Opinion
Hagman Unanimously Selected as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors

Ontario, CA – The Board of Supervisors, on Tuesday, confirmed Supervisor Curt Hagman as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for the next two years.
Following the nomination and unanimous selection as the new Chairman, Supervisor Hagman commented, “It is an honor to have been unanimously selected by my colleagues to lead San Bernardino County into the future. I’d like to say a special thank you to Supervisor Lovingood for doing such an amazing job over the last two years. In that time frame we have hired a new CEO, a new board member, the unemployment in the County is at a record low, and homeownership rates are up to say the least. Our region is an attractive place to live, work, and travel and I look forward to continuing to grow San Bernardino County. ”
“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Ontario Airport,” Hagman said. “It is San Bernardino County’s most important economic driver, and passenger and freight numbers continue to increase every quarter. Ontario is now in the number one position for exports and now we need to focus on imports.”
“I commend the board for selecting Supervisor Gonzales to serve as Vice Chair,” Hagman said. “Like me, Josie has made strengthening the economy of our County a chief priority. I am excited about working with Vice Chair Gonzales to continue our progress in pursuit of a stronger San Bernardino County. To my colleagues, on my board we should celebrate how far we have come as a County and continue to work together to achieve goals, address challenges and develop the strategies that will make a lasting, positive impact in our communities.”
The role of a Chairman is to serve as the Board’s general executive agent by presiding over meetings of the Board, signing contracts approved by the Board, and working with the Chief Executive Officer to set the Board’s agenda.
Along with supervisorial duties, Supervisor Hagman also serves on the following boards and organizations: Board Director Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Council; Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP); OmniTrans; San Bernardino County Associated Governments (SANBAG); Commissioner of Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA); Chairman of SCAG FirstNet Subcommittees and California State Military Reserves.
Supervisor Hagman earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at UCLA. He and his wife Grace have two children: Jonathan, a recent graduate of UCLA and officer in the Army National Guard, and Elizabeth, a student at Ayala High School. Mr. Hagman’s experience in local and state government, and as a small business owner, has provided him insight into the issues facing his constituency.
Bizz Buzz
Colton Resident Receives Free College Tuition and Books Through Walmart’s Education Program

By Saul Martinez, Contributing Writer for IEBJ
#bizzbuzz
This year marks the five-year anniversary of Walmart’s Live Better U (LBU) education program. Over the past five years, the company has saved associates across the country nearly half a billion in education costs, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating a path for everyone to learn and grow. In California, we’ve seen 5,620 Walmart and Sam’s Club associates participate in Live Better U over the past five years.
One such success story is Robert Gay, who lives in Colton, CA, and earned his college degree – fully paid for by Walmart. Robert was stuck in a stagnant position at his previous company, hindered by the absence of a degree that prevented him from advancing further. However, upon discovering the Live Better U benefits offered by Walmart, he decided to take a leap of faith and join their team with the intention of completing his degree. After successfully graduating with a bachelor’s degree in October 2020, he now takes immense pride in his accomplishment of accepting a promotion to associate general manager. Throughout his journey, Robert received overwhelming support from his local team, who not only empathized with his workload challenges but also aided when needed.
Most individuals typically encounter Walmart through its retail outlets. The Inland Empire Business Journal had the opportunity to explore a consolidation center of Walmart situated in Colton, California. Our visit left us deeply impressed by the remarkable cleanliness and impeccable condition of the facility, almost reminiscent of a high-end showroom.
While on the tour, we observed the diligent measures taken by the leadership to maintain employee motivation and awareness regarding the daily, weekly, and monthly performance Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the facility. These KPIs were prominently displayed on digital monitors throughout the premises. The Colton leadership created a mascot and call their team the Colton Eagles.
We found ourselves deeply impressed by this aspect of Walmart, which is often hidden from public view. Walmart unquestionably stands out as a company that not only offers excellent career opportunities but also boasts a remarkable 100% tuition reimbursement program. If you are seeking a career in the Inland Empire, this proves to be an exceptional workplace choice.
Whether someone is chasing their first job or the opportunity that will define their career, Walmart is committed to creating pathways of opportunity for everyone.
Economy
The Recession That Didn’t Happen… And Why Most Forecasters Got It Wrong
Business
Thriving Without the Status: Local Small Business Owner Shares his Journey as an Undocumented Entrepreneur

By Jessica Anguiano, Southern California Outreach Manager at Small Business Majority and Content Contributor at IEBJ
Alfonso Garcia De Alba Rubio is a proud Mexican national and mechanic business owner in Fontana. His undocu-hustle journey began after he moved to the United States in 2006, with nothing more than a dream, skills in the auto mechanic industry, and a strong work ethic.
His story of perseverance, hard work, dedication, and determination is worthy of admiration. Alfonso is one of California’s estimated 1.1 million undocumented individuals who participates in the workforce. He carved out his career in mechanics and car transmissions and started from the bottom up–literally and figuratively. His business started out of a restroom, but he quickly recognized a gap in the market for his services. His customers encouraged him to start his undocu-hustle, a practice that motivates and inspires new entrepreneurs to launch their businesses despite not having legal immigration status.
He shares, “Eventually, I was able to rent a garage space that catapulted my budding business, even if it came at a high cost.” In fact, half of his revenue went toward covering rent expenses at the garage. But just three years later, Alfonso managed to save enough money to start his own shop, where he felt a new sense of economic independence that allowed him to expand his business. Although he encountered challenges in obtaining the necessary paperwork to launch a legitimate business, he persevered and continued on his entrepreneurial path.
Like many other entrepreneurs, Alfonso operated his business through sheer determination and hard work. Despite not being able to qualify for emergency funding or state and government assistance at the height of the pandemic, he has managed to keep his business afloat and continue employing people in his community.
He says, “Regardless of what some might say, I am here to create opportunities and not take jobs.” Immigrant entrepreneurs have continued to encounter myriad challenges in their journey to business ownership, and access to capital is one of their top challenges. But their contributions to our nation and our economy are what keep us thriving and innovating, and we are better for it.
-
Bizz Buzz1 month ago
Hernandez resigns as County CEO; Snoke will continue filling in pending Board action
-
By Press Release1 month ago
BDK Logistics Intelligence Fully Leases 114,190 SF Industrial Facility in Corona, CA
-
By Press Release1 month ago
Stater Bros. Charities and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling Give Back to Military Families
-
Government & Regulations1 month ago
Board of Supervisors Appoints Luther Snoke Interim County CEO
-
Business3 weeks ago
Sunset Soirée 2023: A Night of Collaboration and Celebration in the Inland Empire
-
Business2 weeks ago
Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce to Lead California Delegation at GITEX GLOBAL 2023 in Dubai