Business
Inland Empire Regional Chamber’s eCommerce and Blockchain Division On The Move; Division Leader — Hema Dey Weighs In
Our Vision for IERCC’s eCommerce and Blockchain Division
OPINION
By Hema Dey
For businesses across the U.S. and around the world, 2020 and 2021 have been defined by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the U.S. right now, the massive supply chain backlogs at major ports are highlighting the dangers of relying so heavily on overseas manufacturing, while at the same time a major explosion in eCommerce is putting even more strain on the traditional channels of transportation infrastructure.
It would be easy to see all of this as an unqualified negative, something to be overcome so that we can return to a pre-pandemic way of doing business. We should see it as a wakeup call, though, and an opportunity. In particular, the Inland Empire has all the elements needed to take advantage of the new shifts in how people are doing business and to bypass the shortcomings inherent in the overreliance on overseas sources.
As the head of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce’s new eCommerce & Blockchain Division, my mission is to help mid- to large-sized enterprises in the region take advantage of the opportunities offered in this new economic climate and to employ the natural strengths of the Inland Empire to do so. Businesses here are ideally situated to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., and we have the freight and logistics capacity to distribute what we produce promptly. We don’t just have to set our sights domestically either—with Ontario International Airport and the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles nearby, we can ship our goods internationally as well.

The surge in eCommerce during the pandemic has permanently changed the face of business. There are methods to position both B2B and B2C enterprises for growth to take advantage of this. At the same time, businesses need to make sure that their digital channels are optimized to give them the online visibility they need domestically and internationally. In a world that has flipped to eEverything so rapidly, businesses unaccustomed to doing significant amounts of business online need to transition quickly.
To these ends, I’m committed to finding the best professionals to advise and educate IE businesses and to provide a platform for technological advancement to foster domestic and international commerce. My executive committee is comprised of experts who can advance those goals. Sari Megan Kern, a fractional Chief Data Officer and the founder of Alpha Data Strategies, says, “The division is focused on financially driven models, such as product and pricing analysis, that feed into any eCommerce model.” Throughout the pandemic, her work has been specifically focused on cost comparisons that allow manufacturers to find out-of-the-box solutions to the crises associated with offshore production of goods.
Joe Van Tassel, headhunter for technical roles, brings his expertise to the question of talent acquisition and restructuring. He sees opportunity in the talent relocating to the Inland Empire due to the rising cost of living in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Many of those new residents continue to commute to jobs in other regions, in large part because they’re unaware of local alternatives. “The appetite for people to stay close to home for work is higher than ever because of the pandemic,” he says. “It’s an excellent time to drive more employment to the IE because of the shift in thinking in society with work/life balance, and the opportunity that the IE can seize from a business growth standpoint in logistics and manufacturing.”
Joining them to round out my advisory team are Monisha Coelho, Blockchain and Corporate Attorney, and Craig Petronella, Cybersecurity and Blockchain Guru. Their knowledge of the legal and security challenges businesses face in expanding their eCommerce presence can help Inland Empire businesses avoid pitfalls as they grow.
The possibility ahead is one that I see as a Great Pivot—back to made-in-the-U.S.A. manufacturing and to greater opportunities for the companies in the Inland Empire. I want to empower, educate, and motivate businesses to position themselves for success in the evolving world of eCommerce. Now is the time to identify the ways in which your business can thrive by being part of the solution to the problems of the old industry models, and our division is here to help you do that. I look forward to working with you in the coming months and years to meet the challenges of today and the future.
Hema Dey, CEO, Iffel International – SEO2Sales
Business
GreenRock Capital and J.P. Morgan Close $103 Million Tax-Exempt Financing for Ontario Hotel and Conference Center
GreenRock and J.P. Morgan Deliver $103 Million in Tax-Exempt C-PACE and Mortgage Revenue Bond Financing for National CORE’s Hyatt Regency Ontario
GreenRock Capital LLC announces the close of a $103 million financing for the Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center in Ontario, California. The $103 million package pairs $26 million in tax-exempt C-PACE bonds with $77 million in tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, all underwritten by J.P. Morgan and placed with municipal bond investors.
