OCBC President and CEO Lucy Dunn participated in kick-off meetings for a pair of new statewide advocacy groups in recent weeks, California Forward and the Regional Economic Association Leadership--REAL Issues Coalition. 

California Forward is led by Southern California Automobile Club CEO Tom McKernan, former Congressman Leon Panetta and other influential leaders devoted to strengthening the responsiveness and efficiency of California government. California Forward announced its first policy priorities at meeting in Sacramento March 26: improving basic fiscal decision making in the Capitol and turning legislative redistricting over to an independent citizen’s commission.

McKernan said California’s communities and regions cannot reach their goals without fundamental changes to how the government operates.  “For California to meet the challenges in health care, public safety, education, the environment and economic development, government will need to change how public decisions are made and how public dollars are spent.”

Dunn returned to Sacramento on April 2 to attend the inaugural meeting of the Regional Economic Association Leadership—REAL Issues Coalition.  Dunn joined group co-founder, Carl Guardino, President and CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, as well as Bill Allen, President and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, Ruben Barrales, President and CEO of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, Matthew Mahood of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, Jim Wunderman of the Bay Area Council, and other business leaders representing over 11,000 businesses and millions of employees across the state.

Prior to her work at OCTANe, Signorino was the Director of Public Affairs for Conexant Systems, Inc., where she established the Public Affairs department responsible for the community relations and legislative affairs activities.

The Orange County Business Council is making final preparations to lead its delegation of Orange County business leaders and public officials to Washington, D.C. next week.  The Washington D.C. Advocacy Trip is generously sponsored by the Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union.

OCBC has organized a focused agenda to maximize its impact on this trip.  Meetings are scheduled with key congressional and administration officials on priority business issues including Banking and Finance, Infrastructure, Workforce Development and Workforce Housing.  Look for an update on these meetings in the April 22 edition of the Indicator.

Join OCBC in Sacramento June 10 - 12

The second of OCBC’s 2008 Two Capitals, One Voice trips is just around the corner.  Register now and join OCBC in Sacramento to advocate for Orange County in the State Capitol!  The trip will include:  

• A welcome reception with award-winning political columnist Dan Walters.
• Luncheon in the Governor's private conference room with key members of the Schwarzenegger Administration.
• Private reception with Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle.
• Legislative dinner with lawmakers and high-ranking state officials.
   
  

State Treasurer Bill Lockyer spoke at the OC Forum’s monthly luncheon March 25.  Lockyer addressed key issues including the state’s economy and needed reforms to the state’s budgetary process and education system. 

“As Treasurer, I am always seeking the best deal for California’s businesses and taxpayers,” said Lockyer, who also presented the case for a unified bond rating system for both corporations and government.  The Treasurer also promoted a “rainy day fund” for the state budget, a plan currently being championed by Governor Schwarzenegger as part of his Budget Stabilization Act. 

The event will focus on successful programs, opportunities, and case studies of projects that increase and preserve affordable housing in Orange County and throughout Southern California.  The keynote speakers will be Bill Witte, president of Related of California, and Parker Kennedy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The First American Corporation.  Other presenters scheduled for Summit II include OCBC Vice President of Research Dr. Wallace Walrod, Irvine Mayor Beth Krom, Westminster City Manager Ray Silver, and other experts on housing issues in Orange County.

OCBC Director of Workforce Development Alicia Berhow participated in a forum on Career Technical Education (CTE) convened by Newport-Mesa Unified School District March 27.  Steven Glyer, Director of Ed Tech and CTE for Newport-Mesa USD led the discussion of high school principals, school board members as well as representatives of business and area community colleges on the need for technical education from primary school through the community college level.