Latest News

C-SPAN Visits Irvine to Honor Local StudentCam Documentary Winners

Friday, May 20, 2022

C-SPAN and Cox Communications will join Mayor Farrah N. Khan on Wednesday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. PT to honor Sharon Chen and Amber Khauv for their winning entry in C-SPAN's annual student video documentary competition, StudentCam. Chen, an 11th grader at Portola High School, and Khauv, an 11th grader at Orange County School of the Arts, won Third Prize and $750 for the video, The Lasting Impact of Space Travel, and will meet with the Mayor at Irvichane City Hall. The competition, now in its 18th year, invited all middle and high school students to enter by producing a shor...

UCI Ranked 9th University in Money Magazine’s Best Colleges 2022

Friday, May 20, 2022

Money magazine has ranked University of California, Irvine ninth in its 2022 list of the U.S.’s “Best Colleges” – making it the highest-rated California university. The annual ranking, released May 16, acknowledges UCI’s continued growth in providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering alumni success. “We are delighted that UCI has once again been recognized as one of the premier universities in the nation,” said Chancellor Howard Gillman. “This ranking reflects our deep commitment to providing student opportunity and validates our intentional agenda to promote the American dream by being an engine of upward mobility through higher education.” According to Money, UCI score...

Hoag Unveils Innovation Center, and Telehealth App

Monday, May 16, 2022

(Orange County Business Journal) Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has launched a new health center and mobile app that will allow patients to receive the same care, whether they’re at home, in the doctor’s office, or on the go. The On-Demand Care and Innovation Center, which opened in late March, totals 12,200 square feet at 4699 Jamboree Rd. in Newport Beach, just shy of 9 miles from Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. Located on the corner of Jamboree and Campus Drive, the new center is also across the street from a $1.3 billion hospital complex being built at the University of California, Irvine. UCI’s children’...

Kaiser Permanente Orange County Hospitals Earn Place on Newsweek’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2022 List

Friday, May 13, 2022

Kaiser Permanente Anaheim and Irvine Medical Centers have been awarded on Newsweek’s list of Best Maternity Hospitals 2022, a prestigious award presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. “We are proud of this accomplishment, which is a testament to the exceptional care provided by our physicians and staff,” said Mark Costa, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente Orange County. “Having two of our hospitals recognized is a tribute to our dedicated care teams whose top priority is to provide our members and patients with high-quality personalized maternity care as they embar...

Kaiser Permanente Orange County Hospitals Nationally Recognized With Top Safety Grade

Friday, May 13, 2022

Kaiser Permanente Orange County hospitals have received an ‘A’ Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2022. This national distinction recognizes Irvine and Anaheim Medical Centers’ achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital. The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ ‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. "The health and safety of our patients and members is our top priority," said Mark Costa, senior vice president and are...

UCI Names Mary Lou Ortiz CFO

Friday, May 13, 2022

Mary Lou Ortiz has been named chief financial officer and vice chancellor for the Division of Finance and Administration at the University of California, Irvine, following a nationwide search. She will assume the post on July 18. Ortiz comes to UCI from The Pennsylvania State University, where she serves as associate vice president for budget as well as university budget officer. “Mary Lou Ortiz brings to UCI close to 30 years of outstanding experience in promoting financial stewardship, advancing the efficient use of resources, and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders,” said Chancellor Howard Gillman. “We all look forward t...

Patients Help Start Healing Garden at City of Hope OC's Irvine Cancer Care Center

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

(Orange County Register) The first plants for a “healing garden” will be dug into the ground Wednesday at the City of Hope’s new Orange County oncology center, laying the groundwork for a tranquil oasis for its patients and staff that will be lush with varieties that also carry potential medicinal benefits for people undergoing cancer treatment. Donning aprons and gardening gloves, patients and their families will help workers from Lowe’s – the home improvement company donated $1 million for the garden’s creation – in planting the species chosen because they are native to California or have health value, such as peppermint an...

Talent Attraction and Retention Workshop for Employers

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

To help employers overcome challenges in maintaining a qualified workforce, the Greater Irvine Chamber presents a May 25 workshop: Reframing Talent Attraction & Retention. This workshop will explore effective strategies, from perfecting the position description and interview process to designing effective onboarding procedures and rewarding career paths and best practices to reduce employee turnover and ensure your organization retains the best and brightest talent you dedicated resources to find and hire. Leading the discussion are Brian Montes, founder and CEO of Scaleocity Works, a global consulting firm focused on workplace strategy, the reinvention of HR, and business information; and Jessica Welch, senior vic...

Providence St. Joseph Hospital Receives $53M Donation

Friday, May 06, 2022

(Orange County Business Journal) Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange has received a record-setting $53 million estate gift from an Orange County couple who have requested to remain anonymous. The gift, the second-largest in Providence history and the largest in Southern California history, will create an endowment fund to support the greatest needs of Providence St. Joseph Hospital for years to come. The gift is a direct result of the care that the donors received at Providence St. Joseph Hospital, according to a statement from the hospital. The donors were also inspired by the service and sacrifice of Providence St. Joseph caregivers an...

City of Hope OC Presents Greater Irvine Chamber 2022 Celebrate Irvine

Wednesday, May 04, 2022

City of Hope Orange County is the presenting sponsor for the Greater Irvine Chamber Celebrate Irvine event on Wednesday, June 16, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Irvine Marriott, 18000 VonKarman Ave. “Irvine has so much to celebrate, and City of Hope will add to this eventful year as we open The Lennar Foundation Cancer Center this year,” said Annette Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. “We’re grateful to be part of this thriving community where visionary leaders join with us to create a better and healthier tomorrow.” City of Hope is investing $1 billion to develop and operate a comprehensive cance...

