINEE SPOTLIGHT
CITY OF IRVINE’S GREAT PARK INTERACTIVE MAP:
  • The City of Irvine’s Great Park Interactive Map is nominated for the Incorporating Innovative Technology Award! The Map integrates Google’s routing technology to help the public navigate the Great Park’s one million-plus square feet of accessible space and includes a live calendar of events, among other helpful features. It has been used over 29,000 times since its final roll-out in March 2021. Do you know of a public agency policy, program or leader that is cutting through red tape, eliminating barriers to economic growth and supporting a resilient OC? Learn more and submit your nomination by September 3!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAM:
  • OC offers small businesses funds for on-the-job (OJT) training to train work ready candidates. Learn more.

HEALTH EQUITY COMMUNITY ALLIANCES FORUM:
  • Join CalOptima's virtual event on Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. to discuss innovative strategies in OC to increase health equity for vulnerable populations, initiatives to support individuals with disabilities and improve access to health care. Register today!
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
EVENTS
LEA Reception
August 31 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Formerly “Latino Educational Attainment,” LEA is now “Leading Educational Attainment for Families” as the program has expanded to meet the needs of Orange County’s ever-growing ethnic diversity. LEA changes the lives of hundreds of families every year by educating and empowering them to be active in their child’s educational attainment. Join OCBC virtually on August 31 to celebrate 17 years of helping these families succeed! Register for free here. Thank you title sponsor, SoCalGas.

2021 Orange County Community Indicators Report Rollout
September 16 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join OCBC virtually for the release of the 2021-22 Community Indicators Report that tracks the region’s health, prosperity, and where the county is performing and making progress. Hear from Dr. Wallace Walrod, OCBC's Chief Economic Advisor, on a broad range of robust, data-rich reports that track issues of importance on a regular basis.
Register today! For more information contact Lauren Martin, OCBC Events Manager.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS*
September 2 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Join OCBC virtually for a meeting with Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
OCBC members, contact Connor Medina, OCBC Government Affairs Manager, to register.

September 15 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Join OCBC virtually for the opportunity to hear Jim Mayfield, Director, U.S. Export Assistance Center-Orange County, discuss the impacts of the pandemic on trade in the Orange County and Southern California region and Treyland Bradley, Senior Business Development Specialist – Los Angeles Region, Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development discuss California's pandemic business recovery programs.
OCBC members, register here.

*OCBC Committee meetings are an exclusive benefit offered to OCBC members.
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.