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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.
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Upcoming Events |
Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force Workshop/ Symposium:
Accessing Capital Now!
Financial Leaders that are Lending
Fri.,. March 27
7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Concord Holiday Inn
1050 Burnett Ave.
Featuring a panel with Mark Quinn of the SBA San Francisco office, Region 9, Andrew Krone of Marble Bridge Funding; Jack Lucas of Bank of the West, Orinda; Alton W. Do of OBDC/Micro Lending; Jim Baird of Bay Area Development Co. Real Estate Lending and James H. Brandt of Smith Barney - Asset/Securities Backed Lending
Breakout session experts: Julie White of BlueKey Business Mortgage and Jack Lieberman of US Capital
Sponsored by BlueKey Business Brokerage, M&A; Jeff Brown, an accountancy corporation; the
CPA firm of Capital Tax & Accounting -- The Small Business Accountants;
De La Housaye & Associates, a law corporation; and
Smith Barney Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Media Sponsors: Contra Costa Times & San Francisco Business Times
Co-sponsored by the El Cerrito and San Ramon Chambers of Commerce
Members and elected officials: $35; non-members: $50
Reservations and payment required by March 23
For more information about this event, contact the Council office or call 925-246-1880; fax 925-674-1654.
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Ninth Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon
Fri., May 15
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Hilton Concord Hotel
1970 Diamond Blvd.
Honoring award-winning small-business owners selected by their Chambers of Commerce
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Annual Contra Costa Council Board Installation Dinner
Wed., June 3
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For information about any Contra Costa Council event, please contact Nanette Cippa-Fukushima at the Council office or call 925-246-1880 (fax 925-674-1654). | |
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| News & Comment |
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State of the County Address: Circumstances should not define who we are, says Bonilla
Presenting the annual "State of the County Address" on February 19--within hours of the legislature's long-awaited resolution of the paralyzing California budget process--Susan Bonilla, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, was both informative and upbeat in her discussion of "the good and bad news" concerning the new state budget.
In her presentation to the packed Holiday Inn luncheon audience of about 150 people, Bonilla said that Contra Costa's legislative representatives were still digging through the foot-tall budget document to determine what the new budget would mean to the County. She noted that the newly approved legislation called for an open primary for state offices to be put on the 2010 ballot, financial penalties if the legislature doesn't adopt a budget by June 15 each year, further tax adjustments on higher rates on wealth, and a May 19 special election, among other components.
Recalling her profession as a high school teacher, Bonilla said she would "prefer to give good news" and never wants to create an environment where people aren't sensing positive things. Praising what she called positive momentum in the County and good leadership on the Board of Supervisors, Bonilla said the County was addressing the issue of its unfunded liabilities for Other Public Employee Benefits (OPEB) with unrepresented employees, changed its health benefits designation to a "defined contribution," and set the health-premium rate, previously a percentage, to a dollar amount. Negotiations with some County employee union groups remained difficult but were continuing, and the County was working with a new union that is in the process of forming to represent middle management, previously unrepresented.
New County administrator and department heads
Bonilla said that new County Administrator David Twa is an experienced administrator with expertise in budget and organizational management. County government is operating with four new department heads and a new human resources manager. A recent study to determine where Contra Costa stands relative to other counties in terms of salaries, benefits and job classifications, was expected soon.
She reported the County has cut $90 million out of its 2008 budget and laid off more than 100 people as of year-end 2008, as a result of state budget cuts. Other resultant cuts included a severe reduction in family and human services, and older-adult protective services. "We are going to see people in our county suffer. A few months ago, we would have been there to help them," she said, adding that the County has lost a lot of its youngest and brightest social workers.
Bonilla cited a number of major impacts to the County's financial situation, but noted that the board "is up to the task of dealing with these." She listed in particular:
-- a significant revenue loss for the County due to the collapse of property values and property tax revenues with significant foreclosures and a 50-percent decline in the average home price;
-- a loss of state and federal funds in the face of a spiking need for state and county services;
-- a pension fund loss of 25% of its value in 2008, due to the stock market decline, with the employer share of the fund doubling by 2013;
-- the need to fill a $54 million funding gap in OPEB benefits (the County has set a target of funding 40 percent);
-- ongoing labor negotiations.