Record Home Prices, Scarce Supply; Businesses Brace for Impact on Job Market

Wednesday, May 04, 2022

(Orange County Business Journal) Irvine medical device maker Edwards Lifesciences Corp., the most valuable public company in Orange County with a nearly $70 billion valuation, last week listed nearly 220 open positions for its expansive Irvine headquarters campus along Red Hill Avenue, where it has spent well over $200 million buying land and building new facilities the past several years. Electric vehicle upstart Rivian Automotive Inc., valued at around $30 billion as of last week, says it has openings for over 370 positions at its rapidly expanding Irvine headquarters, where it has already built a base of nearly 2,000 workers in ...

Irvine Teams with Live Nation to Identify Permanent Location for Concerts at Great Park

Monday, May 02, 2022

(Orange County Register) After years of portable stadium seating and a temporary stage, Irvine leaders are beginning the search for a location in the Great Park to replace the FivePoint Amphitheater with a permanent venue, teaming with concert promoter Live Nation to find an ideal spot and design. Live Nation has operated the temporary amphitheater since 2017; the property just outside the Great Park is owned by developer FivePoint. The location off Marine Way near the southern end of the park was always meant to be a for-now solution after the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre was razed in 2016. A new permanent venue was alway...

Video Game Publisher Bandai Namco Hosts Celebration at Irvine Spectrum for its Headquarters in the City

Monday, May 02, 2022

(Orange County Register) Irvine is now the home of several games and toys many people are nostalgic for video games such as Pac-Man and Galaga and those little electronic Tamagotchi pets you try to keep alive. All fall under the banner of Bandai Namco, which recently gathered all of its companies at new headquarters in Irvine. The company also has popular new titles, including the newly released Elden Ring, a role-playing action game in collaboration with fantasy novelist George R. R. Martin, known for his “Game of Thrones” series. On May 1, Bandai Namco celebrated its new venture in Orange County with a communit...

Three Seniors from High Schools in Irvine Among 30 Edison Scholars

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Thirty high school seniors in Southern California Edison’s service area have been named 2022 Edison Scholars and will be awarded a total of $1.2 million in scholarships from Edison International. The scholarships are intended to help these students pursue science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) studies. Among the students are three from schools in Irvine: Eric S. Lee, Irvine High School Monica Pal, San Joaquin High School Abigail Samson, Arnold O. Beckman High School Including Lee, Pal, and Samson, there are nine Orange County seniors receiving STEM scholarships of $40,000. Here is the complete list of the 2022 Edison Scholars: Halle Allen, San Pedro High School Eliana Amanuel, Whitney Hig...

UCI Names Tiffany Lopez as Dean of Claire Trevor School of the Arts

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Tiffany Lopez, visionary artist and administrator and proven champion for diversity and inclusion, has been named dean of the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at the University of California, Irvine, following a nationwide search. She will assume the post on July 1. Lopez comes to UCI from Arizona State University, where she serves as vice provost for inclusive excellence and as a Foundation Professor in the Sidney Poitier New American Film School in ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. “UCI’s visionary founders included a school of fine arts in our academic plan so that the study and creation o...

UCI’s Michael Méndez is named a 2022 Andrew Carnegie Fellow

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

University of California, Irvine’s Michael Méndez has been named to the 2022 class of Andrew Carnegie Fellows. The assistant professor of urban planning and public policy joins an exclusive cohort of 28 distinguished individuals nationwide selected from nearly 300 nominees. Each will receive $200,000 for a research sabbatical focused on their study in the social sciences or humanities – the most generous stipend of its type. “I am pleased to congratulate Professor Méndez on being named a 2022 Andrew Carnegie Fellow,” said Hal Stern, UCI provost and executive vice-chancellor. “This recognition will support his groundbreaking research on environmental policy and protection...

Award-Winning Greater Irvine Chamber Career Edge Program Issues First-Ever Certification

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

The award-winning Career Edge program has issued its first-ever soft-skills certification to seven students from high schools in Irvine who successfully completed all four sessions of the 2021-2022 series. At the conclusion of the series in April, graduates of the program also earned a letter of completion & recommendation from the Greater Irvine Chamber. The sessions offered were: Successful Business Etiquette and Effective Business Communication taught by Massiel Pérez-Calhoon, Ed.D., adjunct faculty at University of Massachusetts Global; and Practical Critical Thinking & Problem Solving taught by Edward R. De La Torre, Ed.D., assistant professor at University of Massachusetts Global. The final session, Resum...

Cox Charities Offers $60,000 in Grants to Orange County Nonprofits: Apply May 9-31

Monday, April 25, 2022

Local nonprofits focused on K-12 STEM education, conservation and sustainability, and military and veterans are encouraged to apply for a Cox Charities Community Grant from May 9-31. A total of $60,000 is available for nonprofits in Orange County, with individual grants ranging up to $2,500-$10,000. The grants are part of Cox Charities’ statewide Community Grants program, which is awarding $170,000 total to nonprofits in Cox’s California markets (Orange County, San Diego, Palos Verdes, Santa Barbara). To apply for a Cox Charities Community Grant, organizations must meet the following criteria: Be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization; Be located in or provide services in a Cox Communications servic...

MemorialCare Signs 10-Year Lease at University Park in Irvine

Sunday, April 24, 2022

(Orange County Register) MemorialCare Medical Foundation has signed a 10-year lease for the retail spot once occupied by Crown Ace Hardware at University Park in Irvine, according to CBRE. Financial terms of the lease were not disclosed, but CBRE said in a statement that the foundation signed a 9,460-square-foot lease at the retail center at 18102 Culver Drive. Tenants at University Park include Wholesome Choice, Rite Aid, Wells Fargo, and Carl’s Jr. CBRE’s Andy Nott and Austin Kanzler represented MemorialCare. The physician division of MemorialCare provides internal and family medicine, pediatrics, urgent care and dental services in Orange County. “MemorialCare was not actively lookin...

