Member of the Month Archive

Greater Irvine Chamber Earns Top Awards from Industry Association

Monday, February 08, 2021

The Greater Irvine Chamber was honored with top awards by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) for its communications program and branded portfolio. The announcement was made during the 2021 W.A.C.E. Conference presented virtually Feb. 3-5. The Chamber received the top honor of Best Overall Communications Program. This is the Chamber’s fourth time to earn the title. The Chamber also earned three first-place honors: outstanding program for its Celebrate Resiliency campaign, best digital newsletter for Weekly Connection, and outstanding achievement in video for Greater Irvine Chamber: Here to Ensure You Are Part of Irvine’s Success, as well as special merit in the website category. The Western Association of Chamber Executives is the premie...

Destination Irvine Earns Global Hospitality Award: Irvine, USA’s Best Emerging Leisure & Recreation Travel Destination

Tuesday, February 02, 2021

LUXlife has awarded its 5th annual Hospitality Award to Destination Irvine for its work to market Irvine’s well-deserved status as “USA’s Best Emerging Leisure & Recreation Travel Destination.” “To be globally recognized with this award, during a truly challenging year, is quite an honor,” said Wendy Haase, vice president, Destination Irvine. “Irvine being recognized as the best U.S. destination for leisure and recreation will further our marketing efforts that highlight the city’s safe and responsible COVID-19 recovery.” LUXlife Magazine, one of AI Global Media’s most popular standalone publications, recognized that many firms whose work is vital to the industry were not bein...

Executive Coach Marsha Link, Ph.D., to Give Women of Influence Keynote on Emotional Intelligence & Self-Care in the Modern Workplace

Monday, February 01, 2021

Popular speaker and principal of Link Consulting Marsha Link, Ph.D., will provide the keynote presentation on emotional intelligence and self-care in the modern workplace, titled Time to Thrive, for the Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence virtual event on Wednesday, March 24 at 12:00 p.m. Dr. Link is an experienced clinician and consultant who has worked with individuals and groups in a variety of settings in business, education, and nonprofit organizations. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about advancing women in their respective roles and chosen directions. As an executive coach, Dr. Link has helped many women identify and achieve their professiona...

Nominations Open for Greater Irvine Chamber 2021 Women of Influence Awards Recognizing Women in Eight Categories

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

The Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2021 Women of Influence virtual event on Wednesday, March 24 at noon, will recognize an outstanding woman in each of eight categories who have positively impacted their industries and the business community in Orange County. In honor of International Women’s Day, a special Lifetime Achievement Award is included in the lineup, recognizing a woman whose history, contributions, and achievements have had a profound impact, inspiring the next generation of women leaders. Eligible nominees must lead, serve, or work for an active business or nonprofit located or operating in Orange County, or attend a high school, college, o...

Record-Breaking Half-Year for Leads Groups with $25 Million in Closed Business Referrals; David Feldberg Earns Q2 2020 FY Rainmaker Title with $10.3 Million

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

The previous (2019-2020) fiscal year was a record-breaking year for Greater Irvine Chamber Leads Groups. With more than 2,200 leads exchanged, the six leads groups generated $22,247,720 in closed business referrals during the period, surpassing any figure during the history of the program. But despite the limitations of COVID-19 related shutdowns, the groups were even more productive this fiscal year with a combined $25,035,558 in closed business in just the first six months of reporting for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The top-performing members by closed business referrals for the first half of the fiscal year 2020-2021 are: $10,383,500– David Feldberg $4,200,290 – Mel Ray $1,445,923 – Jammi...

Transportation Corridor Agencies CEO Samuel Johnson Receives Humanitarian Award

Monday, January 25, 2021

Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) CEO Samuel Johnson was honored recently by the Women in Tolling Council with the presentation of its Humanitarian Ambassador award for 2020. The Women in Tolling Council is part of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them. IBTTA has members in 23 countries on six continents. Johnson is the organization’s Immediate Past President. “In a year of unrest and unknowns, we are so grateful to you for helping to create and support the Women in Tolling Council and th...

