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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 / 925.246.1880 / www.contracostacouncil.com
In This Issue
August 5 Luncheon: Council hosts forum on pension reform in the public sector
August 16 Golf Tournament: Join the Council for an afternoon of golf at Round Hill
View from the Chair: Continuing the Council's critical advocacy on public policy issues affecting our economy and quality of life
Advocacy Action: Council seeks to contribute its substantial knowledge and resources to Delta Sustainability Plan . . . Strategic use of affordable smart housing funds can bridge the digital divide . . . Proposed East County Government Center in Brentwood gets Council support
Member News: Kris Johnson is new co-chair of Transportation Task Force . . . Joanne Durkee and Kathleen Robinson tapped to lead Workforce Development/Education Task Force
Business Information from Our Members: Opportunity Junction thanks employers as Antioch nonprofit celebrates 10th anniversary on September 21
Contra Costa Economic Partnership / Contra Costa Workforce Initiative: Academic summer camps hold a treasure trove of learning
Task Force Briefing: Social Responsibility Task Force learns about Shell Oil's community service program
Task Force Spotlight: Council's Economic Development Task Force focuses on keeping Contra Costa County growing and vibrant
New Members: Please welcome EcoNexus, Grubb & Ellis and Mt. Diablo Unified School District Adult Education
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
Annual "Give Back to the Community Day" at Habitat for Humanity in Bay Point

Saturday, July 31
8:30 am to 4 pm
138 Loftus Road, Bay Point

Join the Council for a work day that benefits the community!
Gather at 8:30 am and plan to participate the entire day.

To sign up, contact Nanette Fukushima or Linda Best at the Council office at 925.246.1880.

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Pension Reform in the Public Sector

Thursday, August 5
11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Crowne Plaza Hotel
45 John Glenn Drive, Concord

Featuring Dan Borenstein of the Contra Costa Times, Rollie Katz of Public Employees Union Local 1, Herb Moniz of San Ramon and David Twa and Bill Pollacek (panel moderator) of Contra Costa County

Register by July 30 at the Council website or call 925.246.1880.
Sponsored by PG&E


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26th Annual Contra Costa Council Golf Tournament


Monday, August 16
Round Hill Country Club

3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo

Registration and lunch at 10:30 am. Shotgun start at 11:45 am. No-host cocktails at 5 pm. Dinner and awards ceremony at 6 pm.
The Petroleum Cup, presented by Chevron

Seeking sponsors, volunteers and prize donations!

Register by August 9. Contact the Council office or call 925.246.1880, fax 925.674.1654.



  July 2010
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August 5 Luncheon
Council hosts forum on pension reform in the public sector

An impressive line-up of experts with a working knowledge of the public employee pension benefits program in Contra Costa County will explore this critical topic at a Contra Costa Council panel discussion on Thursday, August 5. The luncheon forum, titled Pension Reform in the Public Sector, is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Concord.

Panelists will include Dan Borenstein, Contra Costa Times staff columnist and editorial writer; Rollie Katz, supervising business agent, Public Employees Union, Local 1; Herb Moniz, City Manager, San Ramon; David Twa, Contra Costa County administrator; and Bill Pollacek, retiring Contra Costa County treasurer and panel moderator.

The discussion is expected to be wide-ranging, with various points of view represented. Panelist Herb Moniz of San Ramon, for example, is a member of the Pension Reform Task Force. The task force's report recommends that public sector employees be required to participate in the funding of their pension plans and a new pension tier be established for new employees so that municipalities can control future liabilities. Times' columnist Borenstein, while offering praise for the proposal, wrote in a May 9 column that the proposed reforms "don't go far enough."

The Council officially endorsed the regional proposal at its July 16 board of directors meeting, and is urging local mayors and city council members to support the reform principles and strategies outlined in the task force report. While applauding the proposal as "an important first step," the board noted that the region needs to work toward a uniform set of goals to avoid placing any particular jurisdiction at a competitive disadvantage.

To learn more about the plan and to hear other perspectives on pension reform in the public sector, plan to attend the August 5 forum. To register, complete the flyer posted on the Council website by July 30 or contact the Council office at 925-246-1880 (fax: 925-674-1654) for more information.

