January 24, 2024

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

With 1,574 guest rooms and 140,000 square feet of meeting space, the Hilton Anaheim is Orange County's largest hotel and its premier convention and leisure destination. The hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the Anaheim Convention Center and one block from the Disneyland® Resort, making it an excellent choice whether planning an event, attending a conference or visiting one of Anaheim's many exciting attractions. After undergoing a recent multimillion dollar renovation, the Hilton Anaheim has enhanced every aspect of the property with heightened ambiance and functionality. Among the hotel's many features are the contemporary Mix Restaurant & Lounge, three outdoor garden decks (perfect for weddings and celebrations), two 28,500 square-foot ballrooms, a full-service 25,000 square-foot spa and fitness center, and a full-service business center.

CHAMBER NEWS

U.S. Chamber and Anaheim Chamber Host Congressman Lou Correa

For Economic Roundtable

The U.S. Chamber and Anaheim Chamber jointly hosted Congressman Lou Correa. Several other local chambers, nonprofit organizations, large businesses, and small businesses participated in the meeting.  President and CEO Laura Cunningham and U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President Evan Jenkins (a former Congressman and Chief Justice of West Virginia) together led the meeting with Congressman Correa.

Noting that if Orange County were an independent country, it would be the 32nd largest economy in the world, Congressman Correa discussed the strength of the OC and US economies, particularly in relation to the rest of the world. He spoke of his work on the Homeland Security Committee. He has traveled the whole southern border of the US, to the northern border, and across Latin America, most recently returning from Guatemala's presidential inauguration and soon headed to the southern border again. Narcotics and crime are major issues, as are terrorism related to the wars in Ukraine and Israel. He noted that the US is defending the homeland well. Through his work on the House Judiciary Committee, they have provided oversight of the merger efforts by JetBlue and Spirit. Congressman Correa spoke about the challenges of the package deal of Israel, Ukraine, and immigration reform. In the discussion with attendees, he addressed questions about housing, work visas, food/farm policy and inflation, the need for energy independence, hotel worker wages and regulations, data for grants and resources for small businesses, and the underground economy.

Anaheim Chamber Government Affairs Hears from U.S. Chamber and Proposition 1

Ayshia Connors from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce spoke at the Anaheim Government Affairs meeting last Friday. As Western Regional Manager for the U.S. Chamber, she serves as the liaison for California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Hawaii. She discussed the continuing resolution to avoid the federal government shutdown, the bipartisan work by Congressman Lou Correa (D-Anaheim) and Congresswoman Young Kim (R-Anaheim Hills), permitting reform, organized retail crime, immigration, workforce development, and small business development.

The Government Affairs meeting also heard a presentation on Proposition 1 by Jacob Jauregui of Hilltop Strategies. On the March ballot, Proposition 1 will authorize $6.38 billion in bonds for mental health treatment facilities and housing for the homeless. The Anaheim Chamber has not taken a position on Proposition 1.

February Good Morning Anaheim | Norms

The Anaheim Chamber provides networking opportunities to help build your network and grow your business. Join us for Good Morning Anaheim, which occurs on the first Friday of the month, at Norm's in Anaheim from 7:30 to 9:00 am.

February Leads Lunch | La Casa Garcia

You're invited to attend February's networking lunch at La Casa Garcia. Bring your business cards and network with our friendly group of Anaheim businesses. You will be glad you did!

MEMBER NEWS

5th Annual YMCA Gala | March 9

Step into a Night of Amazing Possibilities, where elegance meets impact! Dress in semi-formal attire and join the Anaheim YMCA at their 5th Annual Anaheim Family YMCA Gala on March 9, 2024, honoring Paul Kott. Indulge in creative cocktails, participate in our live and silent auction, and savor a delicious seated dinner to benefit the youth and families served by the Anaheim Family YMCA. 

Saddleback College Customer Service and Sales Training Program – Free

Saddleback College is ready to start cohort 4 of the FREE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SALES/MARKETING TRAINING, available in-person or via Zoom. Saddleback College has been awarded a small grant from the OC Community Foundation to develop customer service and sales/marketing training to create a skilled talent pipeline for Cox Communications. The grant pays for the cost of training so there is no cost to interested participants.

NEWS

2023 was Slowest Year for US Home Sales in Nearly 30 Years

as High Mortgage Rates Frustrated Buyers

(The Associated Press) Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank in 2023 to a nearly 30-year low, as sharply higher mortgage rates, rising prices and a persistently low level of homes on the market combined to push homeownership out of reach for many Americans. The National Association of Realtors said Friday that existing U.S. home sales totaled 4.09 million last year, an 18.7% decline from 2022. That is the weakest year for home sales since 1995 and the biggest annual decline since 2007, the start of the housing slump of the late 2000s. The median national home price for all of last year edged up just under 1% to record high $389,800, the NAR said.

SBDC Lunch and Learn: February Edition with the Center for Contracting

Looking to grow your business with procurement contracts? Learn what contracting is, how to certify your business, what it takes to successfully win a contract, and how to fulfill a contract. The @ociesbdc Center for Contracting will spend an hour each Wednesday in February to help you prepare to access a new revenue stream for your business.

VISIT ANAHEIM

Have an Internship Opportunity for Students?

Visit Anaheim’s Workforce Development will launch on February 6th with the goal of inspiring students about careers in the hospitality industry. If you or your employer offer any internship, contact Julie Freund at 714-765-2950 or jfreund@visitanaheim.org.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

RESOURCES

 SBA Orange County / Inland Empire District Office

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