Irvine Chamber of Commerce News

Irvine Chamber Hosting Panel to Discuss New Health Care Legislation

IRVINE, Calif. – May 17, 2010 –On June 3, the Irvine Chamber of Commerce is hosting a health care panel to give business professionals the answers they need to navigate the new health care legislation. The panelists include: Neil Crosby, V.P. of Public Affairs of the California Association of Health Underwriters, Ann Stawicki, V.P. of Benefits for USI, and Dr. Richard Afable, CEO, Hoag Hospital. Albert Napoli, Senior Governmental & Regional Affairs Representative for the Metropolitan Water District of SCAL, will be the moderator for this event. This is a great opportunity for business professionals, civic leaders and the general public to get the facts and answers regarding this new bill.

The Health Care Panel is taking place at the Irvine Campus of University of La Verne University from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. This event is free, but space is limited so those interested should register as soon as possible. For more information about this event or to register, please contact the Irvine Chamber at (949) 660-9112 or visit www.irvinechamber.com.

About Irvine Chamber

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 900 local companies and is a premier business member organization dedicated to serving as advocates for pertinent issues affecting the local business community, while serving as a vehicle to promote business and community development in Irvine. For more information about the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, please call 949-660-9112, or visit www.irvinechamber.com.

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Irvine Chamber Presents First Annual "Laugh Irvine" Event

IRVINE, Calif. – May 10, 2010 In place of the Irvine Chamber’s “Irvine Celebrates” event, the Chamber will present the first annual “Laugh Irvine!” on Monday, June 14^th, 2010. This event will be a dinner and comedy show at the Irvine Improv at the Spectrum. Guests will be able to relax, enjoy an amazing dinner, and have great entertainment. The Irvine Improv will be closed for this event, making it as private as possible. Professional comedians Sadi Fuller and Kristian Vallee will take the stage and work hard for your laughs. Along with dinner and a show from Irvine’s best comedians, the 2010-2013 Irvine Chamber Board of Directors will be installed that night. Also, the Emerging Professionals will be presenting their signature “Emerging Professional of the Year Award.”

The Irvine Chamber is very excited to install this event and hopes you will join them for an unforgettable night. “Laugh Irvine!” will take place on Monday, June 14, at 5:30 pm. Guests will enjoy free parking at valet to help limit any inconvenience. The price of attendance is $75 per person, $300 per table of 4, and $600 per table of 8. There are still sponsorship opportunities available, running at $2,500 that includes two tables of 8 and an incredible amount of publicity. There are limited tickets left, so hurry up and buy yours now! Tickets and sponsorship can be purchased by calling (949) 660-9112 ext. 121 or e-mail ktavoularis@irvinechamber.com .

About Irvine Chamber

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Travel Writers to Meet in Irvine

IRVINE, Calif. – July 7, 2010–The Travel Media Showcase (TMS, www.travelmediashowcase.com), which brings together over 150 travel writers and journalists from around the world, will meet in Irvine, CA from September 21 to 24. The Irvine Chamber Visitors Bureau (www.irvinecvb.org) is organizing the local program that includes an exclusive fashion show and Taste of O.C. dining event. Leading print, online and broadcast travel media are scheduled to attend the 2010 show, which is in its eleventh year and produced by J. Vero & Associates of Freehold, New Jersey.

TMS provides journalists and tourism executives the opportunity to meet in one-on-one meetings and develop relationships to support information exchange for business and leisure travelers. Journalists are able to develop new story ideas and collect background material, while tourism professionals have a chance to expose their respective agencies to writers that may report on their destinations, venues and attractions in travel features and guides.

“We are delighted to host the 2010 Travel Media Showcase in Irvine. This is a unique way for journalists and travel industry professionals to come together and experience the Irvine lifestyle,” said Tallia Hart, President & CEO of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce. “The Irvine Chamber Visitors Bureau formed a committee of local business leaders and we are working closely with the City of Irvine to create a memorable experience for the TMS attendees. There are many opportunities for local businesses to be involved. Previous TMS shows have resulted in extensive coverage for the regions in which they were held.”

The Travel Media Showcase will be held from September 21 to 24 at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine. For additional information, contact: Taite Bergin at icvb@irvinechamber.com or (949) 357-9999.

About the Irvine Chamber Visitors Bureau: A division of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, the Irvine Chamber Visitors Bureau promotes Irvine as a destination. Located in the heart of Orange County, California nearly halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Irvine is the perfect home base for business and vacation travelers. Convenient to major interstate freeways, train transportation, and minutes from John Wayne Santa Ana Airport, Irvine is minutes from everywhere, close to perfect.

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Irvine Mayor Awarded ICEPACs 2009 Business Leadership Award

IRVINE, Calif. – April 26, 2010– At the Irvine Chamber’s annual Business Breakfast with the Mayor, hundreds gathered to meet Mayor Sukhee Kang and listen as he recapped the business-related aspects of his State of the City address. Attendees were also able to witness the Mayor receive the 2009 Irvine Chamber Educational Political Action Committee’s (ICEPAC) Business Leadership Award.

