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FEATURED STORIES
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Chairman Steve Lenzi Charts Course for 2008 --
OCBC Board Approves Strategic Plan
OCBC held its annual strategic planning retreat last Friday, presided over by incoming OCBC Chairman Steve Lenzi of the Automobile Club of Southern California. Together with outgoing Chairman Dan Miller of The Irvine Company, the OCBC staff and Board of Directors outlined the organization’s key goals and programs for 2008.
As the cornerstones of its workplan moving forward, OCBC will remain focused on providing maximum value to its investors through advocacy on its three top initiatives: improved infrastructure, preparing tomorrow’s workforce and increasing the supply of workforce housing. In addition, the board recommended further work on economic development and healthcare reform as well as enhanced efforts for marketing members’ goods and services.
A summary of OCBC's 2008 goals will be published in its Annual Report "Getting Results," to be distributed at the organization's January 29 Annual Dinner. Among the many initiatives OCBC will pursue in 2008 are continued leadership of the transportation coalition OCMoves, expansion of existing educational partnerships and the release of the “American Dream Toolkit,” a follow-up to 2007’s inaugural Workforce Housing Scorecard.
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Vote Feb 5: OCBC's Recommended
Positions on Statewide Ballot Propositions
Just two weeks remain until the state primary election, and a number of statewide Propositions that will affect California’s economy and business climate are before the electorate. OCBC’s board of directors has approved the following positions on these initiatives, click here for full OCBC analysis on each proposition, or contact OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs Kris Murray for more information.
Proposition 91 - Transportation Funding: No Position
Proposition 92 – Community College Funding: Oppose
Proposition 93 – Legislative Term Limits: Oppose
Propositions 94, 95, 96, 97 – Tribal Gaming Referenda: Support
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OCBC Selected by County to Research
Economic Development Strategy
OCBC has been selected by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to partner with the County of Orange to research and develop a compressive economic development strategy for Orange County. Building on the Business Council’s strategy for promoting economic prosperity, this project will include extensive research into past and present economic and workforce conditions to understand and identify specific areas in which county resources can best promote economic development.
This is an exciting opportunity for OCBC to engage with the county government and positively impact the business climate throughout the region. Stay tuned for further updates, and please contact OCBC Communications Director Robb Korinke for more information.
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Your 2008 Business Strategy --
Preparing for a 2008 Economic Downturn
Many respected economists and investment firms are now openly forecasting a recession for the U.S. economy in 2008. Using data obtained from forecasts prepared by the Centers for Economic Study of Chapman University and California State University Fullerton, OCBC member HBLA Certified Public Accountants, Inc. has released a “Response Check List” to help firms prepare for a year anticipated to bring economic challenges.
Reprinted here with permission of HBLA, this detailed document gives step by step instructions for evaluating management, fiscal and strategic policy within your organization. This is a highly instructive resource, and many thanks go to HBLA for sharing it with OCBC's audience.
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One Week Until OCBC Annual Dinner
"The Road Ahead" Featuring 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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Governor Lends Support to 241 Completion!
Governor Schwarzenegger has come out in support of the completion of the 241 Foothill South Toll road. In a letter to the California Coastal Commission last week, the Governor highlighted the critical need for this project as well as its completion of stringent environmental reviews over a 20 year period. OCBC has been a forceful proponent of the 241, and praises the governor for stepping in at a crucial time as the project heads before the Coastal Commission in just two weeks.
The 241 is a key element of Orange County’s long range infrastructure, and represents the only viable relief for the I-5 corridor where traffic is expected to increase by as much as 60% over the next 20 years. It is critical that the business community stand with the Governor and be heard in support of this project. Visit www.relievetraffic.org, or contact OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs Kris Murray for more information on the project and how to lend your support at the upcoming Coastal Commission meeting.
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Governor's Healthcare Financing
Ballot Measure Under Attack
With the Governor and Speaker Nunez’s healthcare financing proposal headed to the Senate for hearings this week, and new opposition to the healthcare funding initiative from a number of fronts, including the California Medical Association and the California Hospital Association, it is clear there is a long way to go before any substantive reforms are realized on this issue. To discuss the current course of this debate, OCBC President and CEO Lucy Dunn will speak at a California State Fullerton forum this Friday: “California Healthcare Reform: How Will it Affect My Business?”
Dunn will center her remarks on OCBC’s key principles for healthcare reform in California, including a final solution that maintains and improves business and economic competitiveness; maximizes free market options and choices; minimizes mandates upon employers, insurers, and providers; recognizes that there is a role for governments at all levels; and expands the availability of affordable health care coverage for all citizens.
Presented by Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics, this panel is also scheduled to feature Dave Hirz, President of Food 4 Less and Kerri Ruppert, Senior VP and CFO for Children’s Hospital Orange County.
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OCBC's BIZPAC Sponsors Reception for Tom Harman
OCBC's BIZPAC is sponsoring a breakfast for the Honorable Tom Harman, California State Senator for the 35th District on Friday, February 15. Please view the full invitation here.
OCBC and BIZPAC are honored to support Senator Harman. For more information or to RSVP for the event, please contact OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs, Kris Murray.
