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FEATURED STORIES
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Just my Opinion...
Nibbling Around the Edges of the Housing Crisis
Congratulations to the Los Angeles Business Council! Friday they held their seventh annual Mayoral Housing Summit and released the Executive Summary of their first-ever Workforce Housing Scorecard, which analyzes the jobs-housing balance in each of Los Angeles County’s 88 cities. The conference drew many of the county’s political rock stars -- Villaraigosa, Cisneros, Garcetti, Zaroslovsky, Baca and others -- to share the results.
I am very proud of LABC’s work for our big sister to the north -- America’s largest county to our own fifth largest. Orange County Business Council’s 2007 Inaugural Workforce Housing Scorecard was LABC’s inspiration. OCBC’s own Dr. Wallace Walrod led a top team of researchers for both LA’s and OC’s scorecard, and produced some staggering results...
[FULL STORY]
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Sweeping Housing and Transportation Legislation on Governor's Desk
Incoming Senate Pro Tem Darrel Steinberg's SB 375 has been approved by the legislature and is headed to Governor Schwarzenegger. Many of the state's leading business and transportation advocates -- including the California Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Chamber, Orange County Council of Governments, Orange County Division of League of California Cities, and Orange County Transportation Authority -- remain opposed to the far-reaching legislation that proposes to condition local transportation funding on state directed land-use planning and policies, challenging traditional local control of land use decisions.
Senator Steinberg has worked to reach a compromise with key stakeholder groups over the past several months. Still, OCBC remains opposed to his bill.
Of concern to OCBC is SB 375's potential impacts on long-term funding of state and local transportation, delaying litigation, and additional environmental studies for voter-approved transportation projects already underway. For more OCBC analysis on SB 375, visit OCBC’s website.
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Register Now!
Workforce Development Conference September 24
The Orange County Business Council, in partnership with the Orange County Workforce Investment Board, present the 2008 Workforce Development Conference. Sponsored by Wells Fargo and the Fluor Corporation, This annual forum brings business and workforce-education leaders together to cultivate a workforce fit for an increasingly interdependent and competitive global economy.
In addition to keynote speaker Ron Whittier, co-founder of Tech Futures, the Conference features the unveiling of the 2008 "Workforce Indicators Report" by OCBC's Dr. Wallace Walrod. All attendees will receive a copy of this groundbreaking study!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Anaheim Marriott
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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Where is California Headed When a Quarter of
High Schoolers Drop Out?
Did you know that nearly a quarter of California's high school students dropped out last year? What kind of future do these young adults have to look forward to, and where will businesses find the employees they need?
OCBC President and CEO Lucy Dunn weighed in on this unsettling statistic in an Op-Ed to the Orange County Register last week. Citing the Business Council's focus on workforce development, including its work with the Latino Educational Attainment initiative, Dunn issued a call to action for parents, educators and the business community.
Read what she had to say here.
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OCBC's Research Leading the Way
Utilizing data from the recent update of OCBC’s Workforce Housing Scorecard and the impending release of the 2008 Workforce Indicators, OCBC’s Vice President of Research Dr. Wallace Walrod will address a number of groups in the coming weeks on the state of the economy in Orange County and beyond.
Dr. Walrod will address the Southern California Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives at its 2008 Professional Development Conference September 25, and the California Apartment Association’s Knowledge Conference on October 23 in Costa Mesa
For more on Dr. Walrod and OCBC’s innovative research into economic and demographic trends in Orange County, visit OCBC’s Research Center.
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There's a New Sheriff in Town!
Join OCBC Sept 15 for the Chairman's Leadership Breakfast
Join the Orange County Business Council as the Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast Series continues with newly elected Orange County Sheriff, Sandra Hutchens. Presented by Rutan and Tucker, LLP, this edition of the Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast is an opportunity for OCBC Investors to hear past OCBC Chairman Tom Phelps of Manatt interview the new sheriff in a candid, no-holds barred format.
Register here or for more information contact Matt Prince at 949.794.7221.
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Infrastructure
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SDG&E Responds to CPUC Inquiry on
Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Line
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has announced an inquiry regarding the proposed routes for the San Diego Gas & Electric’s Sunrise Powerlink transmission line, an “energy superhighway” capable of handling the electricity needs of over 650,000 SDG&E customers. Though the project has already withstood three years of review, the CPUC is now questioning whether SDG&E adequately disclosed all possible routes for the transmission line.
Watch this video from SDG&E Chief Operating Officer Mike Niggli outlining the meticulous steps undertaken by SDG&E in clearly defining all proposed routes throughout the review process.
OCBC stands together with Governor Schwarzenegger and the California Energy Commission in support of this key project. The Sunrise Powerlink remains a critical project for Southern California, and a key component of SDG&E’s long term power strategy. To learn more about Sunrise Powerlink, visit the project website.
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The Business Perspective on Water
OCBC President and CEO Lucy Dunn authored a guest editorial in the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) weekly newsletter last week, discussing the Business Council's position on water issues and highlighting numerous Orange County projects working to secure this vital resource.
Among the projects identified by Dunn are the Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System and Poseidon Resources' proposed desalination plant in Huntington Beach. Read the full article on OCBC's website.
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Healthcare
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Just What Are Obama and McCain's Plans
on Health Care?
Where do Obama and McCain come down on health care? What are the candidates' specific plans?
OCBC Vice Chair of Government Affairs Ron DiLuigi of St. Joseph Health System outlined the candidates' differing platforms in the Orange County Register last week. DiLuigi notes that "Although Obama and McCain do not discuss health care much on the campaign trail, both have very specific -- and different -- ideas on this issue."
