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FEATURED STORIES
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Getting Orange County Off the “D” List!
You’ve heard about the famous “bridge to nowhere” and Washington earmarks -- special funding for projects -- that are questionable at best.
But did you know:
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Orange County is a donor county (in a donor state) to the federal government?
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Orange County gets just 92 cents for every $1 paid in gas taxes.
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Orange County is a gateway for 43 percent of the cargo entering the U.S.
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Orange County received less federal project funding than surrounding counties.
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Orange County is on the "D" list for this region's transportation report card.
In short, Orange County is paying for other states' roads – other states' earmarks -- other states' "bridges to nowhere!" This is important as Congress is about to develop a new federal authorization for the next round of highway projects. Help OCBC help Orange County get its fair share and get moving.
OCMoves is a collaboration of business leaders, public agencies, elected officials and community representatives dedicated to improving regional transportation infrastructure and securing our fair share of state and federal dollars. Visit the OCMoves website today or contact Kris Murray for more information.
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Where Does OCBC Stand on the
November Ballot Propositions?
OCBC's Board of Directors has taken official positions on many of November's statewide ballot initiatives. OCBC considered each measure on the November ballot and took positions on those anticipated to have direct and measurable impacts on business and the state economy. The following table outlines the Business Council's positions, for full analysis on all the measures, click here.
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Proposition |
Title |
Position |
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1A |
Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act – Amended by AB 3034. |
Support |
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2 |
Regulations on animal confinement practices |
Oppose |
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3 |
Children’s Hospital Bond Act |
No Position |
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4 |
Parental notification before minors obtain abortions |
No Position |
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5 |
Treatment for youth; rehab and shorter parole for nonviolent adult drug offenders |
No Position |
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6 |
Increase crime prevention programs, harsher penalties on crime |
No Position |
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7 |
Promotes use of alternative fuels |
Oppose |
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8 |
Eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry |
No Position |
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9 |
Laws governing treatment crime victims and parole procedures |
No Position |
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10 |
The California Alternative Fuels Initiative |
Oppose |
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11 |
Voters First Act: Redistricting |
Support |
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12 |
Veterans' Bond Act of 2008 (Housing) |
Support |
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Just My Opinion...
By Lucy Dunn
Four months of posturing, phony deadlines and political theater has finally yielded a budget upon which the Governor and the legislature might agree -- and one that absolutely no one likes.
Republicans wouldn't raise taxes, Democrats wouldn't go for a real spending cap and both appear to have gotten their wish. But where does this leave California? Its economy? Its future? In a word -- a mess.
Let's start, however, with what the budget does do. It incorporates many key priorities, including fully funding public education and protecting most local government revenues. Perhaps most importantly, a signed budget will allow the businesses and workers who have endured the long budget impasse without their paychecks to get back on track.
All of this was accomplished with no new taxes. No small feat, and legislative Republicans should be applauded -- with a clear understanding that the show isn’t over. It’s only intermission...
[FULL STORY]
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Meet Your Business' Technology Needs with
OCBC and Toshiba Direct
OCBC members receive big discounts on Toshiba electronics!
If you or your company need televisions, laptops, projectors, digital video recorders and more, then Toshiba Direct's new website is your place for great discounts from one of the world's leading electronic companies.
Contact OCBC Communications Director Robb Korinke for your secret password and instructions on logging into the store.
OCBC gives special thanks to Chris Harrington, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development Manager for Toshiba and OCBC's Vice Chair of Workforce Development, for bringing this opportunity to the Business Council and its membership.
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OCBC Testifies on Behalf of 241 Toll Road
OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs Kristine Leathers Murray advocated for the completion of the Foothill South 241 Toll Road at the U.S. Department of Commerce hearing held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds yesterday. Attended by more than 600 advocates for and against the project (with many more outside the hearing room), the hearing was a follow-up to the one held by the California Coastal Commission earlier this year.
“The completion of the 241 is essential to alleviate existing and future gridlock on Interstate 5 and to keep the Southern California economy moving,” said Murray. She added: "This project is vital to the creation of jobs and long term stability of the business climate in Southern California and the business community strongly urges its completion."
The Department of Commerce can override the Coastal Commission Commissions’ blockage of the project if they deem it significantly furthers the national interest, or if there is no viable alternative to the proposal. Of the 42 coastal development appeals filed with the Department of Commerce since 1983, the federal government has overridden state decisions 14 times, five of those in California. For more information visit the project website here.
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OC Sheriff Discusses Her Goals, Philosophies
at Chairman's Leadership Breakfast
How did OC’s new Sheriff get her start in law enforcement? What is her leadership philosophy and what are her plans for the Department?
These and other questions were answered at OCBC’s Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast with OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchins September 15. Sponsored by Rutan and held at the Center Club in Costa Mesa, Sherriff Hutchins appeared before an audience of over 80 business and community leaders. Interviewed by OCBC past Chairman Tom Phelps of Manatt, Hutchins discussed her background in a law enforcement family and broad and impressive background as both a manager and law enforcement officer.
Read what the Sheriff had to say on OCBC's website.