This award recognizes an elected official at the city level who has advanced the principles of free enterprise and sound government and promoted a climate where business, commerce and the economy can grow and flourish. Building on his background as a successful businessman, Mayor Kang has demonstrated an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental importance of the business and commercial community to the success of our city. He has championed fiscal responsibility and has gone to great lengths to help forge stronger and better ties between city government and business organizations, particularly the Irvine Chamber of Commerce.

We applaud and congratulate Mayor Kang for all his efforts and accomplishments in promoting economic development, free enterprise and sound government.

About Irvine Chamber

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Allergan is Selected as the 2009 Irvine Business of the Year

IRVINE, Calif. – April 23, 2010– At the Irvine Chamber’s annual Business Breakfast with the Mayor, hundreds gathered to meet Mayor Sukhee Kang and to congratulate the well deserved recipient of the honor of 2009 Business of the Year. This unique event took place at the Irvine Marriott Hotel on April 23. This year, Allergan was the winner of the highly-coveted title of Business of the Year, edging out the other outstanding nominees nominated.

Although all companies excelled in their dedication to the city and the community, Allergan was especially well-regarded for both the financial and volunteer contributions. In 2009, Allergan made charitable contributions and donating over $22 million, including $18 million to The Allergan Foundation. Also, Allergan hosts a Community Volunteer Fair on the Irvine Campus during working hours. Last year, more than 550 employees donated clothing, food and supplies, or signed up to volunteer their time at agencies such as Working Wardrobes. Allergan continues to strive for excellence and creates a positive, safe, and healthy work environment for their employee, offering a state-of-the-art Fitness Center free to employees, with sports courts and recreational games. At Allergan, employees work together to create new treatment paradigms and new paths to health and wellness.

Aside from presenting the Business of the Year award, Mayor Kang also recapped the business-related aspects of his State of the City address. He pointed out that despite the problems in the economy, Irvine is faring much better than most and that it is the community and businesses team that really help Irvine flourish.

About Irvine Chamber

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce represents over 1,000 local companies and is a premier business member organization dedicated to serving as advocates for pertinent issues affecting the local business community, while serving as a vehicle to promote business and community development in Irvine. For more information about the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, please call 949-660-9112, or visit www.irvinechamber.com.

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Irvine Chamber President/CEO and Newspaper Honored at W.A.C.E. Annual Conference

IRVINE, Calif. – February 17, 2010 – From Feb. 3 to Feb. 5, 2010, the Western Association of Chamber Executives, also known as W.A.C.E., held its 2010 W.A.C.E. Annual Conference that gives various chamber executives the opportunity to meet with other chamber officials, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.

During this event, the Irvine Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Tallia Hart, was honored with 10 years of service in the chamber industry. Tallia Hart has worked as the Vice-President of the Fort Collins (Colorado) Area Chamber of Commerce; the President & CEO of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce in Marin County, California; and, in April of 2009, Hart was selected from a field of over 70 strong candidates to become the next President/CEO of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce. Her vast knowledge and expertise have led to the success of all of the Chambers she has devoted her time to. This well-deserved recognition adds to the incredible, long list of Tallia Hart’s success.

Along with the Chamber’s CEO being honored, the Irvine Chamber’s newsletter, Business Connection, was recognized with Honorable Mention as well. The Irvine Chamber Business Connection strives to create the best possible product for its readers. This Honorable Mention gives hope that it does just that.

About Irvine Chamber

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce represents just under 1,000 local companies and is a premier business member organization dedicated to serving as advocates for pertinent issues affecting the local business community, while serving as a vehicle to promote business and community development in Irvine. For more information about the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, please call 949-660-9112, or visit www.irvinechamber.com.

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Irvine Chamber Holds First Annual Irvine Entrepreneur Forum

IRVINE, Calif. – February 1, 2010 – The Irvine Chamber announces the first Irvine Entrepreneur Forum, to be held June 1, 2010 which will have local entrepreneurs make pitches to angel and venture capital investors. The day-long forum, to be held at UCI’s Beckman Center, is made possible by a grant from the OC Workforce Investment Board. Interested entrepreneurs that are in a start-up or second-stage phase are requested to submit their business proposals by April 16th, 2010. In advance of the April 16th deadline, the Chamber is offering two preparatory workshops.

Christopher Lynch, Vice President of Economic Development for the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, noted that the conference model has produced positive results in other locations in California. “Entrepreneurs that receive training and coaching on how to make pitches are much more likely to get investment dollars.

Prior to the event, the presenting companies will receive intensive coaching and mentoring from experienced coaches and members of the UCI Beall Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Center Director Charlie Baecker added that. “The Irvine Chamber’s continuing partnership with UCI and the community helps creates unity and prosperity. Such an environment will help grow and nurture entrepreneurs and established businesses in our city.”

For more information on the program, please visit: www.irvineecondev.com or contact: Christopher Lynch Tel: 949.660.9112 ext. 117, clynch@irvinechamber.com

About Irvine Chamber

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