August 16 Golf Tournament
An intrepid foursome playing in the 2009 tournament included (from left) George Smith, Walt Gill, Eric Zell and Peter McGaw.
Green Economy Study

Join the Council for an afternoon of golf at Round Hill

Whether you're a scratch golfer or you spend most of your time in the rough, please plan to join the fun and share in the prizes at the Contra Costa Council's 26th Annual Golf Tournament, set for Monday, August 16, at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo.

The annual tournament is one of the Council's two major annual fundraisers (the other is Contra Costa USA, held in early January). The success of these events is an important element in ensuring the Council's ability to continue its important advocacy work on behalf of Contra Costa County. Please attend this worthy cause. You're sure to have a great time!

Registration and lunch are at 10:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 11:45 a.m. Following tournament play, a no-host cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m., with dinner and an awards ceremony at 6 p.m.

For a modest admission price, this annual event offers 18 holes of golf, golf cart, barbecue lunch and gourmet dinner. The program features nine activity holes for prizes, in addition to The Petroleum Cup, which will be presented by Chevron to the lowest-scoring foursome.

Sponsorships are still available at the corporate, special event and tee sponsor level, and volunteers are invited to attend and assist with events. We welcome prize donations of any type for the raffle and as "bag stuffers." For questions, please contact Terry Shoaff or Nanette Fukushima at the Council office at 925-246-1880.

Register by August 9 at the Council website. For questions, contact the Council office or call 925-246-1880, fax 925-674-1654.






View from the Chair 
Gary Craft and Mike ConlonContinuing the Council's critical advocacy on public policy issues affecting our economy and quality of life

By George Smith, 2010-11 Chair, Contra Costa Council

As the Contra Costa Council turns over its leadership in a new year, and the gavel has been handed to me, I want to congratulate Cheryll LeMay for an outstanding year as chair. I look forward to working closely with Linda Best, who is the rock and foundation of the Council, and with Council staff, Terry Shoaff and Nanette Fukushima.

I am honored to serve as the Council chairman in the coming year. My experience with the Council began about eight years ago, when I began to participate in Environmental Task Force meetings, Contra Costa USA and the annual golf tournament. It's been a pleasure to serve as co-chair of the Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force with Peter McGaw since 2005, and on the executive committee as VP task forces, and chair-elect, for the past three years.

As we set our priorities this year, all of our activities will occur within the overall mission of the Council: "To provide advocacy on public policy issues affecting the economic vitality and quality of life in the county." I encourage all of you to use that phrase in your "elevator speech" when you are asked about the role of Council. Also, let's all remember that line as we recruit new members under the leadership of VP Membership Jim Brandt.

Taking a stand on issues

A key word in our mission statement is "advocacy." As in the past, the Council will carefully evaluate and take a stand on key issues, such as pension reform, pending agency rulings, legislation, health care reform and restoration of the Delta. Also, at upcoming forums, we plan to host candidate debates for races at the state and federal level in the November elections.
We have hit the ground running with key task force meetings in July, including the Transportation Task Force, which featured a presentation of the proposed Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) vehicle registration fee by Arielle Bourgart, director, government and community relations, who works with Randy Iwasaki, new executive director of the CCTA, on July 6; and a continuation of the point/counterpoint discussion of the November ballot initiative to suspend AB 32 legislation, at the Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force session on July 9. On July 31, as part of our "giving something back" program, we'll conduct our first charity event of the year, a Habitat for Humanity outing in Bay Point.  

Looking ahead, we'll conduct a forum featuring a blue-ribbon panel on the critical issue of pension reform, which will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on August 5 (see article, above). And, of course, one of the most enjoyable events of the year, the 26th annual Contra Costa Council Golf Tournament, will take place at Round Hill Country Club on August 16. Tom McCracken, a past chair of the Council, will serve as honorary chair of the event.

I am looking forward to a busy and productive year as your chairman. We have a very talented Council staff, Executive Committee and Board of Directors, which will make my job stimulating and enjoyable. I look forward to seeing you at the events!
Advocacy Action
Council seeks to contribute its substantial knowledge and resources to Delta Sustainability Plan

The Contra Costa Council intends to remain involved in the development of the Delta Sustainability Plan to ensure that the goals of protecting the Delta ecosystem while ensuring a reliable supply of quality water are properly implemented.

