The Greater Irvine Chamber Serves
as a Catalyst for Local Economic Growth by
Working to advance the economic vitality of greater Irvine, the Greater Irvine Chamber focuses on helping businesses in the region to start and grow, attracting domestic and global businesses to expand in Irvine, supporting international business and commerce, and providing lead generation and professional networking opportunities.
- Providing valuable business training, professional development, and networking opportunities
- Promoting the city as a dynamic business and tourism destination
- Advocating for the interests of the business community with federal, state, and local officials
Our Core Values
DIVERSITY
We celebrate greater Irvine's rich diversity as a key component of economic vitality.
COLLABORATION
We believe in the importance of convening business, nonprofit, academia, and government for an exchange of ideas that lead our community forward.
INTEGRITY
The Chamber operates honestly and openly to best serve the community.
SERVICE
We believe the Chamber should consistently exceed our member’s expectations, passionately strive for excellence, and remain dedicated to outstanding member service.
INNOVATION
We have a strong customer focus, proactively recognizing and leveraging opportunities.
FIVE-STAR
Five-Star Accredited
Home To more than 900 Tech Companies
The Greater Irvine Chamber is one of seven chambers in California, and one of 120 in the nation, to have a 5-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Only 1.7 percent of all chambers in the U.S. currently hold this distinction. which recognizes high quality, expertise, and strong leadership.
Our History
- 1979
The Greater Irvine Chamber was established in May 1979 as the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, with 12 charter members. Today, the Chamber serves the interests of hundreds of members and tens of thousands of businesses in the region.
- 2002
An Ordinance authorized the Irvine City Council to establish business improvement districts. The Irvine Hotel Improvement District was formed by an Irvine City Council Resolution, which defined the Irvine Hotel Improvement District’s two functions: business attraction and retention (Economic Development) and destination marketing (Destination Irvine).
- 2017
The Irvine Chamber of Commerce was renamed Greater Irvine Chamber.
- 2018
The Greater Irvine Chamber receives 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Greater Irvine Chamber is among only 2% of all chambers in the U.S. that hold this distinction, which recognizes a high level of ethics, quality member services, and strong leadership in the community.
- 2018
The Greater Irvine Chamber earns the U.S. President’s Award for Export Services, the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
- 2019
The Greater Irvine Chamber receives the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Community Excellence Chamber Award, recognizing organizations making significant contributions to their industries and communities through innovation, job creation, and a commitment to being an integral part of a thriving business ecosystem.
- 2014-2023
The Greater Irvine Chamber and Destination Irvine receive numerous awards annually for top programs and communications, from organizations including the International Economic Development Council and the Western Association of Chamber Executives.
- 2023
Management of Destination Irvine was transferred to the City of Irvine.
- 2024
The Greater Irvine Chamber celebrates its 45th anniversary on May 24.
FAQs
In partnership and coordination with local hoteliers and the City of Irvine, the Greater Irvine Chamber implemented Economic Development and Destination Irvine programs for the region beginning in 2002.
A 2002 Ordinance authorized the Irvine City Council to establish business improvement districts. The Irvine Hotel Improvement District was formed by an Irvine City Council Resolution, which defined the Irvine Hotel Improvement District’s two functions: business attraction and retention (Economic Development) and destination marketing (Destination Irvine).
The 2% assessment from Irvine hotels designated 1.5% going toward the Chamber’s Business and Economic Development division, which includes Destination Irvine and Economic Development, and .5% for the city’s use for cultural programs and arts. This assessment is separate from the 8% transient occupancy tax (TOT) that goes to the city to fund public services.
Destination marketing is the promotion of the city for leisure tourism and business travel, which includes advertising, attendance at tradeshows, marketing, and print and digital collateral.
Activities and programs dedicated to attracting businesses to expand and/or locate in Irvine. Typical efforts include collaborations with business incubators, foreign direct investment, workforce development, and import/export support activities.
Separate accounting ensured that General Greater Irvine Chamber revenue (membership, events, etc.) was not used for HID functions and vice versa. Importantly, no HID assessment dollars were used or provided for Chamber activities. Each year, the Chamber provided to the City of Irvine audited financial statements for the Business and Economic Development division (which included Destination Irvine and Economic Development activities), detailing HID revenue and expenditures. Prior to each fiscal year, the Chamber provided a budget, including a proposed plan of work, to both the City of Irvine and an advisory committee of Irvine hoteliers for their review, analysis, and feedback. These reports included a breakdown of both Economic Development and Destination Irvine expenses and revenue, as well as associated administrative expenses. Each report was audited by independent Certified Public Accountants in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
The Greater Irvine Chamber is audited annually by independent Certified Public Accountants. Financial Statements for the Chamber’s Business and Economic Development Division, funded primarily by the Irvine Hotel Improvement District, are available for public review. These statements were submitted to the City of Irvine annually. A separate set of combined audited financial statements, which include Chamber activities, are reviewed annually by the Chamber Board of Directors. In addition, the Chamber’s annual Returns of Organization Exempt From Income Tax are available for public review here.
Our Affiliations
