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FEATURED STORIES
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From OCBC
With this final 2007 edition of the OCBC Indicator, and on behalf of the entire OCBC staff and esteemed Board of Directors, here is wishing you safe and joyful holidays -- and all the best in 2008. The Indicator will resume publishing on January 8.
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SCAG Fails in its Own Report Card;
OC Register OpEd Quotes OCBC
The Orange County Register’s Steven Greenhut authored an OpEd over the weekend, “Planners Find Southland a Hell on Earth,” in which he responds to the atrociously low grades issued to the county’s economy and quality of life as issued by its own regional planning authority, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). In the piece, Greenhut suggests “it might be wise to look more closely at the nature of SCAG and how it arrived at its conclusions,” a sentiment OCBC heartily supports.
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OCBC to Appear on Cox Forum Highlighting 2008 Business and Economic Trends
OCBC Vice President of Research Dr. Wallace Walrod and Communications Director Robb Korinke will appear on Cox Forum January 3 to discuss the Southern California regional economic outlook for 2008. Among the topics discussed will be the housing market, employment growth and economic development. Dr. Walrod will draw on his extensive expertise and research completed in OCBC’s Inaugural Workforce Housing Scorecard, Workforce Indicators and other OCBC publications as he and Korinke discuss the diverse and vibrant economy of the nation's fifth largest county. Visit the Cox Forum website for additional information on the show and upcoming topics.
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Governor and Speaker Nunez Have a Plan for Healthcare But is it Consistent with OCBC's Principles?
One year after Governor Schwarzenegger declared 2007 “the Year of Healthcare” Speaker Fabian Nunez’s AB1X passed Monday afternoon by a vote of 45 to 31 and is headed to the Senate for debate. The vote comes amidst a flurry of activity surrounding the proposed legislation, and details are still emerging regarding the exact parameters of the bill and particularly the financing of the proposal.
[FULL STORY]
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241 Toll Road at a Crossroads
The so-called “Davis Amendment,” opposed by OCBC and which poses serious threats to the completion of the Foothill-South 241 Toll Road, cleared a Federal House-Senate conference committee last week and is now part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
In response to this development Lance MacLean, chairman of the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, released a statement noting “The potential for delays due to Ms. Davis’ amendment will consign millions of Californians to more time in gridlock, more time away from their families, and more time stuck in the morass of exhaust, rubber and steel.”
[FULL STORY]
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Reserve Your Seat Today --
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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Help Your Employees Return to Work After a Disaster
Lucy Dunn Facilitates Discussion on Disaster Recovery.
What is the impact of a disaster on employees? What issues are important to employees and what steps can be taken to improve work attendance after a disaster? These and other questions were addressed at the OC Forum’s “411 on Disaster Recovery” event December 5. OCBC President & CEO Lucy Dunn delivered opening remarks and facilitated a discussion on how employers can be a resource for their workforce in the event of a disaster.
[FULL STORY]
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BIZPAC Elects Mark Gaughan as 2008 Chairman and Hosts Supervisor Janet Nguyen
A busy week saw BIZPAC, OCBC's business issues PAC, sponsor a breakfast for the Honorable Janet Nguyen, First District Orange County Supervisor, and appoint a new chairman, Mark Gaughan of The Gas Company. Gaughan succeeds Tom Mays of Pacific Life Insurance as BIZPAC Chairman. Mays served for six years as Chairman of BIZPAC, and though he continues to serve on its board of trustees, his contributions cannot be recognized enough.
As the PAC continues to build momentum and advance the priorities of the business community, OCBC expressed deep gratitude for Tom's time and dedication. He is joined on the board of trustees this month by new member Wylie Aitkin, founding partner of the law firm Aitken * Aitken * Cohn. OCBC would like to also recognize the great contributions of Craig Hardwick of Adorno, Yoss, Alvarado & Smith, who respectfully resigned from the board after three years of service.
BIZPAC was honored to host Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen at a December 12 breakfast. Speaking to a group of business leaders and BIZPAC trustees, Supervisor Nguyen outlined her top three priorities for Orange County including housing, education and infrastructure -- all issues closely aligned with OCBC's own key priorities. For more information on future BIZPAC events, please contact OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs, Kris Murray.
