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Governor Newsom Visits Orange County, Recognizes OCBC’s Contribution to Economic Development | |
Orange County Business Council hosted Governor Gavin Newsom at Medtronic for the release of Orange County’s California Jobs First Regional Plan, marking a major milestone in the Administration’s regionally driven approach to economic development.
Presented by OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball, the plan positions Orange County for opportunities driven by this initiative and underscores OCBC’s leadership in driving job creation and long-term regional growth.
Developed through a true bottom-up process, the plan reflects input from more than 5,000 community members across 11 languages, gathered through surveys, social media engagement, canvassing and community forums. Final outcomes were shaped by a steering committee representing 70 organizations across business, education, labor and community sectors, ensuring the plan is both inclusive and implementation ready. OCBC thanks the state leadership and our regional partners on this attainment.
For more information, please contact Jesse Ben-Ron, OCBC’s Vice President of Business Initiatives.
Image courtesy of OCBC
| OCBC Hosts Policy Discussion on Prop 36 | |
OCBC will host a free Business Connections event on February 11, from noon to 2 p.m. at Orange Coast College, featuring (pictured left to right, top to bottom) Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, State Senator Catherine Blakespear, Senior District Attorney Robert Mestman (Prop 36 co-author) and Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent for a timely discussion on the future of Prop 36.
Public safety remains central to Orange County’s economic competitiveness. Voters' approval of Proposition 36 in 2024 reflected a strong demand for tougher action on retail theft, organized crime and repeat criminal behavior. However, without adequate funding and effective implementation, many of those expectations have yet to be realized—impacting employers and local governments alike.
This panel will explore the practical impact of Prop 36 on businesses, where enforcement gaps persist and how the business community can support improved public safety and long-term economic stability.
For any questions, please contact Jorgie Sandoval, Business Initiatives Facilitator.
Photos courtesy of Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, State Senator Catherine Blakespear, Senior District Attorney Robert Mestman
and Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent
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| 2026 Orange County Community Indicators Report | |
Committee Meetings
OCBC Committee Meetings are an exclusive benefit for OCBC investors. Meetings are hybrid unless otherwise noted. Registration is required.
Economic Development
April 16 | 8-9:30 a.m.
Government Affairs
February 20 | 9-10:30 a.m.
Housing
February 10 | 8-9:30 a.m.
Infrastructure
March 10 | 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Workforce
March 11 | 9-10 a.m.
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OC Innovation Week Returns April 20-24 | |
Join OCBC and co-hosts Octane and University of California, Irvine for OC Innovation Week, April 20-24 at multiple locations across Orange County. This annual, region-wide event highlights the industries and organizations driving Orange County’s leadership in technology and innovation, reinforcing the county’s role as a hub for groundbreaking advancements.
This year’s event features elite speakers, panel discussions and fast-pitch presentations, including the immersive Tech Innovation Forum, Survivor™ 13 SoCal Startup Pitch Competition and Women Leaders of Octane Summit.
Register today.
Photo courtesy of Octane OC
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OCBC Supports SoCalGas Branch Office Consolidation | |
OCBC Government Affairs Manager, Paulina Alvarez, provided public comments at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Public Participation Hearing in Santa Ana last week in support of Southern California Gas Company’s application to close its remaining 43 branch offices.
OCBC supported the proposal as a cost-saving measure that helps contain utility rates for customers, reflects evolving customer preferences and aligns with service models already adopted by other investor-owned utilities.
With this support, OCBC recognizes SoCalGas’s commitment to maintaining customer accessibility through authorized payment locations, targeted outreach and partnerships with community organizations to ensure continued service and support for impacted customers.
The CPUC will review the application and input from stakeholders, following three public hearings, before issuing a decision on SoCalGas’ request.
For any questions, please contact Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs.
Image courtesy of SoCalGas
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OCBC Unites Local Chambers Around Regional Business Priorities | |
OCBC recently convened leadership from our local chambers in Orange County to discuss strengthening regional collaboration.
The conversation focused on advancing pro-business public policy at the state and local levels, increasing foreign direct investment, growing priority industry clusters and preparing for LA28.
Local chambers play a critical role in connecting businesses and amplifying their collective voice. As the regional voice of business, OCBC depends on strong partnerships with local chambers to ensure regional initiatives translate into meaningful impact in communities across Orange County.
For any questions, please contact Jesse Ben-Ron, Vice President of Business Initiatives.
Photo courtesy of OCBC
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OCBC Engages in PRSA Western District Conference | |
At the 2026 Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Western District Conference in Newport Beach, OCBC Business Initiatives Facilitator Jorgie Sandoval shared insights as a panelist on "Level Up: Practical Steps to Move Your Career Forward and Upward,” a discussion focused on leadership development and career advancement alongside PR industry leaders and emerging professionals.
Pictured (left to right) Sandoval; Marisol Barrios Perez, MSPA, APR, Executive Director of HEAR Center; moderator Suzanne Sena, President of Sena-Series Media Training; and Justine Mrsich, M.S., APR, Associate Director of Corporate Communications at Kyndryl.
Attendees gained actionable insights to strengthen leadership skills and advance their careers in the public relations field.
For any questions, please contact Jorgie Sandoval, Business Initiatives Facilitator.
Photo courtesy of OCBC
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