OCBC Indicator: eNewsletter

The Leading Voice of Business in Orange County

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

MOBILITY 21 SUMMIT UNVEILS "IMBY" LIST OF CRITICAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

Orange County Business Council joined forces with the Mobility 21 coalition for the 8th Annual Southern California Transportation Summit last week. Over 600 regional transportation leaders convened to discuss strategies for planning and funding Southern California's transportation future. This year, Mobility 21 announced the "IMBY" - "In My Back Yard" - List identifying transportation projects included in a $625 billion plan that would improve mobility, congestion and air quality throughout Southern California.

As critical transportation legislation makes its way through federal, state and local governments, this year's summit focused on strategies for planning and funding Southern California's Transportation Future. The annual event also serves as a springboard for the Mobility 21 Coalition's advocacy efforts, which aim to secure needed funding for transportation projects throughout the six-county region.

"In order to secure an early economic recovery, businesses must grow, create jobs and hire workers," said Lucy Dunn, President and CEO, Orange County Business Council. "Business success requires moving people and goods efficiently and effectively. When this mobility is assured, business thrives. When business thrives, the state thrives."

Click here to see which Orange County projects made the "IMBY" list. Also, check out the latest clip on OCBC-TV featuring Lucy Dunn and LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Special congratulations to Orange Mayor, Carolyn Cavecche, who was named "Leader of the Year" by Mobility 21 for her outstanding commitment and pursuit to better transportation in Southern California. Click here for more info.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE ALMOST SOLD OUT--RSVP TODAY!

With just two weeks away, the 8th annual Workforce Development Conference is almost sold out! Join Orange County Business Council and the Orange County Workforce Investment Board for the 2009 Workforce Development Conference: Reboot OC. This year's guest speaker is Sherry Lansing, former CEO of Paramount Pictures and Founder and CEO of the Sherry Lansing Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to public education and engaging retirees in their communities. Lansing will be interviewed by Orange County's Superintendent of Schools Bill Habermehl on the latest issues affecting Orange County's workforce.

The conference will also unveil Orange County's 2009 Workforce Indicators Report with Dr. Wallace Walrod analyzing the county's economic and labor force trends. The research partnership between OCBC, County of Orange, and Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB) examines the growth of industry and employment, salary and wage trends, demographic changes and the educational attainment of Orange County students.

All attendees receive a complimentary copy of this study.

Click here to learn more about the report and view last year's research.

Date:    Thursday, October 15, 2009
Time: 11 a.m. registration | 11:30 a.m. lunch & program
Place:   The Hyatt Regency Irvine
Info?     Alicia Berhow at 949.794.7215

Online Registration | Event Flyer | Sponsorship Info

DUNN AND DONE: WATER VS. FOOTBALL

The press reported recently that an L.A. businessman wants to build a 75,000 seat football stadium in the City of Industry. Now that local objections to the project have been settled, the state legislature plans to waive environmental and planning rules for the new structure, arguing that the stadium is a job-creating machine. A bill granting that waiver--bending the rules every other builder must comply with--passed the state Assembly earlier this month and now awaits approval from the Senate.

I don't get it. How can the state legislature even propose to "bend the rules" to complete a stadium for a mere Sunday afternoon sporting event but they can't "bend the rules" to get water to one half of the state's population? [READ MORE]

CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY SEEKS FEDERAL FUNDING

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) set aside $8 billion in federal dollars for high-speed train development, and the California High-Speed Rail Authority is hoping to get a $4.5 billion of those dollars for their shovel-ready plans. The project has a potential to receive $9.1 billion as the state will match any federal funds given by selling bonds, according to a bond act passed by voters last November. The money would specifically fund engineering, design-build, electrification, environmental review and construction that would create jobs throughout the state. The train would span 800 miles and go as far south as Anaheim, reaching San Francisco as the northernmost stop.

The Rail Authority expects that Governor Schwarzenegger will formally submit California's bid by the federal deadline of October 2nd. The bid is believed to have a good chance at winning dollars because California's plans are much further along than other states and the project could break ground before the federal deadline. To read more about the proposed plan click here. For more info, contact Kate Klimow.

OCBC GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TACKLES ISSUES--LOOKS AHEAD

Sacramento Update From Assemblyman Jeff Miller
OCBC proudly welcomed Assemblyman Jeff Miller to give the committee an update on latest from Sacramento. With California's unemployment rate over 12 percent, Assemblyman Miller highlighted the importance of improving the state's business climate. Miller stressed the state's stringent regulations and labor laws are the driving force that send the cost of doing business up and send the businesses out of state.

California Forward Outlines 2010 Reform Plan
California Forward's Steve Weiss outlined a 2010 Reform Plan produced by the coalition that, as a whole, would create stability in state governance including responsible budgets, redefining state and local responsibilities and improved accountability. How? Click here to find out.

