The Leading Voice of Business
Monday, February 6, 2023 | View as Webpage
LATEST NEWS
SoCalGas Unveils [H2] Innovation Experience
SoCalGas unveiled its [H2] Innovation Experience in Downey this Monday, January 30. The renewable hydrogen microgrid and home is the first of its kind in North America. SoCalGas President Maryam Brown welcomed California Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis and legislative and labor leaders to commemorate the historic "powering on" of the facility. The 2,000 square-foot LEED Platinum home is powered 24/7 by renewable hydrogen made using on-site solar electricity. Stored excess hydrogen can be converted back into electricity via an on-site hydrogen fuel cell. The home's other sustainable features, including a tankless water heater, clothes dryer, stove, fireplace and BBQ grill will also use a blend of clean hydrogen and natural gas. The event featured two hydrogen-powered, heavy-duty semi-trucks, showcasing how California is poised to meet its renewable energy and zero-emissions targets with a diverse mix of fuel sources and a lot of innovation. 
Photo courtesy of OCBC
INVESTOR NEWS
SCE Adds Electric Trucks to its Fleet
Southern California Edison (SCE) is one step closer to reaching its 2030 goal of electrifying all of the cars, SUVs and passenger cars in its fleet, including purchasing its first electric big rig to be deployed full time. Electrifying SCE’s entire fleet will eliminate nearly 6,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year and decrease annual fuel consumption by almost 4.5 million gallons. Learn more about SCE's commitment to a clean energy future.
Photo courtesy of SCE
CSUF Annual Report now Available
California State University, Fullerton's 2021-22 Annual Report is now available. Featured campus achievements and student experiences include the upcoming Engineering and Computer Science Innovation Hub and completed construction projects, two award-winning programs supporting Latinx student success and inspiring stories of philanthropy during the university’s $250 million “It Takes a Titan” campaign. 
Image courtesy of CSUF
Pacific Surfliner Rail Service Expected to Resume
OCTA has stabilized train tracks in south San Clemente clearing the way for weekend rail service to safely resume. The LOSSAN Rail Authority, which operates Amtrak’s popular Pacific Surfliner, is expected to restart weekend services soon. Metrolink will continue to operate weekend passenger rail service only as far south as the San Clemente Pier Station. Metrolink and Amtrak passengers are asked to check pacificsurfliner.com/alerts and metrolinktrains.com for updates on rail service and schedules.
Image courtesy of OCTA
Enhanced Care Management Academy Launches for CBOs and More
CalOptima Health has launched the Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Academy to train community-based organizations (CBOs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to provide culturally relevant care to CalOptima Health members. Launched in January, more than 20 FQHCs and CBOs have already enrolled. The second cohort of the ECM academy begins in July. CBOs interested in participating can contact CalOptima Health Director of CalAIM Mia Aria at [email protected].
Image courtesy of CalOptima Health
EVENT UPDATES
Red Tape Red Carpet Awardees' Spotlight
OCBC congratulates to the 12th Annual Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Award Winners! Of the 34 outstanding nominees, eight received prestigious honors. The Awards recognize outstanding public agencies for implementing policies and programs that eliminate barriers to economic growth. See all winners here, and check out the final two spotlighted awardees from 2022:

Public-Private Partnership: Orange County Health Care Agency & CalOptima Health’s Be Well OC Orange Campus (WINNER)
Be Well OC is a coalition of hundreds of Orange County organizations supporting a high-quality behavioral health system. CalOptima Health and Orange County Health Care Agency have delivered behavioral health services to more than 2,400 individuals since opening. Learn more.
 
Public-Private Partnership: City of Irvine & City of Hope Orange County’s Lennar Foundation Cancer Center (HONORABLE MENTION)
City of Hope Orange County’s Lennar Foundation Cancer Center opened in Irvine in 2022 after close collaboration with the City of Irvine. This partnership created more than 350 new professional jobs in Irvine. Learn more.