“This innovative and successful transaction was a result of a true team effort, and we are thrilled with the outcome for all,” said Matt Smith, Principal at GreenRock Capital.
National CORE owns the property, which is being transformed into the Hyatt Regency Ontario through a comprehensive renovation and repositioning effort. Financing proceeds will support the redevelopment of the existing 309-room hotel into a 295-room upscale Hyatt Regency destination featuring expanded suites, a redesigned lobby experience, upgraded food and beverage offerings, a new Club Lounge, more than 16,000 square feet of meeting space and fully renovated guestrooms and common areas.

“This transaction reflects the confidence investors have in both the strength of the project and the experienced team behind it,” said Robert Diaz, Executive Vice President of National CORE and project lead for this effort. “We are grateful to GreenRock Capital, J.P. Morgan, and our partners for helping bring this transformative vision to life. The overwhelming response to the offering reinforces the long-term potential of this property and its impact on the Inland Empire.”
Located near Ontario International Airport, Toyota Arena, and the Ontario Convention Center, the hotel sits at the gateway of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga and is positioned to become a premier hospitality destination for business and leisure travelers throughout the Inland Empire.
“This financing reflects what is possible when a strong sponsor, creative capital partners, and disciplined execution come together around a compelling project,” said Keaton Yellin of JLL Capital Markets, which arranged the financing.
“The financing structure for this project represents an innovative approach to capitalizing hospitality assets in today’s market,” said Fred Schuster of FGS Realty Advisors, who assisted the Sponsor with the transaction. “By combining tax-exempt C-PACE with tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, the team was able to deliver a compelling financing package that aligns long-term capital with a transformative hospitality investment.”
Business
Morongo Invests in Inland Empire Sports and Entertainment with New Baseball Partnerships
Deal with Ontario Tower Buzzers and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes strengthens community engagement and fan experience
The Morongo Casino Resort Spa, the Ontario Tower Buzzers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have announced a new partnership by which Morongo is now the presenting sponsor of the Tower Buzzers and the official field naming sponsor at the Quakes’ Epicenter Stadium.
Under the multi-year agreement, Morongo is now the “presenting sponsor of the Ontario Tower Buzzers,” the new Minor League affiliate of the 2025 World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Additionally, the home of the Quakes has been renamed the “Morongo Field at the Epicenter” strengthening Morongo’s connection to sports fans across the Inland Empire.
The innovative collaboration marks a fresh advancement in the Morongo Casino’s ongoing investment in entertainment and recreation in the Inland Empire.
“Baseball is America’s pastime because of its power to bring people together,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “We are thrilled to join with the Ontario Tower Buzzers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes to celebrate this tradition while creating new opportunities for families across the Inland Empire to enjoy the excitement of the game.”
“At Morongo Casino Resort Spa, our brand is built on delivering exceptional guest experiences centered on entertainment, excitement, and memorable moments,” said Mike Bean, Chief Executive Officer of Morongo Casino Resort & Spa. “Partnering with the Ontario Tower Buzzers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes reflects that same commitment as our three organizations work to create energy, community pride, and unforgettable experiences for fans.”
“This partnership is a great example of what makes Minor League Baseball so special — bringing together strong community partners, great organizations, and unforgettable fan experiences,” said Diamond Baseball Holdings West Region Vice President Ben Taylor. “Morongo’s commitment to entertainment and community aligns perfectly with our vision for both the Ontario Tower Buzzers and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. We’re excited to see this collaboration elevate the experience for fans across the Inland Empire.”
The partnership debuted during a pair of special events celebrating the start of the 2026 season.
- On April 2, Morongo joined the Ontario Tower Buzzers for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the beautiful new ONT Field, which was followed by the ball club’s first-ever season opener before a sold-out crowd as the team took flight on its inaugural season.