In a letter to Don Nottoli, chair of the Delta Protection Commission, Council President and CEO Linda Best pointed to the Council's extensive involvement in water issues affecting the region and the state, in addition to providing regular input into the creation of the Delta Vision by the Delta Blue Ribbon Task Force.

"Specifically, we would like to provide input as the Economic Sustainability Plan is developed and believe we can bring some valuable resources to the effort," said Best. "Additionally, as you begin to establish the Advisory Committee called for in the legislation, we respectfully request that you consider the Contra Costa Council as an organization to be represented on the committee. We believe that with our experience and record of involvement on water issues, we can make a positive contribution to the committee's work," she said.

Strategic use of affordable smart housing funds can bridge the digital divide

The Contra Costa Council is supporting the Affordable Smart Housing Policy of the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF). This policy is designed to ensure the strategic use of federal and state housing funds to bridge the "digital divide," the gap between those with effective access to digital and information technology and those with very limited or no access.

"The Council is encouraged that CETF is promoting broadband technology access to those who lack today's basic informational technology at homes, schools and health clinics in California," said Council President and CEO Linda Best. For the underserved population in California, broadband technology and access is critical for developing future economic and educational opportunities.

"As in any business plan, we advocate that sufficient funding will be made available to meet the short and long-term requirements of developing and maintaining broadband access," said Best. It is our desire that necessary state and federal monies will allow for continued funding of broadband access to the underserved population in California.

Proposed East County Government Center in Brentwood gets Council support


At the June 8 meeting of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, the Contra Costa Council supported a plan to explore purchase of a three-acre parcel of vacant land in Brentwood, on which an East County Government Center would be located to provide county services to local residents. Council President and CEO Linda Best appeared at the meeting on behalf of the Council, noting, "It makes a lot of sense to consolidate the county's services in one location for East County residents."

Consideration of the land purchase follows a Regional Needs Assessment by the County Administrator's Office, which was completed in 2006 to determine the allocation of county services and facilities in various areas of the county. The assessment noted the significant geographic shift that had occurred in Far East County, and determined that the area's residents are geographically disadvantaged when it comes to receiving county services offered from Central County locations. The assessment further stressed the need for additional county facilities in Far East County to keep pace with the region's growth.
Member News 
Kris Johnson is new co-chair of Transportation Task Force

Kris Johnson, regional manager and vice president of Kleinfelder, Pleasanton, has been named co-chair of the Council's Transportation Task Force, joining newly named co-chair Jim Melino of Bell, Rosenberg & Hughes LLP, Walnut Creek. Johnson succeeds Bob Brown of AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah, who continues to chair the Budget Reform Ad Hoc Task Force.

Joanne Durkee and Kathleen Robinson tapped to lead Workforce Development/Education Task Force

Joanne Durkee, director of adult education for the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, and Kathleen Robinson, principal of Robinson & Associates, Walnut Creek, have been named co-chairs of the Council's Workforce Development/Education Task Force. They succeed co-chairs Keith Archuleta of Emerald Consulting and April Treece of Opus Communications.
Business Information from Our Members
GWF's Mark Kehoe with Opportunity Junction intern Mary C.
Green Economy Study
Opportunity Junction thanks employers as Antioch nonprofit celebrates 10th anniversary on September 21

By Jesse Golden

Opportunity Junction's 10th Anniversary Reception: Celebrating Employers marks a milestone for the Contra Costa Council, particularly those members who worked beginning in 1997 to found the non-profit organization based on best practices in workforce development.

All Council members are invited to the anniversary event on Tuesday, September 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Opportunity Junction's offices at 3102 Delta Fair Boulevard, Antioch. The reception will celebrate employers who have hired graduates of the nonprofit's Job Training and Placement Program, as well as those who have utilized the organization's staffing services for temporary office help.

Opportunity Junction's Job Training and Placement Program was launched in 2000 as the brainchild of Meryl Natchez, CEO of TechProse, then chair of the Council's Technology Task Force, and was created by a collaboration of businesses, government and the education community. The program's mission is to "fight poverty by helping low-income adults gain the skills and confidence to support themselves and their families."