MemorialCare Recognized Nationally for Heroism During COVID-19 Pandemic

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

MemorialCare has been honored nationally with Special Recognition for Heroism for the Southern California health system's continued commitment to patient safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prestigious Pandemic Heroes Award honor was selected by leaders and advisors of The Leapfrog Group, an independent national organization of employers and other groups focused on healthcare safety and quality. Selections were based on nominations from U.S. hospitals. MemorialCare was one of only two health systems on the West Coast to receive this prestigious honor presented to just 24 health care organizations and individuals nationwide. "We are honored, humbled, and enormously grateful for this honor," says Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., MemorialCare president an...

Greater Irvine Chamber Member MemorialCare and Others Recognized Among OC’s Top Workplaces for 2020

Monday, December 21, 2020

The Orange County Register published its Top Workplaces for 2020. Based on employee feedback through a survey conducted by the Register with its Top Workplaces partner Energage, 105 Orange County employers earned the recognition, including Greater Irvine Chamber platinum-level Leaders Circle partner MemorialCare, and member companies Astronics Test Systems, CBE Office Solutions, Girl Scouts of Orange County, Insperity, and Vincit. MemorialCare hospitals were the only hospitals to be recognized this year and MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center has been honored with this distinction for eleven consecutive years. As Orange County hospitals are experiencing more COVID-19 positive patients, being recognized serves a...

TCA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Valarie McFall Named Woman of the Year

Friday, December 18, 2020

Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Valarie McFall has been named Woman of the Year by the Orange County Chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) during a virtual ceremony held Dec. 17. The annual award honors a woman who is a leader in transportation and has made an outstanding contribution to the transportation industry. McFall joined TCA in 2000 and has spent 20 years spearheading management and restoration efforts of nearly 2,200 acres of land for mitigation of transportation projects. She has held several key positions within the Agencies that allowed her to perform this important work, progressing ove...

Hoag Earns Straight A's for Hospital Safety

Thursday, December 17, 2020

The Leapfrog Group has awarded Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian straight “A’s” on the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for its hospitals in Newport Beach and Irvine. Achieving the nation’s top honor for patient safety, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade rates how well hospitals protect patients from preventable harm and medical errors. “Patient safety has been, and continues to be, our priority and we are honored that Hoag has been recognized by Leapfrog as one of the top hospitals in the nation for keeping our patients safe,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag president and chief executive officer. “We are proud of and grateful fo...

City of Hope’s Annette Walker Named Among Most Influential People in American Healthcare

Friday, December 11, 2020

Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2020’s 100 Most Influential People. This is the second consecutive year Walker has been honored for her legacy of healthcare contributions and transformational leadership centered on making a difference in people’s lives. “I’m extremely humbled by this honor during a year when we saw remarkable leadership, bravery, and resilience from people on the front lines. Helping others and improving the lives of people in our communities is the most important thing a person or organization can do. This award speaks to our incredible City o...

John Wayne Airport Once Again Ranked Among Nation’s Best

Friday, December 11, 2020

John Wayne Airport ranked #2 among large airports in North America by J.D. Power’s 2020 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, continuing its record of top-rankings since it was elevated to the large airport category in 2017. John Wayne Airport ranked #1 among large airports in 2017 and 2018. “We are pleased that our efforts to continually elevate the guest experience are reflected in the customer satisfaction survey,” said Airport Director Barry Rondinella. “I am proud of our entire team for rising to the unique challenges we encountered this year. It is through their dedication and commitment that we continue to hold ‘favorit...

