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The Leading Voice of Business in Orange County |
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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OCBC OPPOSES THE CURRENT HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM
BILL--AMENDMENTS OR REPEAL?
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On Sunday, the
U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3590 and H.R. 4872 on a strict
partisan vote, winning final approval
of legislation that expands the nation's health-care system coverage to 32
million people and attempts to contain spiraling costs.
Many
provisions of the Senate bill would be altered by a separate package of
amendments that the House also approved Sunday, by a vote of 220 to 211. That
package now goes back to the Senate under special rules, known as
reconciliation, that protect it from a Republican filibuster and
requires only 51 Senators to pass
it. President Obama has indicated he
will not wait for the reconciliation action to take place and will sign the
original legislation on Tuesday. Although Senate Democrats added
in 161 business friendly amendments to the final bill that included:
allowing
individuals, small businesses, and trade associations to pool together and
acquire health insurance at lower prices, the same way large corporations and
labor unions do; giving states the tools to create their own innovative reforms
that lower healthcare costs; there was no tort reform; and, even allowing families and
businesses to buy health insurance across state lines, the bill will be a hefty
financial burden to California and taxpayers.
OCBC opposed the bill and its
provisions that shift the cost burden of a new
government health care plan to key industries in California's economy. [READ MORE] F or more info, contact Alicia Berhow. |
BUSINESS COUNCIL ENDORSES MURRAY, RENO AND CAVECCHE FOR LOCAL OFFICE
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Orange County
Business Council is pleased to announce the endorsement of Kris Murray for
Anaheim City Council; Ed Reno for Newport Beach City Council; and City of Orange Mayor
Carolyn Cavecche for re-election. These three candidates
bring a strong sense of business leadership and a support of OCBC's business
agenda, which includes key initiatives to enhance infrastructure
investment, increase supply of workforce housing, continue the economic
development of Orange
County, and promote solid
education programs to ensure a skilled 21st century workforce.
Kris Murray currently serves in a leadership position at the Orange County Transportation Authority as Executive Director of its Government
Relations department overseeing local, state, and federal affairs for
the authority. Kris understands the connection between a strong
business environment, sustainable infrastructure and jobs creation. She brings
nearly 20 years experience successfully navigating the state and nation's
capitols on behalf of the Orange County business community and regional public
agencies.
Ed Reno serves as the national director of state government
affairs for Irvine
based Allergan, Inc. In addition, Reno sits on OCBC's Board of Directors and co-chairs OCBC's Advocacy and Government Affairs Committee.
The Honorable Carolyn Cavecche has served as the City of Orange's Mayor since
2006. Her strong interest in infrastructure and public works needs has solidified her as one of the county's premier leaders. She serves on the Orange County
Transportation Authority Board of Directors, as well as the Orange County Sanitation District, Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency, and the
Orange County Emergency Medical Care Committee. For more information, contact Kate Klimow.
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OCBC TAKES LEADING VOICE OF BUSINESS TO D.C.
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Orange County's business community was well
represented in Washington DC this past week with a delegation representing a
cross-section of Orange County's industries and economic sectors. Our purpose
was to bring Orange County's business issues and concerns to the doorstep of our
Congressional members, advocating for Orange County's priority issues including:
finance, public safety, federal stimulus funding, and infrastructure, including
transportation, energy and water projects. And, of course, the health insurance reform efforts
were in full swing.
As
part of the program, OCBC collaborated with "Southern California on the Hill",
comprised of more than 20 business organizations and more than 200 civic and
business leaders throughout southern California co-hosting several events to
promote major regional issues.
"Orange County is an economic engine for the region
and state, by taking a strong delegation to the nation's capitol today-we're
ensuring the economic prosperity of the county tomorrow," said Linda Martin, Executive Vice
President of Porter Novelli and OCBC's 2010 Chair of
the Board of Directors.
Who did they visit? What was said? Click here to read more. For more info, contact Kate Klimow.
Save the date for the second half of the One Voice, Two Capitols trip as OCBC heads to Sacramento May 17-19, 2010. Contact Kate Klimow to reserve your spot today!
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DUNN AND DONE BLOG: ET TU, D.A?
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Toyota--the world's largest automaker--has its
troubles now, no doubt. Over six million cars recalled, product liability
issues, injured drivers, and a reputation badly beaten. Add to that,
Congressional, federal grand jury and National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration
investigations and at least 89 class-action law suits. Clearly, this is a top employer under siege as
it is recalling millions of vehicles and
trying to make corrections.
It's odd to me that one
of those 89+ law suits comes from Orange
County District Attorney, Tony Rackauckas, on behalf of the County "to protect the public and consumers."
What specifically is unique about OC cases that requires our DA to use this public office to pursue a
civil case? Is it PR? Aren't there enough lawsuits filed by those directly affected?