Opportunity Junction offers a three-phase Job Training and Placement program, which includes computer applications training and life skills support (three months), a paid internship (up to four months) and ongoing alumni services. It also provides Do-It-Yourself Tax Assistance workshops, free computer access and classes at its Technology Center, and low-cost staffing and data-entry services to businesses and organizations.

Contra Costa Council member company GWF Power participates in the organization's Hiring Partners program with a rotating internship position. Director of Human Resources Vicki DiBernardo says, "Our company gets additional help, and the interns get experience, training and resume building. It's a successful program and we're happy to have it here."

Jesse Golden is deputy director of Opportunity Junction. Contact her at [email protected], 925-776-1133, or visit www.opportunityjunction.org.
Contra Costa Economic Partnership / Contra Costa Workforce Initiative
Academic summer camps hold a treasure trove of learning
 
A local student, at left, works with a UC Davis scientist, testing the quality of water in the Delta as part of the Environmental Sciences Summer Camp's hands-on laboratory.
Green Economy Study
The Contra Costa Workforce Initiative, a program of the Contra Costa Economic Partnership (CCEP), is again co-hosting three summer camps for area high school students, many of whom are receiving college credit. The highly successful camps are made possible by a consortium of industry, high school and community college partners, including the Contra Costa County Office of Education, Contra Costa Community College District, Cal State University East Bay's Concord Campus and CCEP.
 
Presenting sponsor for all three camps is Chevron, which provided a major grant for the Workforce Initiative's 2010-11 industry pathways program, including the three summer camps and ongoing teacher professional development.

"It's exciting to be a part of innovative approaches to bring curriculum alive for our local teenagers," said Janet Auer, community engagement specialist, Chevron Global Partnerships and Programs. "By supporting high-quality summer experiences for students and high school teachers, these hands-on science and math programs help to meet Chevron's goal to unlock the human energy inside students and create a brighter future for Contra Costa."

Other sponsors include the Contra Costa Water District, The Dow Chemical Company, USS Posco, the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council IBEW Local 302, Carpenters Local 152, Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, Contra Costa Electric, Newtron Inc., John Muir Health and Bio-Rad Laboratories.

Five-day sessions
 
The first camp, the sixth annual Engineering, Construction & Manufacturing Summer Camp, was held June 21 to 25 at Diablo Valley College. A capacity registration of 60 students and 11 teachers participated in the five-day camp, which featured site visits to United Spiral Piping, USS Posco, Chevron and the Northern California Carpenters Apprenticeship Training Center.

Some 60 students and 11 teachers learned about careers in biotechnology at the seventh annual Biotech Camp, held July 12 to 16 at Cal State University East Bay's Concord Campus. During the week-long session, students explored a variety of areas in science, including biofuels, disease, forensics and stem cells. They learned about research and biotechnical applications through morning lectures and interactive labs and discussions. Participants visited the surgical technology program at Mt. Diablo Unified School District's Adult Education offices and state-of-the-art worksites at the Joint Genome Institute and John Muir Laboratories.

Fifty-two students have enrolled in the Environmental Sciences Summer Camp at Cal State University East Bay's Concord Campus, which will be held July 26 to 30. "The Environment: Student Voice, Student Action, Student Advocacy" is the theme for this year's session, which features a balance of lectures, hands-on labs and field visits. Students and teachers will hear from leading experts on the Delta ecosystem, wetlands, invasive species, water/wastewater, renewable energy, ocean health and the Bay Delta, climate change, and personal decision-making and issues-oriented dialogue. They will also conduct research using the latest GPS technology and complete a team project, delivering a public service announcement before a panel of industry experts.

About the camps, Deer Valley High School biology teacher Liz Ritchie says, "CCEP's summer camps have allowed me to meet and connect with industry representatives and with other teachers across Contra Costa County to collaborate on how to best prepare students for future success."
Task Force Briefing
Social Responsibility Task Force learns about Shell Oil's community service program

By Anne Marie Taylor
 
At its June meeting, the Contra Costa Council's Social Responsibility Task Force enjoyed an inspiring and informative presentation by Steve Lesher and Cathy Ivers of Shell Oil's public affairs team in Martinez.
 