Jobs Creation Made "EZ" - 100,000 New Jobs For California
Finally, the committee was briefed by Todd Ament, President of the Anaheim Chamber and Co-Chair of the Coalition for 100,000 New Jobs in California. Ament, alongside fellow Co-Chair Lucy Dunn, urged business leaders to back new legislation ABX3 82 that will add 11 areas as one-time, 15 year Enterprise Zones (EZ).

Recent economic development studies show each EZ generates over 10,000 jobs during the 15-year designation period. Santa Ana's EZ has been a success--Anaheim could benefit as well. This legislation represents an important and immediate economic development tool that would generate over 100,000 jobs during the time period of this one time designation. Send your letter of support today. For more info, contact Kate Klimow or Dr. Wallace Walrod.

OCBC SHINES LIGHT ON HOUSING MARKET

At OCBC's Workforce Housing Committee meeting last week, John Lansner of the Orange County Register gave a presentation on the future of the housing market. He pointed out that the demand for "luxury" homes (anything priced over $400,000) is currently nonexistent in Orange County and believes the market won't bounce back for a while. Among other topics, Lansner spoke to the increased need for affordable housing and the accompanying imperative to pressure elected officials, city councils and big developers to step up and take the lead on this issue.

As one of OCBC's major initiatives, workforce housing is crucial to Southern California's economic recovery. Orange County employers are increasingly concerned about their ability to attract and retain workers. In today's economy that concern becomes a daunting challenge for local executives who already list the cost of housing as the single most negative factor affecting Orange County's business climate today. The need for increased supply of workforce housing, as well as a range of housing opportunities for the full spectrum of the county's workforce is the challenge at the heart of Orange County's future. Check out OCBC's Workforce Housing Toolkit for useful resources that will help enable public officials, employers and home buyers to get the housing they need.

AT&T's RICHARD PORRAS TO HEAD OCBC's LATINO EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT INITIATIVE

Congratulations to the new Chair of OCBC's Latino Educational Attainment (LEA) initiative, AT&T's Richard Porras!

The LEA committee is dedicated to empowering a key partner in the success of Latino students--their parents. The committee works to fill the gaps left by education, to assist Latino parents on how to advocate for their children and to spark the importance of education in Latino neighborhoods, the Latino Educational Attainment initiative is working to unify the community, students and parents to produce a highly skilled workforce for the future.

Richard also serves as Chairman of the board of directors of the Greater Santa Ana Business Alliance, Past Chairman and current board member of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and recently served as the Chairman of the Orange County Taxpayers Association. He is also President of the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Ana and is a Foundation Board member of Orange Coast College and Vanguard University and on the board of the Girl Scouts of America.

Click here to learn more about LEA, or for more information contact Alicia Berhow.

IS AN ECONOMIC RECOVERY NEAR? HOW DOES OC COMPARE TO THE STATE AND NATION?

In partnership with CSUF's Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, OCBC presents the 15th annual Economic Forecast Conference. Economist Anil Puri, dean, Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, and Mira Farka, Professor of economics, will present the economic trends including housing, employment, inflation and finance, facing Orange County, the state and nation during these turbulent times.

The 2009 conference will also include an update by Richard Davis, CEO of US Bank, on the state of the banking industry. Davis will share insight to how US Bank has emerged as one of the nation's strongest banking institutions.

Date:    Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Place:   The Hyatt Regency Irvine
Info?     Celeste Signorino at 949.794.7219

Online Registration | Event Flyer | Sponsorship Info

OCBC HAS BEEN BUSY! TAKE A LOOK AT OUR LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Working through 2009, OCBC has been working hard to focus on fulfilling its top four priorities, including:

An improved infrastructure.
Preparing a future workforce.
Increasing the supply of affordable workforce housing.
Enhancing the county's economic development.

Take a look at some of OCBC's highlights with a mid-year report card by clicking here.

Is your company hard at work? Tell us about it... (here)

OCBC MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Wells Fargo contributes $125,000 for housing revitalization effort in Anaheim
Neighborhood Housing Services of Orange County (NHS OC) will receive $125,000 and help from Wells Fargo volunteers as a winner of the company's Priority Markets program, a nationwide Wells Fargo effort to help communities increase the local supply of affordable housing. NHS OC has helped more than 2,000 people find affordable places to live. Thanks to the contribution from Wells Fargo and pledged help from Wells Fargo volunteers, another 160 people will soon have a place to call home. The contribution to NHS OC is one of 19 grants totaling $1.6 million that Wells Fargo made in 17 markets in 2009.

The Business Council tips its hat to Wells Fargo for their leadership and commitment to corporate social responsibility. For more info, contact Kate Klimow.

Hoag Hospital Breaks Ground on Green Renovations at New Irvine Facility
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian kicked-off extensive renovations to bring state-of-the-art health care offerings to its newly acquired Irvine facility today. In addition to updating the hospital's technology, infrastructure and design to meet Hoag standards, the renovations also incorporate green building elements and construction practices.

