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Contra Costa Council News
The Contra Costa Council is a public policy advocacy organization
that promotes the economic vitality of Contra Costa County and the region.

1355 Willow Way, Suite 253, Concord CA 94520 / phone 925-246-1880 / www.contracostacouncil.com

  August 2008
In This Issue
News & Comment: New green economy study challenges East Bay governments and industry to lead development of clean technology clusters
View from the Chair: Ed Shaffer sees Council's policy-sharing role growing and evolving
Advocacy Action: Coalition urges legislature to "stop the gas tax raid" . . . Council calls for a comprehensive solution to Bay/Delta crisis in comments on water board's workplan . . . Some changes recommended in county's draft Delta Water Platform
Other News, Events & Briefings: Jeff Johnson, Stacey Street, George Opacic and Peter Wilson join Council Board . . . Bob Brown is new Transportation Task Force Co-chair
Task Force Briefings . . . Updates on Council Task Force activities . . . August and September meetings schedule
Task Force Spotlight: Economic Development Task Force helps Contra Costa connect the dots
Corporate Member Spotlight: Mirant is committed to California's success
Welcome, New Members: Wanda Remmers of Mt. Diablo Housing Opportunity Center and Vincent Rover of Private Island Homes
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Upcoming Events
Energy Industry Workforce Development Summit

Wed., August 13
7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Las Positas College
Lecture Hall - Room 2402
3000 Campus Drive
Livermore

Register at
www.trivalley.org . . .

Keynote by Congressman Jerry McNerney

Presented by the Tri-Valley Business Council in partnership with the Contra Costa Council, East Bay Economic Development Alliance and Workforce Incubator

Contact Jim Caldwell at 925-292-2308 for more information.
................................

24th Annual Contra Costa Council Golf Tournament


Mon., August 18
Round Hill Country Club
3169 Roundhill Road
Alamo


Register here by August 11 . . .

10:30 a.m. - Registration & BBQ lunch
11:45 a.m. - Shotgun start
5 p.m. - No-host cocktails
6 p.m. - Gourmet dinner & awards ceremony


Presented by the Sunvalley Shopping Center

Sponsors include Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Contra Costa Times, Mirant California, LLC, Shell Martinez Refinery, Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery, Wells Fargo and Western States Petroleum Association

Volunteers needed for the morning and afternoon shifts. Come and play golf -- or join us for the cocktail hour and dinner following the tournament!

To sign up for a sponsorship or to volunteer, contact Suzanne Schoenfeld at the Council office at 925-246-1880.
Fax: 925-674-1654

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News & Comment
New green economy study  challenges East Bay governments  and industry to lead development of clean technology clusters

As has been said about the weather, everybody talks about it, but nobody does anything about it. Lest that be said about the green economy, the Contra Costa Economic Partnership earlier this year commissioned an extensive study on the value of developing clean technology (cleantech) industry clusters--to position the region as a global center of the green economy.
 
Entitled "East Bay Green Economy Industry Cluster Study: Building a Sustainable Economy Based on Clean Technology," the impressive 150-page study is accompanied by a 28-page executive summary and actioin plan. The study will be available shortly on the Council's website.
 
The report is being presented by Gary Craft at the Contra Costa Mayors' Conference, which is hosted by the city of Martinez, on Thursday, August 7. Consultant Craft of Craft Consulting Group, Lafayette, who conducted the research and prepared the study, will present the findings at the conference.
 
Industry clusters are defined as geographic concentrations of interconnected businesses, suppliers and associated institutions in a particular field, in this case, clean technology. Industry clusters enable individual companies to increase their productivity, helping them to compete more effectively--regionally, nationally and globally.

"The study examines the strengths and opportunities for the East Bay to develop green economy clusters," says Contra Costa Council President Linda Best. "It puts forth a suggested action plan for both the public and private sectors to take the lead in developing economic development strategies to support and grow key cleantech industry clusters focused on solar technology, biofuels, environmental services and green building."
 
"With the emergence of the green economy, communities around the country have begun to aggressively develop and promote the green sector and are vying to attract clean technology as an engine for economic development and job growth," notes the study's introduction.

The study finds that cleantech has led to a new paradigm--resulting from a shift from the "back-end-of-the-pipe" to the front end--leading to new products, processes and technologies that are competitively priced and superior in performance to conventional products.