As part of its commitment to assist local nonprofits, Shell supports two full days of employee volunteerism, encouraging workers at all company levels to get involved in the community and with local charities. "Shell wants to be a community asset, not only because of the jobs we bring to this area, but also because of the involved people who work with us and who are concerned about local neighborhoods," explained Lesher.
 
The entire leadership team at Shell is active in philanthropy work, and community involvement is expected, but not required, as part of their performance review. "We create a triple bottom line with noticeable wins for our employees, for community organizations and for Shell Oil," added Ivers, who serves as volunteer coordinator.
 
Shell employees have been involved in a variety of charitable projects, such as sorting food at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, labeling books for the Library, working on landscaping at the Boys & Girls Club, painting the Martinez Senior Community Center and other community buildings, and wrapping holiday presents for kids in need. Ivers described her work with Shell in enthusiastic terms: "We believe in the power of volunteerism and focus on community service," she said.

Anne Marie Taylor is vice president of advancement at John F. Kennedy University and a member of the Social Responsibility Task Force.
Task Force Briefings
July and August activities . . .

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, as details may change. To view task force policy papers and recent presentations, visit the main Task Forces page and individual task force pages on the Council website.

Health Care Task Force . . . . . Thursday, July 1, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . Morgan Miller Blair, 1331 N. California Blvd., Suite 200, Walnut Creek. Discussion with Gary Craft of Craft Consulting and co-chair of the Economic Development Task Force, speaking in opposition to the proposed California Jobs initiative that would suspend requirements of the AB 32 environmental legislation until the unemployment rate drops to 5.5 percent. Other legislative and policy updates and discussion of the collaborative care model. Next meeting is Thursday, August 5 (first Thursday). Co-chairs: Lynn Baskett and Steve Van Wart

Transportation Task Force . . . Tuesday, July 6, 8 a.m. . . . PMI Building, 3003 Oak Road, Walnut Creek (across from Pleasant Hill BART). A discussion with Arielle Bourgart, director, government and community relations, who stood in for Randy Iwasaki, new director of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, on the authority's Vehicle Registration Fee proposal and its benefits for regional transportation. Next meeting is Tuesday, August 3 (first Tuesday). Co-chairs: Kris Johnson and Jim Melino

Environmental/Manufacturing Task Force . . . Friday, July 9, 8:15 to 10 a.m. . . . Brown and Caldwell, 201 N. Civic Drive., Suite 300, Walnut Creek. Gary Craft of Craft Consulting and co-chair of the Economic Development Task Force discusses reasons to oppose the proposed California Jobs initiative that would suspend requirements of the AB 32 environmental legislation until the unemployment rate drops to 5.5 percent. Next meeting is Friday, August 6 (first Friday). Co-chairs: Peter McGaw and George Smith

Land Use Task Force . . . Wednesday, July 14, 8 to 9:30 a.m. . . .Morrison and Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 450 (south of Walnut Creek BART). Completing the Land Use Policy Paper and discussing status of the Delta legislation implementation. Next meeting is Wednesday, August 11 (second Wednesday). Co-chairs: Mike McGill and Dan Muller

Water Task Force . . . Tuesday, July 20, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Morrison and Foerster, 101 Ygnacio Valley Road., #450 (across from Walnut Creek BART). Discussion of permanent water conservation activities relative to the 2009 Delta reform legislative package's requirement to achieve a 20-percent reduction in urban water consumption by 2020; participation includes representatives from local water utilities. Next meeting is Tuesday, August 17 (third Tuesday). Co-chairs: Bob Whitley and Mitch Randall

Social Responsibility Task Force . . . Thursday, July 22, 8 to 9:30 a.m. . . . Brandman University, 2950 Buskirk Ave., Room 307, Walnut Creek. Presentation by Alissa Friedman of Opportunity Junction; discussion of Task Force Policy Paper update. No meeting in August. Next meeting is Thursday, September 23 (fourth Thursday). Co-chairs: Kate Ertz-Berger and Mark Hughes

