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Greater Irvine Chamber Members Among OC's Largest Employers

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

A number of Greater Irvine Chamber member companies are featured in the Orange County Business Journal’s list of largest Orange County employers. The list includes the top 29 employers in Orange County, ranked by number of employees. Greater Irvine Chamber member companies include: University of California, Irvine (24,714 OC employees) Kaiser Permanente (8,200 OC employees) Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian (6,500 OC employees) MemorialCare (5,400 OC employees) Edwards Lifesciences (4,998 OC employees) California State University, Fullerton (4,349 OC employees) Irvine Company (4,120 OC employees) Marriott International, Inc. (3,100 OC employees) View the complete list. To learn more about becoming a member of the Greater Irvine Chamber, contact Dinh Ta.

MemorialCare Renews as Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle Platinum Sponsor

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

MemorialCare has renewed as a Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle sponsor, now at the platinum-level sponsors. “MemorialCare is honored to be a part of the Greater Irvine Chamber and to fully support its mission in every way possible. This partnership is instrumental in advancing our commitment to providing high-quality and highly accessible healthcare to the residents and businesses of Irvine and all of Orange County,” said Cathy Capaldi, senior vice president, MemorialCare. MemorialCare is a nonprofit integrated healthcare delivery system that includes leading hospitals – Long Beach Medical Center, Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach, Orange Coast Medical Center, and Saddleback Medical Center; award-winning medica...

Caltrans Begins Environmental Review Phase of the South County Traffic Relief Effort

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Caltrans, in coordination with the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), is initiating the formal environmental review phase for the South County Traffic Relief Effort (SCTRE). The state transportation agency is seeking public engagement and input on developing mobility solutions in South Orange County by holding two public scoping meetings along with a 30-day public comment period beginning Nov. 8 and concluding Dec. 9 at 5:00 p.m. “Public feedback will be an important element in the decision-making process as the alternatives are studied in more detail,” said Caltrans District 12 Director Ryan Chamberlain. The public scoping meetings will be held open-house format with no formal presentation an...

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

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Bryan Starr, president and CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber, and more than 50 executives from Greater Irvine Chamber member companies were featured in the Orange County Business Journal’s fourth annual OC 500 Directory of Influence. 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 successfully convened public, private, and civic sectors, engaging executives and communit...

Josh Friedman Earns Rainmaker Award with More than $1 Million in Closed Business Referrals for 2019 Third Quarter

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

Josh Friedman has earned the Greater Irvine Chamber’s title of Rainmaker for the third quarter in 2019 with $1,041,495 in closed business. His performance in the Wednesday Leads Group contributed to the group’s total of $2,096,632, making it the top-earning Leads Groups for total closed business during the period. "The Leads Group program is what drew me to join the Greater Irvine Chamber. It has given me an opportunity to really get to know other business owners on a level beyond small talk at a networking event,” Friedman said. “I have developed true friendships with people that have extended beyond the Lead...

Boys & Girls Club of Irvine Students Gifted Laptops from Cox Communications

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

Cox Communications, along with City of Irvine Councilmember Michael C. Carroll and the Boys & Girls Club of Central Orange Coast, on Oct. 30 surprised 15 club members who participated in an essay writing contest by presenting them with free laptops. The club members, who have a need for financial support, believed they were going to the Cox Solutions Store for a field trip and to learn who the top three winners of the contest were. They were all instead met by members of #TeamCox who donated a free Google Chromebook to each of the youths for studying and homework. Cox i...

Edwards Lifesciences CEO Mussallem’s Focus Areas: Heart Health, R&D, and OC

Monday, November 04, 2019

A recurring theme at last week’s Medical Technology Innovation Forum was that the next generation of advancement in the medtech industry would largely be led by startups, forward-looking entrepreneurs, and as yet unknown innovators. Tell that to Mike Mussallem, chief executive of Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (NYSE: EW), by far Orange County’s largest public company by market value. In terms of strategic vision for Edwards, whose products—heart valves, delivery systems, critical care monitoring products and other devices—treat structural heart disease, the CEO isn’t willing to cede the future to the next generation just yet. “We believe in big, bold, breakthrough innovation,” Mussallem told th...

Cox Charities Awards $50,000 in Grants to Nonprofit Organizations in Orange County and Palos Verdes

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Cox Charities has awarded $50,000 in grants to 10 nonprofit organizations in Orange County and Palos Verdes to support initiatives that focus on youth, education, conservation, and the military. A philanthropic arm of Cox Communications that is funded by employee donations matched by the company, Cox Charities is celebrating 20 years of giving in California in 2019. “Our employees are passionate about giving back,” said Sam Attisha, senior vice president and region manager for Cox in California. “Being part of Cox Charities is one way they can do that, whether it’s awarding scholarships to high school students or funding local nonprofit...