The report concludes that the East Bay is well positioned to be a global center of the green economy, given these distinguishing features:
  • An existing base of 161 core cleantech companies, covering a range of technologies and economic activities. The majority of firms are involved in green building, alternative energy, renewable fuels and environmental services; a number have received substantial venture capital funding.
  • A growing market of East Bay consumers who are already purchasing green products and services.
  • A strong network of specialized service providers featuring a large base of technical, scientific, professional and executive personnel that includes environmental and engineering consultants, lawyers, management consultants, and scientific and technological professionals.
  • Access to global and national transportation routes through Port of Oakland air, shipping, rail and other transportation carrier systems.
The study recommends that East Bay governments  develop sustainability master plans for their communities and adopt policies that support new and emerging green industry clusters. Other recommended actions include the adoption of environmentally preferable purchasing policies, installation of solar PV systems to reduce annual energy costs, conversion of auto/truck fleets to biofuel and the implementation of green building programs to reduce operating costs and resource consumption.
 
The study also contains recommended "action items" for building a sustainable economy based on clean technologies. These include public-private partnerships, both public and private sector programs, and an education and workforce development program. The latter emphasizes the need to develop training and education programs, expand environmental education and develop engineering, science and technical programs at local schools and colleges focused on cleantech industries.
 
For more information about this important new study or to obtain a copy, please contact the Council office at [email protected] or 925-246-1880.
View from the Chair
Ed Shaffer

Council's policy-sharing role grows and evolves

by Ed Shaffer, 2008-09 Chairman, Contra Costa Council

I have been active in the Council for 11 years. I confess that my main purpose in joining was for business marketing. But over the years my involvement has changed, just as the Council's role in shaping policy has grown. 
 
Our Board of Directors is filled with business and civic leaders who truly care about Contra Costa County. Their passion shows in the thoughtful and earnest debates before we adopt new positions. Our Task Forces continue to expand as they tackle serious problems affecting both our daily lives and our long-term goals. Being active in the Council means working with people concerned about improving the quality of life and economic vitality of the region--and that is a rare treat.  
 
I have felt honored to participate on the Executive Committee. Now it is my turn to help serve the Council as its Chair. And I believe it really is more about providing guidance than leadership, because the Contra Costa Council is unique. Most organizations operate from the top down, with staff and a small core of volunteers making decisions and carrying out day-to-day activities. But so many people are active in the Council. Our Task Forces identify issues, recommend policy, draft position papers, arrange interesting speakers and organize presentations with broad appeal. Many members of the Board participate in our advocacy efforts. 
 
We face challenges during the coming year. Concord is planning the Naval Weapons Station, and we hope to offer input that balances local concerns with regional goals. Problems facing the Delta grow more complex and will affect many aspects of life in the county. Both issues involve several of our Task Forces as we work with regulatory agencies and public officials to find solutions. In addition, we will be working to figure out how the county can weather current budget and housing problems. Most exciting is that we never know when a new opportunity may arise for the Council to lend its voice to the local, regional and statewide debate over new issues.
 
In recent years, the Council has broadened its mission and its membership, as we recognize that improving quality of life not only is necessary to stimulate economic growth but important in its own right. The success of our Nonprofit/Business Task Force has increased our visibility and our credibility with community leaders. All our Task Forces benefit from participation by government and non-profit representatives. While we remain primarily a business organization, we have taken to heart the expression "It takes a village"--that all sectors must work together to improve the health and well-being of the community and its residents.
 
Steve Lesher finished his year as Chair by cheering, "Fight on, Trojans!" Instead of college sports references, I announced at the installation that this will be the year of chocolate! So, participate in Council activities and remember that it is impossible for someone to stay sad or angry when they are eating chocolate.
Advocacy Action

Coalition urges legislature to "stop the gas tax raid"

The Contra Costa Council has joined a large coalition of state and regional organizations and companies, both public and private, in urging the California legislature to reject any proposals that would borrow the state sales tax on gasoline (Prop 42 funds) to fill the state's budget void. The July 15 coalition letter to the legislature was signed for the Council by (former) Transportation Task Force Co-chair Terry Bowen.
 