Economic Development Task Force . . . Wednesday, July 28, 8 to 9 a.m. . . . City National Bank, 2001 N. Main St., #200, Walnut Creek. Ron Brown of Save Mount Diablo will discuss Proposition 21, the $18 vehicle license surcharge to help fund state parks and wildlife programs, which will be on the November ballot. Dave Kelly of Kelly & Associates will provide a summary of Proposition 24, also on the November ballot. Kris Chase of Saint Mary's and Cyd Jenefsky of JFK University will update the task force on the higher education study. Next meeting is Wednesday, August 25 (fourth Wednesday). (For more about this task force, see the Task Force Spotlight, below.) Co-chairs: Mike Conlon and Gary Craft

Small Business/Entrepreneur Task Force . . . Tuesday, July 27, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. . . . De La Housaye & Associates, 1655 N. Main Street, Room 210 Suite 260, Walnut Creek. Regular monthly meeting. Quarterly meeting with local chamber of commerce executives and legislative aides is Tuesday, August 24 (fourth Tuesday). Co-chairs: Angela De La Housaye and Zachary Sahar

Workforce Development/Education Task Force . . . (No meeting in July) . . . Thursday, August 19, 8:30 to 10 a.m. . . . John F. Kennedy University, 100 Ellinwood Drive, Suite N167, Pleasant Hill . . . In June, the task force offered the conclusion of the three-part environmental science/green tech career pathways dialogue, featuring industry partners from Automation Solar, Eichleay Engineers, Contra Costa Sanitary District and Contra Costa Water District discussing workforce needs and skill sets required for the future. Co-chairs: Joanne Durkee and Kathleen Robinson

Task Force Spotlight 
Green Economy Study
Council's Economic Development Task Force focuses on keeping Contra Costa County growing and vibrant

Economic Development Task Force Co-chairs Gary Craft and Mike Conlon take their leadership role on the Contra Costa Council quite seriously. This bodes well for the future of Contra Costa County, as the work of the task force involves encouraging and influencing the best efforts of county government and industry leaders to develop and sustain a growing, competitive economy, today and in the future.

"I've done this sort of work my entire life," says Mike Conlon (pictured above, at right), who has co-led the task force with Gary Craft (above, at left) for about five years. "Being involved gives me a chance to contribute locally, pro bono. I really enjoy it, and the task force is doing some good things." Conlon has a background in capital markets and operates a virtual company called Economic Strategies Group (ESG). His business involves the financing of large-scale real-estate developments, mostly with private clients. He works part-time so that he can travel more often.

"My avocation is also my vocation," says Craft of his Council and task force involvement. "This is what I've been doing all my life in some varied form. I enjoy it, it changes constantly and it's not just about analysis. It's about people, process, politics and business. It's about quality of life."

Craft established his consulting firm, Craft Consulting Group, in Lafayette, to offer public- and private-sector clients economic analysis and market research, business planning, and strategy and marketing services, with an emphasis on sustainability and competitiveness strategy. Among numerous reports he has prepared, Craft authored the 2006, 2007 and 2008 studies, Performance Index: Major Drivers of Contra Costa County's Economy (working for the Contra Costa Economic Partnership, the nonprofit arm of the Council), and he has completed similar market analyses for other counties. His work in sustainability has included performing the economic analysis for a green industrial park and developing sustainability business models for a green office and other economic development organizations.

Focus on leading-edge companies

"Our focus as a task force has always included smaller, leading-edge companies that will grow and produce the bulk of Contra Costa County's new economic activity, employment and investment," notes Conlon. He explains that most of the county's smaller companies are not actually in clean, green or high-tech industries, but the more forward-thinking firms are incorporating clean, green and high-tech management methodologies and business approaches into their operations so they can remain more competitive.

"Clean, green and lean is the future, and unless you get there, you're going to be out of business-whether you're an attorney or a trucking company," Conlon asserts. "The task force has worked to encourage innovation in these leading-edge companies and to look at ways the Council can serve as advocate for these types of businesses."

