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Thursday, June 10, 2021 | View as Webpage
RECAP: BIDEN ADMIN ON ECONOMY, EMPLOYER MASK GUIDELINES, MWD HIRES NEW GM, WORKPLACE DIVERSITY, FIVEPOINT'S NET-ZERO IMPACT AND MORE!
HOT OFF THE PRESS
SPECIAL RECAP: WHAT THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MEANS FOR THE ECONOMY:*
  • On June 8, OCBC hosted its 2021 Economic Development Forum on what the Biden administration means for the economy. There was a healthy discussion on the level of bipartisanship in D.C., whether the large increase in government spending will be good for the economy, and the administration's efforts to boost exports and foreign direct investment. Thank you to panelists Congresswoman Young Kim, Jack Quinn, Steve Haro and Richard Swanson for your expertise and insights, and thank you to sponsors Amazon, John Wayne Airport and California State University, Fullerton. To watch a recording of the event, click here.

BUSINESS CONCERNS WITH CAL/OSHA MANDATES LEAD TO CHANGES:*
  • Despite CA's re-opening on June 15 with relaxed mask orders and other CDC-aligned protocols, Cal/OSHA advanced more stringent COVID-19 requirements on employers last week. OCBC joined statewide business leaders urging Cal/OSHA to revise these mandates that are confusing to employers, workers, and consumers alike, are not aligned with CDC guidelines and undermine vaccine progress. Those efforts, plus a letter and new mask guidance from CA Department of Public Health, led Cal/OSHA to call a special meeting on June 9, during which they voted to withdraw last week's mandates and incorporate CA Public Health guidelines--stay tuned for more details!

METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT BOARD HIRES ADEL HAGEKHALIL AS NEW GM:*  
  • On June 8, Met's 38-member board confirmed Hagekhalil as new general manager. Hagekhalil has 32 years of experience in water, environmental and infrastructure management with LA's sanitation department and street services department. A civil engineer and Fullerton resident, Hagekhalil emphasizes innovation, sustainability and unity as priorities as he prepares to lead the organization providing water to 19 million SoCal residents and businesses. 

FIVEPOINT'S NET-ZERO IMPACT:*
  • FivePoint's new development in Valencia, CA will have zero carbon footprint with over 21,000 homes on 15,000 acres; it is the nation's largest net-zero development. Houses will have solar, electric vehicle chargers and designs that reduce the need for air conditioning, heating and ventilation. Additional creative initiatives like a methane capture program at a dairy farm and rooftop solar installations in disadvantaged neighborhoods assist in extra carbon credits to reach net-zero. Learn more.

I-405 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT MILESTONE:*
  • The Magnolia Street bridge over the I-405 recently opened, a huge step toward meeting the project's overall goal of improving commutes for thousands of drivers who travel on the 405. Construction is now 55% complete, including improvements to on-and off-ramps, widening the freeway and replacing sound walls. 

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE RECAP:*
  • On June 9, OCBC held its Workforce Development Meeting with members and HR professionals to discuss the return to work. Issues such as whether vaccinations will be mandatory, in person or hybrid work formats, fair policy and procedures between various job categories, contact tracing and more were discussed. Thank you to everyone who participated and for being a resource to one another in these unprecedented times.

OCDE AND CHOC TEAM UP TO ADDRESS STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH:* 
  • Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among adolescents in OC. OC Department of Ed and CHOC are working to boost mental health services on school campuses including “well spaces” where students can visit counselors, do yoga or meditate and relax. Read more.
ADVOCACY UPDATE
INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE HOSTS PORT OF LONG BEACH:*  
  • On June 8, OCBC welcomed Joel Perler, Marketing Manager of Economic Development for Port of Long Beach. Mr. Perler described how COVID-19 impacted the nation's second-busiest port and how the Port is mitigating congestion while delivering $1.7 billion in capital improvements over the next decade. Mr. Perler also updated the Committee on the Port's plan to reach zero emissions by 2035. Thank you, Port of Long Beach! Read more here.  

