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FEATURED STORIES
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OCBC's Bill, SB 872, Stalls in Committee
OCBC's sponsored bill, SB 872, authored by Senator Dick Ackerman stalled last week in the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill will not move forward this year, leaving the Senate and Assembly leadership to complete this year's final negotiation on the infrastructure bond allocations. As the Senate Republican Leader, Senator Ackerman will continue to fight for SB 872, ensuring that the State and Local Partnership Program's $1 billion in funding is limited to "self help" counties, as was the intent of the bond language passed by the voters last November.
Background – The Business Council sponsored SB 872, which proposes the clean–up language necessary to better define which counties are eligible for the State and Local Partnership Program’s matching funds. OCBC believes the intent of Proposition 1B was that counties with a local transportation sales tax measure—Measure M in Orange County’s case—should be the sole beneficiaries of those matching funds. There are some members of the State Legislature that would like matching fund qualifications to be much broader. For example, some jurisdictions charge tolls on their projects and would like to see those fees eligible for matching funds. The criteria in SB 872 would enable Orange County to compete well and effectively for a program that was designed to reward counties whose voters had approved local sales taxes dedicated to transportation.
OCBC once again expresses its gratitude to Senator Ackerman for his efforts.
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Second Annual OC Mayors' Summit--LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER
There's still time to register for the Second Annual Mayor's Summit. The Orange County Business Council has partnered with Mayors Curt Pringle of Anaheim and Miguel Pulido of Santa Ana to convene our local elected leadership for an interactive discussion on issues affecting Orange County business, such as goods movement, telecommunications, and "green" development. For more information you may visit our website or download the agenda.
Registration is $35 for OCBC members ($45 for non-members) and includes a continental breakfast and lunch as well as all materials. Register today!
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Toll Road Supporters, Please Sign Here
The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) has created a page on The Toll Roads and Foothill-South websites that includes the names of individuals who support completing the 241 Toll Road to San Clemente. TCA is also planning a publication in the near future that will additionally include names of Foothill-South supporters.
Add your name to the list of toll road supporters today by emailing authorization to use your name and city of residence to pines@thetollroads.com. For more information contact the TCA's Sheldon Pines at 949.754.3489.
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Member Benefits: Cutting-Edge Research
Dr. Wallace Walrod, the founding President of the Center for a New Orange County, leads the OCBC's Research Department and serves as Vice President of Research and Communications. His work includes designing innovative programs, strategies, and policy solutions for private industries, government, and private foundations, including the Orange County Children and Families Commission's Orange County Community Indicators Report and Orange County Workforce Investment Board’s Workforce Indicators Report, both available for download on OCBC's website.
Dr. Walrod's research is playing a key role in shaping Orange County’s economic future. Don't forget, as an OCBC member benefit, he can help you with your company's research needs. Please inquire by email for more details.
Have YOU joined OCBC yet? Click here for membership details.
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Bon Voyage to OCBC’s Captain of Communications
OCBC sadly wishes a fond farewell to its Director of Communication, Danielle Bates. Her newly-wed husband, Dustin, has been relocated to North Carolina for a lucrative advancement and to be close to family there. Danielle set the bar to new heights for OCBC in her all-too-short tenure, helping advance the board’s agenda with the best of communications practices, writing, electronic and media coverage.
We will miss her but know her skills, integrity, work ethic, and wonderful sense of humor will assure her success in all future endeavors. God bless you, Danielle! Thank you for everything.
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2008 Economic Forecast Conference: Save the Date!
The housing market? Employment trends? Inflation? Oil prices? Global warming and economics? We’re all wondering, what does 2008 have in store for Orange County? In response, OCBC and Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics will host the 2008 Economic Forecast Conference, presenting a multi-perspective view of the latest economic issues and trends. Save the date -- Monday, October 22, 2007!
Special thanks to our title sponsor, US Bank, as well as our forecast sponsors, Chevron and the Client Advocate Network. Click the EFC banner captioned below for more details, including sponsorship opportunities.
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Workforce Development
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CSUF Ranked 2nd in Hispanic Grads in California, 6th in Nation
Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education recently ranked Cal State Fullerton second in the state and sixth in the nation for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded to Hispanic students, as reported in the magazine’s “Top 100." Hispanics constitute 27 percent of Cal State Fullerton’s population of approximately 35,000 students. The university awarded 1,343 bachelor’s degrees to Hispanics in 2006. This is very important as Orange County’s demographic trends show a growing need for well-educated young people from all ethnicities to fill the well-paying jobs soon to be vacated by an aging workforce of retiring “boomers.”
CSUF has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2004.
