|
|  |
|
|
|
FEATURED STORIES
|
Why is Gas So Expensive?
And how will your business fare in a period of skyrocketing fuel costs?
Businesses know the impact of higher fuel costs on everything from prices at the pump to cost of their goods and services. Fuel is the lifeblood of virtually any industry. Transportation costs profoundly affect the bottom of line of any business. So what is the future for fuel costs in California? Some facts:
- California’s gasoline taxes are well above the national average, and cost drivers about 64 cents a gallon.
- California is a “fuel island” and has no pipelines linking it to petroleum or crude oil supplies. This means all fuel must be imported in tankers, which are costly, slower and more prone to accident.
- California has among the most demanding environmental fuel standards in the world. Protecting the environment is a priority, but there are clear tradeoffs in the cost of living and doing business across the state.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports recent surges in oil prices are driven in large part by increasing demand in developing parts of the globe. So what is being done to protect California consumers and businesses while prices skyrocket? Read Tough Questions and Straight Answers About California Gasoline Prices, an issue paper produced by the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA). Special thanks to George Basey of Aera Energy for bringing WSPA's resources to OCBC's attention.
|
OCBC Hosts Attorney General Jerry Brown
Attorney General Jerry Brown joined OCBC the afternoon of May 13 for an informal discussion on key issues facing the business community. The former Governor and Mayor of Oakland shared his insights from a lifetime spent in California government with a small group of OCBC Investors. “The fact is that things were a good deal simpler in a California of 24 million versus today’s state of 38 million,” said Brown.
Brown, who indicated he may be pondering a return to the Governor's office in 2010, cited the increased difficulty of doing business and educating our children as top issues facing the state. Read more about the Attorney General's visit here on OCBC's website.
|
Governor to Reinitiate Health Care Reform Effort
Members of the Governor’s staff conducted a conference call with members of the business industry, local chambers and the health care community this morning. Herb Schultz, Special Advisor to the Governor, announced that next month, the Governor would develop new health care legislation over the next two years with the ultimate goal of 100% coverage for all Californians.
The Governor is taking previous health care reform legislation and “tweaking” it to better conform to the needs of California residents. Read more for the specifics of how the Administration is planning to roll our its proposals.
[FULL STORY]
|
Last Day to Register!
Join OCBC in Sacramento June 10 to 12 for
Two Capitols, One Voice
Register now and join OCBC in Sacramento to meet with state lawmakers, members of the Governor’s administration and other decision makers on critical issues facing the business community. 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.
-
Legislative dinner with lawmakers and high-ranking state officials.
All flights, hotel, meals, materials and sessions are covered in the registration cost for this trip. For more details please contact OCBC Director of External Affairs Michelle Hart.
|
California Budget Update
by Lucy Dunn
Year after year, the governor and legislature grapple to balance a state budget in a system demanding structural reform. This year, the deficit grows to an estimated $14 to $20 billion. Governor Schwarzenegger proposes to balance the budget in what is known in Sacramento as the "May revise" with its centerpiece a ballot initiative reforming the state's lottery in order to maximize its revenue to the state, or, in the alternative, an increase in sales tax. The Governor's newsletter outlining his proposal can be found here.
Budget balancing is not for the faint of heart. Tough adult choices must be made. I urge each of you to try it yourself at www.next10.org and click on "Take the Budget Challenge." I guarantee this exercise will be worth your while. Let me know how you did and what choices you chose to make.
|
Export-Import Bank Board Member Visits OCBC
High level OCBC Investors discussed world markets and the future of the U.S. Economy with Bijan R. Kian, a member of the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) the morning of May 15. Kian, a former lecturer at Cal State Fullerton, met with a small group of high level OCBC investors, and discussed the Ex-Im Bank’s efforts in over 150 countries.
Read more about Kian's thoughts on the economy and the future of the Ex-Im Bank on OCBC's website.
|
Read up on New SEC Disclosure Rules
OCBC Member Rutan & Tucker has shared an analysis on Executive Compensation Disclosure and Recent Section 162(m) Guidance. This is a valuable read for organizations interested in the SEC’s latest addition to its executive compensation disclosure rules.
|
State Supreme Court Rejects Coastal Commission
Challenge to Land Use Deicsion
On May 14, the California Supreme Court sided with OCBC in an important decision protecting local control of land use decisions along the California coast. With the help of member Latham & Watkins LLP, OCBC prepared a “friend-of-court” letter urging the high court to deny a request by the California Coastal Commission to “depublish” a favorable Appellate Court decision protecting the right of local governments to designate "environmentally sensitive habitat areas" (EHSA) with their jurisdiction.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
|
OCBC's Research Leading the Way
|
|
|
|
Infrastructure
|
Transportation Foundation Names Carolyn Cavecche
Elected Official of the Year
Last month the California Transportation Foundation named Carolyn Cavecche, Orange County Transportation Authority board member and mayor of the City of Orange, as Elected Official of the Year.
Cavecche was recognized for her commitment and dedication to enhancing transportation as chairman of the OCTA board. Read OCTA's full Press Release here.
