Senator George Runner, pictured at right, briefed attendees of OCBC’s Government Affairs Committee meeting on November 16 on key issues facing the legislature in the current special session, and looking ahead to 2008. 

On water, Runner suggested that “California does not have a water shortage, but a water conveyance challenge,” and discussed efforts to incorporate conveyance and necessary fixes to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as part of the current discussions on water.

Reports out of Sacramento over the weekend indicate that Governor Schwarzenegger and Senate Pro Tem Don Perata are nearing compromise for a $10 billion water bond for the February ballot, though speculation persists that partisan disagreements over financing and oversight may yet scuttle the efforts of the special legislative session.

OCBC continues to advocate for a bi-partisan comprehensive solution addressing longstanding issues regarding water storage and solutions to the state's most urgent needs.  Among these are investment in local water supply projects throughout the state, and as indicated by Senator Runner, restoration to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and conveyance of the water in the Delta—the single most important link in California’s water supply system. 

OCBC Investors enjoyed the final Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast of 2007 last week, presented by

Speaking to Tom Phelps of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, Lamkin illuminated her own career path, which began on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. where she worked in the offices of California Representative Norm Shumway and later Senator Paula Hawkins of Florida.  She would go on to serve as Vice President and Director of Federal Government and Public Affairs for the California Bankers Association (CBA), where she later served as President and CEO.

Lamkin returns to Bank of America, where she previously spent a decade in between her tenures at the CBA.  “Bank of America prides itself on having a philosophy of corporate philanthropy,” said Lamkin, who spoke of a corporate culture at BofA that reflects many of OCBC’s core values, including promoting workforce development and advocating for an adequate supply of housing for young families. 

Bank of America, which recently re-branded itself as “Bank of Opportunity” is set to donate $1.5 billion to nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the quality and vitality of their neighborhoods over the next 10 years.  Lamkin noted how locally the bank recently tabbed $1 million to aid the victims and first responders of the Southern California wildfires.

Lamkin also outlined the company’s considerable efforts to promote “green” business practices and conservation efforts.  Bank of America launched a $20 billion program this year aimed at financing companies creating low-emissions technology, lending money for green building projects and creating the ability for customers to trade carbon credits.

Special Honoree -- Chris Anderson, long time CEO and Publisher of the OC Register -- SAVE THE DATE!

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

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy named The Boy Scouts of America, Orange County Council as the 2007 Conservator of the Year at a luncheon held November 16.  This prestigious award is presented annually to an individual, business or organization that promotes the ideals of environmental conservation or the work of the Bolsa Chica Conservancy.

OCBC President and CEO Lucy Dunn presented Simple Green the 2007 “Friend of the Conservancy” award recipient.  Dunn, pictured at left with Simple Green President Bruce FaBrizio, was herself the 2006 recipient of this honor.  In presenting the award, Dunn spoke of Simple Green’s efforts in preserving the Bolsa Chica wetlands, managing and supporting clean up efforts throughout Orange County, promoting environmental conservation and promoting science-based education.

Les Card of LSA Associates chaired the OCBC Infrastructure Committee meeting on November 13, where new Transportation Corridor Agencies' CEO Thomas Margro discussed the importance of an engaged business community in advocating for large infrastructure projects.  Margro, formerly of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) agency related how his own experience in the Bay Area positions him well to lead TCA in its current efforts to complete the 241 Toll Road and other critical expansions of the county's infrastructure. 

“The fate of Foothill South will ultimately be decided by people outside the county,” said Margro, referring to both the federal hurdles the project faces, as well as the upcoming Coastal Commission hearing set for February 14 in San Diego.

Senator Tom Harman endorsed completing the final segment of the 241 last week, joining a long list of local, state and federal elected officials who—like OCBC—contend the 241 is a critical component to regional transportation plans.  For a complete list of supporters, visit the Foothill South website.

Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle, the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and the City of Anaheim hosted the "2007 Next Generation of Anaheim’s Emerging Business Sectors" conference last week at the Anaheim Marriott.  The event was held to discuss and understand the future of business throughout the city of Anaheim and beyond.

OCBC President and CEO Lucy Dunn served on a panel discussing the "Shaping of Anaheim's Future” including Ben Seybold, of CB Richard Ellis, John W. Jacobsen, of White Oak Associates, Jack Stewart of CA Manufacturing & Technology Association and Dr. Phillip J. Romero, Dean of the Charles H. Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon.

The panel discussed key workforce development issues in Orange County and the nation at large, including the challenges faced by companies seeking the talent necessary to grow and sustain their business. 

The Association of Fundraising Professionals held the 22^nd Spirit of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon, Tuesday, November 13, where First American Corporation received the Outstanding Business award for their philanthropic contributions.

OCBC Congratulates Rutan & Tucker LLP.  Seven partners of the Costa Mesa law firm were named in a list of Best Lawyers in America 2008, released by Best Lawyers--the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.  Its annual report is the result of exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers.

Congratulations to Rutan & Tucker for this impressive honor.