- On April 3, fans enjoyed Morongo Diamond Nights where the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes unveiled Morongo Field at the Epicenter during a special game-day celebration.
The Ontario Tower Buzzers brand reflects the city’s proud aviation heritage and its close connection to Ontario International Airport. The team’s name and their mascot, Maverick, evoke the adrenaline and daring of aviation’s most thrilling flybys while celebrating the airport control tower that has guided thousands of flights into Ontario. Inspired by that spirit of precision and innovation, the team’s name captures the city’s can-do attitude.
Launched in 1993, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have been one of Minor League Baseball’s most beloved franchises, building a loyal fan base and a reputation for family-friendly entertainment at the Epicenter. As the Minor League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, the club has earned three California League championships (1994, 2015 and 2018) while creating lasting memories for local baseball fans. The newly named Morongo Field at the Epicenter marks an exciting new chapter for the ballpark and the community that has supported Quakes baseball for decades.
Business
Unisource Solutions Grows Its Inland Empire Presence with the Addition of TOTALPLAN Business Interiors
Southern California’s leading workplace design and furnishings resource deepens its regional presence by uniting with a 57-year Inland Empire institution.
Unisource Solutions, California’s Haworth Best in Class dealership and a comprehensive workplace design resource, has announced the acquisition of TOTALPLAN a fixture of the Inland Empire business community since 1969. The strategic partnership brings together two organizations with a combined heritage of more than 80 years of expertise, unifying their complementary strengths to better serve businesses, architects, and interior designers across the Inland Empire.
Founded in 1987, Unisource Solutions has built its reputation as far more than a furniture dealer. The company operates as a full-service design resource — offering space planning, workplace strategy and analytics, installation services, project management, and custom furnishings through its in-house brand, Platform by Unisource Solutions. With access to more than 300 manufacturers, Unisource serves clients across corporate, healthcare, higher education, and financial sectors.

TOTALPLAN has spent more than five decades cultivating trusted relationships with businesses of all sizes throughout the Inland. Under the leadership of owner Denny Fosdick, TOTALPLAN earned a reputation for quality service, community investment, and a deep understanding of the regional market.
“For over 57 years, TOTALPLAN has been dedicated to providing exceptional workspace solutions throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. Now, we’re excited to join forces with Unisource Solutions. This partnership brings together our deep community roots with Unisource’s extensive resources and capabilities. I’m proud to pass the torch to a fellow Inland Empire resident who understands this community and will carry on the legacy we’ve built here.” —Denny Fosdick, Owner, TOTALPLAN Business Interiors
Jamal Nasserdeen, President of Unisource Solutions, who grew up in the Inland Empire, expressed the personal significance of the acquisition and its implications for Unisource’s long-term growth strategy in the region.
“Growing up and living in the Inland Empire, it’s a true honor to build on the tremendous 57-year legacy that Denny and his team have established. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey, significantly expanding our capabilities throughout the region and strengthening our position as Southern California’s premier workplace solutions provider. It’s a privilege to bring TOTALPLAN into the Unisource Solutions family.” — Jamal Nasserdeen, President, Unisource Solutions
The partnership also carries the endorsement of Haworth, the globally recognized furniture manufacturer for which Unisource holds its Best-in-Class dealer designation. Tom Peyton, Haworth’s Regional Vice President for the West Region, noted that the partnership reinforces the strength of Unisource’s regional coverage and honors the trusted relationships TOTALPLAN has spent decades building.
The combined organization now brings a unified offering across workplace design, multi brand furniture sourcing, custom fabrication through Platform by Unisource Solutions, and comprehensive facilities services including delivery, installation, reconfiguration, and relocation support. Clients across architecture, interior design, and corporate facilities teams will benefit from a single, deeply resourced partner capable of supporting projects from initial concept through move-in.
For businesses in the Inland Empire seeking to transform their workspaces, the new partnership signals expanded local access to a nationally capable team, one that is deeply invested in the communities it serves.
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