OC Companies Present Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2022 Business Outlook

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Top Orange County companies joining MemorialCare in presenting the Greater Irvine Chamber 2022 Business Outlook event are Economics Sponsor Torrey Pines Bank, Community Sponsor Orange County Soccer Club, and Business Sponsors City of Hope Orange County, GDR Group, FivePoint, Parker Aerospace, and University of California, Irvine. Business Outlook also hosts tables by Albertsons, Allergan an AbbVie Company, Bank of Southern California, Chapman University, Cox Communications, Edwards Lifesciences, Google Fiber, Greater Newport Physicians, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, Kaiser Permanente, New York Life, Southern California Edison, Octane, SoCal Gas Co, Waste Management, UCI Chief Executive Roundtable, Wells Fargo, and Zillow Group. Held in conjunction wit...

City of Hope OC’s Physician-in-Chief, Dr. Edward Kim is Guest Speaker at Greater Irvine Chamber’s May 5 Government Affairs Meeting

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Edward S. Kim, M.D., M.B.A., physician-in-chief at City of Hope Orange County and vice physician-in-chief at City of Hope National Medical Center, will be the guest speaker at the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Government Affairs meeting on May 5, 8 a.m. Dr. Kim will provide an update on City of Hope’s soon-to-open Lennar Foundation Cancer Center at City of Hope Orange County, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center at FivePoint Gateway in Irvine. He will also speak about City of Hope’s Orange County network of care and plans to open the county’s only cancer specialty hospital in 2025. Lennar Foundation Cancer Center at Cit...

Concordia University Irvine Earns Military Friendly School Designation

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Concordia University Irvine has earned the 2022-2023 Military Friendly® School designation in the Silver Tier. This means Concordia is in the top 20% of most Military Friendly® Schools, excluding the top 10. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2022-2023 survey with 665 earning special awards for going above the standard. The 2022-2023 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May and October issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at militaryfriendly.com. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined b...

Parker Aerospace Selected For Helicopter Development

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

(Orange County Business Journal) Parker Aerospace in Irvine will be playing a key role in a Sikorsky-Boeing team effort to win the prized contract for a new U.S. Army helicopter called Defiant X. The Sikorsky-Boeing team has selected multiple Parker technologies for its entry in the competition for the award to build what is called a “Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft,” one which is expected to eventually replace the Army’s aging Black Hawk helicopters. The agreement with Parker Aerospace covers hydraulics and flight controls. Financial terms of the partnership were not released. The Army will choose a winner—after a faceoff between Textron’s Bell and the Sikorsky-Boein...

Industry Expert, Chris Schwarz Returns as Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook Keynote Speaker

Monday, April 11, 2022

Chris Schwarz, associate professor of finance and faculty director of the Center for Investment and Wealth Management at University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business and popular speaker, returns for the fourth year to the Greater Irvine Chamber Business Outlook event on Wednesday, May 18, 11:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m. at Hilton Irvine, 18800 MacArthur Blvd. REGISTER HERE “An expert in the field of economics, Chris Schwarz is also a crowd favorite, capturing the attention of large audiences with his knowledge, insights, and good humor about a salient topic,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “His observations and analyses are important as we look at market indicators to help us make informed decision...

Concordia University Irvine Offers Students Pathway to Serve Communities

Friday, April 08, 2022

Beginning Fall 2022, Concordia University Irvine will offer traditional undergraduate students to complete 450 hours of service over the course of the academic year in exchange for $10,000 toward their education in a new initiative called the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps. The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program is a service fellowship that provides students with college funding while engaging them in community problem-solving in the fields of education, climate action, and food insecurity. Over the next two academic years, Concordia students will have the opportunity to serve alongside local school districts and nonprofit organizations to solve real challenges and build healthier, more equitable communities. This program align...

UC Irvine Names Austen Parrish New Dean of Law School

Thursday, April 07, 2022

Austen Parrish, a respected scholar, gifted classroom teacher, and admired legal academy leader, will become the third dean of the School of Law at the University of California, Irvine, following a nationwide search. He will assume the post on Aug. 3. “Since it first enrolled students in 2009, UCI Law has been recognized as the finest young law school in the nation, one of the top public law schools overall and a model for combining academic excellence with service to the community,” said Chancellor Howard Gillman. “With his clear vision, proven leadership and stellar accomplishments, Austen Parrish is the right perso...

UCI Sets Location for its California Art Museum

Thursday, April 07, 2022

(Orange County Register) UC Irvine’s growing north campus has been chosen as the future home of the Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art. Museum and university officials chose the location for the Langson IMCA, as it is being called, intentionally, said Museum Director Kim Kanatani, because of its proximity to the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve, as well as the planned healing gardens at UCI’s expanding health campus still under development. “Its adjacency to nature is very critical for the museum,” Kanatani said. “It really resonates with our collections.” More than 3,000 works of modern art in a variety of mediums collected b...

CathWorks and Quest International Announce Global Partnership

Wednesday, April 06, 2022

CathWorks, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), with offices in Irvine, Israel, and Japan, and Quest International, a global service support provider to the OEMs, announced today they have signed a post-sales technical service support agreement that Quest International becomes the preferred technical service delivery partner for end-to-end service support of CathWorks' fast-growing install-base of customers globally. CathWorks plans to leverage Quest's capabilities to accelerate its commercial operations and expand its geographic footprint. "In pursuit of our mission of partnering with physicians to transform how cardiovascular disease is diagnosed and treated, we have become partners with Quest International because of their deep industry expertise an...

Nominations Now Open for the 2022 Celebrate Irvine Business Awards

Tuesday, April 05, 2022

Nominations, including self-nominations, for the Greater Irvine Chamber’s annual business awards are being accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13. Awards: Business of the Year Nonprofit of the Year Business Philanthropist of the Year Entrepreneur of the Year Spirit of Hospitality NOMINATE HERE Through this award program, the Greater Irvine Chamber recognizes businesses and individuals in greater Irvine that have demonstrated the principles of community service, volunteerism, and the best traditions of good corporate citizenship. Awards will be presented at the Chamber’s Celebrate Irvine event on Wednesday, June 16, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Irvine Marriott, 18000 VonKarman Ave. Tickets for the 2022 Celebrate Irvine event are $11...

