COGCast

The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC) supports businesses throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Focusing primarily on mid-to-large size enterprises within the region, the IERCC provides a platform for c-suite level executives to network with like-minded business individuals. On this episode of the COGCast, Edward Ornelas, President of the IERCC, shares about his vision for the organization and the greater Inland Empire.

Chambers of commerce play a critical role by providing collaboration opportunities between local companies and the public sector. These efforts are especially important as businesses and jurisdictions navigate in a COVID-19 world.

 

Tune in for this episode of the WRCOGCast as we sit down with Patrick Ellis, President & CEO of the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how the Chamber is working to champion, engage, and promote local businesses in the midst of COVID-19. 

Lewis Group of Companies has a longstanding history of partnership in the Inland Empire. The company first began in 1955 and over its 65-year history, it has continued to establish itself as a regional contributor and catalyst for development.

 

Randall Lewis, Executive Vice President for Marketing at Lewis Group of Companies, joins this episode of the COGCast to share his take on the future of the region in response to recent disruptions.

As the largest metropolitan planning agency in the country, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) undertakes a variety of efforts to elevate the quality of life throughout the region. One of the agency's latest accomplishments was the development of Connect SoCal, a 45-year Regional Transportation Plan with an integrated Sustainable Communities Strategy. Intended to be a long-range visioning plan, this foundational document will help set the pace for the greater southern California region far into the future.

 

Tune in for this podcast episode as Kome Ajise, SCAG Executive Director, shares about Connect SoCal, housing, and more!

With a longstanding career in regional economics, Dr. Wallace Walrod has directed strategic partnerships with organizations like Toshiba America Information Systems, Inland Empire Economic Partnership, John Wayne Airport, and many more. His career is marked by leading research and economic advising efforts for various agencies throughout the southern California region including the Southern California Association of Governments and Orange County Business Council. 

 

Dr. Walrod is a Managing Partner at Tech Coast Consulting Group and joins the WRCOGCast to share about his economic projections for the Inland Empire. 

As the world begins to look forward to reopening after COVID-19, there are unprecedented challenges that leaders will navigate as they consider how to strategize their city and organization for the future. In light of COVID-19 and its ramifications, what are the practical implications and lessons learned from these new experiences? How will COVID-19 shape planning and other city management practices?

 

On this episode of the COGCast, Dr. Brian Nakamura, Assistant Professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, who also served as the City Manager for various California cities, shares his take on what the future holds and how cities can optimize current opportunities for a better tomorrow. 

The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at California State University, San Bernardino, supports the efforts of students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners in the Inland Empire by delivering a wide range of programs and services. Their efforts have provided assistance to approximately 70,000 individuals and have been recognized globally as one of the top 35 entrepreneurship programs.

 

Tune in for this episode of the COGCast with IECE Director, Dr. Mike Stull.

The 2020 census is mandated by the constitution and counts every living person in the United States. Conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, the census provides critical data for communities around the nation leading to billions of dollars in federal funding for hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads and other resources each year.

 

On this episode of the COGCast, Riverside County District 2 Supervisor, Karen Spiegel, shares about Riverside County’s efforts on the 2020 Census.

 

Please note this podcast was recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and information shared in this podcast may have changed. For the most up to date information regarding the Census, please visit the website. For more information about Riverside County’s efforts on COVID-19, please visit the website. 

 

Ron Loveridge has a lifetime of public service. From serving as a City of Riverside Councilmember beginning in 1979, to serving as Mayor from 1994 to 2012, he is a highly regarded regional, state, and national leader. In addition to his time as an elected official, Loveridge has also taught young professionals at the University of California, Riverside, for 55 years (and counting) - investing in the future generations of civic leaders.

 

On this episode of the COGCast, we sit down with Professor Loveridge as he shares about his story, leadership, and the historic city of arts and innovation, the City of Riverside. 

Riverside County was one of several counties in California that received a failing grade for air quality according to the American Lung Association’s 2019 “State of the Air” report card. The report noted that while Riverside County has seen progress and a steady downward trend in pollution, the area continues to experience elevated pollution, making the airspace generally unhealthy.

 

In an effort to improve the region’s air quality, WRCOG’s Clean Cities Coalition seeks to reduce the consumption of petroleum fuels by educating and mobilizing local stakeholders. Be sure to tune in for this episode with Kyle Rodriguez, WRCOG Staff Analyst, who coordinates the Clean Cities Coalition.