Breakfast Reception for the Honorable Tom Harman
Friday, February 15, 2008
7:30am – 9:00am
Orange County Business Council
2 Park Plaza, Suite 100
Irvine, California 92614
Ticket Costs:
Individual - $250
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Join OCBC Today on the Road Ahead
Save the Date -- OCBC Advocacy Trips to Sacramento and Washington D.C. Scheduled
OCBC's annual advocacy trips have been scheduled for 2008, and your participation is needed to advocate on behalf of Orange County! OCBC staff and leadership will lead delegations of business leaders to Washington D.C. April 14 - 18 and to Sacramento June 9 - 11 to meet with key legislative leaders on issues including healthcare, infrastructure and other key business priorities. Save the Date and contact OCBC's Kris Murray for more information.
Join an OCBC committee today to maximize your involvement in the dialogue shaping these key issues.
View the complete list of committees, or contact Matt Prince for more information.
Not an OCBC member? Contact Vicki Blaser, OCBC Director of Investor Relations.
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Infrastructure
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Business Leaders Tour Critical Water Source
OCBC President and CEO Lucy Dunn and Vice President of Government Affairs Kris Murray participated in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California-sponsored educational inspection tour of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta on January 10 and 11. The two-day trip of the California Business Leaders Coalition included an up-close look at the main hub of California's water supply. The Delta is an increasingly scrutinized element of the state's water infrastructure, most notably due to the recent US Federal District Court ruling to shut down Delta pumps that pose risks to the Delta Smelt, a tiny fish protected under Endangered Species Act.
OCBC member, the law firm of Latham & Watkins, LLP has issued a Client Alert on this issue, reprinted here with their permission and enumerating the manifold impacts this decision will have on the state's water supply -- including the mandated cut-back of 1/3 of Southern California's fresh water supply. For more information, contact Paul Singarella, Esq., of Latham & Watkins, at 714 755-8168; or Kris Murray at 949-476-2242.
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Japanese Officials Visit OC to Discuss High Speed Rail
OCBC’s Vice President of Government Affairs Kris Murray will attend a seminar outlining the development and history of the Japanese “Shinkansen” high speed rail system on January 30. This 1,500 mile network connects major cities on Japan’s most populous islands and has been in operation since 1964.
This event presents a unique opportunity to meet key representatives of Japan Railways and the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport to discuss potential economic and mobility benefits and whether such a system is feasible in the state of California.
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Workforce Housing
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Affordable Housing Forum Set for February 1
State Housing Director to Seek Business Guidance
on Permanent Funding Solutions
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. The event will take place February 1 at the Irvine Hyatt, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. For more information on this event please contact OCBC Director of External Affairs Michelle Hart.
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Workforce Development
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Dr. Walrod Highlights Workforce Issues
at Events Throughout OC
OCBC Vice President of Communications and Research Dr. Wallace Walrod continues to speak throughout Orange County, and beyond, on the issue of workforce development and the importance of developing a diverse, “fit” workforce that meets the needs of the rapidly evolving and expanding Orange County economy.
On January 9, Dr. Walrod was the keynote speaker at the South Orange County Community College District Chancellor’s Opening Session, held at the newly opened Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center and attended by over 200 district faculty and staff. Utilizing the findings of OCBC’s Workforce Indicators Report, Dr. Walrod illustrated the changing demographics of the county, as well as the dire need for students skilled in science and math curriculum.
Dr. Walrod echoed these comments at an Orange County One-Stop Center forum geared toward the Bio-Technical industry on January 17, and will speak next week to the Orange County United Way Tocqueville Society. Dr. Walrod will continue to engage the business, academic and governmental communities on these educational issues as part of OCBC’s commitment to educating and building skills for the workforce of tomorrow.
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LEA Program Profiled in OC Register!
The Latino Educational Attainment (LEA) program was profiled in the Orange County Register last week. OCBC is a proud partner with the Orange County Department of Education, the Orange County Register and others in cultivating LEA and advancing its goals of improving the involvement of Latino parents in their children's education, a key driver of student success at all levels of the educational process.
Read the Orange County Register piece here and also visit OCBC’s LEA page.
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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 -- February 2008
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Thursday,
January 24 |
Community Colleges Committee, 3:00 p.m. |
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Friday,
January 25 |
Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
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Friday,
February 1 |
Latino Educational Attainment Meeting, 9:00 a.m. |
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Tuesday,
February 12 |
Infrastructure Committee Meeting, 7:30 a.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
OC Forum Hosts U.N. Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez
Thursday, January 24 -- Fighting World Hunger
As United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies in Rome, Gaddi Vasquez leads a team comprising the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, that works to build bridges between Washington and Rome and to maintain the best stewardship of America’s aid to feed the hungry. Reservations may be made by email OrangeCoForum@aol.com or please visit the OC Forum website for more information.
Your Life, Your Wealth, Your Legacy
Saturday, January 26
Are you achieving your desired lifestyle? UCI's Paul Merage School of Business hosts a one-day conference on "Preserving your lifestyle, growing your wealth and extending your legacy." Hosted by Dean Andrew Policano at the Center Club in Costa Mesa. To register or view event details, please click here.
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 www.worldaffairscouncil.org for more information on this and upcoming events.
Preparing California's Future Workforce
Thursday, February 7
The OC Forum presents Chancellor of the California State University, Charles B. Reed in a discussion on the future of California's workforce. Reed is the chief executive officer of the country’s largest senior system of public higher education, and will discuss the impact of the state budget on the CSU system and the future of education in California. Email OrangeCoForum@aol.com for more information.
International Trade and Investment
Monday, February 11 -- Featuring His Royal Highness Prince Andrew
OC Forum, The British American Business Council of Orange County and the World Affairs Council of Orange County present His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, The Duke of York in a discussion on international trade. Email OrangeCoForum@aol.com by Noon by February 1 for more information.
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