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The Leading Voice of Business in Orange County |
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 |
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| FEATURED STORIES |
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GOVERNOR BRIEFS OCBC ON SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOT MEASURES 1A - 1F
 The Orange County Business Council hosted Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for a briefing of Proposition 1A, and five other measures on the May 19 ballot, last week. OCBC investors, community leaders and several elected officials heard first hand from the Governor as he calls the ballot measures "absolutely essential for both our short-term survival and our long-term prosperity." [READ THE REST OF THE STORY]
The ballot measures are result of agreements made as part of the budget solution to make constitutional and statutory changes to the state's budget process. The most notable of the initiatives is Prop 1A, or the, "Rainy Day" measure that will change the way in which the state sets aside money in reserve accounts and how that money is spent. To read more on Prop 1A, and the other five measures, click here to view the summary provided by the Legislative Analyst's Office.
OCBC's Government Affairs Committee will be reviewing and making recommendations on these measures this month. For more info, contact Kris Murray. |
$28 MILLION IDENTIFIED FOR OC TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS BY CTC
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) announced last week the first infrastructure projects in line to receive federal economic stimulus funding in California. The CTC identified 57 projects totaling $625 million in California, with more than $28 million possibly heading towards Orange County.
Pending final approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), 56 of the 57 projects will be ready to begin construction. According to Caltrans Director Will Kempton, the first of these projects should start within 60 days, "putting people to work as soon as possible."
It is expected that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed by President Obama in February will allocate about $2.57 billion for infrastructure projects in California. |
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| OCBC BUSINESS DELEGATION REPRESENTS O.C. IN D.C.
The Orange County Business Council is back in Orange County after leading a distinguished delegation of business leaders and public officials to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the county's highest priorities affecting the economy.
While OCBC was in Washington, D.C., Congress passed the omnibus appropriations bill, which included vital funding for major OC projects including:
- $2.6M for the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center
- $712M for improvements on the SR-91
- $380M for improvements to the I-405
- $237.5M for improvements to the I-5
The annual OCBC Washington, D.C. advocacy trip is half of its "One Voice, Two Capitols" initiative-the second half being a trip to the state's capitol coming soon. For more information on OCBC's "One Voice, Two Capitols" trips, or how to get involved, contact OCBC Vice President of Government Affairs Kris Murray at 949.794.7210.
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OCTA CEO AND OCBC BOARD MEMBER, ART LEAHY TO HEAD METRO
OCBC tips its hat to one of its own, Board Member Art Leahy, for his appointment as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Chief Executive Officer last week. After spending eight years as CEO of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Leahy will take over for the retiring Roger Snoble as Metro CEO. As a member of OCBC's Board of Directors since 2007, Leahy also served as a founding member of the Business Council's regional transportation initiative OCMoves. Leahy also played an intricate role in the renewal of Measure M, the biggest pro-transportation vote in Orange County since 1912. The half-cent sales tax approved in November of 2006 looked to generate nearly $12 billion over 30 years, monies that have and will continue to fund local transportation improvements that help preserve Orange County's positive business climate.
Save the date: Mr. Leahy will be appropriatly roasted on April 8! Details to come. |
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CALIFORNIA LAUNCHES ECONOMIC RECOVERY PORTAL
 Governor Schwarzenegger today launched www.recovery.ca.gov to ensure transparency and accountability of federal economic stimulus funding as it is received and expended by the state. The launch happens the day after Schwarzenegger Administration officials attended a White House conference on federal economic stimulus in Washington, DC.
The Web site will provide Californians with new tools to monitor ongoing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act activity and provide up-to-date information about how and when their federal tax dollars are spent. As information becomes available, the Web site will also post the geographic distribution of expenditures through the use of digital mapping technology.
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RESPONSIBLE FUEL POLICIES NOW!
 In a time of economic turmoil and rising job losses, business leaders need to act now to help preserve a healthy business climate. The Business Council has joined a new public policy project called Fueling California, a consumer alliance for responsible fuel policies. Fueling California protects California businesses by focusing on issues such as fuel supply and cost; infrastructure and climate change.
Please join our efforts and sign up as a supporter of Fueling California today! For more information and to sign up as a public supporter, click here! or email Austin Lee, Executive Director of Fueling California at Austin.Lee@FuelingCalifornia.org.
