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FEATURED STORIES
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Inaugural BIZPAC Luncheon Features Administration Insider
The Irvine Hyatt Regency was "the place to be Friday" as OCBC’s Chairman, Dan Miller of The Irvine Company, and BIZPAC hosted a crowd of more than 150 at its inaugural annual luncheon. Many elected officials attended the event, including Assemblymembers Jim Silva, Mike Duvall, Mimi Walters, Jose Solorio, and Todd Spitzer, as well as Orange Supervisors John Moorlach, Bill Campbell, and Pat Bates. Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle was also in attendance.
Governor Schwarzenegger’s Cabinet Secretary and Deputy Chief of Staff, Dan Dunmoyer, presented the keynote, addressing all the latest from Sacramento, including the Governor’s healthcare proposal. He also engaged audience members on such timely topics as the Foothill South toll road extension, which he said he intended to investigate in greater detail on behalf of the Governor while in Orange County.
OCBC thanks the major sponsors: The Irvine Company; First American Title Company; Bank of America; Cox Business Services; The Disneyland Resort; Fluor Corporation; and VONS. BIZPAC will use the monies raised to assist elected officials and ballot measures that support of OCBC’s pro-business agenda.
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OCBC's Transportation Bill, SB 872, in Suspense
Senator Dick Ackerman remains steadfast in his commitment to SB 872, the OCBC-sponsored bill that will provide so called "self-help" counties (including Orange County) exclusive access to $1 billion set aside as matching-funds under Proposition 1B, approved last November. While SB 872 passed a contentious hearing before the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee in mid-April, the Senate Appropriations Committee put it in suspense yesterday morning, giving the committee’s leadership an opportunity to simultaneously consider and negotiate all Prop 1B allocations.
OCBC once again thanks Senator Ackerman for his tireless support. OCBC's VP of Government Affairs, Kris Murray, reports from Sacramento that the legislation remains high on the senator’s priority list, and we should have an update on the bill’s status late next week. Stay tuned to OCBC's website for all the latest news.
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OCBC's Toll Road Op-Ed Sparks Flurry of Responses in Support
OCBC President and CEO, Lucy Dunn, was the first to "sound the alarm" after Garden Grove Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez supported a bill amendment proposed by a county outsider (San Diego Congresswoman Susan Davis) that jeopardizes the Foothill South toll road extension. As Dunn quipped in her OC Register opinion editorial, "What the hell was Sanchez thinking?"
Dunn's May 11 op-ed has sparked a flurry of responses in the paper, including a Register editorial supporting the toll road extension and a response from Congresswoman Sanchez herself. The Business Council demonstrates once again why it's Orange County's leading voice of business! Read the buzz by clicking the "full story" link below.
Remember, the battle to save the toll road extension isn't lost. Contact the offices of Congresswoman Sanchez and Senator Dianne Feinstein and ask them to save the 241. "NO!" on the Davis amendment!
[FULL STORY]
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Governor Vows to Terminate "Job Killer" Legislation
Governor Schwarzenegger addressed a crowd of 2,000 business members from across the state at the California Chamber's 2007 California Business Legislative Summit breakfast this morning. As OCBC’s VP of Government Affairs, Kris Murray, reports from Sacramento, he promised to "terminate" job killer legislation identified by the California Chamber.
The Governor also stressed that no legislation aimed to roll back workers’ compensation reforms would make it past his desk. He reported that workers’ comp premiums have dropped by 50 percent over the past three years and are projected drop another 16 percent over the next year. Further, he reinforced his commitment to reforming the state's health care system, indicating he plans to tackle the issue with the same tenacity he brought to the passage of infrastructure bonds and securing workers’ compensation reform. As always, OCBC will bring you all the latest . . .
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Governor's May Budget Revision: No Tax Increase
OCBC issued a press release last week, commending Governor Schwarzenegger for his May Budget Revision—the administration’s fourth consecutive budget without a proposed tax increase. The budget is projected to reduce the state’s deficit while building the reserve and paying down debt.
