AMUSEMENT
Six construction permits for projects with a combined value of $180 million pulled over the past 30 days in Anaheim suggest the home stretch for elements of the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort, which is scheduled to open next summer. Burbank-based Walt Disney Co. said in May that Anaheim’s iteration of the attractions based on the movie franchise will be first to open across its theme parks. A Galaxy’s Edge opening date hasn’t been scheduled.
— Paul Hughes
AUTOMOTIVE
Cypress-based automaker Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. promoted Natalie Milton to vice president and chief information officer, a newly created position. Milton, who’s been with the company for 26 years, supports IT systems for the North American office, its sales offices in Canada and the Caribbean and Mitsubishi Motors R&D of America. She’s also responsible for establishing IT operations in Mexico. Milton was previously senior director of IT and regional chief information officer. Mitsubishi also named Ronald Stach vice president of aftersales. He was previously with Volkswagen of America. Both executives were to start their roles last week.
— Subrina Hudson
EDUCATION
The National Science Foundation awarded the University of California-Irvine a $5 million grant to help it boost enrollment of low-income engineering students focusing on advanced manufacturing. UCI will be able to provide scholarships to 190 community college transfer students, each eligible for up to $10,000 annually over five years. Researchers in UCI’s School of Education will also look into factors that lead low-income community college students to pursue engineering degrees.
— Subrina Hudson
FINANCE
Irvine-based consumer debt company Americor Inc. said it will open a new center with 250 employees. The 22,000-square-foot facility at 18201 Von Karman is across the street from its current facility and will give it a combined 50,000 square feet for operations. Americor will initially move 125 support staff to the location and plans to hire another 125 members by year-end. It said it’s doubled its sales staff since the start of the year. Americor designed a platform to help consumers restructure debt and provide lower-cost debt consolidation loans.
— Peter J. Brennan