FivePoint to Keep Great Park Balloon Aloft and Free for Riders

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

In an Oct. 22 decision, FivePoint entered into a sponsorship agreement with the City of Irvine to support the operation and maintenance of the Great Park Balloon—originally a gift from the developer to the city—for the next five fiscal years, and drop the $10 admission charge for riders. The balloon has been at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine since before there even was a park. During this time, more than 500,000 riders have actively enjoyed the balloon, which has become a widely recognizable attraction at the Great Park. Until Irvine struck the sponsorship deal with FivePoint, city leaders worrie...

New Little Onion Mexican Restaurant Coming to Irvine This Fall

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Little Onion Mexican Restaurant announces its second location coming to Irvine’s Walnut Village Center, scheduled to debut Nov. 19. The new 4,240-square-foot casual Mexican eatery, owned by Lori Reich Rowe, follows in the footsteps of the original 1963 Little Onion. “With the addition of Little Onion, Irvine’s eclectic and large inventory of restaurants continues to offer diners diverse cuisine options,” said Wendy Haase, vice president, Destination Irvine. The newest interpretation of Little Onion – located at 14429 Culver Dr. in the former Bank of Hope building – will feature small batch, made fresh daily, locally sourced fare at reasonable prices. It wil...

Amina Rafiqzada Named Greater Irvine Chamber September 2019 Ambassador of the Month

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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,&rdquo...

Orange County Business Journal’s 2019 General Counsel Award Nominees Include Greater Irvine Chamber Members

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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 a...

UCI Named No. 1 College in California

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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 comparabl...

SoCalGas Applauds More than 100 Local Governments in Southern California that Pass Resolutions in Support of Balanced Energy Policies

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) applauded the more than 100 local governments across Southern California, representing approximately 6.75 million Californians, that have passed resolutions in support of affordable and balanced strategies to reduce emissions from buildings and that call on state policymakers to preserve consumers’ ability to choose either natural gas or electric appliances for their homes and businesses. These resolutions were passed in response to concerns state policymakers are taking steps to prohibit the use of natural gas in new buildings. State energy regulators are actively considering calls for new regulations that would eliminate natural gas use in ne...

Irvine Public Schools Foundation Raises a Record $1.8 Million to Benefit Critical Programs and Classroom Support at Annual Gala

Tuesday, October 08, 2019

Generous supporters of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF), an education partner of the Greater Irvine Chamber, gathered for the 10th Anniversary Spirit of Excellence Gala at KIA Motors Headquarters in Irvine on Oct. 5. The elegant celebration, including a mix of civic and business leaders as well as individual community members, raised a record $1.8 million to fund critical programs and classroom support for Irvine Unified School District (IUSD). As a leading nonprofit, whose mission is to enrich the education experience of each child in every school, IPSF relies on generous community support to fulfill its commitment to provide programs, rais...

Donna Watson Named Greater Irvine Chamber September Member of the Month

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Donna Watson, chief creative officer, Designer Mouse Graphic Design, has been named the Greater Irvine Chamber September Member of the Month. A member since 2016, Watson is involved in the Chamber in various capacities including as an Ambassador and a co-chair of the new Thursday Leads Group. She previously served as the chair for the Monday Leads Group. Watson has also participated in the Chamber’s award-winning Business Outreach Rally where she helped conduct primary research on the most pressing needs of local businesses. In addition to her volunteer leadership, Watson is a regular attendee of Chamber annual events Celebrate Irvine and Wome...

Concordia University Irvine Reaches Hispanic-Serving Institution Designation

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Concordia University Irvine has reached Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation, administrators announced. With 25.79% of its undergraduate student body identifying as Hispanic or Latinx in the campus’ fall 2019 census, the private nonprofit university moves from emerging HSI status to designated HSI status, allowing it to compete for federal grants that serve low-income first-generation Hispanic students. The required threshold for HSI designation is 25%, set by the U.S. Department of Education. Concordia University Irvine began to formalize its HSI efforts in 2016 in response to a growing Hispanic student population with its signature Latina Leadership Conference—a free half-day event designed for first-generatio...

