Business
Element by WESTIN® in Ontario, CA now open, Bringing the Brand’s Reimagined Extended Stay Experience to the Inland Empire Area

Eco-Conscious Hotel Features the Brand’s Innovative Studio Commons Room Concept, Signature Guest Experiences, and a Special Opening Rate
November 19, 2020 — Element Ontario, owned by Samchully America Corporation (SL&C Ontario, LLC) and managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, today opened its doors. Part of Element Hotels, the extended stay lifestyle brand from Marriott International, the newly opened hotel is the latest in the region and fourth Element hotel in California. Staying true to Element Hotels’ spirit, Element Ontario appeals to today’s healthy, active traveler, who wants to maintain a balanced lifestyle while away from home.
“I’m excited to share the brand’s newest property in California with the community and bring the distinctive EIement Hotels brand to Ontario,” notes general manager Carlos Yong. “Our team worked hard during these unprecedented times to deliver the first sustainable, eco-friendly, LEED certified hotel in the area. I’m proud be part of a property that is green from the ground up, and welcome our guests to discover our clever use of space and ergonomic design, as well as enjoy our sustainable products and practices.”
Element Ontario redefines the longer stay experience in Southern California with an outdoor-inspired design philosophy that is clean, modern and bright, distinctive to the Element Hotels brand. The communal space layouts are clever and intuitive, furnished with modern, ergonomic pieces, inviting guests to pick a spot to work or unwind. Incorporating sustainable design and eco-friendly practices, the LEED® Silver Certified hotel features energy-efficient LED lighting, in-room water filtration systems to reduce single-use bottle waste, electric vehicle charging stations, and an on-property recycling room.
Reflecting modern, urban design, the flowing layouts of the hotel’s 131 studio-like guest rooms were created to maximize space and encourage a sense of well-being through a nature-influenced environment, with an abundance of natural light, clean lines, and a color palette of strong, natural tones such as blue and ivory. Guest rooms feature the signature Heavenly® bed, spa-inspired bathrooms, kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens, and functional work spaces. The hotel also includes four Studio Commons suites, Element Hotels’ innovative communal living room concept. Launched in Fall 2019, Studio Commons was the first in the industry to blend the convenience of a hotel with the flexibility and comfort of a home, giving travelers the best of both worlds while on the road. Anchored by four private guest rooms and a central communal space, travelers can cook, collaborate, and relax together in shared kitchen and living room areas, allowing them to live as they do at home without having to compromise space, comfort or amenities.
Additional amenities allow for travelers to remain balanced while on the road. Guests can enjoy year-round outdoor weather while playing recreational games such as cornhole and connect four in the lawn area, biking the nearby area with Element’s signature Bikes to Borrow program, or spending the evening by the fire pit or barbequing with friends and colleagues. The heated all-natural saline pool and heating deck, in addition to the two grilling stations and fire pit, are available by appointment. Spacious and filled with natural light, the 24/7 Motion® fitness center – available by appointment – offers state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength-training equipment.
Set at the crossroads of the fast-growing Inland Empire area of Southern California, Element Ontario is an ideal location for corporate travelers back on the road, leisure guests visiting friends and family, or nearby residents seeking a staycation that includes a much-needed change of scenery for their next virtual meeting. Minutes away from Ontario International Airport and Toyota Arena, the hotel offers 897 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, designed for small size corporate meetings and social events. Following Element Hotels’ eco-conscious philosophy, every event at Element Ontario is smart and fresh, incorporating environmental-friendly practices where possible to help clients play a part in sustainability.
Business
Supported by Local Leaders, CALED’s Annual Conference will be in Ontario this May

Empowering Economic Growth: CALED Conference Set to Unite Industry Leaders in Ontario
CALED’s ‘Growing Local Economies from the Ground Up’ Conference is being held in Ontario at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport on May 7-9. This event is co-hosted by the City of Ontario and San Bernardino County, with Jennifer McLain Hiramoto, CALED’s Chair of the Board and Derek Armstrong respectively representing their city and county as Co-Chairs of the event.
With over 950 members and 45 years of empowering economic developers, CALED is the largest economic development association in the country and the annual conference is the number one place to meet and connect with the boots-on-the -ground, decision makers in our communities.
The conference will include a pre-conference teaching tour, ‘Building & Paying for Development Projects’ on May 6th and then begin in full on May 7th, with a welcome session and breakouts. Overall, there will be four general assembly sessions and 18 breakout sessions, which will delve into local economic development practices and innovative tools.
In addition to compelling content, the conference will have numerous opportunities to connect with community leaders and valued peers through networking receptions, the culinary crawl, and new this year, the Tournament of Champions, where conference attendees will navigate a gauntlet of games to win the grand prize on the evening of Thursday, May 8th.
To learn more about the conference and register, visit the CALED website at www.caled.org.
Business
Strengthening Community Connections: Our Exciting New Partnership with Toyota Arena, Ontario Convention Center, and GOCAL

