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FEATURED STORIES
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2008 Community Indicators Report Now Available!
The 2008 Community Indicators publication was unveiled at a sold out OC Forum event last week, and is now available for download at OCBC's website!
Since 1999, the Community Indicators project has tracked over 50 indicators to measure overall quality of life and significant trends in Orange County, from the economy to education. The Indicators is an example of the strong partnership that the Children and Families Commission of Orange County has forged with the business community and government to bring critical issues affecting the community.
The Indicators was presented at OC Forum's annual "State of the County" luncheon, which included presentations by OCBC's President and CEO Lucy Dunn, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors John Moorlach and Steve PonTell, President of the La Jolla Institute. After a presentation on county government efficiency presented by Supervisor Moorlach, these three panelists (pictured above) discussed the Indicators' 2008 findings. Some of the areas emphasized in the report include:
- Employment growth in Orange County is strong, salaries are rising across all sectors.
- Orange County’s cost of living is second highest amongst similar regions in California.
- Expensive housing continues to push home prices and rent out of reach for many.
The panel focused heavily on the issue of housing supply across Orange County, and how its still unaffordable cost of home ownership is contributing to an array of social and economic strains on the region. "We cannot continue to grow and sustain Orange County without increasing the overall supply of houses," said Lucy Dunn. "We risk driving our young people out of the county and state if we aren't willing to accommodate their dreams of owning a home."
This sentiment was echoed in an Orange County Register piece focused on the Indicators report last week, read the full article here. The County of Orange also has a powerpoint presentation outlining the Indicators' key findings.
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OCBC Maintains Support for Boeing as Best Option for
Key Defense Contract
OCBC strongly disagrees with Pentagon’s recent decision to award a contract for its next generation military aircraft to Northrop-Grumman and its partner, the French company EADS. This story has made national news and OCBC strongly contends that The Boeing Company was the better choice to build this new fleet of air refueling tankers.
In a letter addressed last week to Orange County’s Congressional delegation and Senators Boxer and Feinstein, OCBC enumerated the reasons why, from a business perspective, Boeing’s proposal was a superior option in terms of both technical capability and economic impact for American taxpayers. These include a final product that is more versatile and efficient, and one that would be manufactured by a skilled workforce employed by Boeing right here in Southern California. View OCBC’s letter here.
The Orange County Business Council stands ready to support Boeing now that it has chosen to appeal this decision. Boeing’s proposal is the best solution to give our military the flexibility it needs to be effective anywhere in the world, give our troops abroad the strength they need to keep us safe, and propel needed investment in the economy and workforce at home.
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This Thursday -- "The State is in the Red,
How Can Cities Stay in the Black?"
OCBC and the Orange County Division, League of California Cities are forging a new partnership to ensure the mutual ongoing prosperity of cities and businesses across Orange County. Join us Thursday, March 13 at the Wyndham Orange County in Costa Mesa for an evening discussion on how business and local government can be partners in prosperity. The event will feature a presentation by State Controller John Chiang, followed by a panel moderated by OCBC's Lucy Dunn, with special guests Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman, Assemblyman Jose Solorio, Chris McKenzie, Executive Director of the League of California Cities and Robert Spencer, Principal Consultant for the Willdan Company.
Register online or contact OCBC's Michelle Hart for more information.
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OCBC Praises Governor's New Action Plan
to Secure California's Water Supply
OCBC applauds Governor Schwarzenegger for his recent leadership in calling upon the legislature to continue working with his Administration and the bipartisan Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force to address the mounting crisis facing the state's water supply and delivery. California must build a comprehensive plan for reliable water delivery that addresses the economic, environmental and safety issues at hand in a cost effective, timely manner.
In a detailed letter to the state's legislative leadership dated February 29, the Governor delineated comprehensive actions his administration would be commencing immediately, including environmental review for a water conveyance system to Southern California and statewide water usage reduction.
OCBC stands ready with the Southern California business community to support the Governor's ongoing leadership on water issues. We are particularly pleased to see steps now being taken to implement solutions of significance.
As the Governor said himself: "It's time to secure a safe, clean and reliable water supply for the next generation of Californians."
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Join Us: One Voice, Two Capitols --
OCBC Travels to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento
The first of OCBC's annual advocacy trips is fast approaching, as the business council prepares to lead a delegation of business leaders to Washington D.C. April 16 - 18. OCBC is proud to announce that the Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union has agreed to be the exclusive title sponsor for this year's trip. This DC program will highlight Orange County issues including: banking and finance, infrastructure, healthcare, housing and workforce development. The expanded 2008 program also includes exclusive opportunities to meet with top congressional leaders and figures from the administration. Registration deadline is March 23 -- Register online today!
OCBC will also lead a trip to Sacramento June 10 - 12 to meet with key legislative leaders on issues including healthcare, infrastructure and other key business priorities. Don't wait to register! Contact OCBC's Vice President of Government Affairs Kris Murray for more information.