"We recognize the difficult choices facing lawmakers. But raiding these transportation funds is a fiscally irresponsible decision that will only make the budget situation worse in our years, hurt our economic and transportation network, and break faith with the voters," wrote the coalition.
 
Council calls for a comprehensive solution to Bay/Delta crisis in comments on water board's workplan
 
In a July 7 letter to the State Water Resources Control Board, the Contra Costa Council urged the water board to take immediate action to remedy the health of the Bay/Delta region fishery. As recommended by the Council's Water Task Force, the Council called for expansion of the draft strategic workplan to include seasonal water flows into the Bay, in addition to the southern Delta and San Joaquin River.
 
"The Bay/Delta region defines the geographic features of Contra Costa County in that the waterways provide the physical boundaries for three sides of our county," wrote Council President and CEO Linda Best. "The catastrophic declines of estuarine fishery populations are of serious concern. Any agency that has responsibilities to oversee the movement of water through the estuary and its quality must view the current situation as acute. Actions are urgently required to remedy the health of the fishery."
 
"The decline of the fishery populations are indicative of failed past policies and actions by all entities responsible for protection of the Bay/Delta estuary," Best wrote. "We urge that your boards complete the workplan as the highest priority."
 
Scientific evidence is compelling that many species are in dramatic decline, and not just those listed as "endangered," she noted. "The Water Boards should consider the entire fishery, not just endangered species. The Delta smelt is just an indicator and should not be a main focus to the exclusion of other species."
 
Calling the responsibilities of the water boards "essential to defining and enforcing policies related to water rights and quality," Best continued, "We are encouraged that the workplan identifies the importance of the 'public trust doctrine' and its potential applicability to the Bay/Delta . . . the health of the ecosystem (fishery) requires a reasoned policy that will protect that quality."
 
Stating the Council's support of the overall strategic plans formulated by the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force, the letter urges the water boards to incorporate the recommended actions from the Task Force into the workplan. "One of those recommendations relates to an overall governance structure for the Delta. While the details are yet to be determined, the concepts are supportable, including the important roles of the water boards.
 
"We note that in the current structure, three separate boards and staff establish and enforce policies related to the estuary . . . it is essential that a common set of policies related to estuarine health and quality be implemented. Leaving individual policies up to the interpretation of the respective staff and boards only leads to confusion and ineffective protections," she wrote.
 
Some changes recommended to County's Delta Water Platform draft
 
In a letter to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors commenting on the board's Delta Water Platform draft, the Contra Costa Council expressed its support and plan to  work with the board "to ensure this great resource is adequately protected."
 
While noting that the draft platform is generally in agreement with the Council's Delta Vision Statement of Principles, the letter from Council President and CEO Linda Best offered these recommendations and comments:

  • Platform No. 1: Conveyance--In addition to support of through-Delta conveyance and the "common delta pool," recommend further study of dual conveyance facilities, with any final proposal providing iron-clad protection for the Delta, with co-equal values placed on ecosystem and water supply.
  • Platform No. 2: Water storage--Support multi-purpose surface storage opportunities as well as groundwater storage/conjunctive use; modify language to support both regional surface storage projects as well as large-scale, north-of-the-Delta reservoirs, including Los Vaqueros.
  • Platform No. 4: Water conservation--Voiced concern about the statement regarding eliminating agricultural crops that are a major component of the state's economy, which "seems to be overreaching and weakens the overall impact of the proposed platform."
  • Platform No. 6: Levee restoration--Strongly support statements about levee restoration and will continue to work with the board to advocate for funding needed to repair critical western and central Delta levees. Also support efforts to increase coordinated emergency response efforts between the state, Delta counties and local governments to protect the lives of residents, workers and visitors located behind the existing levee system and funding needed for those efforts.
Other News, Events & Briefings

Joining the Council Board . . . Newly elected members of the Contra Costa Council Board of Directors are Jeff Johnson, principal of Corporate Finance Associates responsible for Northern California, and Stacey Street, executive director of the California Symphony.

Recently appointed to the Council Board are George Opacic, manager of governmental relations, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and Peter Wilson, special assistant to the president, JFK University. 

