BIZ BRIEFS:Magazines honor Newport Beach homebuilder

John Laing Homes, a Newport Beach-based homebuilding company, earned top honors this month from two industry publications.

The company, whose services cover California, Colorado, Texas and Arizona, was named the third-best homebuilding workplace in America by Professional Builder magazine. The publication conducted a nationwide survey among 1,600 employees at 81 companies, with questions regarding training, professional development, retention and other factors.

In addition, Housing Giants magazine named Larry Webb its "CEO of the Year," making him the first executive to achieve the honor. Industry peers nominated Webb for the award.

Webb, in a news release, was quick to share the credit.

"To be recognized as CEO of the year by your peers in the industry and the journalists that follow homebuilding as their profession is certainly a humbling experience," he said.

"But in my mind, the CEO of the Year award is more of a reflection of the hard work and creativity of all our people at John Laing Homes."

Newport Beach Chamber plans final summer mixer

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce plans to host its fourth and final summer mixer Thursday evening at the Newport Sea Base, with about 100 business professionals expected to be in attendance.

The mixer will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the sea base, 1931 W. Coast Highway. Admission is free for members and $15 at the door for guests. No reservations are required, and complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar will be provided.

Call (949) 729-4410 for more information.

— Michael Miller