LEGISLATURE STOPS MULTIPLE BAD FOR BUSINESS BILLS:
  • Last week, many bad bills OCBC opposed failed to advance in the legislative process. This includes AB 71, a massive tax increase on businesses; AB 1316, a bill dramatically restricting charter schools; SB 213, an extreme workers’ compensation mandate for hospitals; and SB 342, which would have expanded the voice of unelected advocates over local elected officials on SCAQMD. OCBC thanks the Assemblymembers and state Senators who kept these bills and others from progressing.

BUSINESS RESOURCES
OCTA'S 405 FORWARD PROGRAM PROMOTES LOCAL BUSINESSES:*  
  • OCTA partnered with local cities to launch a free program promoting businesses near the I-405 Improvement Project. 405 Forward encourages communities to share favorite local restaurants, retailers and service providers using the 405 Forward Facebook group. Google Maps will also share interactive information about participating businesses. For more info, contact OCTA's I-405 Improvement Project outreach team. 

GOV. NEWSOM LAUNCHES RESTAURANTS SUPPORT PROGRAM AS STATE REOPENS:* 
  • While the state will fully reopen on June 15, restaurants are encouraged to continue outdoor operations. Gov. Newsom expanded regulatory relief for restaurants and bars to maintain safety protocols through the end of 2021. Read more.

TODAY! UCI’S 2021 ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL UPDATE:
  • Join Professor Chris Schwarz of the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business at 11:30 a.m. to hear his latest thoughts on the economy and financial markets as the economy prepares to reopen! The webinar is free for all. Register here. 

US CHAMBER LAUNCHES AMERICA WORKS INITIATIVE:

WEBINAR ON CLEANTECH OPPORTUNITIES: 
  • Join U.S. Commercial Services on June 24 to learn more about clean technologies product and service export opportunities, U.S. government priorities on climate and cooperation with China, Intellectual property rights protection, export controls and available U.S. government resources. Register here.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CULTURES UNITED - A CONVERSATION SERIES WITH UNITED WAY:*
  • Join United Way on June 17 at 8 a.m. for a conversation on diversity in the workplace. Leaders from UPS and California Bank & Trust will discuss ways to better engage employees through an open dialogue of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Register here.  

OCTA SEEKS INPUT ON SOUTH COUNTY MOBILITY:*  
  • OCTA is studying mobility strategies that will help identify future improvements to South Orange County streets, transit, freeways and bikeways and would like your feedback. Click here for details on upcoming telephone townhall and virtual meetings, and click here to take a short online survey. 

VOTE TO SUPPORT PACIFIC AIRSHOW IN HUNTINGTON BEACH:* 
  • Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach is nominated by USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice for Best Air Show! Help OC secure this recognition by voting for the Pacific Airshow here every day until July 5. 

COVID-19 RESOURCE UPDATES:
  • OCHCA shifted vaccination efforts to expanding its network of mobile PODs. On June 5, all OC Super POD sites ceased operations. Mobile POD appointments can be made here. Employers who would like to submit a request for a worksite COVID-19 vaccination mobile clinic for staff can click here.

OCHCA COVID-19 COMMUNITY SURVEY:
  • OC Health Care Agency wants to help you. Click here to confidentially fill out a survey with your struggles and challenges a year after the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey results will help determine the community’s greatest needs.  

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
UCI HONORS FORMER CHANCELLOR:* 
  • UCI christened a new road on campus as Michael Drake Drive to honor the University's former Chancellor and current UC system President Michael V. Drake for leading UCI's unprecedented growth from 2005 to 2014. Read more.    
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Today! June 10 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Featuring a presentation from Jennifer Hernandez, Partner, Holland & Knight, and a roundtable discussion on cities’ housing elements.
To register, contact Connor Medina, OCBC Government Affairs Manager.

July 9 | 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Featuring a discussion with Senator Josh Newman, District 29.
To register, contact Connor Medina, OCBC Government Affairs Manager.
NOT AN OCBC MEMBER? JOIN TODAY!
Join OCBC and connect with the most influential companies and top executives actively engaged in creating a pro-business environment and prosperous economy. Hundreds of Orange County's leading businesses, cities and non-profit organizations represent an elite group from every industry cluster. But we need YOUR VOICE! For more info, contact Natalie Rubalcava, OCBC Chief Operating Officer.