New Transportation Task Force co-chair named . . . Bob Brown, Director Corporate Affairs, AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah, has been named co-chair of the Transportation Task Force. Brown succeeds Terry Bowen of Gray-Bowen and Company, Inc., who has been named VP Task Forces. Brown's co-chair on the Task Force is Hank Haugse of Hatch Mott Macdonald.
Task force Briefings
Upcoming briefings

Special Green Economy study presentation August 21 . . . All Task Force members are invited to a special presentation by Gary Craft on the Green Economy study, on Thursday, August 21, from 8 to 10 a.m., at PMI, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek. For questions, call the Council office at 925-246-1880.

New and prospective Council members are welcome to attend Task Force meetings. Please notify a Task Force chair prior to the meeting to confirm time and location.

Here is a list of upcoming briefings, as currently scheduled:

Transportation Task Force . . . Tues., August 5, 8 to 9:30 a.m. . . . PMI Building, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek. Teleconference with Jim Earp, executive director of the California Alliance for Jobs (www.rebuildca.org) and commissioner on the California Transportation Commission: Update on Prop. 42 preservation discussions and the alliance's ongoing public awareness campaign; update on MTC's Transportation 2035 Plan. Next meeting is Tues., September 2. Contacts: Hank Haugse and Bob Brown

Land Use Task Force . . . Wed., August 13, 8 to 9 a.m. . . . Morrison & Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valley Rd. (opposite Walnut Creek BART). Contra Costa County Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho will attend this meeting as the Task Force's guest. Next meeting is Wed., Sept. 10. Contacts: Dan Muller and Mike McGill

Water Task Force . . . Tues., August 19, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Special guest is Les Grober of the State Water Resources Board. Next meeting is Tues., September 16. Contact: Bob Whitley

Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force . . . Tues., August 26, 7:30 a.m. . . . Mass Mutual Financial Group, 2121 N. California Blvd., Suite 395, Walnut Creek. Heard recently from Jay Lifson of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce; updated by David Kelly on AB 2716. Next meeting is Tues., September 23. Contacts: Stuart Bolinger and Zachary Sahar

Economic Development Task Force . . . Wed., August 27, 8 to 9 a.m. . . . City National Bank, 2001 N. Main St., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Planning a special presentation to all Task Forces on the new Green Economy study on August 21 at PMI (see above). (Also see Task Force spotlight, this issue.) Next meeting is Wed., September 24. Contacts: Gary Craft and Mike Conlon

Health Care Task Force . . . Thurs., Sept. 4, 8:30 a.m. . . .
Morgan Miller Blair, 1331 N. California Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Recent activities have included discussion of the current public television documentary series, "Unnatural Causes," as the subject of a possible Council event; also updates on state budget reform, doctor's hospital, legislation and policy. Next meeting is Thurs., Oct. 2. Contacts: Ron Wetter and Frank Puglisi, Jr.

Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force . . . Fri., September 5, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 300, Walnut Creek. Recently heard from Tom Hendrey on fuel cells as an alternate energy source. The Task Force is holding ongoing discussions about AB 32 with the Transportation and Land Use Task Forces.  Contacts: Peter McGaw and George Smith

Workforce Development & Education Task Force . . . Thurs., September 18, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . JFK University, 100 Ellinwood, Conference Room S209, Pleasant Hill. Continuing discussion about the impact of the state budget crisis on public schools and pending legislation around longitudinal education data and career technical education (AB 2648, SB 1298 and SB 1425). Contacts: April Treece and Keith Archuleta

Nonprofit/Business Task Force . . . Thurs., September 25, 8 a.m. . . . Chapman University, 2950 Buskirk Ave., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Recent presentation on "Unnatural Causes" by Barbara McCullough; the Task Force is monitoring the state budget situation and considering advocacy strategies. (Event/Information Subcommittee meets the second Tuesday, 9 to 9:30 a.m.; Policy Subcommittee meets the third Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon.) Contacts: Mike Erwin, Mark Hughes and Terry Shoaff
Task Force Spotlight
Gary Craft and Mike Conlon 2

Council's Economic Development  Task Force helps Contra Costa connect the dots 

While already a member of the Contra Costa Council, Mike Conlon got involved in the Council's Economic Development Task Force when his colleague Gary Craft asked him to help chair the then-new Task Force. Since then, Conlon has relished the opportunity "to try and raise issues we believe are important" to the county's and the region's economic vitality.
 
