Irvine Chamber of Commerce and the City of Irvine Work Together to Stimulate Economic Growth

IRVINE, Calif., March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Irvine Chamber of Commerce along with the City of Irvine compiled a list of business-friendly initiatives, including suggestions received by developers, and local business leaders. Recently, the Irvine City Council voted to approve these business-friendly initiatives, including reduced fees, enhanced services, and policies that will bolster the city's on-going commitment to the business community.

"These initiatives will have a positive impact on Irvine's business community," says Tallia Hart, President & CEO of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce. She adds, "We have worked closely with the City to ease the burden on the companies who choose to call Irvine home."

Since the recession, the City and the Irvine Chamber of Commerce have made economic development a priority and assumed a more active role by developing new programs, working collaboratively with community stakeholders and building relationships with the business community.  

Initiatives passed for implementation:

Shop, Dine and Play in Irvine Campaign: In conjunction with the Irvine Chamber, promote benefits to local economy; tourism/dining packages; impact on City services; develop a mobile phone application for an Irvine business directory.

New Business Welcome Program: City hosted meeting inviting new licensed businesses to receive brief presentations on City services, business resources and other relevant business information.

Business Industry Forums: Periodically, the city will host forums with the commercial brokerage community and other industry clusters.

International Company Orientation Program: In conjunction with the Irvine Chamber, the City will launch periodic meetings to help facilitate new international companies' acclimation to the business environment in the United States.

International Trade Relations Outreach/Familiarization Tour: In conjunction with the Irvine Chamber, host a half-day tour of Irvine business community and lunch for diplomatic community.

Other initiatives that were passed by the city include: Development Fee Deferral Program, Permit Fee Waiver for Solar Photovoltaic Systems, Local Vendor Preference Policy for City Goods Procurement, Consultant Team Program, and Online Business License Applications.

Complete details on the initiatives can be found on: http://www.cityofirvine.org/council/minutes.asp

About The Irvine Chamber of Commerce

The Irvine Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential Chamber's in Orange County representing hundreds of local businesses. The Chamber's mission is to promote an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of local businesses, while offering members a wide range of benefits, services, programs and information. The Irvine Chamber is one of only 250 Chamber's in the U.S. who meet the requirements for accreditation by the U.S. Chamber. For more information, please call 949-660-9112, or visit www.irvinechamber.com.

Contact: Victor DiCarlo
(949) 660-9112 ext. 128

SOURCE Irvine Chamber of Commerce