EXIM Honors GBC International Bank as Lender of the Year for Outstanding Support of America’s Small Business Exporters

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) presented a Lender of the Year award to GBC International Bank (GBCIB), a Greater Irvine Chamber member, for its outstanding support for U.S. small business exports at the 2020 EXIM Annual Conference, the largest conference in the agency’s history, which was held virtually in September. Over the past 21 years, the bank has facilitated more than $1 billion of EXIM-backed export sales on behalf of U.S. small business exporters. An EXIM Bank Letter of Credit policyholder since 2001, over the past years, GBCIB actively has utilized the Bank Letter of Credit policy to mitigate the foreign concentration risk...

Greater Irvine Chamber Recognizes Orange County's Best and Brightest

Thursday, December 03, 2020

Forty outstanding Orange County professionals under the age of 40 were recognized during the Greater Irvine Chamber’s 40 Under 40 digital awards presentation on Dec. 3, for their demonstrated leadership skills, integrity, and initiative, advancing their industries and the Orange County community. “The Chamber is honored to recognize 40 of Orange County’s most accomplished young professionals, each a promise of continued innovation for our region,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “I congratulate them all for what they have achieved, the example they set, and I look forward to their future contributions.” Greater Irvine Chamber 2020 40 Under 40 Honorees: Kath...

Greater Irvine Chamber CEO Bryan Starr and Member Company Executives Among Orange County’s 500 Most Influential People

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber, and more than 50 executives from Greater Irvine Chamber member companies were featured in Orange County Business Journal’s fourth annual OC 500 Directory of Influence. This is Starr’s second consequent year on the list. The directory includes an impressive list of influential business and community leaders from a variety of Orange County companies, ranging from nonprofits to large corporations. As its President and CEO, Starr has raised the profile of the Greater Irvine Chamber and empowered its economic development work and impact for the City of Irvine and its business community. He has successfull...

Top Companies Sponsor Greater Irvine Chamber 40 Under 40 Awards

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Several top companies sponsor the Greater Irvine Chamber 40 Under 40 awards presentation, which will be delivered digitally on Thursday, Dec 3, 12 – 1 p.m. Joining Presenting Sponsor Antis Roofing & Waterproofing are: Sustainability Sponsor: Waste Management Healthcare Sponsor: City of Hope Orange County Event Sponsors: B Braun CBE Chevron Concordia University, Irvine COX Diamond Jamboree Easterseals Edwards Lifesciences FivePoint GDR Group Google Greater Newport Physicians HBLA Hoag Hoag Orthopedic Institute Jackson Titus Kaiser Permanente Kelley Bluebook Orange County Soccer Club OmniPrint Parker Aerospace SoCalGas Southern California Edison UC Irvine WNDE Zillow Group These companies support the Greater Irvine Chamber as it recognizes the next generation of business leaders and advocates who are making strides in their industries and the business community in Orange County For more information about the 40 Under 40 award...

Vivian Atkinson Named November 2020 Member of the Month

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Vivian Atkinson, branch owner of Express Employment Professionals, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber Member of the Month for November 2020. A Chamber member since 2012, Atkinson holds leadership roles, including serving on the Board of Directors since 2018 and chairing the Ambassadors Committee, for which she has been a member since 2013. She has volunteered to conduct primary research on behalf of the Greater Irvine Chamber through several Business Outreach Rallies, including the virtual event held in August amid the Coronavirus-related shutdown. Atkinson spearheaded another outreach: coordinating Ambassadors to connect with difficult-to-reach Chamber members by telephone to access thei...

Destination Irvine Earns Smart Meetings’ Platinum Choice Award

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Destination Irvine has earned a Platinum Choice Award by Smart Meetings, the nation’s leading meetings industry publisher and voice of inspiration for meeting professionals. Smart Meetings readers nominate hotels, conference centers, convention and visitors bureaus (CVB), and destination marketing organizations that consistently exceed expectations and help planners deliver on their goals. Destination Irvine is only one of five organizations in California to earn the distinction. “I am extremely proud of the Destination Irvine team and beyond grateful to all of our hoteliers for their continued support of our sales and marketing efforts,” said Wendy Haase, the organization’s vice president. “While COVID-1...