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Boeing Bid Could Generate 4,000 California Jobs
The Boeing Company recently announced that Californians will fill more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs if the company is selected to build the U.S. Air Force’s new tanker aircraft fleet. Governor Schwarzenegger was quick to issue an accompanying letter of support for a Boeing win.
“Boeing has a long, proud history in the Golden State," said Ron Marcotte, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing Global Mobility Systems. "If we have the privilege to build the next generation tanker for the Air Force, California will be an important partner." The economic activity generated in California will exceed an estimated $175 million annually. Click here to read the full press release.
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High School, Inc. Gets New Executive Director
The Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce recently named Jack Oates Executive Director of High School Inc. High School, Inc. is a market-driven, real-world institution located at Valley High School in the Santa Ana Unified School District. The schools merges hard- and soft-skills learning into critical thinking that connect new technologies with practical applications that offer its graduates the choice to seek employment, more education, entrepreneurship, or all of the above.
The newly refurbished Santa Ana Valley High School will reopen on schedule this fall, opening its doors to High School Inc. and the class of 2011 on August 30. For more information on High School Inc, contact info@highschoolinc.com.
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Infrastructure
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Anaheim Becomes the First Wireless City in the Nation
The Business Council extends its congratulations to the City of Anaheim, a long-time OCBC member, for pioneering the way and becoming the country's first wireless city. The city officially launched its Municipal Wi-Fi Broadband Network, providing inexpensive, high-speed Internet access for the city's residents, businesses, visitors, and municipal employees. Read all about it...
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CELSOC Honors OCBC Members
OCBC President and CEO, Lucy Dunn, emceed CELSOC's Second Annual Awards Banquet on May 24, while Supervisor Bill Campbell awarded honors to two OCBC members. Tim Psomas of Psomas Engineering received a proclamation from the County of Orange honoring his service to the engineering profession and the community. The City of Anaheim, represented by Mayor Curt Pringle, was honored
as Client of the Year. Click here to view photos from the event courtesy of Supervisor Campbell's office.
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Membership
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SCE Launches New Website for Business
Southern California Edison's Economic and Business Development Team proudly unveiled its newly reworked website in late May. The new site's reorganized content is directed to at-risk and growing businesses, offering them new information about the programs, products and services companies need to thrive in today's competitive environment. OCBC was proud to be listed among SCE's regional Southern California partners along with a link to our website.
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Bank of America Names New California State President
Bank of America announced yesterday that Janet Lamkin, currently President and CEO of the California Bankers Association (CBA), will rejoin the bank as California State President, effective June 25, 2007. To learn more, download the full press release. Congratulations, Janet!
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Meetings & Events
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Committee Meetings
June 2007
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Friday, June 8, 2007 |
Latino Educational Attainment Committee, 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
Thursday, June 7, 2007: Second Annual Orange County Zero Waste Business Conference
Did you know that reducing your waste stream can add dollars to your bottom line and improve your corporate image? Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the most important business environmental conference this year, “Zero In On Zero Waste: Don't Let your Bottom Line Go to Waste,” hosted by the Earth Resource Foundation. Discount registration for all OCBC members. Register today!
Saturday, June 9, 2007: Fluor Job Fair
Looking to expand and strengthen its Orange County workforce, the Fluor Corporation is pleased to announce its upcoming job fair this Saturday.
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. Only 250 seats available, so reserve yours today!
Monday, June 18, 2007: HOB Talent Showcase 2007
The House of Blues, Downtown Disney hosts the Business Industry Association's Talent Showcase 2007. Many acts are already confirmed, including the William Lyon Homes' rock band The Yes Men, featuring the talented vocals of OCBC President and CEO, Lucy Dunn. You won't want to miss it!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007: Women’s Transportation Seminar Monthly Meeting
The Women's Transportation Seminar, a non-profit organization designed to promote opportunities for women in the transportation industry, invites you to attend its monthly meeting. The guest speaker will be John F. Barna, Executive Director, California Transportation Commission (CTC).
Thursday, June 28, 2007: Regional Biotech/Pharmaceutical Forum Hosted by PhRMA
OCBC is the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America's (PhRMA) local partner in bringing you this So Cal biotech/pharmaceutical forum with special guest speakers, The Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles, and Billy Tauzin, President and CEO, PhRMA.
Thursday & Friday, July 26-27, 2007: OC Fair Cattle Drive--Sponsors wanted!
As a special treat for families of all ages, this year's Orange County Fair will feature a cattle drive. That's right, dozens of cows will be driven down streets in the heart of Orange County. Sponsors wanted!
For more information about any of these events, click the "DETAILS" link below.
[DETAILS]
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