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FEATURED STORIES
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Governor’s Special Session on Water is Critical to Southland’s Future
OCBC is actively working with its regional partners in Los Angeles, San Diego and the Inland Empire during Governor Schwarzenegger’s Special Session to encourage a comprehensive water package, addressing longstanding issues regarding water storage and solutions to the state’s most urgent needs. Among these are fixing the water infrastructure in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and investing in local water supply projects throughout the state.
OCBC strongly contends that a fair distribution of resources -- based upon regional population and economic activity -- will be the key to OCBC and other Southern California business groups’ support of the final bond language.
OCBC views the unsustainable water supply infrastructure in the Delta as the single most important obstacle to maintaining a reliable, high-quality and environmentally sustainable water supply.
The Governor’s current proposal includes $9 billion for new dams across the state and improvements to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a critical water source for the entire state. With 60 percent of California’s population in the southern half of the state, it is critical that adequate infrastructure is in place to transport water from north to south, and that the storage facilities for this critical resource are adequate and equipped to deal with a constantly growing population.
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Workforce Development Conference Explores Future of Orange County’s Workforce
OCBC in partnership with the Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB), yesterday hosted the 2007 Workforce Development Conference, sponsored by Wells Fargo. The event included a keynote address delivered by Wing Lam, Founder and CEO of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, who outlined his view of corporate social responsibility and the importance of a strong, skilled workforce. The conference also featured the unveiling of OCBC’s 2007 Workforce Indicators report, a comprehensive analysis of the Orange County Workforce presented by Dr. Wallace Walrod, OCBC Vice President of Research and Communications.
[FULL STORY]
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Is the Sky Falling for Orange County Real Estate?
OCBC’s Vice President of Research, Dr. Wallace Walrod, has authored an OpEd titled “Is the Sky Falling for Orange County Real Estate?” which is featured in this week’s Orange County Business Journal. A reprint of the article is available by clicking Full Story…
[FULL STORY]
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Coastal Commission to vote October 11
on 241 Toll Road Completion
A major milestone for the completion of Orange County's Toll Road System is coming up. The California Coastal Commission will vote on the final segment of the 241 Toll Road (Foothill-South) at the Commission's October 11 meeting at the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor in San Pedro.
The Coastal Commissioners need to hear from YOU - the motorists who use the Toll Roads. The Transportation Corridor Agency is asking for letters of support and for supporters to attend Costal Commission hearing. Visit their website for more information and if you are interested in attending the hearing, which begins at 9:00 a.m. on October 11, please call the Transportation Corridor Agencies: (949) 754-3417.
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OCBC Board Welcomes Presentation on The Great Park
The OCBC Board of Directors met at the Center Club the afternoon of September 13, and received an update on the progress of the Irvine Great Park, presented by Great Park Conservancy Chairman Michael Ray and Great Park boardmember Peggy Goldwater Clay. Together, they illustrated the Conservancy’s vision for the Great Park to be one of the world’s greatest metropolitan parks (current plans project it 1.5 times the size of New York’s Central Park).
As the meeting continued, led by OCBC Chairman Dan Miller of The Irvine Company, OCBC staff and committee chairmen delivered updates on OCBC’s strategic initiatives and communications.
Among other items discussed were the Governor’s call for a special legislative session for healthcare and water issues – both issues OCBC is actively engaged in. The Southern California Automobile Club’s Steve Lenzi also outlined ways his organization is building public awareness of transportation issues through its Westways Magazine.
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Presidential Candidate Huckabee Meets with OCBC
OCBC’s Lucy Dunn attended a private meeting with Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee last week. Huckabee, Arkansas Governor and second-place finisher in last month's Iowa straw poll, spoke in OCBC's conference room to business and opinion leaders, where he outlined his thoughts on border control, the war in Iraq and energy independence.
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Chapman’s Jim Doti Wows
the Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast
 Orange County Business Council Investors were treated to another outstanding Chairman's Leadership Breakfast last week -- featuring Dr. James L. Doti, President of Chapman University. Sponsored by Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, the Waltos Group, and moderated by Tom Phelps of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, OCBC Investors participated in a candid interview and interactive dialogue that was both entertaining and enlightening. Among Doti's many remarks, he suggested the state's real estate market may be facing a long recovery -- up to five years in his estimation.
[FULL STORY]
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OCBC’s Wallace Walrod to Examine Economic Outlook for Orange County
OCBC’s own Dr. Wallace Walrod will be speaking on Wednesday, September 26, to the Consulting Engineering and Land Surveyors of California (CELSOC). Dr. Walrod will present his research on economic and industry cluster trends in Orange County and their potential influence on CELSOC members.
