• Today, from 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m., join OCBC for the Orange County Community Indicators Virtual Rollout for insights into Orange County’s current health and prosperity, and how COVID-19 has impacted your business sector. This event is brought to you in partnership by CalOptima, Orange County Community Foundation, First 5 Orange County, Children and Families Commission, and Orange County United Way. A special thank you to our title sponsor, Bank of America. Register today!

• On October 6, 2020, join Carolyn Cavecche, President and CEO, Orange County Taxpayers Association for the 2020 General Election Ballot Measure Overview. Grab your ballots and register here!

• City of Irvine has relaunched a Rental Assistance Program to provide 1,000 residents with $1,000 grants for rental payment assistance and lease termination fees. Apply now! 

• As OC enters a new era of entertainment, OCV!be is offering long-term founding partnerships for the OCV!be Sports and Entertainment. Premier Partnerships will assist in the go-to-market sales phase as OCV!be and seeks influential corporate partners for restaurants, retail, hotels, office towers, and affordable housing. 

• Mail in ballots will be sent to all registered voters in California and all voting centers will implement necessary safety protections. Watch the video!

• September 13- 26, OC will celebrate local restaurants with crafted menus, cocktails, and wine specials. View specially priced menus for family meals, meals-to-go, and dine-in options. Help your favorite restaurant get a $5,000 grant!

• Next week, the CSU University system will announce Chancellor Timothy White’s successor. As Chancellor White enters retirement, the board will hold a closed-session, virtual meeting to decide on the next chancellor for the 23-campus system. 

• “Together We’re OneHB Supporting Local Businesses”, a public-private partnership, is a community campaign to offer grants of $5,000 to local small businesses. The City of Huntington Beach, the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, CIELO and SBDC partnered to offer this grant and provide businesses with support programs and services. The OneHB campaign is the first of its kind locally to bring philanthropy and community support together to keep businesses viable and open. It’s not too late to nominate projects—click HERE to submit yours by September 18!

• OCBC is sincerely appreciative of the aid Congress has delivered to businesses and their employees nationwide since the pandemic began; however, Congress and the Trump administration must act swiftly to reach an agreement for a “phase four” relief package. Major employers like airlines, restaurants, retailers and small businesses are in desperate need of assistance to avoid furloughing staff or closing entirely. Contact your Member of Congress, Senators and the Speaker’s office today to ask them to compromise and reach an agreement to support America’s employers and workforce.

• A new report shows that under a forced employment model, app-based rideshares and food delivery will create little or no service and double in cost and wait times. Join YES on Prop 22 on Tuesday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m. for a special Social Media Webinar for Coalition Partners. Register here and share the YES to Prop 22 resource center. 

• On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1383, a bill dramatically expanding family leave while providing virtually no protections to the small businesses most impacted. OCBC is disappointed that this administration fails to help small businesses get back to work. Further, the law lacks conformity with federal law, meaning small employers could be on the hook for a combined total of 24 weeks of job-protected leave. Let the lawsuits begin.

• The mayors of Anaheim, Buena Park, and Garden Grove joined Lucy Dunn, and other local leaders in a call for the Governor to release guidelines to reopen theme parks. With thousands of jobs on the line and proper safety measures in place, it is time to reopen theme parks. Visit www.reopenocnow.com and sign the letter to the governor!

• On October 1, 2020, join the California State Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology along with the California Life Sciences Association (CLSA) and the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) for its 2nd Annual Med-Tech Showcase. The companies will showcase their innovative biomedical and technological products that have paved the way for a better healthcare for Californians. The event will feature great Orange County companies such as Masimo, Edwards Lifesciences, Johnson & Johnson and many more!

• To assist businesses during the pandemic, Orange County Community Resource Department is conducting a survey on its effects on workforce and business operations. This survey takes approximately 7 minutes to complete. Please complete the survey by 10/2.

• Small Business Development Center
• SBDC Resources for Small Businesses
• Go-BIZ FAQ for Small Businesses
• UCI Free Small Business Toolkit

• Wes Wheeler, President of UPS Healthcare discusses UPS’s vaccine distribution logistics, anticipated challenges on how to prioritize vaccine distributions and the correct amount, partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and U.S. Health & Human Services for Operation Warp Speed, and more. 

• OC Public Libraries’ literacy program, OC READ/Families for Literacy will host a series of Back-to-School events to support distance learning. The drive-thru events will gift free books and crafts, along with virtual programs and demonstrations for take-home crafts. 

• OCBC is honored to have received Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Foundation’s generous mask donation that help slow the spread of COVID-19. OCBC applauds the foundation’s community efforts and dedication to Orange County small businesses, healthcare providers, and educators. #MaskUP OCBC received almost 250,000 masks for business and community safe re-openings. Thank you Nixon Library!

• On Thursday, September 24, join the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce for its second Virtual City Council Candidates Forum. Hear candidates’ positions on how to better the Huntington Beach business community. Register here.

• Ontario International Airport ranks 3rd in the nation for passenger recovery. In comparison to the week of August 24, 2019, the airport has recovered 43%. Other international airports follow behind with Southwest Florida International Airport at 44.1% and Denver International Airport at 43.1%.

• In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Disneyland Resorts interviews Susana Tubert, Creative Director, Disney Parks Live Entertainment, the creative mind behind Disneyland Resort’s live action entertainment. Disney’s diverse stories represents characters from all backgrounds that include “Black Panther”, “Mulan”, “Moana” and “Coco”. Tubert draws on the cultural presence from each character to honor traditions for events such as the Lunar New Celebration and the Disney Festival of Holidays, which celebrates Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day, Christmas, and Navidad. 

• The Los Angeles Chargers will be able to interact with fans like never before. The partnership with GameOn Technology provides fans with an enhanced app-based experience with real-time game updates such as player stats, GIFS, highlights, news, scores and more. The automated conversations can be accessed across all social media platforms to reach a broader and more diverse audience. 

• Anaheim Convention Center Test Site: Appointments Required.
• Testing Basics: COVID-19 Test Options.
• Free testing in OC: How to access.
• DO IT! Where to get tested in OC: Find a testing site near you. 
• OC Testing Sites: Appointment & walk-in resources.
• Public & private sector testing: Contact your provider today.
• COVID-19 Hotline: For general questions & information call: (714)-834-2000.
• OC Health Care Agency: Data Dashboard featuring confirmed COVID-19 cases.