No sooner does OC’s community of business make big news one year than it’s prepping plans to do it again in the next.
The growth charted by the people and companies here reaches in many directions—upward as an office or residential tower, outward as a technology venture that connects to earlier work, and sometimes in the same direction, only faster.
We offer in this issue a preview of what’s in store from those folks and firms next year. One thing’s certain: There will be plenty to report each week.
A key element for the coming year is big—and sometimes tall—plans. We’re seeing signs of focused forward motion bordering on the relentless that runs counter to word of slowdowns in some sectors.
Our people to watch are prolific in their pursuits—from banks and data to bonds and condos to eyewear and eye care—and they started envisioning and executing on 2017 a long time ago.
Companies to keep an eye on include some of OC’s oldest and newest, the most visible and the least known names.
• Our technology picks look to extend twin trends of this year: industry mergers that produce spinouts and startups by the original entrepreneurial players (see page 5).
• Real estate literally stakes its “big and tall” claim with a sprawling project planned in the Platinum Triangle in Anaheim and a Newport Beach City Council-approved, 25-story condo tower that could rise near Fashion Island (see page 6).
• The patient gets attention in healthcare moves designed to increase convenience and personalized care at home and office. Two longtime OC notables—one person and one company—enter 2017 with new situations and challenges (see page 8).
• The future of retail and marketing includes a new development that’s billed as the next big thing by none other than mold-busting billionaire Jim Jannard. (see page 10)
• Hotels and tourism dominate hospitality. The Anaheim area’s chief marketer makes a new pitch on the hospitality front, and an owner and operator of hotels and resorts, many along the coast, takes its trend tapping to Texas (see page 12).
• OC’s finance sector should see increased investment activity—to include initial public offerings—and lending for growth. Watch an old hand at starting banks, and PIMCO’s new head, in the coming year (see page 14).
Like we said, plenty to cover indeed.
Good thing we’re taking a week off. This is our last issue of the year—we’ll meet again in the new year with the Jan. 2 issue.
That’s where you’ll find our picks for Business Person of the Year in several categories—and the one name among those half-dozen who tops the charts.
Thank you for reading.