For more information on the event email celsoc@seabreezemgmt.com.
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Infrastructure
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OCBC's Own Kris Murray Appointed
to Anaheim Public Utilities Board
Congratulations to OCBC’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Kris Leathers Murray, on her newly appointed seat with the Anaheim Public Utilities Board. She joins OCBC alumni Jordan Brandman, of Michael Brandman Associates, and the five others appointed to the commission by the Anaheim City Council.
Anaheim Public Utilities is a publicly-owned, not-for-profit electric and water utility that is responsible for delivering high quality, economical electric and water utility services to residents and businesses in the City of Anaheim. The Board on which Murray will serve provides leadership and advisory to the City Council on matters associated with municipal utilities throughout Anaheim.
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Workforce Development
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Support OC’s Youth with ‘Monkey Business’
Hart Community Homes, a local non-profit organization, takes initiative in responding to the workforce development issues in Orange County with impacting life skills programs.
By creating the Monkey Business Café, Hart Community Homes gives youth an opportunity to gain marketable job skills and develop the necessary personal skills to find, keep and excel in a job. At the end of the 90 day program each youth will have a bank account, resume and job placement within the community.
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High School Inc. Grand Opening Tomorrow
The official grand opening of High School Inc. is taking place tomorrow at Valley High School in Santa Ana. High School Inc. – a joint venture of the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Department of Education and OCBC – is a market-driven, approach to connecting students with technology and entrepreneurial thinking.
Representatives from the City of Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, and the Santa Ana Unified School District, as well as OCBC’s Director of Workforce Development, Alicia Berhow, will be in attendance at the Grand Opening – where a model rocket will be launched as a testament to the lofty goals and expectations for this program.
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Investor Spotlight
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St. Joseph Health System Receives Global Honors
Congratulations to OCBC investor St. Joseph Health System (SJHS), who received the Gallup Organization’s 2007 Great Workplace Award. The honor is awarded to only 12 organizations from 100 countries around the world. The global accolades are given to those organizations who demonstrate a productive and engaging environment for employees.
“To say we are honored to receive this award is an understatement,” said Deborah Proctor, president and CEO of St. Joseph Health System. “The credit goes to our employees for their commitment to our mission, vision and values.”
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AAA Helping Californians on 'The Road Ahead'
The Southern California Automobile Club has launched a new website, “The Road Ahead,” to better assist its members and others to stay informed about transportation issues in California. With emphasis on the 13 southern California counties, the site offers an easy and effective advocacy tool for interested parties to contact elected officials to express their views about the importance of transportation improvements in maintaining a high quality of life. Visit today!
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Idea Hall Expands to LA
Idea Hall is happy to announce the launch of new offices in downtown Los Angeles. The Orange County public relations and marketing agency has tabbed Marcie Perez, recently director of public relations for Tu Ciudad Magazine and Dennis Kaiser, formerly of the Arizona firm Off Madison Ave, as Idea Hall Vice Presidents to head the new office and serve clients and “carry the Idea Hall banner from the ‘310’ to the ‘213.’”
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Upcoming Events
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2008 Economic Forecast
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 title sponsor, US Bank, as well as forecast sponsors, Chevron, Southern California Edison and the Client Advocate Network. Click here for sponsorship opportunities.
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Committee Meetings
October 2007
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Thursday,
October 4 |
Economic Forecast Committee, 8a |
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Friday,
October 5 |
Latino Educational Attainment Working Group, 9a |
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Tuesday,
October 9 |
Infrastructure Committee Mtg., 7:30a |
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Wednesday,
October 9 |
Healthcare Committee, 11a |
Click "DETAILS" below for more information. You may also view OCBC's Master Calendar on the web.
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Community Events
BIA Women's Council of Orange County - "Divine Table of Hope"
Thursday, October 11 - Fundraiser Benefiting Women Helping Women
The Building Industry Association Women's Council of Orange County is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Women Helping Women (WHW), an expanding non-profit association advancing women's issues. For more information contact the BIA at 909-396-9993.
OCForum Presents "A British Style Debate"
Tuesday, October 23 - Reception followed by Dinner and Debate.
Americans hold presidential elections on a specified date every four years. British national elections are held at least every five years, but at a time selected by the current Prime Minister. This go-around, elections for President and Prime Minister are likely to occur within months of each other. Join a panel moderated by Rick Reiff of the Orange County Business Journal for a discussion on what we can learn from each other. Call OC Forum at 949-588-9884 for details.
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