Chapman MBA Program Rises to its Highest Position Ever in U.S. News Rankings

Friday, April 01, 2022

Chapman University’s Argyros School of Business and Economics has vaulted to No. 72 in the latest Best Business School rankings by U.S. News & World Report, announced Tuesday, March 29. It’s the school’s highest-ever position in the prestigious rankings of business schools with full-time MBA programs. Since Thomas Turk assumed the role of dean five years ago, the Argyros School has jumped 26 places in the national rankings. “These 2023 rankings validate our position among the top private business schools on the West Coast as well as our overall position among all California schools,” said Turk, Ph.D., who holds the Robert J. and Caroly...

Infusion Bays at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center Designed Around Patient Preferences

Friday, April 01, 2022

When designing Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, City of Hope Orange County put patients' needs first, placing special importance on the infusion center. Stepping into the treatment space located on the top floor of the Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, the warmth of the sunlight fills the area from its large windows that look onto Saddleback Mountain, allowing strength and stability to flow in. It’s a patient-centered, peaceful environment that is comfortable and calm. “We’ve taken extra care to center the infusion bays around the patient experience,” said Wendy P. Austin, RN, MS, AOCN, COA, NEA-BC, FACHE, the senior vice president of operations fo...

CathWorks Presents New Data and Latest Innovations

Thursday, March 31, 2022

The results of CathWorks' most recent outcomes study on the CathWorks FFRangio™ system will be presented by Dr. Guy Witberg from Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel on Sunday, April 3 at the annual American College of Cardiology (ACC) conference in Washington, DC. Dr. Witberg and his co-investigators in Israel and Japan examined the 1-year clinical outcomes of 492 patients whose treatment decision was based solely on the CathWorks FFRangio™ System results. "FFRangio has been in use in our cath lab since 2016 and we have taken part in several studies demonstrating its excellent diagnostic performance compared to the gold standard wire-base...

MemorialCare is Business Outlook 2022 Presenting Sponsor

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

MemorialCare is the presenting sponsor for the Greater Irvine Chamber 2022 Business Outlook event on Wednesday, May 18, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Hilton Irvine - Orange County Airport, 18800 MacArthur Blvd. “MemorialCare is honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce Business Outlook event,” said Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., president and CEO, MemorialCare. “Despite the effects of COVID-19, our business community exudes the characteristics that make Irvine the economic center of all of Orange County: agility, resilience, and ingenuity. Join us for impactful economic insights that will help us move forward throughout the remainder of 2022 with optimism an...

Natnaree Allison Named Greater Irvine Chamber March 2022 Ambassador of the Month

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Natnaree Allison, relationship manager, Heartland Payments Systems, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month for March 2022. A Chamber member since 2020, Allison became an Ambassador in February 2022. “The Greater Irvine Chamber has introduced me to other like-minded professionals. I’ve met the most amazing people through the Chamber and have been able to develop meaningful professional and personal relationships,” Allison said. “Being an Ambassador is a great honor and enables me to truly serve the business community.” Allison is the membership chair for Monday Leads Group, and volunteered for the October 2021 Irvine Business Outreach, surveying local businesse...

UC Irvine Ranks Among U.S. News' Best Graduate Schools

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

The University of California, Irvine’s graduate programs in education and chemistry place in the nation’s top 10 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s annual graduate school rankings. Nine other fields of advanced study are in the top 20 among public universities, marking UCI as one of the leading locations in the country for students to pursue graduate degrees. “UCI has established itself as a world-class public research university in a wide range of graduate disciplines,” said Gillian Hayes, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate Division. “These rankings confirm that our campus offers challenging an...

UCI’s North Campus Site Provides Outdoor Vistas to Complement Indoor Masterpieces

Monday, March 28, 2022

Spellbinding views – both indoors and out – will grace the future home of the Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art at the University of California, Irvine when it opens along Campus Drive near Jamboree Road – a location UCI officials announced today. The North Campus site – which is near where the UCI Medical Center–Irvine complex is also being constructed – will offer visitors “sweeping views of the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve to complement Langson IMCA’s remarkable collection of California impressionist and contemporary art and serve as a vibrant hub for discovery, exchange and engagement,” said museu...

Greater Irvine Chamber Provides Opportunity for Professionals to Visit Irvine Businesses During Outreach Program

Thursday, March 24, 2022

The Greater Irvine Chamber spring 2020 Irvine Business Outreach will take place on Wednesday, April 27. The purpose is to help identify the most pressing needs and challenges facing Irvine businesses. Volunteers are invited to take part in this award-winning outreach program. The primary research is facilitated by Chamber member volunteers who will visit local business owners and offer information about support resources offered through the Chamber and its partner organizations. We will also ask the business to complete a short survey about their current experiences and challenges, which will be available online beginning April 27 and continuing through July 15. Participation in the Irvin...

Heather Vezner named new Dean for the School of Education at Concordia University Irvine

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Heather Vezner, a lifelong teacher and leader in education, is the newly-appointed dean of Concordia University Irvine (CUI) School of Education (SOE). She succeeds Kent Schlichtemeier, who is now the director of the new Servant Leadership Institute, which works in close partnership with the SOE. Vezner was a primary leader in preparation for CUI’s site visit critical to the California Teacher Credential process. “It was hugely successful and showed a lot about why she needs to be in a position of leadership like she is in now,” Tim Schumacher, assistant professor of educational technology and chair of the search committee. Provost Scott Ashmon say...

Twelve Honorees Named Greater Irvine Chamber 2022 Women of Influence

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Twelve empowering women who lead and succeed in their life, industry, and community have been named the Greater Irvine Chamber’s 2022 Women of Influence. Meet the honorees: ENTREPRENEUR – Alicia Cox, Founder & CEO, PRJKT Restaurant Group ENTREPRENEUR – Leslie Nguyen, Founder & Creative Director, Bosscat Kitchen; Miss Mini Donuts INNOVATOR – Dr. Daniela Bota, Vice Dean & Medical Director, Center for Clinical Research, University of California, Irvine INNOVATOR – Rhonda Ducote, President, Apriem Advisors EXECUTIVE – Teresa Prestwood, Executive Vice President, Irvine Company Apartment Communities EXECUTIVE – Carrie Strom, President, Global Aesthetics, Allergan ADVOCATE – Kelley Lee, Government Relations Manager, Local Public Affairs, Southern California Edison AUTHENTIC LEADER &ndash...