Two-year budget process
She said the County had instituted a two-year budget process, moving budget hearings up from May to March. More layoffs and program cuts are expected. Bonilla is hopeful about the economic stimulus package, which is expected to create some 14,000 jobs plus resources for job training in the County. Benefiting organizations include the Workforce Development Board and Head Start, and there is also money for transportation and infrastructure needs.
"When things get better in Sacramento, they get better for us here," observed Bonilla. She said that Administrator Twa recently suggested that the employee time system should be computerized, and there will greater emphasis on staff training. Also, the supervisors have determined there will be no across-the-board cuts; rather, they will review each department individually to determine how the organization can be more streamlined.
"We must face the reality of these circumstances and exert discipline to confront them. We as a County cannot afford to become defined by circumstances; that isn't who we are," said Bonilla. "Look around the room," she enjoined her audience. "We all represent the ability to do good things in this County. I didn't come into public service to become rich or become an educator . . . I don't believe that money fixes these problems. Money is very helpful (and we need money), but we are experiencing the consequences of those who thought money was going to solve all their problems."
"We do need money but we need resources, which are going to be just as powerful as money . . . I believe in the goodness of people in Contra Costa County," she said. "There is tremendous strength within our community. The investments we make today are going to pay up in the quality of life."
The Council thanks luncheon co-hosts, ConocoPhillips, John Muir Health and Wells Fargo, and also sponsors, Chevron, John F. Kennedy University, Miller Starr Regalia, Shapell Homes and Tesoro. | |
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CEO Viewpoint |
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Contra Costa Council to take up budget reform
By Linda Best, President and CEO, Contra Costa Council
It was not long after a spirited discussion at Contra Costa USA about state budget reform that at long last the California State Legislature adopted a budget. While there is relief that the deadlock was broken, almost everyone can find something to hate in the final package and final resolution depends on the fate of several ballot measures at a special election in May. The titles of two panels at CCUSA reflect the frustration that citizens and stakeholders feel about the process in Sacramento: "The State Budget: A Failed Process" and "A New Vision for California Governance." The prevailing theme was that the current system doesn't work and reform is needed. Several panelists noted, however, that California's financial crisis is so dire that it represents a real opportunity for change.
California Forward, a nonprofit group studying budget reform, was represented at CCUSA by its Executive Director, Jim Mayer. The group recommends focusing on priorities and outcomes, accountability, transparency and fiscal stability. Proposed strategies include a long-term fiscal forecast, a two-year budget process, addressing increasing costs by exploring policy solutions that can reduce demand for services, distinguishing between reliable revenue growth and "one-time" revenues, and establishing a reserve. Legislation implementing some of these strategies will be introduced in this year's session.
Because these fiscal issues affect all of our members, the Council has decided to establish an ad hoc task force to study reform principles and strategies, such as those developed by California Forward, and prepare a position statement that can guide our advocacy program as proposals emerge. While we alone cannot effect statewide change, we can lend our support to appropriate remedies, thus increasing the likelihood of meaningful reform.
As Sunne Wright McPeak said at CCUSA, "Government is in organizational inertia. I know we have the wisdom, the experience and the will," to change California. The task force will meet over the next few months and report its recommendations to the Board of Directors. In the meantime, I encourage you to log on to California Forward's website, www.caforward.org to learn more. |
| Member News |
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| Michael Billeci profiled in San Francisco Business Times
Council Board member Michael Billeci of Wells Fargo, newly promoted to community banking regional president for the San Francisco Bay Area, was featured in a San Francisco Business Times' executive profile (week of February 20-26). Among other comments, Billeci recalled his first job (working in his family's flower shop, while growing up in Pittsburg) and his yardstick of success ("I measure my success by how many people I've helped succeed").
His new position will require him to resign from the Council's Board, but we will soon have a new representative from Wells Fargo. We wish Mike the best of luck in his new position and thank him for his service and ongoing support for the Council. |
| Other News, Events & Briefings |
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Finance symposium for small business owners and entrepreneurs set for March 27
The Council's Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force will present a workshop/symposium, titled Accessing Capital Now! and featuring financial leaders that are lending, on Friday, March 27, at 7:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Concord.
The impressive line-up of local lenders and business-finance experts includes Mark Quinn, district director, Small Business Administration, Region 9, San Francisco office; Andrew Krone, SVP, Marble Bridge Funding; Jack Lucas, SVP, Bank of the West, Orinda; Alton W. Do, director, Oakland Business Development Corporation/Micro Lending; Jim Baird, Bay Area Development Co., Real Estate Lending; and James H. Brandt, first VP, Smith Barney Asset/Securities Backed Lending. Breakout session experts are Julie White of BlueKey Business Brokerage, M&A, and Jack Lieberman, VP, US Capital, San Francisco.