Valuable food for thought

As with the Council's other nine task forces, the Economic Development Task Force's monthly meetings offer a wealth of valuable content for task force members, staff and other Council members who attend. The June 23 meeting, for example, featured a presentation by William Browne of The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex), based in San Ramon, which provides (green) solutions and resources to manufacturers, distributors and their supply chains. In a second presentation that day, Jesse Golden described the work of Opportunity Junction, the Antioch-based nonprofit that offers job training and placement to low-income residents. (Visit the task force's website page to view these and other recent presentations. Also see an article this issue for more Opportunity Junction news.)

Monthly presenters have addressed many facets of the regional economy, and discussions have been organized with C-level business leaders to talk about how the county can encourage business and economic growth. "We've had some wonderful speakers, including Susan Desmond-Hellmann, chancellor of the University of California, San Francisco, and other key Bay Area business and government leaders," says Conlon. The task force has also hosted several successful forums on green technology.

Clean and green economy thrust

Craft cites the task force's forward-looking work in cleantech/green sustainability work support, which involves implementation of the 2008 East Bay Green Economy Industry Cluster Study, focusing on clean energy and water technology clusters to help grow industries locally. That effort is currently being undertaken in cooperation with Contra Costa, Solano and Alameda counties and four economic development entities: Tri Valley Business Council, East Bay Economic Development Alliance, Solano Economic Development Corporation and the Contra Costa Economic Partnership.

Another important area of focus is higher education, both in terms of educating the workforce and research in higher education and also the jobs created--from professors down to maintenance staff and businesses that provide the goods and services they buy, what Craft calls "the fiscal multiplier effect they have on the local economy."

In 2009, the task force, working jointly with the Workforce Development/Education Task Force, undertook a study of the economic impacts of higher education in Contra Costa County, which is nearing completion. Task force members Kris Chase of Saint Mary's and Cyd Jenefsky of John F. Kennedy University have overseen the study, which looks at future new jobs, new industries and what education, skills and training will be needed to meet the needs of the 21st century.

Another benchmark study, also authored by Craft, Managing Public Sector Retiree Healthcare Costs in Contra Costa County, took a hard look at the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) for the county. The Council's August 5 forum, Pension Reform in the Public Sector, comes from this earlier work and will likely be cited at that session.

Challenging work ahead

"I hope we can make real progress on the public pensions and other post employment benefits issue," says Conlon. "I believe that public finance at the state, county and city level in California is going to become even more difficult over the next two to three years. The cities and counties are not going to bounce back, and revenues are not going to go up dramatically. They've done the easy cutting and eliminated positions that weren't filled, the low-hanging fruit. Now they've got to get serious.

"On top of that, California is now number 50 of 50 states in terms of the money it puts into education, and it has the worst bond rating of any of the 50 states," he says. "These financial realities have a huge impact on business. The task force is going to work on this."

"Our work is a challenge because we're really talking about cultural change," observes Craft. "It's a transformation of our world view and how we think about Contra Costa County. We need to ask ourselves if we are thinking about the issues in a 1900s or 1950s perspective--or where the 21st century is going to take us. Cultural transformation, and shifting our world view about the local economy, is tough. It takes time, and yet it is crucial to our success.

"People often don't realize how everything ties together. You just have to connect the dots. That's what the task force is trying to do," says Craft.
New Members
Please welcome these new Council members!
 
EcoNexus
Glen Laughton, Founder & CEO
5071 Rodeo Circle
Antioch, CA 94531-8106
925.348.9450 ph
925.522.4540 fax
www.econexusinc.com
[email protected]

Providing a sub-meter level hardware and web-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for commercial, industrial and municipal building owners and managers to measure, monitor and improve energy efficiency and environmental impact

Grubb & Ellis
Edward Del Beccaro, Managing Director
Rick Steffens
500 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 300
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925.274.2409 ph
925.935.6895 fax
www.grubb-ellis.com
[email protected]
[email protected]

Setting the standard for customer service and client satisfaction in commercial real estate in Contra Costa and Alameda counties since 1958.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Joanne Durkee, Adult Education Director
1266 San Carlos Avenue
Concord, CA 94518
925.685.7340 ph
www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/adulted/
[email protected]

Serving lifelong learners in the Contra Costa area
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 on 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.

� 2010 Contra Costa Council