Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce
Our mission is to advance the economic vitality of greater Irvine.
Our mission is to advance the economic vitality of greater Irvine.
Nonfarm employment in California expanded at a steady pace in the latest numbers from the California Employment Development Department, increasing by 21,300 jobs according an analysis released jointly by Beacon Economics and the UCR School of Business Center for Economic Forecasting and Development. This level of growth is exceeded by the state’s average monthly job gain (+26,700) over the last twelve months. From a year-over-year perspective, California has added 320,000 jobs as of September 2019, the largest year-over-year increase for the state in 13 months. This is equivalent to a 1.9% year-over-year increase, which is a better showing than the nation’s 1.4% rate. California’s unemployment rate dipped to 4.0% in September, representing a new record low. Still, declining labor force growth is cause for concern. After sixth consecutive months of decline, the state’s labor force expanded by 20,700 in September. From September 2018 to September 2019, California’s labor force decreased by 0.3% (-62,400). However, the state’s faster growing regions are continuing to attract workers at a healthy rate. “While it is noteworthy that the state’s unemployment rate hit a new low this month, the new record is partly the result of the state’s job gains, but also due to a labor force has show...
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The University of California, Irvine (UCI) has been named the 2019-2020 No. 1 college in California by MONEY. UCI is one of the youngest campuses in the state's public university system, but it's already among the world's most respected research institutions – three former faculty members have received Nobel Prizes. MONEY estimates UCI’s graduation rate is about 30% higher than colleges that serve similar students. About 85% of freshmen go on to graduate within six years. From there, the typical UCI student’s early career earnings come in at about $57,700, according to PayScale, which is nearly 14% more than alums of comparable colleges. UCI is one of the most diverse schools in the country—32% of the roughly 29,000 undergrads are Asian, and 24% are Hispanic. Each year, MONEY researches colleges that provide the best value for tuition dollars, compiling a list of the best colleges in each state. To view the full state-by-state list, click here. Source: MONEY
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Amina Rafiqzada, vice president and manager, HomeStreet Bank, has been named the September 2019 Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month. Her continued engagement in Chamber programs and activities made her an obvious choice for the recognition. Since joining the Chamber in 2017, Rafiqzada has attended nearly 15 grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies for new members. She also regularly attends Chamber events including After Hours Mixers and has volunteered for the organization’s award-winning Business Outreach Rally. “I am passionate about supporting our communities and business owners and it is my privilege to be an Ambassador for the Great Irvine Chamber,” said Rafiqzada. “I’ve been able to connect with and build relationships with business professionals from a variety of industries.” Ambassadors are part of a dynamic group that takes the lead in welcoming new members to the Chamber and helping existing members remain active and involved. Each month, the Chamber recognizes an individual from the group for their active participation and their work promoting and representing the Chamber in the business community. Congratulations, Amina Rafiqzada! For more information on the Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassadors Committee, contact Danielle Spellman.
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The Orange County Business Journal has announced the nominees for its 2019 General Counsel Awards, designed to recognize the significant role in-house counsels play in the success of businesses within the community. Among the nominees are individuals and groups from a number of Greater Irvine Chamber member companies: Bernadette Chala – Arbonne International, LLC Linda Park – Edwards Lifesciences Tara Martin – Nutrawise Health & Beauty Corporation Moshen Parsa – Orange County Soccer Club Andrea Eaton – University of California, Irvine Kristin Godeke – Wells Fargo In-House Legal Team – Taco Bell Corp. Awardees will be announced at the 10th annual General Counsel Awards Dinner in November at the Hotel Irvine. For the full list of nominees, click here.
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