Login
Welcome to Know the Rules of the GameⓇ Podcast for Keeping People Employed & Communities Vibrant, with your host Desiree Patno, CEO & President of Women in the Housing & Real Estate Ecosystem (NAWRB), and special guests Natalie Rubalcava, COO of Orange County Business Council (OCBC), and Kellie Aamodt, Board Member of Marine Research and Exploration (MARE), NAWRB Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Council(NDILC) Member and Retired UPS Vice President of Corporate Inside Sales. Desiree, Natalie and Kellie will talk about the best approach to economic recovery, working with government and academia to enhance communities, and connectivity and housing solutions. Listen here: https://www.nawrb.com/podcast/.
Orange County Business Council represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia to enhance Orange County’s economic development and prosperity. Orange County has the sixth largest county GDP in the country! As the Chief Operating Officer of the Orange County Business Council, I work closely with OCBC’s board of directors and the Orange County business community to develop strategic partnerships, increase investments in the organization, while providing maximum value to existing OCBC members through innovative opportunities and programs. OCBC accomplishes this mission by leading a high-profile, pro-active advocacy program at the county, state, and federal levels. The organization’s actions and priorities are guided by its four core initiatives: Infrastructure, Workforce Development, Workforce Housing and Economic Development.
We discussed three main objectives that need to continue occurring in order to ensure Orange County remains vibrant, prosperous and continues to thrive:
1. Economic recovery is critical and we need to do this in a safe and thoughtful way – Before Covid-19 the county’s business community was leading the state and nation in measurable growth and innovation, as seen by its rising quality of life, and thriving startup culture. OCBC will continue to work to promote economic development solutions fostering global strategic partnerships and growth in key industries, including high tech, health care, medical device, telecom, hospitality, education, entertainment, manufacturing, construction, engineering and international trade. Orange County is an innovative community providing opportunities for economic growth.
2. It is essential that businesses, government and academia work together to continue to enhance a community’s economic development and prosperity. OCBC has successfully worked with government and academia to maintain a high quality of life. This will continue as our region focuses on economic recovery and getting people back to work. A strong business climate generates opportunities for employment and economic growth for all.
3. The key today is connectivity and continued focus on housing solutions – A strong technology infrastructure is necessary to maintain a sustainable and innovative economy. Orange County has historically been ahead of the curve when it comes to access to internet allowing for heightened connectivity which is necessary to support the internet of things. Households now have multiple devices as well as appliances that are supported by the internet. Due to this strong infrastructure business was able to quickly pivot to work-from-home schedules when the shelter-in-place order went into effect. Schools were able to educate students virtually. Business provided devices and access to the internet in order to support this effort. For this reason, it is imperative that cities continue to enhance current technology and prepare for 5G or technology infrastructure that can support this elevated virtual “reality.” Also, Orange County can be a model for other regions that may struggle with providing access to all residents. In addition, we need to continue to focus on workforce housing so our employers can provide housing solutions for their employee base. All of these efforts will only continue to improve life for the community in the future.
In closing I would like to leave you with words of encouragement that help me and my family, Enter each day with the three “P’s”; Purpose, Plan and Positivity! We will all get through this together!
*Post written by Kellie Aamodt & Natalie Rubalcava.