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HOT OFF THE PRESS! OCBC UNVEILS 2009-10 LEGISLATIVE ACTION GUIDE
 The Orange County Business Council is proud to present the 2009-10 Legislative Action Guide (LAG). This two year document is a business roadmap for legislative activities in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
OCBC developed the public policy positions outlined in the LAG in partnership with our business members, whom we thank for their efforts. The positions reflect the goals outlined by OCBC's top initiatives of improved infrastructure, preparing a future workforce, an increased supply of workforce housing and improvement of the economic well-being and quality of life in Orange County.
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OC METRO, MERCY HOUSE HONOR OCBC CEO LUCY DUNN
20 Women to Watch: OC Metro
The Business Council's fearless leader, Lucy Dunn, was recently selected as one of the 20 Women to Watch in Orange County by OC Metro Magazine. This is the second time Lucy has been recognized by OC Metro for this distinguished list.
Living with Heart: Mercy House Mercy House announced that its fifth annual fundraising gala, Living with Heart, will be held at Disney's Grand California Hotel on Friday, May 16, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
This year Mercy House will celebrate the accomplishments of Lucy Dunn, for her work as director of a number of non-profit organizations including the Lennar Charitable Housing Foundation and the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, as well as her efforts as a member of Orange County's working group to develop the county's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness along with Mercy House's Executive Director Larry Haynes. Mercy House will also honor the achievements of fellow OCBC member Western Digital Corporation. [EVENT INVITATION AND MORE INFO] |
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| RECENT OCBC EVENTS |
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IRVINE COMPANY'S DAN YOUNG KICKS OFF OCBC 2009 CLB SERIES
 OCBC members and investors heard from Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) Chairman and President of Community Development for the Irvine Company Dan Young. Young discussed his role in the California Economic Recovery Task Force and his recommendations on planning for federal dollars, setting the stage for long-term growth and balancing the state budget.
Young says one of the biggest problems is consumer confidence. "People aren't broke, they are just on the sidelines," he says. Young and the rest of the panel featuring PPIC CEO Mark Baldassare and Associate Director of Research Jed Kolko gave an insightful look on how investing now in infrastructure, workforce housing and workforce development now is key to the future economic growth of the county and state and applauded OCBC for their efforts in maintaining those priorities. |
| UPCOMING OCBC EVENTS |
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BIZPAC ROASTS AND TOASTS FORMER REPUBLICAN SENATE LEADER DICK ACKERMAN
 BIZPAC, the political action committee of OCBC, knows that an honored elected official leaving political office is a good excuse for a ROAST! Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle will emcee a spirited group of humorists to give Former Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman a heated send-off. You need an excuse to laugh? This is it!
Date: April 23, 2009
Time: 5:30 pm reception | 6:30 pm dinner and program
Place: Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel, Costa Mesa, CA
RSVP: View event flyer and registration form below. Info? Michelle Hart at 949.794.7219.
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AUTO CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CEO TOM MCKERNAN SLATED FOR JUNE CLB
 2009 CLB series sponsor at&t presents OCBC's Chairman's Leadership Breakfast featuring CEO of the Automobile Club of Southern California, Tom McKernan.
As CEO of the Automobile Club of Southern California, McKernan oversees the largest AAA-affiliated motor club in the country. He also is chairman of the Orange County chapter of the New Majority, an organization that promotes fiscally responsible government and supports inclusive, mainstream political approaches. Mr. McKernan serves on the board of directors of the California Chamber of Commerce and was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve on the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force.
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Time: 8 a.m. breakfast | 8:30 a.m. program
Place: The Center Club, Costa Mesa, CA
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| OCBC MEMBER PROFILE |
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BANK OF AMERICA: crunching numbers, a look at 2008 and beyond
 In the fourth quarter of 2008, Bank of America extended more than $115 billion in new credit to consumers, large and small businesses, governments and other entities. The company also recognized the economic importance of extending credit to communities who traditionally have experienced difficulty gaining access to financial services. Beginning in 2009, Bank of America is undertaking a 10-year, $1.5 trillion community development lending and investing goal focused on delivering capital to low-to-moderate income and minority communities across the United States.
