OCBC News

Join Orange County Business Council and partners CalOptima Health, First 5 Orange County, Orange County Community Foundation and Orange County United Way on Thursday, November 13 at Vanguard University for the 2026 Orange County Community Indicators Report & Rollout.

Hear directly from researcher Wallace Walrod on the latest data impacting Orange County's economy, workforce, housing and infrastructure and see how these insights can guide business opportunities and regional growth.

The Community Indicators Report is brought to you, in part, by the title sponsor Experian and platinum sponsors Cathay Bank, Kaiser Permanente and Southwest Airlines. 

Register today.

To learn more about upcoming OCBC Business Connections, contact OCBC Business Initiatives Facilitator Jorgie Sandoval.

Image courtesy of OCBC

The OCBC 15th Annual Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Award nominations will close on November 17!

The awards recognize the agencies, leaders, programs and partnerships that are breaking down barriers to business in Orange County, showcasing bold solutions that cut red tape, foster collaboration and drive economic growth.

Submit your nomination today to highlight the leaders, agencies or projects shaping our region's future.

Winners will be announced at OCBC’s 2026 Annual Dinner and Installation of the Board of Directors on February 26, 2026, at the Disneyland Hotel.

View last year’s nominees and honorees.

Image courtesy of OCBC

Over 500 attendees gathered at the Hyatt Regency Irvine for the 31st Annual Economic Forecast Conference, hosted by Orange County Business Council and Cal State Fullerton (CSUF).

Experts from CSUF’s Woods Center for Economic Analysis and Forecasting, Dr. Anil Puri and Dr. Mira Farka presented the latest economic trends and projections, highlighting what these developments mean for local businesses. While acknowledging ongoing challenges and uncertainties, both economists offered an overall optimistic outlook on the region’s competitiveness and the broader health of the economy.

OCBC is proud to partner with CSUF’s College of Business and Economics and Farmers & Merchants Bank and is already looking forward to the 32nd Economic Forecast in 2026.

Read the full CSUF 2026 Economic Forecast Report.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball offers his perspective on the latest legislative session in a column published in the Orange County Business Journal.

In “California’s Legislature: The Good and the Ugly,” he highlights key wins, challenges and what they mean for California’s business climate.

Stay informed on how state policy impacts economic competitiveness and business growth in Orange County. Read the full article.

Image courtesy of OCBJ

OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs, Amanda Walsh, spoke at the Anaheim City Council meeting on October 28 to advocate on behalf of the business community regarding the proposed Entertainment Tax. She emphasized maintaining a competitive business climate to support employers, attract investment and preserve Anaheim as a regional economic hub.

OCBC continues to advance policies that drive economic growth, job creation, and fiscal responsibility across Orange County.

For more information on OCBC policy priorities, please contact OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs, Amanda Walsh.

Photo courtesy of The Orange County Register

Orange County Business Council and the California Jobs First (CJF) initiative have awarded $986,629 in funding to support projects that advance workforce development and equitable economic growth across Orange County.

The funding supports initiatives in Healthcare, Medical Technology, Childcare, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation and Semiconductor sectors through workforce training, mentorship programs, childcare access and small business support.

Since 2023, OCBC has served as the Regional Convener for CJF, uniting business, labor, Tribal, government, education and community partners to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Click here to learn more.

Image courtesy of California Jobs First

OCBC welcomed Senator Kelly Seyarto to its November 7