Hoag Receives $50 Million Gift from the Sun Family Foundation; Announces Major Expansion in Irvine

Monday, March 21, 2022

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has received a $50 million gift from the Sun Family Foundation to serve as a catalyst for Hoag's ongoing expansion that will usher in major new health care facilities, technology and treatment protocols for the residents of Orange County and beyond. The gift – and the physical expansion and medical advancements it will help make possible – underscores Hoag's emergence as a global destination for medical excellence, unparalleled service, and patient-focused outcomes. "This remarkable gift from the Sun Family Foundation will enable Hoag to dramatically expand the breadth of outstanding health care services available to the Orange Count...

Hospitality Experts Share Insights on Workforce Attraction & Retention with Greater Irvine Chamber Economic Vitality Council

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

During the Greater Irvine Chamber Economic Vitality Council March 15 meeting, a panel of hospitality and tourism experts discussed the current state of the workforce in their industry. The panelists were George Assaf, director of operations, Irvine Marriott; Melissa Wall, partner and contract & search specialist, Express Employment Professionals; and Dylan Shipsey, director of operations, Puesto and Marisi Italiano restaurants. The discussion was moderated by Brian Montes, Economic Vitality Council Committee chair and founder and president of Scaleocity Works. A special presentation on workforce assistance programs was provided by Rhonda Miller, business solution manager at the OC Workforce Development Board. The organization assists employers in finding talent to fill ope...

Leading-Edge Technology at City of Hope OC’s Lennar Foundation Cancer Center to Provide Advanced Treatments

Friday, March 04, 2022

Glimpses of Hope - March 2022 Update: Lennar Foundation Cancer Center at City of Hope Orange County will be the most advanced cancer center in the region, purposefully designed to be high touch and high tech. Patients will receive exceptional, compassionate care from our world-renowned cancer experts. They will benefit from innovations designed to get them back to their lives sooner and that make their care experience easier and more convenient. "Our comprehensive cancer center will be the center of innovation and home to the most advanced cancer treatments and technologies available," said Annette M. Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. "Thi...

Three Ways Chambers of Commerce Help Businesses Thrive

Friday, March 04, 2022

Working together, the California Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Irvine Chamber are a solid force as advocates supporting business-friendly policies and helping California businesses comply with complex laws and regulations. Other local chambers of commerce throughout the state are likewise committed. While independent from the California Chamber, the Greater Irvine Chamber is able to tap into its partnership with CalChamber to provide a regional platform for the thoughts and priorities of businesses to be heard and considered. With 80%–90% of local chamber members having fewer than 20 employees, local chambers are a major voice for business communities throughout California. Three of the top ways th...

Colleen Dillaway Named Market Vice President for Cox Communications in Orange County

Wednesday, March 02, 2022

Colleen Dillaway has been named market vice president for Cox Communications in Orange County, Calif. Dillaway, who is the first person to hold this newly created position, will join Cox's California senior leadership team and report to Ingo Hentschel, senior vice president and region manager for Cox’s California region. In her new role, Dillaway will work with business and community partners in Orange County and Palos Verdes, represent Cox in the community, and serve as the market spokesperson. Dillaway joined Cox in 2018 as director of public affairs where she was responsible for community relations, philanthropic giving, external communications, and employee communications acros...

UCI Celebrates 20 Years of Octane OC Building Entrepreneurial Innovation Ecosystem

Wednesday, March 02, 2022

Genuine collaboration and building a community that hasn’t formerly existed doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it may take decades and, much like any startup, it experiences ups and downs. This year, Octane a non-profit organization that drives technology and growth by connecting ideas and people with resources and capital is celebrating two decades of building the now budding innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem that sprawls across Southern California. The UC Irvine ecosystem partner’s very seed was planted in Irvine with roots dating back to UCI’s Division of Continuing Education. That seed has grown over 20 years and continues to cultivate entrepreneurial, investment, and workforc...

Greater Irvine Chamber Announces Women of Influence Awards Finalists

Tuesday, March 01, 2022

The Greater Irvine Chamber 2022 Women of Influence finalists include empowering women who lead and succeed in their lives, businesses, and communities. Meet the finalists: Kelly Alesi, Director of Sourcing, Logistics & Sustainability Ramona Agrela, Chief HR Officer & Vice-Chancellor, University of California, Irvine Diane Blake, General Manager, Sonesta Irvine Anisha Bhatnagar, Woodbridge High School Kai Boyer, Owner, Kai Boyer Fitness Janelle Brunette, Chief Operating Officer, Octane Daniela Bota, Vice Dean for Clinical Research, University of California, Irvine Center for Clinical Research Jasmine Chhabria, Student, Northwood High School Dr. Seema Choudhary, Executive Director, Montessori Preschool Irvine & Lake Forest Jennifer Ciccone, Senior Vice President, Operations, Irvine Company Retail Libby Cooper, Vice Presiden...

Jorge Mora Named Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month for February 2022

Tuesday, March 01, 2022

Jorge Mora, business development executive for KtimeHR, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month for February 2022. “The Irvine Chamber has provided me with exceptional networking opportunities, which often lead to mutually beneficial business partnerships. The most significant benefit I have received as a Chamber member is that the Chamber enables me to develop meaningful professional and personal relationships with local business leaders,” Mora said. It’s a pleasure to serve as an Ambassador for the Chamber and participate in all of the amazing events and programs the Chamber offers all its members.” Mora became an Ambassador just month...