For more information about this event, please contact the Council office or call 925-246-1880.
Sponsors include: BlueKey Business Brokerage, M&A; Jeff Brown, An Accountancy Corporation; the CPA firm of Capital Tax & Accounting--The Small Business Accountants; De La Housaye & Associates, A Law Corporation; and Smith Barney Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Media Sponsors: Contra Costa Times and San Francisco Business Times
Co-sponsors: El Cerrito and San Ramon Chambers of Commerce
Nonprofit/Business: now the Social Responsibility Task Force The Contra Costa Council's Nonprofit/Business Task Force has been renamed, by acclamation of the Board of Directors, and is now called the Social Responsibility Task Force. According to Task Force Co-chairs Mark Hughes and Mike Erwin, the reason for the name change was due to the desire of Task Force members "to better describe the work we do." "The original task force name, Nonprofit/Business Task Force, was both limiting and confusing," observes Mark Hughes. "Not only do we foster partnerships between nonprofits and for-profits, we do so much more." Hughes notes that the bulk of the Task Force's work is focused on issues of social responsibility, with recent examples including presentations on the value of employee volunteerism, environmental stewardship and community investment. "The name change is not only more descriptive of the work we do, but it also better describes the link between our work and how it supports the mission of the Council, which is to 'improve the quality of life' for all who work, live and play in Contra Costa County," adds Hughes. One of the largest of the Council's 10 task forces, the Social Responsibility Task Force was formed in early 2007 and has about 100 members.
Chevron delays CCR project indefinitely In a challenge to the recently enacted Measure T, Chevron Corporation filed a lawsuit on February 26 "to resolve whether the new alternative business license tax calculation imposed on the Chevron Richmond Refinery and other Richmond-based manufacturers . . . violates state and federal law." Refinery General Manager Mike Coyle also announced the indefinite delay of construction of its Continuous Catalyst Reformer (CCR) project, one of four components of Chevron's recently permitted Energy and Hydrogen Renewal Project at the refinery used to improve the octane of gasoline.
Steve Lesher named Council Nominating Committee Chair
Council Past President Steve Lesher was appointed Nominating Committee Chair at the February 20 Board of Directors meeting. Lesher will form a committee to develop a slate of board members for the 2009-12 term and a slate of officers for 2009-10, who will be installed at the Annual Contra Costa Council Board Installation Dinner, scheduled for Wednesday, June 3. |
| Contra Costa Economic Partnership News |
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ACE Mentor program expands the horizons of Contra Costa students
As part of its continuing efforts to introduce and expand career pathways for students in the fields of architecture, construction and engineering, the Contra Costa Economic Partnership is helping ensure that students from three high schools in the County participate this year in a mentoring program that offers an introduction to the design and construction industry.
According to April Treece, Project Director for the CCEP Workforce Initiative, close to 100 students countywide will become a part of the ACE Mentor program in 2009. In addition to Mt. Diablo High School in Concord, which ran a pilot program in the spring of 2008, ACE has expanded to Pittsburg High School and Kennedy High in Richmond through collaboration of CCEP with pathway teachers at each site. Also, Mt. Diablo High has a new Academy of Construction, Manufacturing and Engineering (ACME), a kind of school-within-a-school that started last year with 60 sophomores, and has now expanded to 90 sophomores and juniors.
ACE is a national mentor program. In Contra Costa, 35 industry partners from a variety of career fields are giving two hours each week through May to share ideas, resources and successes. "By bringing the ACE Mentor program to Contra Costa, we can attract young people to explore the exciting careers that exist in the local economy," says Treece.
Project Lead the Way workshop at IBEW on March 5
Some 40 teachers and school administrators will converge on IBEW Local 302 in Martinez on Thursday evening, March 5, to learn more about Project Lead the Way, a not-for-profit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students in an effort to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system.
PLTW offers a four-year sequence of courses that includes a hands-on, project- and problem-based approach to learning that adds rigor to traditional technical programs and relevance to traditional academics. For students interested in engineering, biomechanics, aeronautics, and other applied math and science arenas, PLTW is an exciting portal into these industries; it also offers a program that prepares students for a career in biomedical sciences.