Antis Roofing & Waterproofing Returns as Greater Irvine Chamber 40-Under-40 Presenting Sponsor

Wednesday, November 04, 2020

Antis Roofing & Waterproofing is returning as the Presenting Sponsor of the Greater Irvine Chamber 40-Under-40 awards presentation, which will be delivered digitally on Thursday, Dec. 3, 12 – 1 p.m. “Yes, —it’s here again! Antis Roofing is thrilled to return as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 Greater Irvine Chamber 40-Under-40. These young leaders are making the wake! They’re not merely riding the wave, nor standing watching idly on the shore. They’re world-changers,” said Charles Antis, president, Antis Roofing & Waterproofing. During the presentation, the Greater Irvine Chamber will recognize the next generation of business leaders and advocates who are making strides in their industries and the busines...

Community Heroes Recognized during Greater Irvine Chamber’s Virtual Celebrate Resilience Show

Monday, October 26, 2020

During its Celebrate Resilience awards presentation, the Greater Irvine Chamber recognized companies, organizations, and individuals that have made a positive impact on the greater Irvine community in response to the Coronavirus crisis. Congratulations to the 2020 Celebrate Resilience award recipients: Community Hero Chaplain Jeff Hetschel, Hoag Benefactor Award Google Fiber Community Impact Award OmniPrint International Community Impact Award B. Braun Community Impact Award Irvine Mayor Christina Shea and the Irvine City Council Corporate Responsibility Award FivePoint Corporate Responsibility Award University of California, Irvine Frontline Champion The Stand Frontline Champion Ampronix Innovation Award Second Harvest Food Bank Innovation Award Monica Pal Innovation Award Golden State Foods Nonprofit Hero Families Forward Partnership Hero UCI Beall Applied Innovation Service Award Genee Hansen Hospitality Award Wayne Lanthier, Hyatt House Supporting Celebrate Resilience are Presenting Sponsor: City of Hope Orange County; Sustainabilit...

Police Chief Mike Hamel and City of Irvine Employees Honored for Years of Service

Monday, October 26, 2020

The Irvine City Council recognized six employees for 25, 30, and 35 years of dedicated service to the City. City of Irvine employees work to keep the community safe, reduce Irvine’s carbon footprint, keep traffic flowing, and support events and activities for residents and visitors. Police Chief Mike Hamel, Irvine Police Department 25 Years of Service Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel is a 27-year law enforcement veteran who has been with the Irvine Police Department since 1995. He is the first Irvine Police Chief to rise through the ranks from police officer to Chief. Chief Hamel began his law enforcement career in 199...

Hoag Orthopedic Institute Receives Three Press Ganey Guardian Patient Experience Awards

Saturday, October 03, 2020

Hoag Orthopedic Institute (HOI), one of the largest providers of orthopedic care in the nation, has received three Press Ganey Patient Experience awards for 2020, including, the Guardian of Excellence® for Patient Experience for the seventh consecutive year, the Pinnacle of Excellence® for Patient Experience in HCAHPS for maintaining consistently high levels of excellence over multiple years, and the Pinnacle of Excellence® for Patient Experience in Inpatient for maintaining consistently high levels of excellence over multiple years. The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a nationally recognized symbol of achievement in health care. Presented annually, the award honors clients who consistentl...

Greater Irvine Chamber CEO Bryan Starr and Member Company Executives Among Orange County’s 500 Most Influential People

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber and more than 50 executives from Greater Irvine Chamber member companies were featured in Orange County Business Journal’s fourth annual OC 500 Directory of Influence. This is Starr’s second consecutive year on the list. The directory includes an impressive list of influential business and community leaders from a variety of Orange County companies, ranging from nonprofits to large corporations. As its President and CEO, Starr has raised the profile of the Greater Irvine Chamber and empowered its economic development work and impact for the City of Irvine and its business community. He has successfull...

Member of the Month Archive

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