“OCBC applauds the Governor for once again demonstrating solid fiscal leadership,” said OCBC President and CEO, Lucy Dunn. “The budget revision does not raise taxes, yet maintains the state’s commitment to education, public safety, environmental and health care priorities.” Click here to read the full press release.
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Upcoming Events
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OCBC to Host Second Annual OC Mayors' Summit June 8
OCBC will host the second annual Orange County Mayors' Summit at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 8, at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. The event will feature panel discussions led by industry and policy experts, who will provide their own unique perspectives to issues such as goods movement, telecommunications, and green building. Click here to download an invitation with full agenda.
Registration is $35 for OCBC members ($45 for non-members) and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Please RSVP online by Tuesday, June 5, and contact Michelle Hart at 949.794.7219 with any questions.
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Executive Invitation Golf Tournament: Sponsors Wanted!
OCBC and UC Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business will bring you their annual Executive Invitational Golf Tournament on Monday, August 13, 2007, at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club. Proceeds benefit UCI scholars and OCBC’s remarkable workforce development programs—very worthy causes!
This year's tournament is destined to be the best one to date, and we're seeking sponsorship partners to make that a reality. Tournament sponsorships range from $5,000 to $750 and afford your company a wide range of benefits and recognition as outlined on the registration/sponsorship form. If you prefer, your company may supply the players' gifts or an item valued at $250 or more for the silent auction or opportunity drawing.
The possibilities are nearly endless. Simply contact Michelle Hart at 949.794.7219 for more information or submit a completed registration/sponsorship form and someone from OCBC will contact you.
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Infrastructure
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JWA's Economic Impact Measured in the Billions
John Wayne Airport (JWA) is undoubtedly one of Orange County's key economic contributors, not to mention the region. JWA's recently completed economic impact study now offers tangible proof of that impact billions of dollars worth!
The study, which measured the airport's economic impact in terms of output, payroll, and employment, found that JWA generated $5.61 billion in 2005 and supported more than 42,000 full-time equivalent jobs in Orange County accounting for $1.28 billion in payroll. Regional impacts were even greater: $6.7 billion in generated revenue supporting more than 55,000 jobs and $1.7 billion in payroll.
OCBC's VP of Research and Communications, Dr. Wallace Walrod, proudly served on the review panel and congratulates JWA in its continuing role as a robust economic engine for Orange County and all of Southern California.
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Workforce Development
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CSUF Awarded $1.6 to Oversee Small Business Development Centers
The U.S. Small Business Administration recently awarded Cal State Fullerton's College of Business and Economics $1.6 million by to continue overseeing Small Business Development Centers in Orange County and the Inland Empire. Since 2003, CSUF has provided training, consulting and technical assistance to small businesses at these regional development centers. Nearly 3,000 small business owners received counseling and more than 8,000 received training from these regional development centers in 2005-06 alone. Click here to read the full press release.
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Membership
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OCBC Welcomes Newest Members
OCBC welcomed three new members to its dynamic association in April. Carter & Burgess, Inc. is a privately-held engineering and architectural consulting firm that employs more than 3,000 throughout the U.S. The company's One Source, One Firm operating philosophy emphasizes a close strategic partnership with clients over the lifecycle of projects from conception through planning, execution, and continuing operations, and ensures a uniform experience across all offices and teams.
Bordwell & Associates is a spirited group of legal recruiters who represent California's finest legal talent. The company maintains its edge through daily interaction with it extensive network of legal and corporate contacts as well as by researching the latest trends in the legal profession and participating in continuing education.
The Orange County Housing Trust was created to provide regional solution to help meet the growing demand for affordable housing options in Orange County. With the support of private investors, governments, major corporations and foundations, the organization expects to raise over $25 million by December 31, 2008, to provide affordable housing options for Orange County’s low and moderate income workers.
