In keeping with our mission to promote bilateral economic ties between Canada and Southern California, our Spring Reception on March 12th will shine a spotlight on one of the most dynamic regions of Southern California.
Located just south of Los Angeles, Orange County boasts a GDP of nearly $300 billion which is larger than 28 states. Within a county that supports over 1.7 million jobs, Irvine is OC’s third-largest city, America’s safest city, and home to vibrant technology, professional services, innovation and education sectors including being one of the leading medical device centers in North America.
Over 475 life sciences companies and over 900 tech companies call Irvine home. Together with 15 universities and colleges and a share of population with college degrees (70.5%) that is more than double the California average, Irvine is poised for continued growth within the 13th largest economy in the world - Southern California.
Ms. Linda DiMario, Executive Vice President, Greater Irvine Chamber
Linda DiMario EVP Greater Irvine Chamber Keynote Speaker
We are honored to welcome Ms. Linda DiMario, Executive Vice President with the Greater Irvine Chamber as the keynote speaker at our Spring Reception who will share the business and innovation landscape of the Greater Irvine region for the benefit of Vancouver and British Columbia businesses seeking growth and collaboration opportunities.
Linda helps lead the most influential Chamber in Orange County and the economic development and tourism initiatives designed to help businesses grow and enhance the economic vitality of Irvine. The scope of work encompasses business attraction, business retention, startups and the innovation ecosystem, workforce development, foreign direct investment, trade and export assistance and targeted leisure travel, meetings and conventions direct sales and marketing.
Linda is on the Board of Directors and a mission specialist for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Board of Directors for OCTANe, Orange County’s incubator/accelerator and planning committee for Medical Technology Innovation Forum (MTIF) and Technology Innovation Forum (TIF). She is the recipient of many awards including the World Trade Week’s Global Leadership Award, Central Washington State University Alumni of the Year, OCTANe’s Leadership in Success award; Jaycee’s Belle Lowe Woman of the Year, Soroptomist’s Woman of the Year for Economic Development, California State Legislative District Woman of the Year and others.
Linda holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Central Washington State University and is a Vietnam War-era Air Force veteran.
Keynote Presentation: CA: Canada & California Driving Innovation
Our west coast economies are hot! And our shared commitment to fueling 21st century industry sectors and innovation is at the core of this success. And our proactivity defines our leadership model. So, what are we doing individually and what can we do together to leverage this extraordinary strength so we continue to grow our economies and sustain that leadership?
Our Spring Reception will be held at the downtown Vancouver law offices of member organization, Fasken, on Thursday, March 12th from 3:30 - 6:00pm. More communications on this event are forthcoming.
Thank You to Our Valued Sponsors
Thank you to Fasken for hosting us at their beautiful downtown Vancouver law offices, the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association (Stay Vancouver Hotels) for being our hospitality sponsor, and Air Canada for being our valued travel partner. We are proud and grateful to count you all as MAPLE member organizations.