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Workforce Housing
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Save the Date! January 22 State Housing Director Explores Permanent Funding for Affordable Housing
OCBC will participate in the first of seven sessions being conducted across the state to address the possibility of a permanent funding source for affordable housing in California. Conducted by Governor Schwarzenegger’s Director of Housing and Community Development, Lynn Jacobs, the information gathered in these sessions will be used to make recommendations to the Administration regarding a course of action on this critical issue.
Director Jacobs’ expressed hope is to engage the broader business and education community, to ensure all voices and all potential approaches are voiced and on the table. OCBC contends that a diverse housing market is critical to the long-term success of Orange County. A broad spectrum of housing products needs to be made available to residents to ensure the ongoing success of the local economy, and as such OCBC is proud to partner with Director Jacobs on this issue.
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Workforce Development
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Governor Appoints Orange County Resident to Community Colleges Board
This morning Governor Schwarzenegger announced the appointment of Robert "Bobby" McDonald to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Since 1998, McDonald has served as president and executive director for the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County. OCBC heartily congratulates McDonald, who has been a great friend of the business council and will make an outstanding member of this board.
Community Colleges are a critical part of developing a diverse workforce fit to take on the demands of a rapidly evolving economy, in Orange County and beyond. OCBC is committed to working with the Board of Governors and Community Colleges across Orange County to ensure these vital links in the education chain are kept strong.
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C3 Forum Addresses Orange County’s
Computer Industry
The Orange County Workforce Investment Board in partnership with Orange County Business Council, OCTANe, and American Electronic Association addressed workforce needs of the Orange County hardware and software industry last Wednesday at the C3 Forum and Job Fair.
OCBC’s own Dr. Wallace Walrod together with other industry and education experts discussed critical issues facing the workforce needs of the Orange County Hardware and Software Industries, including innovative solutions to meet employers' needs, public awareness of computer industry careers, employment barriers facing high technology workers, and improving the effectiveness of post-secondary institutions. Dr. Walrod is pictured at right with Josh Williams of BW Research in Carlsbad and Andrew Munoz of the Orange County Workforce Investment Board.
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OC Forum Concludes 2007 Executive Leadership Series
For the past 14 years, the Orange County Forum has showcased the Executive Leadership Series, “where leaders on the rise learn from leaders at the top.” This exclusive series, offers a candid and up close discussion with seven prominent community, business and civic leaders acting as mentors for the best and brightest in Orange County.
[FULL STORY]
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Upcoming Events
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Hong Kong Links with Orange County Businesses
The Hong Kong Association of Southern California and Invest Hong Kong invite you to “Hong Kong – Your Best Partner and Risk Manager in China,” a luncheon with speaker Mike Rowse, Director-General, Invest Hong Kong, HKSAR Government, an agency of the Hong Kong Government which is responsible for foreign direct investment.
This luncheon offers great opportunities to companies and executives who interested in doing business in Hong Kong, China and Asia. There will be no costs to the guests, but are requested to RSVP. The luncheon is taking place on Friday, February 1, from 12:00 until 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine. For more information or to RSVP, contact Renee Ma at 213.622.9446.
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Committee Meetings
January 2007
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Tuesday,
January 8 |
Infrastructure Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
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Friday,
January 11 |
Latino Educational Attainment, 9:00 a.m. |
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Wednesday,
January 16 |
Workforce Development Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
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Thursday,
January 24 |
Community Colleges Committee, 3:00 p.m. |
All meetings are at OCBC's main offices, unless otherwise indicated. Please also view OCBC's Master Calendar.
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Community Events
Orange County Marathon
Sunday, January 6
Join thousands of other community-minded runners and walkers at the OC Marathon, beginning at Newport Center before crossing into Irvine towards the finish line. Pledges to benefit eleven local children’s charities through Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK). Call (949) 222-3327 for more information.
Threats and Challenges Ahead – US National Security
Tuesday, January 29 -- World Affairs Council Orange County
The World Affairs Council will host Dr. John Gannon, Former Chairman of the National Intelligence Council in a discussion on US Security. Gannon has served in the most senior analytical positions at CIA and in the Intelligence Community, including Deputy Director for Intelligence (DDI) at CIA, Chairman of the National Intelligence Council and Assistant Director of Central Intelligence for Analysis and Production. Visit the World Affairs Council website for more information on this and other upcoming events.
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