OCBC prides itself as Orange County’s leading voice of business. It is a voice that's true strength lies in its diversity and grows stronger with the addition of each new member. We’re saving a seat for you at the table! Join now…
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Hobbs Named Citizen of the Year
OCBC's Vice Chair of Workforce Housing, Roger Hobbs, President and CEO of the R.C. Hobbs Company, was recently named the City of Orange's Citizen of the Year. A long-time resident of the city, Hobbs helped establish the Orange Community Foundation, served on the Chapman University's Board of Trustees, and also serves on the Orange Parks and Recreation commission. Congratulations, Roger!
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Grand Opening of the Ritz Carlton's ENO!
OCBC President and CEO, Lucy Dunn, recently enjoyed an evening with Todd Priest of Curt Pringle Associates at ENO, the Ritz Carlton's upscale wine tasting room. As Lucy noted, three of the five basic food groups were represented: fine wine, artisanal cheese and gourmet chocolate. Mmmmmmmm.
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Media
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OCBC Seeks Polished Director of Communications
OCBC is actively recruiting for a polished, professional Director of Communications, who shall have responsibility for producing and managing communication strategies, campaigns, and materials based on OCBC initiatives and messages. Viable candidates must have strong writing skills and the ability to meet multiple, competing deadlines. Click here for more details.
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Inside OC with Rick Reiff
KOCE-TV’s Inside OC with Rick Reiff is a 30-minute program featuring interviews, discussions and filmed segments with government officials, business and community leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, journalists and other important and interesting people. Upcoming programs feature "Consider This" with Steve Young, Democrat candidate, and Michelle Clark, Waste Management, as well as "Pension, Parks and Pork" with OC Supervisor John Moorlach.
"Inside OC" airs on KOCE on Sundays at 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. Check your local listings for channel information.
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Meetings & Events
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Committee Meetings
Late May and June 2007
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Wednesday, May 23, 2007 |
Health Care Committee, 11a |
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Thursday, May 24, 2007 |
Community College Working Group, 3p |
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Friday, June 1, 2007 |
Latino Educational Attainment, 9a |
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007 |
Infrastructure Committee, 7:30a |
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Wednesday, June 13, 2007 |
Golf Tournament Committee, 7:30ap |
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Wednesday, June 20, 2007 |
Workforce Development Committee, 7:30a |
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Thursday, June 21, 2007 |
Economic Forecast Conference Committee, 8a |
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Wednesday, June 27, 2007 |
Health Care Committee, 11a |
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Friday, June 29, 2007 |
Government Affairs Committee, 9a |
Click "DETAILS" below for more information. You may also view OCBC's Master Calendar on the web.
[DETAILS]
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Community Events
Wednesday, May 23, 2007: The Sub Prime Meltdown: What Does it Really Mean for Orange County?
The Orange County Forum presents Scott Simon, Managing Director & Senior Member, Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO). Simon will be speaking on the long-term effect that economics shifts have on the mortgage industry.
Thursday, May 24, 2007: Orange County Business Journal's Women in Business Awards
The Orange County Business Journal is hosting a luncheon to honor the outstanding business women who merit special recognition for their accomplishments throughout Orange County. Be there to lend your congratulations.
Thursday, June 7, 2007: Second Annual Orange County Zero Waste Business Conference
The Ford Motor Company and Premier Automotive Group bring you, Zero in on Zero Waste--Don’t Let Your Bottom Line Go to Waste. Over 200 business professionals, governmental officials and staff, and nonprofits will gather at this all day conference, working out solutions to avoid wasting resources while improving their bottom lines.
Thursday, June 14, 2007: Hydrogen: Why Orange County is Capturing the World's Attention
The Orange County Forum presents Scott Samuelsen, Director Advanced Power and Energy Program, UC Irvine. Samuelsen will explore hydrogen's role in energy production, world economy, and the environment.
For more information about any of these events, click the "DETAILS" link below.
[DETAILS]
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The Business Council and BIZPAC once again thank those who sponsored last week's BIZPAC luncheon:
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