Orange County Business Council

05/07/2026

04/22/2026

College leaders are weighing in on where Orange County stands and what comes next. Join OC Forum on May 14 at the Pacific Club for a forward‑looking conversation on education, workforce, and the future of our region.

Featuring:
Howard Gillman, Chancellor, University of California, Irvine
Ronald Rochon, President, California State University, Fullerton
Michael A. Thomas, President, Concordia University Irvine
Jeff Ball, President & CEO, Orange County Business Council
Moderated by Sherry Main, University of California, Irvine

Registration now open: ocforum.org/events

03/25/2026

We appreciate your insights, Senator Catherine Blakespear.

03/24/2026

03/12/2026

02/24/2026

Big news from D.C. this morning: As the nation gears up for the State of the Union, Orange County’s business community is making its voice heard.

Jeff Ball, President and CEO of OCBC, who is set to attend the State of the Union as U.S. Representative Young Kim's guest, stressed that high fuel costs and other price pressures were a concern for business. He pointed to state policies as a driver for some of the differences between California and other parts of the country.

Ball added that he hoped federal measures would "put more money into people's pockets," helping discretionary spending and giving small businesses "more certainty and more stability."

Read more: https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/young-kim-donald-trump-house/2026/02/24/id/1247237/

02/24/2026

✨Celebrate, Connect, and Rise Together ✨
Join us for the 3rd Annual International Women's Day Conference, discussing Maverick Moves & Mental Fitness: Keys to Your Success.

📣 A full day of inspiration, leadership, and meaningful takeaways you can apply in business and life.
📆 Friday, March 6 | 8AM-5PM
📍CSUF - Titan Student Union
🎟 $75 per person

🔗 Scan the QR code to RSVP

02/20/2026

Speakers Announced — and the Trip Is Nearly Sold Out!
OCBC’s 2026 Sacramento Advocacy Trip, March 23-24, is filling up fast.
Confirmed speakers so far include:
- Senate Majority Leader Senator Angelique Ashby
- Senator Catherine Blakespear
- Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks
- Senior Advisor for Economic Policy of the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) Derek Kirk, M.A.
- Director of the California Department of Water Resources Karla A. Nemeth
- EVP and Chief of Staff for Policy of the California Chamber of Commerce Ben Golombek
This annual trip sells out—secure your spot to connect directly with key decision-makers and champion the policies that drive economic growth in the nation’s sixth most populous county.

Register today: https://ocbc.org/ocbc-2026-sacramento-advocacy-trip/

02/17/2026

Community leaders gathered for the release of the Orange County Community Foundation’s 2026 Orange County Economic Opportunity Report, where OCBC Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Wallace Walrod highlighted how aligning education and workforce strategies with industry demand will shape the region’s long‑term competitiveness.

The findings reaffirm that our talent pipeline is core economic infrastructure—and that targeted, equity‑driven investments are essential for a thriving future.

From expanding high-demand healthcare training to scaling earn‑and‑learn models and strengthening high‑skill pathways, the recommendations offer a clear roadmap for regional progress.

OCBC remains committed to bridging policy, industry and education to build a resilient economy with real opportunity for every resident.

02/06/2026

A major night for Orange County’s business leaders is on the horizon—secure your spot.

Experience Orange County’s premier celebration of business at OCBC’s 2026 Annual Dinner and Installation of the Board of Directors on February 26.

Connect with industry leaders and commemorate another year of impact and leadership in Government Affairs, Economic Development, Workforce, Housing and Infrastructure.

The evening will also:

- Spotlight the California Jobs First Orange County Regional Investment Initiative

- Present the 15th Annual Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Awards

- Conclude with the installation of the 2026 Board of Directors

Secure your seat at the table - register today: https://ocbc.org/ocbc-2026-annual-dinner-and-installation-of-the-board-of-directors/