Irvine Company to Add 35-Acre Modern Office Park to Accommodate City’s Job Growth

Thursday, September 26, 2019

About seven years after closing Traveland USA in Irvine, the Irvine Co. is following through with plans to build a modern office park where millions of dollars worth of RVs were once sold. For the nearly 40 years until it closed in 2012, Traveland off Sand Canyon Avenue adjacent to the 5 freeway was a one-stop RV mall that attracted families with its frontier theme, duck pond, and even a restaurant that opened in 2011. But the RV businesses suffered from economic slumps and fluctuating gas prices, and some relocated. In August, Irvine’s Planning Commission signed off on the Irvine Co.’s plans for Innovatio...

WHW Appoints Trina Fleming as Its New Chief Executive Officer

Thursday, September 26, 2019

The Board of Directors of WHW are thrilled to announce Trina Fleming, formerly Chief Operating Officer, as the nonprofit’s new Chief Executive Officer. “Trina’s appointment was a unanimous decision as she lives and breathes the mission of WHW. She is committed to applying her sound judgement to every endeavor with a high level of integrity as she continues to grow the organization,” shares Pauline Francis, Chair of WHW’s Board of Directors. “We are confident in Trina’s abilities to guide WHW to greater success in empowering the unemployed and underemployed with the skills and resources they need to get and keep ...

Lynn Stewart Named Greater Irvine Chamber August 2019 Member of the Month

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Lynn Stewart, director of business development, extension and international programs, California State University, Fullerton, has been named the August 2019 Greater Irvine Chamber Member of the Month. Stewart has been involved in the Chamber’s Economic Vitality Council since joining the Chamber in 2015. As a member of the International Development Committee, Stewart leads both the Foreign Direct Investment Task Force and the Irvine Ready! Task Force. She is also a member of the Cybersecurity Task Force as part of the Business and Workforce Development Committee. A regular attendee of the Chamber’s annual Orange County World Trade Week Breakfast and Forum, Stewart was formall...

Irvine’s Life Science Ecosystem Works in Nexus with City’s Strong Healthcare Sector and Research Institutes

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

By Bryan Starr, President & CEO, Greater Irvine Chamber Irvine is on par with any life science ecosystem in the world. In fact, Irvine leads the way in life science innovation in consequential ways that contribute to the city’s economic health and its position on the world stage. Contributing to this strength are synergistic collaboration and cooperation that deliver complementary products and integrated service lines across life science, healthcare, and medical-focused research sectors. There are nearly 500 life science companies in Irvine employing nearly 300,000 highly-skilled professionals in the city’s diverse life science ecosystem. With more than 900 high-tech companies in th...

OCTANe Announces 2019 High Tech Award Winners

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

OCTANe, Orange County’s technology and life sciences accelerator organization, presented its 2019 High Tech Awards at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach on Sept. 12. The 26th annual awards program honored Orange County-based companies that have demonstrated exceptional leadership while developing new technological advancements in their respective industries. This year’s awardees are: Outstanding Large Technology Company: Edwards Lifesciences Outstanding Emerging Technology Company: Syntiant Best Small Technology Company CEO: Ike Kavas, Ephesoft Best Technology Innovation in Software: Titan HST Outstanding Innovation in Medical Technology & Lifesciences: Sonendo Best Large Technology Company CEO: Jeff Margolis, Welltok Best Technology Innovation in a Consumer Product: OPKIX Outstanding Small Technology Company: AWM Smart Shelf Dea...

Orange County Business Journal’s Civic 50 Includes Greater Irvine Chamber Members

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Orange County Business Journal’s 2019 Civic 50 Orange County recognizes the most community-minded companies in the county. Among them are a number of Greater Irvine Chamber members: Antis Roofing & Waterproofing Arbonne International LLC Edwards Lifesciences FivePoint Holdings LLC Ingram Micro Inc. MacKenzie Corporation Taco Bell Corp. Civic 50 OC honorees are selected based on their community engagement: investment, integration, institutionalization, and impact, as determined by an annual survey independently administered and scored by True Impact. Honorees will be formally recognized during the Civic 50 Orange County Awards on Oct. 16 at Hotel Irvine. This year's event will feature a keynote by Neil Bush, son of former President Georg...

Parker Aerospace Joins Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle as Gold-Level Sponsor

Friday, September 13, 2019

Parker Aerospace, an operating group of Parker Hannifin Corporation, has joined the Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle as a gold-level sponsor. Parker Aerospace has been a member of the Greater Irvine Chamber since 2018. “Involvement with the Greater Irvine Chamber as a Leaders Circle sponsor provides Parker Aerospace with an opportunity to elevate our presence and engagement in the community, ensuring the future of Irvine’s position as a leader in the technology sector,” said Barry Draskovich, group vice president of program and contract management for the company. Parker Aerospace is a global leader in flight control actuation, hydraulic, fuel, inerting, fluid conveyance...