Image courtesy of OCBC
UPCOMING ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS COUNCIL EVENTS
2023 Annual Dinner and
Installation of the Board of Directors
The 2023 Annual Dinner and Installation of the Board of Directors will recognize companies and organizations investing in the future of Orange County. Dedicated to reflecting on the year’s successes while looking toward opportunities, join us in recognizing the leadership of 2022 Board Chair Dave Bartlett and welcoming new 2023 Board Chair Jodi Duva. Thank you to title sponsor Farmers & Merchants Bank. Thank you also to gold sponsors Disneyland Resort and Experian, executive chair sponsor Cox Communications, silver sponsors Automobile Club of Southern California, Bank of America, Boeing, California State University, Fullerton, Chapman University, City of Hope Orange County, Goodwill Orange County, HNTB, JPMorgan Chase, Kaiser Permanente, Ontario International Airport, Orange County Department of Education, Related Bristol, SDG&E, SoCalGas, The Orange County Register, University of California, Irvine, UPS and US Bank and bronze sponsors Anaheim Public Utilities, AT&T, CalOptima, Charter Communications, CHOC, Curt Pringle & Associates, Girl Scouts of Orange County, Idea Hall, LSA Associates, Inc., Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, MemorialCare, Nossaman LLP, Presidio, SCAG, South Orange County Community College District, Transportation Corridor Agencies, Union Bank, Verizon and WSP. Sponsorship opportunities for this highly attended event are still available. For details, contact Director of Events Lauren Martin at [email protected].
2023 Sacramento Advocacy Trip
Join OCBC's Government Affairs team to meet with legislative leaders at the annual OCBC Sacramento Advocacy Trip March 20-21, 2023. Be part of legislative discussions that impact housing, infrastructure and the workforce in Orange County. Hotel, meals, materials and sessions are included in registration; flights are not included. Thank you to sponsors Amazon, American Career College/West Coast University, Automobile Club of Southern California, Cox Communications, Disneyland Resort, Irvine Ranch Water District, OC Realtors and SoCalGas. To view the list of speakers to date, visit here.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Committee meetings are an exclusive benefit offered only to Business Council investors.
Click the committee meeting link to learn more about the specific topics and issues that will be covered and any special guest speakers.
February 8
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Email Emily Jackson for registration details.
February 14
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Email Emily Jackson for registration details.
February 23
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Email Emily Jackson for registration details.
February 24
9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Email Connor Medina for registration details.
March 8
8 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Email Emily Jackson for registration details.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
  • Local and national brands are invited to an informational meeting at John Wayne Airport to learn about JWA's request for proposals for the concession development program. Register for the February 16 meeting and learn more here.
  • The State of California has released an interactive map of local government-owned surplus properties and housing element sites to spur affordable housing development. The Housing and Local Land Development Opportunity Map, designed to help developers find land for housing, shows potential sites identified in local housing elements.
  • The City of Irvine is offering a certification program through its Green Business Program for Irvine businesses to become Recognized Green Businesses. The free certification program is designed to help business owners run more sustainable operations, save money and help the environment. Register today.
  • Attend the opening reception for the historical photography exhibition opening Feb. 19 at the Great Park Gallery in the City of Irvine. Life on the Base: MCAS El Toro pays tribute to the men and women who would come to call the base home while serving at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro during the 1940s-1960s. The curated collection of photographs, in collaboration with OC Archives in Action, provides a glimpse into life on a military base and recreational activities.
  • Join Orange County Public Affairs Association on Feb. 14 as they welcome Don Wagner, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, for an update on what's happening in the County.
  • SoCalGas is offering customers energy-savings tools, programs, tips, and resources. Topics covered include the most affordable and efficient way to heat your space, financial assistance and bill tracking. 
NOT AN INVESTOR? JOIN TODAY!
Join Orange County Business Council 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 Jeff Ball, President and CEO of OCBC.
SEND US YOUR NEWS
If your company, business, or nonprofit is a member of OCBC, send your news for consideration to [email protected].