Blue Shield of California has opened a new office complex at 3840 Kilroy Airport Way in Long Beach, marking a significant development for both the health plan provider and the local business community.
More than 1,000 Blue Shield employees are now based in Long Beach, and that is expected to stimulate economic growth in the area. The company says it is actively seeking partnerships with small businesses around the campus.
“We’re eager to collaborate with city officials and local organizations to enhance the health and well-being of everyone in Long Beach,” said Blue Shield president and chief executive officer Paul Markovich.
The official opening ceremony including Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, who presided over the ribbon cutting.
Blue Shield is headquartered in Oakland but has additional offices in Southern California in Woodland Hills and San Diego.
Last year the company announced it would consolidate its regional operations into the Long Beach campus, scheduling its opening for July. Despite the two-month delay, the insurance company has signed an 11-year lease for the 136,000-square-foot space.
Blue Shield moved into a city that is also home to some of its competitors. Molina Healthcare Inc., the second-largest health care company in the state just above No. 3 Blue Shield and behind Kaiser Permanente, has been headquartered in Long Beach since its founding in 1980. The Children’s Clinic Family Health, another nonprofit health company, is located near the Long Beach Airport.
The port city has seen a number of companies move into its municipality as of late. According to CrunchBase data, five companies were founded in Long Beach in the last year, joining existing ventures such as Evolectric Inc. and fitness technology company Zwift Inc.
Blue Shield has sponsored local events, such as ones put on by Conservation Corps of Long Beach, which is devoted to providing vocational training to disadvantaged youth. Additionally, Blue Shield employees have volunteered with local organizations, including the Foodbank of Southern California.
The company’s employees are planning further community involvement, including activities such as cleaning up the Wrigley Greenbelt in collaboration with the Conservation Corps of Long Beach. A food collection event benefiting the Foodbank of Southern California is also in the pipeline.
In addition to its corporate expansion, Blue Shield Promise, in partnership with L.A. Care Health Plan, recently launched a Community Resource Center in north Long Beach. Backed by a joint commitment of $146 million, the initiative will provide free classes, programs, and services on nutrition and fitness.