Aliso Viejo Company Named South O.C. Business of the Year

Aliso Viejo's Clarient Inc. and San Diego Gas & Electric were each named  Business of the Year by the South O.C. Regional Chamber of Commerce at an awards ceremony on April 15. 

“Tonight’s honorees reflect the tremendous business community we have here in South Orange County,” said Jim Leach of Cox Communications and chairman of the chamber's corporate board of directors. “These businesses are leading the way in terms of job creation, business innovation and leadership that will ensure South Orange County remains a world-class place to do business."

Clarient, which works with the health care community to translate cancer research into better patient care and diagnosis, began with a promise made by CEO Ron Andrews. Andrews' grandmother died of breast cancer.

"She said I was smart enough to figure out what causes it and to fix this, and I always say I was dumb enough to believe her,” said Andrews.

Andrews took over the nearly bankrupt company in 2005, and in five years the company went from $0 to $120 million annually.

Soka University was also recognized, winning the Leading the Way to Recovery award for the university's expansion projects during the economic downturn. 

This past year, Soka University finished construction on a new performing arts center—47,836 square feet, 1,000 seats and three levels. A $73-million, four-level classroom building project was also completed, thanks to contributions and private investment.