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Keith Kirsten named to Director of Sales

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Ontario Convention Center – Citizens Business Bank Arena – Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau  

Ontario, California – (March 12, 2019) The Ontario Convention Center, Citizens Business Bank Arena, and the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau are pleased to announce the hire of Keith Kirsten as Director of Sales.  “We are pleased to welcome Keith to our team and look forward to his valuable experience guiding our sales efforts” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO. “With a rich background in hotels plus convention and visitor bureaus we are certain Keith will provide the leadership, knowledge, and results to contribute to the economic impact of the Greater Ontario area.”

Keith Kirsten is a sales professional with over thirty years of experience producing multi-million-dollar revenue in highly competitive markets.  His knowledge of hotel contracts, mentoring and coaching abilities, plus excellent negotiation and facilitation skills will benefit the venues and bureau.   Keith is a forward-thinking communicator with the ability to handle multiple tasks and set priorities through strong organization skills.

Most recently Keith was with the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, directing a staff of eighteen to increase business for the greater metro Detroit area. His past experience includes the Rio Mar Beach Resort, Reno Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, and Marriott International.   Keith has a B.A. from Ashland University, Ashland, Ohio.  He has facilitated pricing workshops and sales classes at Marriott National Sales School and has conducted hotel contract classes for Cal State University, Long Beach, California.  His affiliations include PCMA President, Program and membership Chairperson of the southwest chapter plus he served as a national committee member of ASAE; Ethics & Standards and Housing & Programming.

Keith will be relocating to the local area with his wife from Detroit, Michigan.   His new position started on March 4, 2019 and he is refamiliarizing himself with the region.

 

ONTARIO CONVENTION CENTER 

A breathtaking venue, frequently used by filmmakers as an onsite location for movies and commercials, Ontario Convention Center is ideally located in Southern California.  This is the place to meet, connect, and explore! Built and owned by the City of Ontario and privately managed by SMG.  Contemporary in design and equipped with the latest in technology, it boasts more than 225,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space, 2,600 parking spaces, meeting and function space and is ideal for conventions, trade shows, exhibits and meetings. The Center provides a full range of services, world-class cuisine and flexible options provided by a professional, award-winning staff. There are over 6,000 full service and economy hotel rooms in the Greater Ontario area, including 2,500 rooms within walking distance to The Ontario Convention Center.  For more information visit GOcvb.org

CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA

Built and owned by the City of Ontario, operated by SMG, the Arena can accommodate over 11,000 guests.  The 225,000-square foot venue features 36 luxury suites located on two levels and a continuous concourse hosting a variety of concession and refreshment stands, merchandise kiosks, the San Manuel VIP Club and other fan amenities. Citizens Business Bank Arena hosts over 225 events annually including concerts, family shows, and sporting competitions. The Arena is home to several sport teams including Ontario Reign (American Hockey League), Ontario Fury (Major Arena Soccer League), Aqua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (G League Basketball), and LA Temptation (Legends Football League). Since opening in 2008, Citizens Business Bank Arena is the biggest and most modern arena within the Inland Empire, an area with over 4.7 million people. It is located in Southern California, in the City of Ontario, on a 37-acre parcel located between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue, Fourth Street and the Interstate 10. For more information visit CBBankArena.com

GREATER ONTARIO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization to promote the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, California to visitors nationally and internationally.  As destination experts we provide leisure, meeting groups and meeting professionals with an unbiased, comprehensive resource when booking a tour, convention, meeting or event within the cities of Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga, California.  Ideal for leisure and business travel, the region boasts scenic mountains, deserts, vineyards and metropolitan areas that are both historic and cosmopolitan in character. Under the umbrella of the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau is the California Welcome Center and several Signature Events to support the overall mission to drive visitors to the region.  The Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau provides the necessary destination support tools to execute a successful experience. For more informationvisit GOcvb.org

The Inland Empire Business Journal (IEBJ) is the official business news publication of Southern California’s Inland Empire region - covering San Bernardino & Riverside Counties.