Earlier this year, Hoag assumed a long-term lease for the hospital facility formerly known as Irvine Regional Hospital and Medical Center. The facility serves as an extension of Hoag's services in Newport Beach and its seven Hoag Health Centers located throughout Orange County. For more information about Hoag Hospital Irvine, visit www.HoagHospitalIrvine.org, call (949) 764-5921.

Citizens Business Bank's Peter Agarwal Appointed to Orange County Waste Management Commission
OCBC congratulates Peter Agarwal, Vice President of Citizens Business Bank, who was recently appointed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to serve on the Orange County Waste Management Commission. The Waste Management Commission is an 18 member advisory body to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The purpose of the Waste Management Commission is to advise the Orange County Board of Supervisors on matters relating to municipal solid waste and hazardous waste management, operation and maintenance of the County's landfills, and other facilities related to the County's solid waste disposal system. The Board of Supervisors has also designated the Waste Management Commission as the Local Task Force responsible for waste reduction planning.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

October 2009

Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 from 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Workforce Development Committee
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Community College Working Group
Thursday, October 22, from 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Government Affairs Committee
Friday, September 25, 2009 from 9 - 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 Committees.

Looking to get more involved? Click below to receive specific committee notices.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

UCI Presents 11th Annual Align|Build Symposium - October 1, 2009, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join UCI for its 2009 Align to Redefine Symposium as more than 400 industry leaders will unite to identify and tackle new industry opportunities. The symposium will discuss Public Private Partnerships, learn how P3's will shape the future of how business gets done. Define in terms of risk financing, and deliverables, from owner, developer and funding sources perspective and more. Speakers include internationally renowned architect, UC Irvine Campus Architect Rebekah Gladson, to highlight industry lessons from current economy, as well as her experiences as Consulting University Architect at University of the Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi. Click here to view a full list of speakers and event details.

California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse Present Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week - October 6, 2009, 11:30 a.m.
Join supporters of the California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse to commemorate Lawsuite Awareness Week and honor Senator Tom Harman and Assemblyman Van Tran with California Champion Against Lawsuit Abuse Awards.

To register and for more event information, visit www.cala.com.

Hoag Hospital Irvine Community Forum - October 7, 2009, from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Join Hoag Hospital Irvine as they host a community forum to share a preview of the state-of-the-art renovations that are currently underway and discuss future health care offerings of the hospital, which is slated to open in 2010. All Irvine residents and surrounding communities are invited to attend. Robert Braithwaite, Hoag Hospital Irvine chief administrative officer, will give an update on the hospital's progress and guests will have a chance to meet physicians and representatives of Hoag Hospital and Greater Newport Physicians. The forum will take place at the Lakeview Senior Center at 20 Lake Road, Irvine, CA 92604. Click here for event flyer.

For more information about Hoag Hospital Irvine, visit www.HoagHospitalIrvine.org, call (949) 764-5921.

OCCC Hosts Second Annual Job and Resource Fair - October 23, 2009, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Orange Coast Community College hopes to assist its graduating class and gain the necessary employment opportunities and resources needed to successfully transition to the world of work. Join community partners and employers to participate in securing the future of our community's youth. OCCC anticipates over 120 current corps members and graduates will be in attendance, all which are eager to learn about the opportunities the workforce has to offer.

Please email for a registration packet no later than October 10, 2009. Limited space is available so please reserve early.

Veteran's Day 2009 Flag Raising Ceremony and Job Fair - November 5, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to noon
To commemorate Veteran's Day 2009 and to recognize the service and contributions to our community and country made by our U. S. Military Veterans, the public is cordially invited to attend a special Veteran's Day Recognition Celebration. The Employment Development Department (EDD), Veteran's employment services staff in partnership with the Orange County Veteran's Employment Committee (OCVEC), Orange County One-Stop Centers and Santa Ana W/O/R/K Center are proud to host a Flag Raising Ceremony and Job Fair to be held Thursday, November 5, 2009, from 8:30 am to noon at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, Casa Santa Fe Room. The event is open to the public and all job seekers are welcome to attend, in addition, there is no cost to exhibit and parking is free. Employers interested in exhibiting can contact, Daniel at 714-565-2624 or John at 714-241-4455.

IS IT NEWS TO YOU? THEN IT'S NEWS WE CAN USE!

Have an event coming up? Was your company just highlighted in the news? Are you doing something great in Orange County? The Business Council wants to know about it. Now OCBC members can submit news stories for OCBC's E-Update Indicator Newsletter.

Click here and fill out the submission form for one of Orange County's premier business news source. Not a member? Click here for more information on how to get involved and join the leading voice of business in Orange County.

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BUSINESS MEETS SOCIAL MEDIA

Do you tweet? Have a Facebook page or surf YouTube? Then follow the latest news and information from OCBC online! The leading voice of business is connecting you to business in Orange County like never before.

- Follow us on Twitter!

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- Tune into our YouTube channel!

- Check out OCBC's new Blog: Dunn and Done!

If you have questions on how to get connected with the Business Council online, please contact Director of Communications, Matt Prince at 949.794.7221.

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