OCBC News

Orange County Business Council is pleased to announce our 2025 Legislators of the Year (from left): Senator Kelly Seyarto, Senator Tony Strickland and Assemblymember Diane Dixon.

Legislator(s) of the Year is given to a member(s) of the Orange County State delegation who scores the highest on OCBC’s Scorecard. These three legislators tied with 14 votes aligned with OCBC out of 16, giving them an 87.5% score.

These legislators demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing policies that support jobs, infrastructure, housing and business-friendliness throughout our region. Their commitment to working collaboratively and delivering results makes them truly deserving of this recognition.

For more information on this or any of OCBC's priority bills, click here or contact OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs, Amanda Walsh.

Photos courtesy of Senator Kelly Seyarto, Senator Tony Strickland

and Assemblymember Diane Dixon

The 2025 legislative session has wrapped up, with Governor Newsom taking action on bills through October 12. Any remaining measures automatically became law.

OCBC’s Government Affairs team has completed its full analysis, and the 2025 Legislative Scorecard is now available. The scorecard highlights how Orange County’s legislative delegation voted on OCBC priority bills.

This year, OCBC tracked 42 priority bills, resulting in 11 wins and 8 losses. Nineteen bills reached the floor, 16 were enrolled, three went inactive, and three were neutral. Looking ahead, 23 bills are designated as two-year measures and may return next session.

View the full OCBC Legislative Scorecard here.

For questions about the session, scorecard or advocacy opportunities, contact OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs, Amanda Walsh.

OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball was in New York last week with OCBC investor Slalom for their annual R4 Leadership Conference, where he shared insights on how Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future of Orange County’s leading industries.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

As the 2026 Community Indicators Report goes into final production, OCBC is excited to share the findings with the community.

OCBC will unveil the 2026 report Thursday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa. This event is free to ensure community organizations can participate despite funding challenges.

Dr. Wallace Walrod will present the report findings, followed by a moderated discussion with local leaders. Panelists will highlight insights that impact their mission and share their work.

Contact OCBC Business Initiatives Facilitator Jorgie Sandoval to RSVP.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

Orange County Business Council’s latest Business Connections, “Addressing the Economic Impacts of Beach Erosion,” brought together local leaders, elected officials and industry experts at Newport Beach’s Marina Park Community & Sailing Center to discuss the link between healthy beaches and a strong regional economy.

Supervisor Katrina Foley led a discussion with Heather Johnston of Visit Dana Point, Jim Merid of the City of Huntington Beach and Dave Dzwilewski of Gail Materials Inc., followed by a discussion with Assemblymember Diane Dixon, moderated by Tony Petros, OCBC Board Member and CEO of LSA Associates.

Hosted by Councilmember Robyn Grant, the event underscored the urgent need to invest in coastal protection to safeguard tourism, infrastructure and quality of life.

To learn about upcoming OCBC Business Connections, contact OCBC Business Initiatives Facilitator Jorgie Sandoval.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

OCBC Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Paul Simonds met with Adrien Frier, Consul General of France in Los Angeles, and 12 French companies during Business France’s French Sport Days. 

With France passing the Olympic torch to Los Angeles and Orange County, these companies are exploring partnerships with OC-based businesses, governments, and organizations across the sports and sporting events industry.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

OCBC’s Economic Development Committee recently toured CHOC Children’s newly opened Southwest Tower, hosted by OCBC Board Member Jena Jensen, Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Public Policy Officer for CHOC Children’s, part of Rady Children’s Health.

The $350 million facility represents a major investment in Orange County’s healthcare future, advancing patient care, creating jobs, and supporting long-term economic growth.

To learn how to join the Economic Development Committee and other OCBC committee meetings, contact Business Initiatives Facilitator Jorgie Sandoval.

 Photo courtesy of OCBC

Congratulations to OCBC Board members Rebecca Hall, OCBC’s 2025 Board Chair and President & Chief Executive Officer of Idea Hall, and Annette Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at