Contributed Content | By Chris Venhoff, Senior Vice President and Inland Empire Market Leader for Consumer and Business Banking at U.S. Bank
As the Inland Empire market leader for U.S. Bank, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: we are proud to be the Official Bank Partner of Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center. This partnership represents a reflection of our deep commitment to the Inland Empire and our dedication to fostering a vibrant, thriving community.
At U.S. Bank, we believe that strong partnerships drive meaningful progress. Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center are at the heart of the region’s culture and economy, bringing people together for world-class entertainment, business conventions, and community events. By joining forces, we’re not only expanding our presence but also creating opportunities to engage with residents, businesses, and organizations in ways that make a lasting impact.
Through our sponsorship, we’ll support concerts, sporting events, and conventions that showcase the diversity and energy of the Inland Empire. But this is only the beginning. As our partnership evolves, we’ll work closely with Toyota Arena, Ontario Convention Center, and GOCAL to introduce community-focused programs, including financial literacy workshops and charitable giving initiatives.
This partnership is designed to bring added value to the people we serve. For our customers, we’re introducing the U.S. Bank Fast Pass Lanes, providing priority access at Toyota Arena events. Special offers, exclusive event experiences, and tailored financial solutions for businesses operating in the region are just a few of the many perks we’re excited to roll out.
Our employees are at the core of our success, and this partnership allows us to recognize their dedication. Through exclusive access to events, corporate hospitality opportunities, and community volunteer programs, our team will have new ways to engage with and celebrate the community they serve.
The Inland Empire is a dynamic, fast-growing region, and we’re committed to supporting its continued success. By investing in Toyota Arena and Ontario Convention Center, we’re helping to create and sustain jobs while driving local business growth. These venues bring in visitors, revenue, and visibility, strengthening the region’s economy.
This collaboration is about more than just sponsorship—it’s about making a difference. By working together, we can elevate not just these venues but the entire Inland Empire. At U.S. Bank, we’re committed to being a partner in progress, supporting our customers, businesses, and communities every step of the way.
Business
Inland Empire Celebrates Entrepreneurial Excellence at Spirit Awards Gala

Honoring Visionary Leaders Driving Innovation and Community Impact
The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Gala, held at the Riverside Convention Center, celebrated the brightest entrepreneurial talent across the Inland Empire. Among the evening’s finalists was Edward Ornelas, Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, who was honored in the Social Entrepreneur category for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the region.
Although Ornelas did not win, the Social Entrepreneur award went to Cesar Navarrete, President & CEO of Children’s Fund, a proud Chamber member. “Being a finalist alongside such remarkable leaders is an incredible honor,” said Ornelas. “I am especially thrilled to see Cesar, a Chamber member, recognized for the transformative work he’s doing to improve the lives of children in our community. It’s a proud moment for us all.”
Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of Hilda Kennedy, President & Founder of AMPAC Business Capital, another Chamber member, who was awarded the Top Female Entrepreneur category. Hilda’s leadership at AMPAC, a mission-driven business lender, has been instrumental in empowering small businesses and fostering economic growth across the region.
“It’s amazing to see leaders like Hilda and Cesar being celebrated for their contributions,” added Ornelas. “Their achievements underscore the talent and dedication of entrepreneurs in our Chamber and across the Inland Empire. They are setting the standard for excellence and impact in their fields.”
The evening also featured the prestigious “Best of the Best” Award, sponsored by Best Best & Krieger LLP, which was awarded to Mauro Gomez, Chief Growth Officer of Anita’s Mexican Foods Corp.. Based in San Bernardino, Anita’s Mexican Foods has grown from modest beginnings into a leader in the food production industry under Gomez’s strategic direction.
The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Gala continues to shine a spotlight on the transformative work of Inland Empire entrepreneurs, celebrating their innovation, resilience, and commitment to the community.
For more information about the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards, visit https://www.spiritawardsie.com.
For more details about the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and its members, visit www.iechamber.org.
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