Click here to learn more about how the Bank of America Lending and Investing Initiative is helping to support our nation's economy. |
OCBC MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
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SEVERAL OCBC MEMBERS MAKE FORTUNE'S 100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN 09'
 Two of OCBC's own, CH2M Hill and KPMG, are listed in Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2009.
To pick the 100 Best Companies to Work for, Fortune partners with Great Place to Work Institute® to conduct the most extensive employee survey in corporate America. Each year the list captures those companies exceeding expectations and who go out of their way to please employees.
Congratulations to KPMG and CH2M Hill for their exemplary commitment to employee satisfaction!
[SEE WHO ELSE TOPS THE LIST] |
| COMMITTEE MEETINGS |
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MARCH 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Workforce Housing Committee
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Economic Development Committee
Thursday, March 19, 2009 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Community Colleges Working Group
Thursday, March 26, 2009 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Committee meetings are open to OCBC members and invited guests only. All committee meetings are held at the OCBC offices unless otherwise specified. For more information on upcoming committee meetings for 2009 check out OCBC's Master Calendar.
Looking to get more involved? Click below to receive specific committee notices.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
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2009 Orange County Community Indicators Report
The Orange County Forum is proud to present its annual "State of the County" featuring The Honorable Pat Bates, OCBC's Lucy Dunn, President of the La Jolla Institute Steve Pon Tell and former California Assemblyman Phil Isenberg. This annual event features the unveiling of the 2009 OC Community Indicators Report.
This groundbreaking study measures the overall quality of life of the Orange County community by tracking key indicators of economic, social and environmental well being. Modeled after successful programs in the state and nation, the Community Indicators Project serves as an ongoing and dynamic measurement tool which can support a variety of local and regional initiatives concerned with the wellbeing of the county.
What are the trends? Where have we been and where are we going? The must read Community Indicators will tell all! Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of this groundbreaking study. Unable to attend? Check back with www.ocbc.org for the electronic copy of this report after March 18.
March 18, 2009 | 11:30 a.m.
The Irvine Hilton
18800 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine, CA
For more information or to RSVP, contact OrangeCoForum@aol.com or 949.588.9884.
UCI's Paul Merage School of Business presents: Distinguished Speaker Series
Join the Merage School of Business as the Distinguished Speaker Series features Jim Caudill, President, Hardware & Home Improvement, Black & Decker. The Distinguished Speaker Series brings to campus key business leaders who address current business issues, leadership, ethics, and other relevant topics. The goal is to expose students to speakers who, by sharing their experiences and insights, will enhance student learning.
April 7, 2009 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
UCI Student Center
Corner of West Peltason Dr. and Pereira Dr., Irvine, CA 92697
For information about sponsorship opportunities please contact Corporate Relations Office at 949-824-4530, or cltd@merage.uci.edu.
Economic Development Roundtable Breakfast
Southern California Edison (SCE) will be hosting an Economic Development Roundtable breakfast on Friday, March 20, 2009. During these challenging economic times, SCE wishes to align its economic development resources with those of our local government and regional partners. SCE will share information about its economic incentive programs which benefit businesses and other economic development tools.
Friday, March 20, 2009 | 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Doubletree Hotel
100 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868
Please RSVP to Jenelle Froisland at 714.973.5631, no later than Friday, March 13th.
Orange County Housing Summit II
The 2009 Orange County Housing Summit hosted by the Orange County Housing Trust will be held May 12 from entitled "WORKFORCE HOUSING: FACTS & MYTHS." The Summit will bring together top financial executives, analysts, and housing and government officials to bring attendees up to date on the status of affordable and workforce housing as we move through the midst of one of the nation's worst recessions and housing markets.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 | 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
UCI Student Center
2nd Annual OC Water Summit
Join the Orange County Water District, Municipal Water District of Orange County and OCBC for the second OC Water Summit to address the urgent water issues throughout the county. More than 400 business professionals, water agencies and elected officials will be brought together to examine impacts that limited water supplies will have on southern California businesses and what we all need to do to ensure water reliability.
Friday, May 15, 2009 | 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Grand Californian Hotel at the Disneyland Resort | |
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2 Park Plaza, Suite 100, Irvine CA 92614 | www.ocbc.org | PH: 949.476.2242 | FAX: 949.476.9240 | |
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