Vincit CEO Ville Houttu Elected to Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Ville Houttu, CEO of Vincit, has been elected to serve on the 2019-2020 Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors. “The Expansion of Vincit to Irvine has proven to be a good move from the start. Among my first exploratory experiences in the city was with the Greater Irvine Chamber. As the partnership has continued to develop, it’s fitting and an honor that I am able to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors,” Houttu said. “I look forward to bringing the perspective of the digital technology industry to the Chamber’s governance.” Houttu expanded his digital design and software development company from Finlan...

Concordia University Irvine’s Master’s Counseling Program Earns National Accreditation

Monday, September 09, 2019

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the national association that accredits master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling offered by colleges and universities, has granted accreditation to the Master of Arts in Counseling program at Concordia University Irvine in partnership with the Townsend Institute. The voluntary accreditation assures that graduates have met the majority of the educational requirements for licensure or certification as a counselor in most states. After a multi-stage external review process, Concordia Irvine’s Master of Arts in Counseling program, as well as its curriculum and faculty, were found to have substantially meet th...

Johnny Tai Named Greater Irvine Chamber August 2019 Ambassador of the Month

Sunday, September 01, 2019

Johnny Tai, a business development professional at Mueller Prost CPAs & Business Advisors, has been named the August 2019 Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month for his continued engagement in Chamber programs and activities. “Though the Greater Irvine Chamber offers so many benefits, the benefit which stands out for me is the plethora of quality relationships. These relationships allow me to build a strong foundation to grow our business and network. The Greater Irvine Chamber is my secret to success,” Tai said. A regular attendee of the International Development Committee, Tai serves on the Next Stage International Marketing Task Force an...

Antis Roofing Announces Executive Promotions

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Susan DeGrassi has been promoted to Vice President of Administration and Cause, and Aaron Antis has been promoted to Vice President of Sales and Field Operations at Orange County-based Antis Roofing and Waterproofing. The announcements were made by Charles Antis, the company’s CEO. DeGrassi, well known in the Orange County community as Antis’ philanthropy representative, will assume added responsibility for Antis’ internal operations, including customer service and support, HR, IT and other administrative functions. DeGrassi, a veteran of the community management industry, spent 27 years with Merit Property Management (now First Service Residential,) the last seven as executive vice president. In 2017...

Orange County Soccer Club Signs Youngest Male Professional Player in US History

Monday, August 19, 2019

Orange County Soccer Club (OCSC) announced the signing of 14-year-old standout Francis Jacobs, who becomes the youngest male to sign a professional contract in United States soccer history. The Laguna Beach native joins amid interest from multiple European clubs. “Francis is a special Orange County talent and has shown a maturity on the field way beyond his years,” said President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Oliver Wyss. “He is the perfect model of player to develop in our pathway to professional program that we have established here in Orange County. The entire organization is committed to providing him with guidance...

Hoag Hospital Irvine Receives Get With The Guidelines Gold Plus Quality Achievement Awards for Stroke

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Hoag Hospital Irvine announced it has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award highlights the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute’s Stroke Program’s commitment to ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines founded on the latest scientific evidence and recommendations. This is the eighth year Hoag Hospital Irvine has received the Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, acknowledging Hoag’s role in reducing the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by th...

Thomas Lotts Named Greater Irvine Chamber July 2019 Ambassador of the Month

Thursday, August 01, 2019

Thomas Lotts, agent, New York Life, has been selected as the July 2019 Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassador of the Month for his high level of engagement in Chamber events and committees. “One of my favorite things in life, has always been to meet someone new every day. Being an Ambassador allows me to do this, and by doing so, I widen my circle of relationships, eventually creating a space for mutual business growth,” Lotts said. To stay active and involved, Lotts regularly attends the International Development Committee, Government Affairs Committee, and Economic Vitality Council meetings. He serves as a co-chair of the Business and Workforce Developmen...

Orange County Business Journal’s Civic 50 List Honors Greater Irvine Chamber Members

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

A number of Greater Irvine Chamber members are featured Orange County Business Journal’s 2019 Civic 50 Orange County list. The list recognizes the most community-minded companies in Orange County. Greater Irvine Chamber members included on the list are: Antis Roofing & Waterproofing Arbonne International LLC Edwards Lifesciences FivePoint Holdings LLC Ingram Micro Inc. MacKenzie Corporation Taco Bell Corp. Civic 50 OC honorees are selected based upon four dimensions of their community engagement programs: investment, integration, institutionalization, and impact, as determined by an annual survey independently administered and scored by True Impact. The honorees will be formally recognized during the Civic 50 Orange County Awards on Oct. 16 at Hotel Irvine...

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