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Six innovative technologies awarded grants by Inland SoCal Link iHub

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Six innovative technologies awarded grants by Inland SoCal Link iHub

(Press Release) CA. — The Inland SoCal Link iHub is pleased to announce that it has been awarded grant voucher funding from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO‐Biz) to enhance the technical innovation capabilities of businesses within Inland Southern California. The funding is made available by the 2017 State of California $2.9 million California Advanced Supply Chain Analysis and Diversification Effort (CASCADE) grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment (DoD/OEA) to bolster California’s defense supply chain cybersecurity resilience, innovation capacity, and diversification strategies, and to support growth and sustainment of California’s Cybersecurity workforce.

Six businesses have been identified through a competitive application process to receive an award of $9,750 each. The funding will help to advance the commercialization of innovative technologies with potential application for the U.S. military, national security or defense industries, or their supply chains.

The Inland Southern California companies chosen for the grant voucher funding include:

Deepbits Technology LLC – Based in Riverside, DeepBits pinpoint the vulnerability, malware and code plagiarism hidden deeply in the software supply chain without the need of source code.

Exquadrum, Inc. – Based in Adelanto, Exquadrum’s vision is to be a producer of innovative technology for government, military and industry customers.

KIGT, Inc. – Based in Ontario, KIGT is an original equipment manufacturer and software development company of electric vehicle smart charging stations.

Phenix Technologies, Inc. – Based in Riverside, Phenix Technologies is a highly-regarded firefighting helmet manufacturer with over 40 years of service.

Relay LLC – Based in Norco, Relay is a technology company that focuses on delivering exceptional service for carriers while also helping to transform how truck drivers and trucking companies work together.

Symplur LLC – Based in Upland, Symplur is a healthcare social media analytics company that promotes deeper understanding of healthcare by strengthening the voices of those who need to be heard with insights from the Healthcare Social Graph.

“This has been a collaborative process to seek out talent and to help further encourage success and growth in our region. What is most important about this funding opportunity is we are able to witness the diversity of talent and ideas that are within Inland Southern California. I’m excited to see where all of these companies go from here,” said Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, Curt Hagman.

“We are thrilled to support new innovations in our region that will make a difference in the lives of our country’s military and defense personnel. It is important to support our local talent and encourage an entrepreneurial spirit that will lead to more business and job creation throughout the Inland Empire,” said Kevin Jeffries, Chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors

The iHub program improves the state’s national and global competitiveness by stimulating partnerships, economic development, and job creation around specific research clusters throughout the state. iHubs are operated through a cooperative agreement between GO-Biz and geographically distinct regions within California. Each iHub represents an independent partnership between local government entities, public universities, research institutions, venture capitalist networks, and economic development organizations.

The Inland SoCal Link iHub consisting of the regions of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties plays a critical role in the economic prosperity of the state of California. The Inland SoCal Link iHub is anchored by an innovative partnership and overarching goal to maximize economic development opportunities within the region. Inland Southern California has grown an emerging economy built around world-class educational institutions such as the University of California, Riverside a driving force behind the positive diversification that is occurring in the regional economy and California State University, San Bernardino known for its nationally-recognized programs at its Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship.

Funded in part through a grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.

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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Supported by Local Leaders, CALED’s Annual Conference will be in Ontario this May

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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.

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Strengthening Community Connections: Our Exciting New Partnership with Toyota Arena, Ontario Convention Center, and GOCAL

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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.

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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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