Governor Delivers State of the State Today,
Budget Expected Thursday
Governor Schwarzenegger delivers his fifth State of the State address today, with much of the speech expected to center around the state’s ongoing fiscal crisis. The release of his proposed 2008 budget and formal announcement of a special legislative session to address these fiscal issues is expected Thursday.
Once the special session is announced, the legislature will have 45 days to act, likely setting the stage for a protracted partisan debate over spending cuts and the specter of new tax proposals to meet the shortfall.
The governor has reportedly met with school, local government, health and social-service providers to warn of across-the-board budget cuts of as much as 10 percent. While OCBC supports the state’s commitment to education, public safety, environmental and healthcare priorities, it is clear the governor and legislature must work together to eliminate structural deficits in the budget and reduce government spending in excess of revenues.
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Reserve Your Seat Today -- This Event Will Sell Out!
OCBC Annual Dinner Features George Will
and Tribute to Chris Anderson
OCBC is honored to welcome nationally syndicated columnist George Will as the keynote guest for its 2008 Annual Dinner, set for January 29, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Presented by Exclusive Title Sponsor FCI Constructors, the theme of this year’s Dinner is “The Road Ahead.” The evening program will examine not only the road ahead for OCBC, as the organization welcomes incoming Chairman Steve Lenzi, Senior Vice President, Automobile Club of Southern California, but will also draw on Will’s significant expertise and perspective on the ‘Road to the White House’ in 2008. As the Annual Dinner takes place just days ahead of the 2008 California Presidential Primary election, this event promises a fascinating and timely look into a still wide open race for the presidency.
The evening will conclude with a special tribute to Chris Anderson, outgoing President and CEO of the Orange County Register, given by David Hiller, CEO and Publisher of the Los Angeles Times.
Register Now!
OCBC 2008 Annual Dinner
Hyatt Regency Irvine
January 29, 2008
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cocktail Reception and Dinner
Sponsorships Available -- Contact Michelle Hart
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Ladera Ranch Electrical Facility
Critical to Energy Demands
OCBC praises Senator Dick Ackerman for his Orange County Register opinion piece last week supporting the proposed Margarita Energy Center near Ladera Ranch. The county-approved San Diego Gas and Electric “Peaker” facility is slated to be built at an existing substation and will provide needed additional electricity for South County hospitals, businesses and residents during the peak summer months.
As stated by Senator Ackerman, this project was designed to have minimal impacts on the local community, was approved by the most stringent air quality regulatory authority in the country, and would provide a critical supply of increased energy when it’s needed most.
Our elected officials must consider the common good of all their constituents, respect the thorough project review process that has already taken place, and allow the completion of this worthy project. This facility will serve as an important component of Orange County’s energy infrastructure, increasing supplies of safe and reliable energy throughout South County, and OCBC strongly supports its completion.
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Join OCBC Today on the Road Ahead
Are You Involved with OCBC?
The Business Council provides the forum for businesses to join together to invest in the growth and prosperity of America's fifth largest county. Members enjoy an array of benefits, as well as eligibility to participate in any of OCBC's committees -- including Healthcare, Government Affairs, Infrastructure and many others.
Join an OCBC committee today to maximize your involvement in the dialogue shaping these key issues.
View the complete list of committees, or contact Matt Prince for more information.
Not an OCBC member? Contact Vicki Blaser, OCBC Director of Investor Relations.
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OCBC Hits the Airwaves!
Incoming OCBC Chairman Steve Lenzi of the Southern California Automobile Club taped an interview on Time Warner’s Local Edition last week, recording an interview that will air throughout the month as a local insert during CNN’s Headline News program, and can also be found on OCBC’s website. In addition to promoting OCBC’s upcoming January 29 Annual Dinner, Lenzi outlined several major business council initiatives and charted “The Road Ahead” for OCBC in 2008. Special thanks to OCBC’s new board member, Kristy Hennessey, Vice President of Community and Government Affairs for Time Warner, for arranging this airtime.
Elsewhere on the dial, OCBC Vice President of Research Dr. Wallace Walrod and Communications Director Robb Korinke appeared on Cox Forum January 3 to discuss the Southern California regional economic outlook for 2008. Among the topics discussed were the housing market, employment growth and economic development throughout Orange County and beyond.
Please visit www.ocbc.org to view both of these videos, and look for more OCBC television appearances throughout 2008.
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