A seasoned economic consultant, Conlon (pictured above, at right) considers himself semi-retired and only takes on "really cool" projects these days. With a background in capital markets, he has worked on the financing of large-scale projects in several countries, has run large development entities and has been involved in international infrastructure projects. He also served as the budget director for the city of Philadelphia.
 
"As a longtime Bay Area person and a Contra Costa County resident, I wanted to get involved in the area," says Conlon. "It has been very interesting for me personally to find out a lot about the county, and the reaction of the board to the Task Force's work has been very positive."
 
With a strong background in economics and planning, Task Force Co-Chair Gary Craft (above, at left) has been a San Francisco city planner and a construction manager. He has run a technology incubator and a consulting firm, and served as regional director of a major, national, commercial real estate development firm.
 
Craft founded his own firm, Craft Consulting Group, in Lafayette, which specializes in market research, strategic planning, and economic and financial analysis for private and public sector clients. As a consultant with the Contra Costa Economic Partnership, he conducts the research and analysis, and prepares the annual Contra Costa County Performance Index. He also researched and authored the new East Bay Green Economy Industry Cluster Study (see lead article, this issue) as well as last year's Managing Public Sector Retiree Healthcare Costs in Contra Costa County, the study that addressed the growing unfunded liabilities of local governments, public schools and special districts.
 
Craft joined the Council in 1991 as a representative of the Cowell Ranch development project. He has participated in several task forces, including the Land Use Task Force, was VP Membership, co-chaired the annual CCUSA event and is a former Council Chairman.
 
Important "economic gardening"
 
Taking a cue from the Council's broad mission--to provide advocacy on public policy issues affecting the economic vitality and quality of life in Contra Costa County and the region--Craft sees the Economic Development Task Force's mission "to get decision makers in both the public and private sector to recognize that economic development is not just about attracting new business, but rather about economic gardening."

Craft explains that this concept involves creating a local business environment that considers and incorporates all aspects of economic life. It includes developing a "knowledge" workforce through education (K-12 through higher education), improving the business environment, identifying and strengthening industry clusters, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. "Local entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship are critical," he says.
 
"From my perspective, the Council advocates for improving the economic vitality of the county, and our Task Force is about economic development," observes Conlon. "Everything is connected to what we do. Education is important, adequate infrastructure is important--it is all connected."
 
Greater complexity today
 
Craft explains that when the Economic Partnership first established the county's Performance Index report, very basic indicators were covered but no real analysis was offered. "The message was that if you had a job, owned a house and were married with kids--if you had all these things, you were living a good life. That's the way people thought about the county. But that is an outdated view. Contra Costa is more complex than that," he asserts.
 
With Craft's involvement, the performance index began to include other indicators and analysis, explaining trends as opposed to short-term changes. "We tried to take the longer-term view and show strengths or weaknesses that the county needed to focus on. In 2003, in The Changing Face of Contra Costa County report, we explored the changing economic, social, demographic and quality of life factors in the regional economy."
 
The 2008 performance index report, titled Major Drivers of Contra Costa County's Economy: Dealing with Global Competition and Accelerating Change, is even more analytical, Craft feels. It asks, what is driving the county's economy? Where are the jobs and what is driving the employment picture? The global economy has made the world a more competitive place, elevating the need for greater regional collaboration, says Craft. "Contrast the business-attraction mentality of the 1970s, and the Silicon Valley myth of the garage start-up--these are not today's reality. Economic development is a longer-term process today, requiring educated people, a trained workforce and dedicated entrepreneurs who will start and grow new businesses."
 
Task Force's best work
 
When asked about projects the Task Force is most proud of, along with the Performance Index reports, Craft points to the Managing Public Sector Retiree Healthcare Costs in Contra Costa County, the OPEB report he and Conlon worked on last year. "County overspending had left Contra Costa with a huge unfunded liability that would have affected the funding of vital public services. This was a very important issue and potentially very controversial," he says. "Yet the study was well received, primarily because we weren't trying to push an agenda. Rather, we examined the facts, looked at the alternatives and recommended solutions." This measured approach both informed and enabled County government officials to perform some cost containment measures and begin funding a trust to cover future liabilities. "Hopefully, it helped the supervisors and staff to better understand the issues, and I think it was very contributive. Through an educational process, we showed that the business community is concerned about these issues."
 