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Tomorrow!
Workforce Conference Explores Industry,
Demographic Trends
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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Workforce Housing
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New Program Launched to Add Foreclosed Homes to County’s Affordable Housing Inventory
The Orange County Housing Trust, in alliance with the Neighborhood Housing Services of Orange County, has launched a program to purchase foreclosed homes, refurbish them if necessary, and return them to the county’s housing stock as affordable rental or for-sale housing.
Glenn Hayes, Neighborhood Housing Services Executive Director, said the program, dubbed “Home Again,” has already purchased five homes through auction and is in the process of refurbishing them. He said the homes are being offered for-sale to qualified buyers or may be available on a rent with option to purchase basis.
"We have more than 100 qualified homebuyers who have graduated from the Neighborhood Housing Services first-time homebuyer education classes who are potential buyers of these homes as well as other foreclosed homes we expect to purchase in the future," Hayes said. "We believe recycling these homes as affordable housing is certainly better than having them sit empty and slowly deteriorate."
[FULL STORY]
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Upcoming Events
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What's in Store for the OC Economy in 2009?
The financial market? Oil prices? Housing market? Employment trends? Inflation?
We’re all wondering – what does 2009 have in store for Orange County?
The 2009 Economic Forecast Conference is presented jointly by the Orange County Business Council and Mihaylo College of Business and Economics at California State University, Fullerton.
Please join us for keynote speaker Dr. Anil Puri, economist and Mihaylo College Dean, with guest speaker Joseph Otting, Vice Chairman of U.S. Bancorp.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Hyatt Regency Irvine | 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
17900 Jamboree Road | Irvine, CA 92614
Online Registration | Print Registration | Sponsorship Opportunities
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Committee Meetings
September -- October 2008
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Thursday,
September 25 |
Community College Working Group, 3:00 p.m. |
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Friday,
October 3 |
Latino Educational Attainment, 9:00 a.m. |
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Tuesday,
October 14 |
Infrastructure Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
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Wednesday,
October 15 |
Workforce Development Committee, 7:30 a.m. |
All meetings are at OCBC's main offices unless otherwise indicated. Please also view OCBC's Master Calendar.
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2008 Urban Adventure Badge Bash is October 10
Join OCBC President and CEO Lucy Dunn and Patricia Diaz Dennis, Assistant Vice Counsel for AT&T, for the 2008 Urban Adventure Badge Bash, benefiting the Girl Scout Council of Orange County. Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens serves as Guest of Honor, leading guests through "adult Girl Scout badge" tests in activities such as: sushi rolling, wine tasting, blackjack, golf putting, dancing and more!
“As a Girl Scout, I learned the importance of honesty, courage, fairness, personal responsibility and community service," says Hutchins. "These values, core to Girl Scouting, are vitally important attributes for everyone, especially for today’s leaders.” For information on Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Sue Burns at 949.461.8827.
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Community Events
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.
Orange County Auto Show -- First Look
Wednesday, October 1
Enjoy an exclusive look at the 2009 OC Auto Show, including music, cocktails and sneak peak at the latest models, concept cars and other exotic automotive treats -- all while benefiting Children's Hospital of Orange County. Attendees will also have a chance to win a 2 year lease on an Audi A4. Sign up online at www.chocallguildsevent.org.
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
U.S. Congressman John Campbell
Thursday, October 9
A champion of civil justice reform and the former target of baseless litigation, Congressman John Campbell will discuss his experiences in Washington with the Orange County Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse. Campbell is a businessman whose car dealership was frivolously sued for having gasoline on the premises. While in the California Legislature, he opposed the "Sue Your Boss" legislation, and he now says Congress is even worse than Sacramento. For reservations and information please call: (714) 259-8400.
Crime Survivors 5k Run Walk Health and Safety Expo
Sunday, October 11
Join Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens for awareness, prevention & survival while getting some exercise at the same time. The non profit organization, Crime Survivors, Inc. (Crime Survivors) will be hosting its 5th Annual Run Walk - Health & Safety Expo. Corporate and nonprofit Booths and Teams are available. 5K participants can call the (949) 872-7895 or log onto www.crimesurvivorsrunwalk.org to register.
British-Style Debate
Wednesday, October 15
The United States is in Jeopardy of Losing its Position as the World’s “Number One” Economy to the Euro-Based European Economy. Join the World Affairs Council, British American Business Council and the OC Forum for a "British Style" debate on the issue with Moderator Baroness Collingtree Jill Knight. Visit the World Affairs Council website for more information.
Attorney General, Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown
Wednesday, October 15
Join the OC Forum for an lunecheon with Attorney General Jerry Brown. Former Governor Brown will discuss his current duties as Attorney General and the "State of California -- Department of Justice." Visit www.ocforum.org for more information.
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
Network Orange County
Wednesday, November 12
The Irvine Chamber has hosted Network OC since 2001 and has attracted upwards of 800 attendees offering hundreds of networking opportunities. All Orange County Chambers are invited to participate at no cost. Contact Linda Benjamin at 949-660-9112 extension 111.
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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