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The Leading Voice of Business in Orange County |
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
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OCBC STAYS TAPPED IN -- WATER LEGISLATION STILL FLUID
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 We need your help! Contact your legislator
and say, "We need a comprehensive water deal for Southern California!" Click here for their contact info! California
legislators are close to finally overhauling the state's
beleaguered water system. Late Monday night, the state Senate approved bills
that would change oversight of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, set new
goals for water conservation, and passed a $9.99 billion bond package that would
cover water-related projects ranging from dams to recycling.
The
Assembly version of the bond proposal was expected to be as much as $1 billion
over the $9.99 billion approved by the Senate and it includes more dollars for
local efforts such as conservation and groundwater treatment programs, with an
emphasis on high population counties such as Los Angeles, Orange, and San
Francisco. There remains concern whether the financially strapped state should
be borrowing, but
water is a fundamental infrastructure issue ripe for this
investment. If a bond does make its way out of the legislature and
gets signed by the Governor, it would still have to go to voters for approval.
The Senate also passed, by a
slim margin, water use efficiency legislation to lower per-capita urban water
use by 20 percent by the year 2020--this is good for Northern Californians, who tend to
take their water for granted, but OC has been a leader in conservation for years
and this would add extra work for us. Two other bills, which would
require local water agencies to monitor underground water levels and increase
penalties for illegal water diversions, fell just short of approval. Assembly
members are expected to address the measure today... [read more]
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DUNN AND DONE: ECONOMIC INCENTIVES, JOBS--THEY'RE EZ!
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It's all about jobs. How many times do we have
to say it? A lot, I guess. Business wants to hire, to thrive, but we get
pummeled every day from neighboring states to move to lower tax, less onerous
regulatory locales. In fact--true story--even OCBC was solicited by Henderson,
Nevada's economic development team to "move" to Nevada!
I know--it was an unsolicited email, but that's how crazy things
are for California business.
There's one economic incentive this state does have:
enterprise zones or EZ. EZ is a designated area where businesses earn tax credits by hiring certain qualified, unemployed workers, buying
equipment and growing in an economically depressed area. Great idea. And Santa
Ana is Orange County's success story, retaining businesses, hiring unemployed
and attracting new enterprises. Anaheim also qualifies for an EZ, but
the state currently caps the number allowed and there were 15 applications for only 4
spots, out of 42 total.
Why is there a cap? In these recessionary times with these high
unemployment rates, the entire state should qualify as an enterprise zone! [read more] |
| 2009 ECONOMIC FORECAST CONFERENCE REVEALS CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK |
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 2010 may be the year of a new "R" word--Recovery--according to the Economic Forecast Conference held last week by OCBC and Cal State Fullerton Mihaylo College of Business and Economics. The 15th annual event featured an overview of the current state of the economy, with specific analysis of the outlook for the business climate in Orange County and Southern California.
Dr. Anil Puri, Dean of Cal State Fullerton's Mihaylo College, presented his analysis of the latest economic issues and trends to an audience of 750 business and academic leaders from throughout the Southland at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.
"The economy has now entered the recovery pace," stated Dr. Puri. "Our
forecasts indicate a faster-and-bumpier-than-consensus growth scenario,
with considerable headwinds over the next six quarters, which are
likely to impede but not reverse the recovery."...[read more] [Click here to view the event webcast]
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| CARLY FIORINA ADDRESSES BUSINESS COUNCIL DURING EXECUTIVE BRIEFING |
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 OCBC's Chairman, Larry Buster of First American Title Insurance Company interviewed former Hewlett Packard CEO, Carly Fiorina, before 75 business leaders last week during an OCBC Executive Briefing. As former CEO of a Fortune 20 company and top economic advisor to 2008 Republican presidential candidate, Senator John McCain, Fiorina discussed her path to success and outlined her visions for California's future.
The outspoken Fiorina wasn't afraid to share her views on pressing issues facing the state and nation, including water, education and healthcare. On the top of Fiorina's list--holding elected officials accountable in the same way business managers and board directors are accountable to their customers, employees and community.
Fiorina is staying positive regarding the future of California. She hopes to motivate her colleagues at every level, stating that "the
highest calling of leadership, whether it is a CEO running a company or a parent
raising a family or someone in government assessing legislation, is to help
unlock potential." Click here for more information on Carly and check out her November 9 Cocktail Reception at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, details below.
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OCBC COMMITTEE DELIVERS NECESSARY TOOLS FOR ENHANCED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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 At OCBC's Economic Development Committee Meeting last week, members enjoyed an exclusive
presentation on the new GIS (Geographic Information System) tool that
Southern California Edison has developed. Georgina Escamilla, from the
Economic Development Services department at Edison, gave a demonstration of the GIS Toolset,
engaging the committee in a discussion about the product's practical uses, including business relocation, site information, for-sale properties and potential use for SCAG and other regional
organizations when developing planning documents.