Hoag Orthopedic Institute Welcomes Shoulder & Elbow Specialist Hafiz Kassam, M.D. to Medical Staff

Monday, February 28, 2022

Hoag Orthopedic Institute, one of the largest providers of orthopedic care in the nation, has announced that it has added Hafiz Kassam, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery, to its medical staff. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Hafiz Kassam to Hoag Orthopedic Institute,” said Steven L. Barnett, M.D., chief medical officer of Hoag Orthopedic Institute. “We are confident Dr. Kassam will be able to contribute to our collective high-quality care notability, high standards, and superior patient outcomes.” Dr. Kassam has extensive experience in complex shoulder and elbow surgery, sports injuries, and traumatic orthopedic reconstruction. He is Boar...

Pepper Russell Appointed to the Higher Education Advisory Committee

Friday, February 25, 2022

A member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) since 2018, Pepper Russell, senior manager of economic development at the Greater Irvine Chamber, was recently appointed as a member of IEDC’s Higher Education Advisory Committee. This committee works to cultivate a bridge between economic developers and higher education to work collaboratively to grow jobs, investment, and talent in a knowledge-based economy. Additionally, the committee connects with approximately 60 members from around the world, facilitates an annual in-person conference as well as regular conference calls with advisors, and presents reports to the IEDC Board’s External and Member Relations Committee. Russell oversees Greate...

UC Irvine Launches AI-Powered Institute for Precision Health

Friday, February 25, 2022

The University of California, Irvine today announced the launch of the Institute for Precision Health (IPH), an endeavor that marries UCI’s powerhouse health sciences, engineering, machine learning, artificial intelligence, clinical genomics and data science capabilities to deliver the most effective health and wellness strategy for each individual person and, in doing so, confronts the linked challenges of health equity and the high cost of care. The institute will bring a multifaceted, integrated approach to what many call the next great advancement in healthcare. Precision medicine collects patient data – history, exams, demographics, molecular and diagnostic tests – and uses the powe...

Irvine Forward Foundation Established to Support Education and Career Readiness Programs

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

The Irvine Forward Foundation (IFF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been established to support educational achievement through scholarships, career readiness, and community engagement. Scholarships supported by IFF: Lt. Col. Thomas U. Wall Scholarship — Funding for the scholarship began with a $20,000 endowment from the Thomas U. Wall trust in 1992. The funds were placed in an account at a financial institution and the interest from the funds determines the number of scholarships to be awarded on an annual basis. Eligible students must be a U.S. resident, U.S. military veteran, or child or grandchild of a U.S. Military veteran who is pursuing ...

Irvine-Based Architectural Design Firm Reimagines Koreatown Landmark as Independent Living Oasis, Medical Offices

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

One of L.A.’s most iconic sites is now the focus of an upcoming adaptive reuse project led by Irvine-based Varisco Design Build Group. Once an L.A. landmark, the former Shriners Hospital building’s newly reimagined look will be facilitated by 147,000 square feet of tenant improvements and an effective repurposing of the space into senior living and medical offices. This blend of residential and medical units, both with outstanding amenities, demonstrates VDBG’s unique and diverse range of abilities and applied understanding of different spaces. The project’s innovative design and sustainability efforts also include features such as solar-powered parking lifts to serve as traffi...

UCI Becomes Founding Member of Collegiate Esports Leadership Group

Friday, February 18, 2022

University of California, Irvine has become a founding member of Voice of Intercollegiate Esports to take an active role in shaping the higher education esports ecosystem. As a member of VOICE, UCI will join other collegiate esports leaders in conversations about issues in the esports environment. UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman will head the organization’s President’s Council, convening key people from many of the top academic institutions to address the rapidly growing esports landscape. “UCI is thrilled to be a founding member of VOICE,” Gillman said. “I look forward to working with other university leaders to provide guidance to the nascent an...

With More Than $11 Million in Support, Chapman Institute Champions Access for Students With Disabilities

Friday, February 18, 2022

In the struggle to make education more inclusive, too often people with disabilities have been on the outside looking in. But now Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute on Disability (TPI) is increasing access and opportunity for all individuals, aided by growing support from foundations and other donors. In September, TPI received a $3.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fund a Technical Assistance Collaborative supporting innovative approaches to preparing educators to teach all students equitably in general-education classrooms. The Gates Foundation grant establishes the California Educator Preparation Innovation Collaborative (CalEPIC). The gift elevates the total amount of foundation grant an...

CathWorks Joins Greater Irvine Chamber as Silver-Level Leaders Circle Partner

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

CathWorks, a medical technology company dedicated to improving the care of patients suffering from coronary artery disease, has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber as a silver-level Leaders Circle partner. “CathWorks is excited to partner with the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce toward achieving our vision of leading innovative digital health platforms that improve the lives of patients globally. Together, we are building a community that attracts and cultivates the next generation of top talent, entrepreneurs, and investors who share the common passion for helping patients,” said Ramin Mousavi, president and CEO, CathWorks. CathWorks, is a global company with offices in Israel, Japan...

UCI’s 2021 Fundraising Tally Hits $248M Thanks to Donors

Monday, February 14, 2022

(Orange County Business Journal) Orange County philanthropists who count personal connections to the University of California, Irvine, helped make 2021 the second-largest fundraising year in the university’s history. “Despite the pandemic, we’re blowing it away [with fundraising], and people’s hearts are being touched. Their wallets are speaking,” said UCI Foundation Trustee James Peterson. The former Microsemi chief executive known locally as Jimmy P added: “We’re in an uncertain time, but one thing is certain: people’s desire to give is expanding.” 2021’s collection of UCI gifts includes an abundance of mega-sized donations directed at the school. Earlier this month, UCI disclosed that the estate of philanthropis...

Five Point Holdings, LLC Announces Appointment of Daniel Hedigan as Chief Executive Officer

Wednesday, February 09, 2022

Five Point Holdings, LLC, an owner and developer of large mixed-use planned communities in coastal California, today announced the appointment of Daniel Hedigan as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective immediately, and that Lynn Jochim, president and chief operating officer, will step down, effective as of Feb. 14, 2022. Mr. Hedigan is an industry veteran with over 40 years of experience in the residential real estate sector and extensive expertise in mixed-use planned communities. Most recently, Mr. Hedigan served as President of Land Sales & Home Building at the Irvine Company from 2013 to 2021, where he oversaw all aspects of development...