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Inland Empire Celebrates Entrepreneurial Excellence at Spirit Awards Gala

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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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Inland Empire Chamber President Edward Ornelas, Jr. Named Finalist for Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards

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Celebrating Leadership and Innovation: Ornelas Recognized for Advancing Business Growth and Social Impact in the Inland Empire.

Edward Ornelas Jr., President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Inland Empire Business Journal, has been named a finalist in the famed 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards. Ornelas is honored in the Social Entrepreneur category for his remarkable leadership and vision in fostering business growth and development across the Inland Empire. The award ceremony will take place on November 21, 2024, at the Riverside Convention Center, celebrating the best of entrepreneurship throughout the region.

The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards, often regarded as the “Oscars of Business” in the Inland Empire, recognizes the innovation, leadership, and impact of outstanding entrepreneurs across various sectors. Ornelas joins a select group of 34 finalists, each representing the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience that define the I.E. business community. The Social Entrepreneur category highlights individuals like Ornelas, whose work goes beyond profit to positively impact society.

In his role as President of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ornelas has been a powerful advocate for the business community, connecting small businesses with essential resources and creating opportunities for growth. As the owner of the IE Business Journal, the only publication in the region dedicated solely to business news, Ornelas has provided a platform for local businesses to thrive by sharing their stories and promoting their success. His innovative, forward-thinking approach to marketing has earned him a reputation as a “visionary” and a “get-things-done” leader across both public and private sectors.

“I’m deeply honored to be recognized as a finalist for the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards. This nomination is a reflection of the incredible businesses and community leaders across the Inland Empire who inspire me every day. At the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to empower businesses and foster economic growth, and this recognition highlights the collective efforts of our entire community. I’m excited for what the future holds as we continue to work together to make a lasting impact,” said Ornelas.

Other notable finalists for the 2024 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards include leaders in healthcare innovation, green technology, and digital transformation. Each finalist, selected by a distinguished panel of judges, represents the best in their respective industries and contributes to the Inland Empire’s continued growth as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards is an annual event that brings together business leaders, community advocates, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the entrepreneurial excellence that drives the region’s economy. This year’s event promises to be a night of inspiration and recognition, showcasing the achievements of finalists like Ornelas, who continue to elevate the Inland Empire’s business landscape.

For more information about the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards and to see the full list of finalists, visit www.spiritawardsie.com

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CBRE Opens Newly Renovated, Tech-Enabled Office in the Inland Empire

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The office is designed to support hybrid work and employee wellbeing

CBRE announced the opening of its new 10,159-sq.-ft. office suite on the ground floor of 4141 Inland Empire Blvd., in Ontario, Calif.

The office is part of CBRE’s Workplace360 program, which features innovative office designs and functionality, including in-office technology and a wider variety of collaborative spaces designed to support hybrid working. CBRE launched its Workplace360 program over a decade ago in its downtown LA office. Since then, the company has opened more than 100 Workplace360 offices worldwide, continually updating the program as work habits have changed over the years, especially with the increase in hybrid work.

“Our newly renovated space provides us with a great opportunity to deliver a collaborative, experience-driven workplace that supports hybrid work,” said Ian Britton, managing director and market leader for CBRE in Inland Empire. “Our Workplace360 office will also serve as a showpiece to help clients conceptualize flexible work strategies for their employees.”

The renovated office has several different work areas including focus, huddle, living, and conference rooms. The open-space lobby, known as the “Heart,” features a variety of seating and a communal space for collaboration. A large 86” media display with a speaker system welcomes employees, visitors, and clients and assists with onsite events.

New office technology, including touch-enabled video conference rooms, allows for hybrid work collaboration between in-office and remote employees and clients. Additionally, the Mt. Baldy conference room has Liquid Galaxy, a geospatial visualization platform set across large format curved screens providing a cinematic presentation experience. This room has an operable wall that opens to the Heart, creating an onsite event space.

A cornerstone of the Workplace360 model is its free-address approach, in which there is no dedicated seating. The free-address approach allows employees who are in the office on a given day to use any workstation or office.

The office’s design led by CBRE Design Collective, took inspiration from the Inland Empire’s orange groves and mountainous landscapes of Mt. Baldy. Images of Route 66 from local photographer VC Torneden features the role the highway plays in the area. 

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