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Workforce Development
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Education Summit Pushes Need for Workforce Housing,
New Focus on Math and Science Training
What are the state's top educators and business leaders calling for to boost the state's competitiveness? As OCBC itself is saying, housing and educational programs focused on science and math were the subject of the Orange County Department of Education’s “Education Summit 2008” held February 28 at the Irvine Marriott. OCBC Director of Workforce Development Alicia Berhow attended this year’s conference, themed “Education – The Key to Global Competitiveness.” The conference featured presentations on Orange County’s economy and how education will shape the future of the state’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Paul Folino, Chairman and CEO of Emulex noted “Technology spending is expected to grow 5 to 7 percent across California in the next year,” adding that “Emlux itself will need as many as 1,500 new engineers over the next decade. We want to find them here in California, but are being forced to find them out of state.” OCBC’s own Workforce Indicators report indicates that the number of engineering degrees awarded to American students has been in decline for over a decade.
Orange County Superintendent of Schools Bill Habermehl tied the issue of workforce housing into the days discussion, noting “Orange County is a tough place to hire and retain teachers because of the lack of affordable workforce housing.”
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Investor Spotlight
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Governor Schwarzenegger Supports Key SDG&E Project
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has endorsed San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E) proposed Sunrise Powerlink transmission line. If approved this summer by the California Public Utilities Commission, this transmission line will provide San Diego residents with direct access to renewable energy sources including wind, solar and geothermal.
This project will help SDG&E to meet state requirements that 20 percent of their energy from clean, renewable resources. Visit SDG&E’s website or read the letter from Governor Schwarzenegger for more on Sunrise Powerlink, its potential routes and how it will aid the state in meeting its goals for renewable energy.
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Upcoming Events
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How Will AB 32 Affect Your Business?
A joint meeting of OCBC’s Infrastructure and Legal Affairs Committees on April 8 will deal with implementation of AB 32, the sweeping environmental legislation passed last year in Sacramento. Sponsored by Vulcan Materials, the forum will be titled AB 32: Requirements, Challenges, and Opportunities, and will take place from 7:30 -- 9:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency, Irvine.
Included in the discussion will be regulatory and litigation updates concerning AB 32, as well as new mandates it prescribes for Greenhouse gas emissions and reductions.
OCBC is pleased to offer attendance at this forum at no cost to all OCBC members. Cost to non-members is $45 for the session, which will include breakfast. Please direct inquiries and all RSVP’s to Matt Prince.
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Support KOCE's Quality Programming and
Educational Services
Join KOCE-TV’s 1st Annual Lifestyle Raffle to benefit KOCE-TV Public Television! Each $100 ticket earns you the chance to win a 2008 BMW M6 Cabriolet Convertible or one of 30 big-screen Panasonic 42” Plasma HDTVs. All proceeds go to benefit KOCE-TV’s quality programming and educational services.
Enter today! For more information visit www.koce.org.
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Committee Meetings
March 2008
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Friday, March 14 |
Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee,
9:00 a.m. |
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Tuesday, March 18 |
Health Care Committee, 10:00 a.m. |
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Wednesday, March 19 |
Workforce Development Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
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Thursday, March 27 |
Community College Working Group, 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
Innovation, Education and Changing World of Work
Wednesday, March 19
The Orange County Department of Education and Arts Orange County sponsor a community conversation with Daniel Pink, author of the best selling work "A Whole New Mind, Why Right-Brainers will Rule the Future." Event is at the Irvine Marriott Hotel, register online.
CHOC Follies XI
March 13, 14 and 15
Benefiting Children's Hospital of Orange County the 11th production of the CHOC Follies returns to Chapman University's Memorial Auditorium -- this, after a special invitation from Chapman President Jim Doti. The CHOC Follies has netted over $3 million for the Children's hospital to date, and OCBC urges all friends of the hospital to attend this wonderful event. Visit www.chocfollies.org.
Investing in California’s Future
Tuesday, March 25 -- A stronger California through strategic investments
The OC Forum hosts California’s State Treasurer Bill Lockyer at a luncheon discussing the wise and prudent investment of taxpayers’ money. Visit the OC Forum website for more information, or to RSVP call 949-588-9884 or email OrangeCoForum@aol.com.
The Boys & Girls Club 2008 Annual Gala
Saturday, April 19 -- Honoring Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim is pleased to announce the 2008 Make A Difference Gala Honoree is Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle. This black tie event benefits the Motel Kids Outreach Program. For more information Contact 714.491.3617 ext. 105 or email judy@theboysandgirlsclub.org.
Spring Forward: Cheers to Saint Joseph Ballet
Wednesday, April 23rd
Wine connoisseurs and art lovers are often one and the same. It is no surprise then, that one of Saint Joseph Ballet’s most popular events is its 2008 Spring Forward fundraiser. Space is very limited, so make your reservation today! RSVP to Susan McIntyre at 714-541-8314 x24 or Susan@SaintJosephBallet.org.
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