$57M Gift to UC Irvine Will Establish World-Class, Campuswide Depression Research Center

Monday, February 07, 2022

The estate of Audrey Steele Burnand has gifted $57.75 million to the University of California, Irvine to fund the creation of a new campus-wide center that will pursue research into the causes and treatment of depression and also support the UCI-managed Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center. More than $55 million of the gift is earmarked for advancing depression research at UCI. It’s believed to be the largest philanthropic donation to a U.S. university to support research focused solely on depression, which is the most prevalent mental health disorder in the U.S. “This is a truly transformative gift from a longtime and great supporte...

Greater Irvine Chamber Executive Team Leader Laura Perdew Receives Designation from Industry Association

Monday, February 07, 2022

Laura Perdew, IOM, vice president of marketing and communications for the Greater Irvine Chamber, was recognized as an Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) by the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.). The designation is awarded only to those chamber executives and staff professionals who meet stringent criteria set by the association’s board of directors. Perdew was awarded accreditation this year at the association’s annual conference in Glendale, AZ. She joins her colleague Jessica Welch, senior vice president, Greater Irvine Chamber, who also is an Accredited Chamber Executive. Perdew also holds an IOM certificate in nonprofit organization management from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The accreditation program wa...

Intentional Design of Lennar Foundation Cancer Center at City of Hope Orange County Creates Hope and Healing

Friday, February 04, 2022

Glimpses of Hope - February 2022 Update: When Lennar Foundation Cancer Center opens its doors in Irvine later this year, it will be unlike any other comprehensive cancer center. Patients and their families will see and feel the difference as soon as they enter. Natural light will stream through the many windows. Soothing colors of earth, sky, and sand will cover the walls. Stone, metal, and wood elements will be prominent throughout, with beautiful art inside and glimmering water features outside that create inviting spaces. Water and fire also serve as inspiration. In the waiting room shown above, for instance, warm woo...

City of Hope Orange County, Greater Irvine Chamber 2022 Women of Influence Presenting Sponsor

Thursday, February 03, 2022

City of Hope Orange County is the presenting sponsor for the Greater Irvine Chamber 2022 Women of Influence event held Thursday, March 24, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Irvine Marriott Hotel, 18000 Von Karman Ave. “City of Hope is pleased to join with the Greater Irvine Chamber in recognizing the 2022 Women of Influence awardees. This is a big year for Irvine and for us as we open the Lennar Foundation Cancer Center and bring lifesaving cancer services closer to those who need it. Therefore, this group of 2022 honorees are especially close to our hearts — they’re leaders who share our passio...

W.M. Keck Foundation Awards $1M to UCI Team to Study Cartilage Formation

Thursday, February 03, 2022

The W.M. Keck Foundation has awarded $1 million to an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of California, Irvine to study the formation and health of cartilages, tissues that are vital to skeletal structures. A particular focus for the UCI team, which includes scientists from the School of Biological Sciences and The Henry Samueli School of Engineering, will be an examination of “peculiar cells” that are giant in size and packed with lipid molecules, according to co-principal investigator Maksim Plikus, professor of developmental & cell biology. These cells come together to form and provide mechanical structure to cartilages in the nose, ear...

The Great Resignation: UCI Dean of Business School Shares Insights Into Record-Setting Turnover Among US Employees

Wednesday, February 02, 2022

On Jan. 4, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary. The numbers are staggering: 4.5 million workers quit or changed their jobs in November 2021, the highest number ever recorded in one month. The “quits rate” – the percentage of those who voluntarily left their jobs – jumped back up to 3 percent in November 2021, matching the all-time high set in September 2021. Quits increased in several industries, with the largest coming in accommodation and food services. Ian O. Williamson, dean of UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business, is a globally recognized exper...

City of Hope Orange County’s Carissa Bechtloff Appointed to Greater Irvine Board of Directors

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Carissa Bechtloff, MBA, senior director of business development at City of Hope – Orange County, has been appointed to the Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors. She previously served on the Board from 2016 to 2019 and its executive committee in 2017 and 2018. She served on the Chamber’s Board Development Committee in 2017. “I am excited to return to the Chamber Board of Directors after a year hiatus. I’m looking forward to working with this incredible group of leaders among the Board and Chamber staff, to support the economic vitality of the business community in Irvine and all of Orang...

Concordia University Irvine Selected as Part of #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Program

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Concordia University Irvine has been selected to participate in the #Californians For All College Corps program. Concordia is one of only four private universities in California participating in the initiative. Announced Tuesday, 45 colleges and universities in California will be part of a new public service program that will subsidize tuition for students who do community service alongside their studies. “California is a world leader in both higher education and service,” Governor Gavin Newsom said. “The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps advances these priorities by connecting Californians of different backgrounds with enriching service opportunities throughout the state while making college more affordable for our state’...

Misty Bond Joins Greater Irvine Chamber Professional Staff

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Misty Bond has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber professional staff as Director of Sales and Marketing for Destination Irvine. In this role, she will lead the sales mission and marketing initiatives for the destination. “I’m excited to partner with our hotels, venues, restaurants, and local attractions and showcase everything that Irvine has to offer,” Bond said. Prior to joining the Chamber staff, over her 12-year tenure with Marriott International, Bond held sales and event planning leadership roles at hotels in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Anaheim, and Irvine. “Misty brings extensive local, regional, and global hotel sales experience, which is advantageous to enhance Irvine's destination profile,” said Bryan Starr...

Gaining a Foothold in US Healthcare, Education, and Social-Service Markets

Friday, January 07, 2022

By Synthia Laura Molina, Managing Director Central I.Q., Inc. The U.S. healthcare, education, and social-service sectors can be a promised land for innovators, entrepreneurs, and executives in the U.K.—and the Irvine Gateway Soft-Landing Program can provide reliable hands-on help to those entering U.S. markets and navigating the American business landscape. U.K. pioneers entering the States need to consider the fit between U.S. opportunities and U.K. mindsets around culture, competencies, brand equity, revenues, operating efficiencies, earnings growth, risk mitigation, competitiveness, scalability, and—for certain enterprises—salability, speed to favorable liquidity events, and investor metrics. In the Irvine Gateway Program, we recommend shelving assumptions about the Land of Opportunity, ho...