Click here to check out Edison's GIS Toolset which has the potential to revolutionize the way business, economic development managers, developers,
city planners and government agencies do their jobs.
Kristoffer Miller spoke
to the committee about the Japan External Trade Organization, called JETRO,
whose primary focus is to encourage foreign direct investment in
Japan while encouraging
Japanese business to invest in the United States. See Miller's
presentation here. OCBC also welcomed Ray White of the City of Santa Ana for a briefing
on the status of the city's enterprise zone (EZ). He explained the many benefits
of enterprise zones, such as their ability to generate revenue for the state by
retaining and attracting businesses in California, enabling businesses to not
only survive, but to thrive and create jobs. Santa Ana is a success story for the state's only significant economic
development incentive. OCBC supports the application of the City of Anaheim to
secure its own EZ, as well as 10 other EZ's up and down the state, through AB82
X3 (Solorio) and SB1 X6 (Correa) now working their way through the legislature.
Click here for more info on these bills and how you can support! For more information please contact Dr. Wallace Walrod.
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MEET THE NEWEST OCBC TEAM MEMBER--EVENTS MANAGER, LESLIE DODS
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 Please join OCBC in welcoming and congratulating the newest member to the team, Leslie Dods!
As Events Manager for the Business Council,
Leslie works to successfully plan, produce, and manage all aspects of
OCBC's meetings and special events.
Prior
to joining OCBC, she orchestrated large scale events for various Orange
County non-profit organizations, such as University of California,
Irvine, Orange County High School of the Arts, Pacific Chorale, and
Working Wardrobes. Leslie began her career in public relations after
receiving her bachelor's degree from University of North Texas in
journalism and business administration.
After
relocating to Orange County in 2002, Leslie supported the community by
volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Families Forward, and Materials
Matter. Currently, Leslie spends her time volunteering with Saddleback
Valley Unified School District, Boys Scouts of America, and Little
League in support of her sons. Leslie resides with her family in Lake Forest. Contact Leslie at 949.794.7241 or ldods@ocbc.org.
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OCBC MEMBERS' HOME AGAIN COLLABORATIVE ADDS WORKFORCE HOUSING TO COUNTY
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The Home Again Collaborative managed by Neighborhood Housing Services of Orange County (NHS OC) in alliance with the Orange County Housing Trust, has purchased 10 foreclosed homes from banks and is in escrow on two more homes. The Home Again Collaborative purchases, rehabs and sells or leases vacant foreclosed properties to working families or nonprofit organizations serving lower income households.
The Home Again Collaborative includes key Orange County nonprofit housing organizations, local governments, cooperating lending institutions, and the National Community Stabilization Trust (NSP). The purchased foreclosed homes will also be offered to such nonprofit housing organizations as Habitat for Humanity, Community Housing Resources, Inc., Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, Irvine Community Land Trust, Orange County Community Housing Corporation, and Mary Erickson Community Housing. Click here for more information.
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2009 WORKFORCE INDICATORS REPORT EXAMINES BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND WORKFORCE
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OC Metro magazine breaks down 2009 Workforce Indicators Report
 The Orange County Workforce Indicators Report released last week by OCBC and the Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB) suggests that the region's future is bright, but businesses and local
industries must work hard to sustain it - and grow.
Among the findings: Orange
County's employment is expected to increase 13.4 percent from
2006-2016. Though the number is much lower
than the 18 percent projected increase during the 2004-2014 period due to the
recession, slow growth is expected.
And the business and professional
services industry remains a key player
within the local economy.
The study, which analyzes the
region's economic and labor-force
trends over the next several years,
covers such topics as wages and employment;
growth occupations; trends, clusters
and changes within industries; and workforce housing... [read more].
CLICK HERE to view the 2009 Workforce Conference Webcast Replay accompanied by Dr. Wallace Walrod's presentation.
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ASSEMBLYMAN SOLORIO JOINS OCBC WORKFORCE COMMITTEE FOR "RACE TO THE TOP"
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Assemblyman
Jose Solorio came to OCBCs Workforce Development Committee meeting last week
and spoke to the group about education and the importance of securing Race to the Top (RTT) federal grant dollars in California.
A lively discussion ensued and
many good ideas were put forth by the many attendees, as well as much
constructive criticism and comments on the state's public education system.
The Assemblyman offered solutions such as streamlining higher education in
California and
working with publishers, college bookstores and professors to make sure text
books are reasonably priced. Solorio mentioned the education bills
he has authored and his program called "Solorio Scholars," which helps
underprivileged students in the central Orange County afford the price of college
applications and get advice on applying. Click here for more info.
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CANDIDATES FOR THE 72ND ASSEMBLY DISTRICT SEAT SQUARE OFF
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 OCBC and Orange Chamber of Commerce Host Candidates Forum
Orange County Business
Council and Orange Chamber of
Commerce hosted the 72nd Assembly Seat
Candidates' Forum last week between those vying to represent the 72nd Assembly District. Candidates
who attended the event included Republicans Linda Ackerman, Chris Norby and
Richard Faher and Green Party Candidate Jane Rands. The Democratic candidate John MacMurray was
not able to attend.