Most economic theory is based on competition, notes Craft, but he suggests that through economic collaboration, more is achieved. "If we work together, we'll all benefit and  achieve even greater success."
 
Maturing process
 
"When I first joined the Council, we were focused primarily on housing and roads," observes Craft. "If you look at the Council's activities today, we have people thinking about water supply, the Delta Vision, education, health care, small business and the nonprofit sector. We still address housing and transportation, but it's no longer the primary focus, which I think shows a maturing of the Council and its understanding of economic vitality in the county.
 
"I am one of the baby boomers who grew up with President John F. Kennedy, who said, 'Ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.' I have always had a public spirit and a vew of giving back to the community. I also recognize that by giving back, and being involved in organizations such as the Council, I gain professionally, personally and as a citizen of the county. The bottom line is that I love being part of the Contra Costa Council. Some of the best and brightest people participate in its work. It's exciting to be part of it."
 
"We have been able to do a lot of good work, and the people on the Council are great," adds Conlon. "It's nice to be able to follow through on things. As Woody Allen says, '80 percent is just showing up.' It takes years to get anything of substance done. I made a multi-year commitment and will stay around to see it gets done."
Corporate Member Spotlight
Mirant logo Mirant: Committed to California's success

Mirant is fairly new to the region, but its employees are long-time residents. Mirant is an independent power producer that helps ensure a reliable flow of electricity in the region. Mirant purchased its three facilities in the Bay Area in 1999. The company operates three natural gas-fired generating plants: one in San Francisco near Potrero Hill; another in an unincorporated area of Contra Costa County near Antioch; and one in Pittsburg. Combined, these facilities have a combined capacity of 2,347 megawatts; that's enough to power more than 2.3 million homes.
 
Since acquiring the facilities, Mirant has invested more than $80 million in emission control technologies at the three plants, and has reduced emissions of nitrogen/oxides (NOx) by more than 90 percent in compliance with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Rule 9-11.
 
The 176 employees of Mirant California have a tall order to fill: they must provide for the ever-growing energy requirements of the Bay Area, yet they must also operate and maintain the facilities with sensitivity to the beautiful environment that is the hallmark of the region. It's a tough challenge, but Mirant employees continually strive for excellence and balance.
 
Besides working to provide safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible electrical generation, Mirant California employees also engage passionately in community service. They participate in a variety of activities, from cleaning coastal areas and waterways, to providing hands-on support to high school shop classes. Mirant California also contributes funds to a wide variety of local organizations.
 
As residents of the Bay Area, and mostly natives of the region, Mirant employees are committed to helping maintain a high standard of living here. For more information about the company's operations and community efforts, visit www.mirant.com.
New Members
Please welcome these new Contra Costa Council members!

Wanda Remmers, Executive Director
Mount Diablo Housing Opportunity Center
P.O. Box 12895
Berkeley, CA 94712
510.548.8776 ph
510.5485805 fax
[email protected]
www.housingrights.org
 
Providing Contra Costa County residents with a higher quality of life by acting as the central resource for all housing needs and education.
 
Vincent Rover, President
Private Island Homes
1451 Danville Blvd., Ste. 205
Alamo, CA 94507
925.370.3000 ph
925.370.3001 fax
[email protected]
www.privateislandhomes.com

 
Custom construction of homes and land development

For information about joining the Contra Costa Council, visit our website or call our office at 925-246-1880.

Our Mission

The mission of the Contra Costa Council is to provide advocacy on public policy issues affecting the economic vitality and quality of life in Contra Costa County.

The
Council engages on issues of critical importance to the business community and residents of Contra Costa County, balancing the needs of a diverse county though policy efforts that provide for economic development while retaining our quality of life. The Council also produces top-tier events, including Contra Costa USA, the premier business event in the County, featuring major national speakers as well as providing a local perspective on current events.

The Council retains a close relationship with local, state and federal elected officials. These relationships provide regular opportunities for our members to interact with their political representatives and other business leaders.

For more information about the Council, please visit our 
website.

To comment about items in this newsletter, please contact Linda Best
at the Contra Costa Council.

This issue was edited for the Contra Costa Council by Molly A. Walker of
Walker Communications.

� 2008 Contra Costa Council