Thirteen high schools representing organizations from across Contra Costa County will be in attendance to learn more about PLTW from Duane Krum, California state leader. Best practice sessions will include teachers and students who already use the PLTW curriculum in San Jose.
Thursday's meeting will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., at IBEW Local 302, 1875 Arnold Drive in Martinez. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Contra Costa Economic Partnership's April Treece at 925-672-3759, Keith Archuleta (East County) at 925-755-9291 or Jennielyn Dino-Rossi (West County) at 415-730-9335. |
| Task Force Briefings |
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| Upcoming briefings . . .
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., March 3, 8 a.m. . . . PMI Building, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek. Update from Dominic Spaethling, regional manager of the California High Speed Rail project. Next meeting is Tues., April 7. Contacts: Hank Haugse and Bob Brown Health Care Task Force . . . . . Thurs., March 5, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . Morgan Miller Blair, 1331 N. California Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Update on "Unnatural Causes," the impact on health care of the federal budget proposal and economic stimulus package, and legislative and policy issues. Next meeting is Thurs., April 2. Contacts: Ron Wetter (925-372-1475) and Frank Puglisi, Jr. (925-683-6091).
Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force . . . Fri., March 6, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive, Suite 115 (Mt. Diablo Conference Room, third floor), Walnut Creek. Discussion of the latest version of the Municipal Stormwater Permit, led by Don Freitas and/or Tom Dalziel of the Contra Costa Clean Water Program. (Review the draft permit online prior to the meeting). Next meeting is Fri., April 3. Contacts: Peter McGaw and George Smith
Land Use Task Force . . . Wed., March 11, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . Morrison & Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 450 (south of Walnut Creek BART). (Check with the Task Force co-chairs for details.) Met in January for a presentation on the California Air Resources Board's proposed interim guidelines for addressing climate change under CEQA; David Gold and Miles Imwalle of Morrison & Foerster shared insights. Next meeting is Wed., April 8. Contacts: Dan Muller and Mike McGill
Water Task Force . . . Tues., March 17, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . Morrison & Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 450 (south of Walnut Creek BART). (Check with the Task Force co-chairs for details.) In February, discussed climate change and hosted Jerry Brown of CCWD and Doug Wallace of EMBUD. Contacts: Bob Whitley and Mitch Randall Workforce Development & Education Task Force . . . Thurs., March 19, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . JFK University, 100 Ellinwood, Room 217, Pleasant Hill. (Check with the Task Force co-chairs for details.) In February, the Task Force discussed legislative advocacy and Leadership East County, a program to identify and motivate current and emerging leaders in East Contra Costa County. Contacts: April Treece and Keith Archuleta Small Business & Entrepreneur Task Force . . . Tues., March 24, 7:30 a.m. . . . Mass Mutual Financial Group, 2121 N. California Blvd., Suite 395, Walnut Creek. Final planning for the Task Force event on Fri., March 27: Accessing Capital Now! (See Other News, Events & Briefings.) Also planning the annual Small Business Awards event on May 15. Next meeting is Tues., April 28. Contacts: Stuart Bolinger and Zachary Sahar
Economic Development Task Force . . . Wed., March 25, 8 to 9 a.m. . . . . Location TBA. (Check with the Task Force co-chairs for details.) Discussion with David Crane, the Governor's special advisor on jobs and economic growth. Continuing to focus on the Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse project, the status of the Higher Education study and updates on the Green Economy study. Contacts: Gary Craft and Mike Conlon
Social Responsibility Task Force . . . Thurs., March 26, 8 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Chapman University, 2950 Buskirk Ave., Room 307, Walnut Creek. (Check with the Task Force co-chairs for details.) Recently changed its name from the Business/Nonprofit Task Force (see Other News, Events & Briefings). In February, discussed the impact of the state budget resolution and other public policy issues. Next meeting is Thurs., April 23. Contacts: Mike Erwin and Mark Hughes |
| New Members |
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Please welcome this new Contra Costa Council member! Diane Fleck, President The Learning Café812 Morningside Way Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 925.689.5726 Ph. 925.689.5726 Fax dfleck@thelearning-cafe.com
www.thelearning-cafe.com TLC provides practical advice, strategies and services to business owners. Projects include business coaching, marketing, seminars and workshops. 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.
© 2009 Contra Costa Council | |
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