On issues ranging from ethics to water, the candidates were given hard hitting questions and gave an
account of how they would effect change in Sacramento.
To
begin the forum, candidates were asked to comment on whether legislators should
be held to a higher standard with regard to ethics and behavior. Green Party candidate Jane Rands stated that
Green party policy is not to take money from lobbyist and wants campaign
reform. Other candidates commented on
how... [read more] |
SAVE THE DATE -- 2009 HOLIDAY RECEPTION SET FOR DECEMBER 10, 2009
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 Join the Orange County Business Council, Orange County Division - League of California Cities and the Building Industry Association of Orange County for the 2009 OC Leadership Symposium Holiday Reception.
The trio of Orange County's leading organizations come together once
again for the most talked about holiday party of the season.
Good food. Good spirits. Good company.
Date: Thursday, December 10,
2009
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Hyatt Regency Irvine
For more info please contact OCBC's new Events Manager, Leslie Dods, at 949.724.7241. Click here for the event flyer.
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TUNE INTO OCBC-TV WEBCASTS AND GET CAUGHT UP ON THE LATEST EVENTS
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OCBC MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
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Citizens Business Bank Announces Acquisition of San Joaquin Bank
CVB Financial Corp announced last week its wholly-owned subsidiary bank, Citizens Business Bank, entered into an agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") to purchase most of the assets and assume most of the deposit liabilities of San Joaquin Bank. The California Department of Financial Institutions closed San Joaquin Bank today and appointed the FDIC as receiver. Thereafter, Citizens Business Bank signed the agreement with FDIC.
"We are pleased to welcome the many valued customers of San Joaquin Bank to Citizens Business Bank. We will be working diligently with San Joaquin Bank employees and the FDIC to ensure a smooth transition of client relationships to Citizens Business Bank," said Chris Myers, President and Chief Executive Officer.
"We are excited about the opportunity to grow our presence in the Bakersfield area. Our superior customer service and financial products will blend well with San Joaquin Bank's high service standards."
Under the terms of the agreement, Citizens Business Bank will purchase most of the assets and assume all deposits, with the exception of Cede & Co. brokered deposits, of San Joaquin Bank.
Citizens Business Bank is a $6.5 billion financial services company based in Ontario, California, with 41 business financial centers and five commercial banking centers serving California. The addition of San Joaquin Bank will add five new business financial centers for a total of six in the Bakersfield area and 13 centers in the Central Valley of California.
Shares of CVB Financial Corp. common stock are listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol of CVBF. For investor information on CVB Financial Corp., visit our Citizens Business Bank website at www.cbbank.com and click on the CVB Investor tab.
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COMMITTEE MEETINGS
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November 2009
Latino Educational Attainment Committee
Friday, November 6, 2009 from 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Government Affairs Committee
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 from Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Workforce Development Committee
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 from 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Community College Working Group
Thursday, November 19, from 3 - 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 Committees.
Looking to get more involved?
Click below to receive specific committee notices.
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| COMMUNITY EVENTS |
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UC Irvine Distinguished Speaker Series: Neel Grover - November, 5, 2009 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Join UCI's Paul Merage School of Business for yet another great edition in their series of Distinguished Speakers. November 5, UCI will host Neel Grover, President and CEO of Buy.com. OCBC members receive discounted rate on tickets! Click here for more information.
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. South Orange County Regional Chamber of Commerce Presents: Libations with Legislators - November 5, 2009You are cordially invited to join South Orange County Regional Chamber of Commerce and federal, state and local legislators for Libations with Legislators: Legislative Meet and Greet hosted by Saddleback Memorial Medical Center. Click here for more information and to register.Cocktail Reception with Carly Fiorina - Monday, November 9, 2009 from 6 - 7 p.m.Join Orange County business leaders and former CEO of Hewlett Packard Carly Fiorina for a VIP and cocktail reception at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Click here to view event flyer. For more information or to RSVP, contact Stacy Davis at 949.474.6930 or stacy@stacy-davis.com. Orange County Forum Luncheon with Scott McGregor - November 12, 2009The Orange County Forum is delighted to feature Mr. Scott McGregor, President and CEO of Broadcom Corporation as their next luncheon speaker, Thursday, November 12. Click here to RSVP or for more information. |
IS IT NEWS TO YOU? THEN IT'S NEWS WE CAN USE!
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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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SPREAD THE WORD! IMPACT THE WORLD! FORWARD YOUR COPY TO ASSOCIATES!
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Forward OCBC's E-Indicator to friends and colleagues by clicking on the "Forward Email" link at the bottom of the email and encourage them to sign up for one of Orange County's premier business publications!
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BUSINESS MEETS SOCIAL MEDIA
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 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.
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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2 Park Plaza, Suite 100, Irvine CA 92614 | www.ocbc.org | PH: 949.476.2242 | FAX: 949.476.9240 | |
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