The Orange County Business Council led a distinguished delegation of business leaders and public officials to Washington, D.C. last week to advocate for the county’s highest priorities affecting the economy, infrastructure, workforce housing and workforce development. 

Sponsored by the Schools First Federal Credit Union (formerly known as the Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union), the trip covered all three branches of government including a private tour of the U.S. Supreme Court.  Participants briefed congressional leaders and members of the Bush administration on the Business Council’s efforts to stimulate economic development and preserve a high quality of life throughout Southern California. 

Among the highlights of a packed itinerary was a private briefing with the Orange County’s own Chris Cox, Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (pictured above with the OCBC delegation).  Chairman Cox highlighted his efforts to streamline financial reporting for publicly traded companies and better integrate both accounting standards and regulation in an era of global capital markets and international securities exchanges.  

Steinberg discussed his key priorities as incoming Senate Pro Tem, including what he termed as the “wholesale reform of secondary education.”  The Senator spoke on the lack of skills in the state’s workforce, particularly in the areas of math and science, and called for the state to “tie reforms to the 21st Century economy.”

Steinberg also outlined the centerpiece of his current legislative package, Senate Bill 375.  This proposed legislation connects land use and AB 32 implementation by requiring the 18 metropolitan planning organizations across California to show that their future planning scenarios will result in a reduction in carbon emissions.  Senator Steinberg believes his bill provides incentives that will result in better regional planning.  OCBC has joined with a coalition opposed to SB 375, supporting local control of land use decisions.  However, Senator Steinberg urged us to continue to work with his office on appropriate changes to the bill.

The second of OCBC’s 2008 Two Capitols, One Voice trips is just around the corner.  Register now and join OCBC in Sacramento to advocate for Orange County in the State Capitol June 10 - 12.  Participants will meet with state lawmakers, members of the Governor’s administration and other decision makers on issues including education, health care, housing, transportation, and water. This year, the program will also include a special series focused on the "Third House," where Sacramento's most prestigious lobbying firms will provide their outlook on major issues.

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.

The Orange County Public Affairs Association (OCPAA) will host “Playing on a Global Stage” Wednesday, May 7, Featuring OCBC’s Lucy Dunn as Moderator, OCBC’s board member from Segerstrom & Sons, Paul Freeman, a Pakistani Election Observer and Eileen Padberg on Iraqi Women and Democracy. 

Paul Freeman will share his experiences in Pakistan this past February, when voters there rejected religious extremists and the US-backed government.  Eileen Padberg spent 22 months in Iraq helping Iraqi women obtain jobs and build businesses to strengthen a fledging democracy.  Freeman and Padberg’s stories will offer unique insights into America’s role in a rapidly changing world.

“Playing on a Global Stage”

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

11:30 am Reception | 12:00 Noon Luncheon

Costa Mesa Hilton | 3050 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa

$40 OCPAA members | $45 non-members & guests

Thirty-two Orange County high school seniors competed in the finals of Bank of America’s 60th annual Achievement Awards program, a rigorous half-day oral and written competition to recognize outstanding high school students.  The awards ceremony was held April 15 at the Paradise Pier Hotel in Anaheim, and covered four general study areas: applied arts, fine arts, liberal arts and science and mathematics.  A full list of the winners can be found here.

Jamboree Housing Corporation will use Earth Day as an opportunity to break ground on the Diamond Apartment Homes, a new GreenPoint Rated quality, affordable housing community in the City of Anaheim.  Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle and Lisa Kalustian, Chief Deputy Director for Governor Schwarzenegger’s Los Angeles office will be on hand Tuesday, April 22 at 11:30 a.m. at the future site of the homes.

Diamond will be home to 25 families who earn between $22,320 and $30,120 (less than 30% of the area median income). All units include Energy Star appliances and are part of a compact design community with shopping, medical services, employment opportunities and schools nearby.

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.