Big Goals for OC Roadways

Wednesday, January 05, 2022

(Orange County Register) Continued work and future project planning on major freeways and toll roads throughout Orange County promise to make 2022 another busy year in transportation activity. Construction should ramp up on the 405 improvement project — entering its last full year before completion — and crews will continue making headway on the last two-thirds of work to be done on the 5 Freeway widening between the 73 and El Toro Road. After years of planning, a project to widen a key stretch of the 55 Freeway should begin midway through the year, launching a four-year construction process. And the OC streetcar, connectin...

Orange County's 500 Most Influential People Include Irvine Thought Leaders

Wednesday, December 08, 2021

Bryan Starr, president and CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber, has been named among the 2021 OC 500, the Orange County’s Business Journal’s annual Directory of Influence. “It’s an honor to be recognized among such a notable group of business and community leaders,” Starr said. “Orange County is truly a remarkable place with so many impressive people moving it forward.” Starr leads the chamber of commerce for OC’s biggest center of business, and its economic development and tourism marketing divisions. Destination Irvine plays a significant role in the recovery of travel to the city; travel spending brought in $781M to city’s econom...

Meet the 2021 Greater Irvine Chamber 40 Under 40 Honorees

Tuesday, December 07, 2021

Forty outstanding Orange County next-generation professionals were recognized during the Greater Irvine Chamber’s 40 Under 40 awards presentation on Dec. 9 at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, for their demonstrated leadership and accomplishments advancing their industries and the Orange County community. “The Greater Irvine 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, the chamber’s president and CEO. “I congratulate them all for what they have achieved, the example they set, and I look forward to their future contributions.” View and download the event program here: Meet the Greate...

Verizon Joins Greater Irvine Chamber as Gold-Level Leaders Circle Partner

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Verizon has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber as a gold-level Leaders Circle partner. “Verizon is eager to serve as a Leaders Circle partner with the Greater Irvine Chamber to help drive innovation and move community connection forward,” said Jesus Roman, vice president of Government Affairs for Verizon in the West. Verizon Communications Inc. was formed in 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information, and entertainment products and services. With a presence across the globe, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers voice, data, and video services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers&rsquo...

UCI Ranks No. 3 Top College in the West for Diversity

Friday, November 26, 2021

The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings has ranked University of California, Irvine No. 3 for Diversity in its annual ranking that was released on Nov. 17, 2021. UCI, Cal State Northridge, and San Francisco State all tied No. 3 nationally for the diversity of their students and faculty. In the WSJ/THE rankings, diversity accounts for 10 percent of a school’s overall score. The WSJ/THE ranking is based on 15 factors across four main categories: Forty percent of each school’s overall score comes from student outcomes, including measures of graduate salaries and debt burdens, 30 percent from the school’s academic resources...

Irvine: At the Heart of Orange County’s Medical Technology Ecosystem

Friday, November 12, 2021

UCI’s Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center enters a new era with its latest philanthropic gift. National Institutes of Health experts say that people who are fortunate enough to survive a brush with COVID-19 may go on to suffer poor cardiovascular health in the future because of the infection. As these millions stand to join others with heart disease – the leading killer of men and women worldwide – the need for affordable, accessible, advanced treatments is becoming increasingly urgent. Scientists and engineers in UCI’s Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Cardiovascular Innovation and Research Center (CIRC) have been anticipating this outcome since th...

Jorge Mora Named Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter

Tuesday, November 02, 2021

Jorge Mora, a business development consultant for KTimeHR, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter for Q3 2021. “The Greater Irvine Chamber has provided me with exceptional networking opportunities, which often lead to mutually beneficial business partnerships. Being a Chamber member enables me to develop meaningful professional and personal relationships with local business leaders,” Mora said. “It’s a pleasure to serve as Chamber Ambassador and to participate in events and programs the Chamber offers its members.” Mora became an Ambassador just months after joining the Chamber in 2019 and now serves as vice-chair for the Ambassadors Committee. In addition to carryin...

Irvine Educators, STEAM Programs Honored During Inaugural Greater Irvine Chamber Distinguished Educators Awards

Friday, October 15, 2021

Irvine educators and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) programs were honored during the Greater Irvine Chamber Distinguished Educators event sponsored by Chapman University and held at the Hilton Irvine on Oct. 13. “The Greater Irvine Chamber celebrates Irvine’s world-class education as part of what helps the city live up to its promise as a model master-planned community. The quality of education in Irvine is a key factor in sustaining economic vitality in the region; it’s what ensures we continue to produce a 21st-century workforce,” said Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber. “Our world-class schools, colleges, and universities are vita...

Irvine: The City of Education

Monday, October 04, 2021

By Bryan Starr, President and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber | Destination Irvine As published in the Orange County Business Journal, October 4, 2021 (Text included below flipbook.) It’s not surprising that Irvine is one of the best places in the nation to receive an education, from K-12 to Ph.D. More than six decades ago, Irvine was master-planned with education in mind. Visionary city leaders knew that prioritizing education would be the key to the city’s long-term economic vitality and quality of life, so they designed the city around a research institution — known today as the University of California, Irvine (UCI). As the cit...

Bryan Starr Discusses the Legacy of Irvine’s Master Plan in Podcast

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

In a recent radio interview with OC Talk Radio, Bryan Starr, President and CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber and its destination marketing and economic development divisions, discussed the legacy of Irvine’s Master Plan, the city’s many assets, and the Chamber’s role as convener, champion, and catalyst for economic vitality in the greater Irvine area. “Everything comes back to the master plan,” Starr said, referencing Irvine centered around what is now University of California, Irvine. “The initial step, right away, made us a city of innovation, a city of education, that has been perpetuated into the 21st century.” Impact OC Talk Radio...

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