OCBC congratulates Mayor Cavecche for her continued dedication to Orange County. The region is fortunate to benefit from her leadership on transportation and other issues.
|
Bay Delta Conservation Plan Gives Hope to
Southern California
The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) has generously allowed OCBC to reprint the following article authored by MWDOC Director of Public Affairs Darcy Burke.
For water utilities, elected officials, farmers, community leaders, and concerned citizens, the current water supply situation and outlook in central and southern California is grim at best. Given the regulatory drought currently in effect and the promise of more restrictions to come, not a lot of positive outcomes have been identified. But, there is hope -- in the form of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, or BDCP. The purpose o f the BDCP is to help recover endangered and sensitive species (and their habitats) in the Delta in a way that will also provide for sufficient and reliable water supplies.
[FULL STORY]
|
|
|
Healthcare
|
Tomorrow -- Healthcare Summit Addresses
Key Policy Issues
OCBC is joining the Hospital Association of Orange County to present a Healthcare Summit, including a keynote address delivered by Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Weintraub. Weintraub joins speakers including OCBC’s Dr. Wallace Walrod to provide a roadmap for understanding how current legislation, regulation, economics and demographics shape public policy affecting hospitals and our healthcare system.
This summit will take place at the Disney Grand Californian Hotel on May 28. The event is provided at no charge, view full details here. To RSVP, or for more information, contact Trudy Duncan at 213.538.0703.
Immediately following the Summit, the Orange County, Anaheim and Santa Ana Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) invite attendees to join a focus group gathering thoughts and ideas on the needs of the healthcare industry. The focus group will convene for 45 minutes in the same meeting room immediately following the Summit. If you would like to participate in providing direction to help meet the needs of the healthcare industry, please contact Alicia Berhow at aberhow@ocbc.org
|
|
|
Investor Spotlight
|
Former OCBC Chairman Steven Bone
Announces New Firm
Former Chairman of the Orange County Business Council Steven K. Bone has announced the opening of his new firm, S K Bone and Associates, specializing in complex challenges of today’s business opportunities and strategies.
Former President and CEO of The Robert Mayer Corporation, Bone has also been responsible for development, management and financing for a 50-acre master planned resort in Huntington Beach. He was also responsible for development of a multi-state resort company and its initial public offering.
A Columbia Law School graduate, Steve has negotiated iron and oil contracts from Asia, Africa and Europe. He has also worked with public officials to solve environmental challenges and water quality issues. Contact Steven at 949-375-2211 or steve@skboneandassociates.com.
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
Committee Meetings
June 2008
|
Friday, June 6 |
Latino Educational Attainment, 9 a.m. |
|
Tuesday, June 10 |
Infrastructure Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
|
Friday, June 13 |
Advocacy and Government Affairs, 9 a.m. |
|
Tuesday, June 17 |
Health Care Committee, 10 a.m. |
|
Wednesday, June 18 |
Workforce Development Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
|
Thursday, June 19 |
Community College Working Group, 3 p.m. |
All meetings are at OCBC's main offices unless otherwise indicated. Please also view OCBC's Master Calendar.
|
Community Events
The India Trade Seminar
Wednesday, May 28
Quanta Consulting, together with the Port of Los Angeles; TIE; Southern California Edison; USC Marshall School of Business; U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and the U.S. Department of Commerce present the India Trade Seminar at Cerritos College May 28. Organizations with an interest in trading with India, or service companies in the global transportation, financial, legal and trade insurance sectors are encourage to attend. Click here for more information on speakers, the agenda or to register.
The 21st Century Newspaper
Wednesday, May 28
The Orange County Forum will feature the Orange County Register's Publisher Mr. Terry Horne as its next luncheon program speaker tomorrow at the Hilton Irvine. With rising production costs and declining print advertising revenue, the newspaper business is finding innovative ways to transition news delivery in the 21st century. Horne, the new publisher of The Orange County Register, is betting on local zoning, free community newspapers, expanded Web offerings and a quicker-read Register to better serve the changing needs of Orange County readers, online users, and advertisers. Visit the OC Forum website for more details or to register.
Sustainable Leadership
Thursday, June 5
The Orange County Forum will feature Colonel Thomas H. Magness, the Commander of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Colonel Magness was the featured guest of an OCBC Chairman's Leadership Breakfast last December, and is a leader in one of the premier public engineering organizations in the world in the Army Corps of Engineers. Visit the OC Forum website for more details or to register.
Wines of the World Tasting Benefit
Sunday, June 8
The Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce presents its Wines of the World tasting on Sunday, June 8th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at South Coast Village. Proceeds from this event go to the Assistance League of Newport Mesa, supporting their ongoing efforts to supply medical and dental assistance to local youth. Contact Ed Fawcett at (714) 885-9090 for more information.
Spanish Small Business Fair
Saturday, June 14
Santa Ana College of the Rancho Santiago Community College District is putting on a Spanish Small Business Fair June 14. The event is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes free business seminars and a resource fair. Visit the event webpage here.
Economic and Workforce Development Initiatives Mixer
Tuesday, June 17
Rancho Santiago Community College District presents its Economic and Workforce Development Initiatives Mixer. Hosted by the Center for Excellence, the Center for International Trade Development, Small Business Development Center and the Workplace Learning Resource Center, the event takes place from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the RSCCD board room. Call 714.564.5520 to RSVP.
|
|
|
|