Wondering yourself what each candidate would do to fix health care in America? Read the full article here.
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Workforce Housing
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Jamboree Housing Breaks Ground on
Monarch Pointe Affordable Housing
OCBC President and CEO Lucy Dunn presided over the grand opening of OCBC member Jamboree Housing’s Monarch Pointe Apartment Homes August 26.
“Monarch Pointe and properties like it help to build three core initiatives desperately needed in Orange County and throughout the state: infrastructure, workforce development and affordable housing. The last two are the lynch pin for success,” commented Dunn. “Without high-quality affordable housing like Monarch Pointe, Orange County would be losing more and more of its middle class.”
As the first opened property conceived under Anaheim’s Neighborhood Improvement Program, Monarch Pointe has set a high standard for the affordable housing projects to come. Visit Jamboree Housing’s website for more information.
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Upcoming Events
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Apply Now for the 6th Annual Flex Your Power Awards
Applications Due October 10!
Businesses, organizations and public agencies across California are taking steps to save energy and reduce operating costs, and we think this hard work deserves recognition. Flex Your Power is seeking applications for its 6th Annual Flex Your Power Awards to highlight the achievements of California businesses focused on saving energy.
Award winners will be highlighted in a special online advertising campaign, recognized at Flex Your Power’s annual awards ceremony, and showcased in a number of other venues. If your company or organization is taking steps to reduce energy use, apply today for a Flex Your Power Award. Among last year's winners were OCBC members Allergan, Inc, Edwards Lifesciences, Kaiser Permanente.
Learn more about the awards and submit your application online no later than October 10, 2008.
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Committee Meetings
September 2008
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Friday,
September 12 |
Advocacy and Government Affairs, 9:00 a.m. |
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Tuesday,
September 16 |
Healthcare Committee, 10:00 a.m. |
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Wednesday,
September 17 |
Workforce Development Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
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Thursday,
September 25 |
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
Senior Job Fair
Saturday, September 13
The City of Irvine is hosting its second annual Senior Job Fair on Saturday, September 13th, 2008. It will take place at the Lakeview Senior Center from 8:30am to 12:30pm. There will be two enrichment workshops to work on resume writing and interview techniques. For more information please call (949) 724-6808 or visit www.irvineseniors.org.
Leaving Your Legacy
Tuesday, September 16
“Leaving Your Legacy … How Will Your Story be Written?” is the subject of a September 16 evening workshop sponsored by Cal State Fullerton’s Family Business Council. Douglas K. Freeman of IFF Advisors Inc. will discuss how great families create great legacies; how families can remain productive, competent and connected through the generations; and how to determine the legacy business leaders want for themselves and their families. Contact Mike Trueblood, director of the Family Business Council, 714-278-4182 for more information.
United Way Women's Summit
Friday, September 19
Join the United Way for its 1st Annual Women's Summit, where you'll have the opportunity to participate in discussions with local academic, non-profit, corporate and government leaders on the issues facing women and girls today. Event is set for Friday, September 19 at the Allergan Auditorium in Irvine. Click here to register.
The Future for EU and US Economic and Political Relations
Friday, September 26
The World Affairs Council of Orange County presents Ambassador John Burton, European Union Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission to the United States and Former Prime Minister of Ireland. Burton will discuss "The Future for EU and US Economic and Political Relations.” Visit www.worldaffairscouncil.org for more information.
2008 Komen Orange County Race for the Cure
Sunday, September 28
The Susan G. Komen 2008 Komen Orange County Race for the Cure will take place at Fashion Island in Newport Beach September 28, raising significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Since its inception in 1992, the Race for the Cure in Orange County alone has raised more than $18 million in the fight, and last year it brought more than 30,000 people to Newport Beach. Funds raised during the Komen Race for the Cure Series support the vision of a world without breast cancer. For more information visit www.komenoc.org or call 714-957-9157.
Innovation, Globalization and Green Conference
October 1 and 2
AeA and Orange County Innovation present the “Innovation, Globalization and Green Conference” October 1-2. The event will discuss “The three most powerful concepts driving business today,” bringing business leaders and experts together to share strategies on green innovation and the worldwide marketplace. Keynote Speakers include Andrew Winston, Co-Author of “Green to Gold” and Deborah Wince-Smith, President of the Council on Competitiveness, a premier national group of CEOs, university presidents and labor leaders committed to driving U.S. competition. For more information visit www.ocinnovation2008.com
Rancho Santiago Community College District - Chancellor’s Ball
Friday, October 24
The eleventh annual Chancellor’s Ball, “By the Light of Lanterns,” will be a celebration of diverse Asian cultures. Since 1998, the black tie optional event has raised nearly $650,000 to support student scholarships and programs at Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College. The 2008 Chancellor’s Ball is slated for Friday, October 24 from 6 to 11 p.m. in the Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom. For information on sponsorships or to RSVP, contact (714) 480-7450 or visit www.rsccd.org
Orange Chamber of Commerce Election Wrap Up
Friday, November 21
The Orange Chamber of Commerce partners with OCBC and business interests from across Orange County for an election wrap-up. Ken Khachigian, a veteran of nine presidential campaigns, six of them at senior strategic and staff levels, keynotes. Khachigian is widely quoted in state and national newspapers and news magazines, and has appeared as a political analyst on all three major broadcast networks, Fox News, MSNBC, the News Hour with Jim Lehrer, CNN’s Capital Gang, Inside Politics and Larry King. Click here for more information.
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