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The Leading Voice of Business in Orange County |
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 |
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| FEATURED STORIES |
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OCBC HOSTS INAUGURAL HOUSING 101 PROGRAM
 The Business Council held class yesterday with over 30 "students" packing the inaugural Housing 101 workshop. The program centered on providing newly elected city council members and newly appointed planning commissioners with information and resources on housing in Orange County to empower those who impact development in their respective cities.
"Housing 101 is an important first step in opening up a continuing discussion between the public and private sectors on how to address housing issues that affect Orange County's economic vitality and quality of life," said Orange County Division, League of California Cities Executive Director Lacy Kelly. The variety of perspectives reflected the creativity possible when key leaders collaborate."
The Housing 101 workshop touched on several timely topics including: the economics of homebuilding, nuts and bolts of permitting a project, considering all city infrastructure projects and creating political will in your city. One interesting fact that attendees learned: according to Dr. Wallace Walrod, preliminary research indicates that Orange County stands to loose up to $2 billion in tax revenue as a result of an inadequate housing supply.
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FORCED CLOSURE OF GAS STATIONS NO APRIL FOOLS JOKE
 Gas stations throughout the state may be forced to close abruptly if the California Air Resources Board (CARB) fails to re-examine its April 1 deadline for them to retrofit their fuel dispensers. The mandate proposed by CARB would require small station owners to install new enhanced vapor recovery (EVR) nozzles to capture 98% of the vapor emissions instead of the current 95%. The costly and burdensome process could potentially force 6,000 gas stations to close throughout California.
The Business Council commends Governor Schwarzenegger for sending a strong message to CARB urging delay implementation of this mandate. Read the Governor's letter to CARB Chairwoman, Mary Nichols, here.
More time is needed before it can be successfully enforced without having significant negative effects on the business community and the state's economy.
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2009 ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY INDICATORS REVEALED
 The Orange County Forum presented its annual "State of the County" last week. An informative panel featuring Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Pat Bates, OCBC's Lucy Dunn, President of the La Jolla Institute Steve Pon Tell and former California Assemblyman Phil Isenberg gave over 300 business leaders and elected officials a first look at the 2009 Indicators Report.
This groundbreaking study -- with research assistance by OCBC's Dr. Wallace Walrod, measures the overall quality of life of the Orange County community by tracking key indicators of economic, social and environmental well being. For example, did you know that out of 200 US Metro areas, Orange County has dropped to 184 in cost of doing business--primarily due to over-regulation from Sacramento affecting business' ability to effectively compete in a global economy.
Click here to take a look at all the findings and trends in the 2009 Orange County Community Indicators Report to find out... |
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OCBC FIRST PERSON: OBAMA IN OC
Written by: Tom Phelps, Past OCBC Chair and Partner of Manatt Phelps and Phillips 
It was a remarkable event, attended by 1300 citizens (according to press reports), plus scores of ushers, cops, technicians, press folks and Secret Service agents. Despite the confusion caused by the closure of Fair Drive, I arrived on time at 3:00 PM. Even so, by the time I got through security and entered the hall, the place was full and every chair taken. So I worked my way near the front, standing against the left wall about 25 yards in front of the podium.
Who were all these people? It looked like a cross section of America, men and women of all races and ages, buttoned-down business executives, soccer moms, working stiffs, students, lawyers, public officials, unemployed and even some recognizable Republicans and a university president. [READ MORE] |
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SCHWARZENEGGER CREATES FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS TASK FORCE
With an estimated $85 billion in federal economic stimulus headed toward California over the next two years, the Governor today announced the creation of the California Federal Economic Stimulus Task Force to track those dollars, seize as much as possible, use the funding effectively and ensure that spending is done with transparency and accountability. See below for more information. OCBC has been designated as the regional coordinator for Orange County to develop a draft work plan for projects eligible for funding.
The Task Force will be charged with tracking the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding coming into the state; working with President Barack Obama's administration; helping cities, counties, non-profits, and others access the available funding; ensure that the funding funneled through the state is spent efficiently and effectively; and maintain a Web site that is frequently and thoroughly updated for Californians to be able to track the stimulus dollars. [READ MORE] |
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TCA RESPONDS TO LOS ANGELES TIMES OPINION PIECE
On March 10 the Los Angeles Times ran a guest op ed once again misstating basic facts regarding the TCA and the completion of SR-241. Take a look at TCA's rebuttal addressing the 11 "myths" outlined in the original op ed, from strict oversight to environmental sensitivity--this rebuttal addresses it all and sets the record straight. Read the Full Rebuttal |
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DON'T LIKE THE BUDGET? THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER? TAKE THE BUDGET CHALLENGE
 The nonpartisan "California Budget Challenge," provided by Next 10, is a free online educational tool that lets users try to balance California's books and see how their choices will affect the state five years into the future. Make key decisions on funding for state programs including education, the environment and criminal justice, decide where the money should come from, and learn more about what will be on the May 19th Special Election ballot. [TRY IT HERE] |
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SECOND ANNUAL OC WATER SUMMIT TAPS INTO WATER ISSUES FACING THE COUNTY
 Join the Orange County Water District, Municipal Water District of Orange County, and OCBC for the second O.C. Water Summit on May 15, 2009 to address urgent water supply issues and make sure southern California's water supplies are protected. With a 20% reduction in Southern California water supplies anticipated, this conference will give you the tools you need to stay competitive. More than 400 business professionals, water agencies and elected officials will be brought together at the Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim to examine impacts that limited water supplies will have on southern California businesses and what we all need to do to ensure water reliability.
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OCBC PROVIDES LEGISLATIVE ROAD MAP FOR SACRAMENTO AND D.C.
 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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| 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 including Assemblyman Mike Duvall, Republican Party of OC Chairman Scott Baugh, Fullerton Police Chief Patrick McKinley and others 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 exclusive 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.
Join Tom Phelps, former OCBC Chairman, of Manatt, for another lively Oprah-style interview with one of California's top business leaders.  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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| COMMITTEE MEETINGS |
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APRIL 2009
Latino Educational Attainment Committee
Friday, April 3, 2009 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Workforce Development CommitteeWednesday, April 15, 2009 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Community College Working GroupThursday, April 23, 2009 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Government Affairs CommitteeFriday, April 24, 2009 from 9 to 10:30 a.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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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.
Santiago Canyon College Orange Education Center Job Fair
Looking for a job? Santiago Canyon College's Education Center brings together great local employers, don't miss this great opportunity. For more information on how to get involved, contact Rosemary Touyanou at 714.628.5942.
Friday, April 17, 2009 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Orange Education Center
1465 N. Batavia St., Orange, CA 92867
Orange County United Way Real Estate & Building Industry Mixer
Network with industry leaders, past and present colleagues and potential clients while giving back to Orange County youth by encouraging their educational achievements and helping them reach their full potential.
Special guests include: Former LA Rams, USC and UNLV Head Football Coach, John Robinson; Former UCLA Head Football Coach, Terry Donahue and former NFL players.
Individual seats are $200 and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit www.realestate2009.kintera.org to register or call (949) 263-6176 for more information.
Thursday, April 16, 2009 | 5 - 8 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Irvine
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 | |
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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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