Mr. Rackauckas says the lawsuit was motivated by questioning
if Toyota "puts profits over people." Interesting choice of words for a DA who
seeks monetary damages from a company through a
contingency fee agreement with a private law firm. Is this to fill his own
diminished department coffers in a very tough economy? [READ MORE]
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JOIN BIZPAC FOR
A TRIBUTE AND ROAST OF ANAHEIM MAYOR CURT
PRINGLE
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Can you stand the heat?
 Join OCBC and BIZPAC for an enjoyable evening of spirited
exchange as we honor Curt Pringle for his years
of public service and dedicated leadership of Orange County as an
Assembly member, Speaker of the Assembly and as the current Mayor of
Anaheim.
Come see why Mayor Pringle has been named one of the "100 Most Powerful
People in Southern California" and most recently, the "Top Legislator
of the Year"... and what his colleagues at the state and local level have
to say about it! This event WILL SELL-OUT!
Hear roasters State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, OCTA CEO Will Kempton, Metro CEO Art Leahy and others take their turns in honoring one of Orange County's most prolific figures.
What: 2010 BIZPAC Tribute and Roast of Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle
When: Thursday, April 22, 2010 | Reception: 6 p.m. | Dinner: 7 p.m.
Where: The Grove of Anaheim | 2200 E Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806
Event Flyer | Sponsorship Opportunities | Registration | Online Registration
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MAKING UP FOR LOST GROUND--CALIFORNIA NEEDS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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The State's Little Hoover Commission urged
the governor and the Legislature to restructure the leadership and coordination
of the state's economic development programs last week. In its report, Making up for Lost Ground: Creating a Governor's
Office of Economic Development, the Commission recommends consolidating
key existing economic development functions by establishing a new, lean economic
development unit within the Governor's Office. The new Governor's Office of
Economic Development should set policy for the state's economic development
activities, serve as a point-of-contact for businesses and the economic
development community and market the state's economic development programs and
business opportunities. OCBC
will watch as California's gubernatorial candidates embrace or ignore this
report.
During
OCBC's Economic Development Committee meeting last week, OCBC President and CEO
Lucy Dunn shared main components of the report including: (1)
the need
to create a high profile office within the Governor's
administration specifically for economic development ; (2) we
must create action teams within the Governor's office to serve as liaisons
to other state, local, federal and private efforts; and,(3) an
economic policy
unit should be created to widen the vision for economic growth.Click here to view the entire report. For more info, contact Wallace Walrod.
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THE 2010 COMMUNITY INDICATORS UNVEILED: SOME GOOD NEWS FOR O.C. DESPITE RECESSION
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By: Kristen Schott, OC Metro
Orange County continues to feel the effects of the economic downturn,
but the 2010 Community Indicators report released last week says that
there's a "silver lining."
Housing affordability, for example,
improved for the third year in a row, signaling that more first-time
buyers may qualify to purchase a residence. Crime continues to decrease.
In more positive news, solid and household waste production is at the
lowest level in 10 years, and water consumption is on the decline.
However,
the region's business climate ranks in the bottom half of the 200 metro
areas rated in the report. Other factors, such as an increase in
welfare enrollment and a decline in rail ridership, point to continued
hardships in the region.
The Children and Families Commission of Orange County, the County of Orange and
the Orange County Business
Council conducted the study, which tracks the quality of life in
the region - the fifth largest in the nation - as well as its business
climate, health and education, among other factors.
Despite some
of the negatives found in the report, Children and Families Commission
Executive Director Michael Ruane says the region needs to "carry the
positive trends forward." [READ MORE]
Click here to Download the 2010 Community Indicators Report. Contact Dr. Wallace Walrod for more info.
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THE GOLDEN ACORN--FOCUSED ON JOBS CREATION
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 OCBC's new site CaliforniaSquirrel.com doesn't just focus on the negative. Introducing--drum roll please--The Golden Acorn.
This shiny little thank you is handed out to legislators and legislation with its eyes on the prize to
get California back on track. The Golden Acorn taps legislation focused
on the three prongs of jobs creation: reducing takes and fees, cutting
regulations and eliminating opportunities for frivolous litigation.
This weeks Golden Acorn award goes to State Senator, and OC's own, Lou Correa.
State Senator Lou Correa is pressing his fellow
State Senators to protect thousands of California families by sending
the Governor vital legislation that would prevent needless harm from
falsely taxing phantom gains of former homeowners.
According to Senator Correa, "The Governor has made it abundantly
clear that the onerous anti-business provisions included in Senate Bill
X8 32 would compel him to veto the entire measure. Accordingly, the
measure's well-intentioned taxpayer protections must be regarded as a
purely illusory action." [READ MORE]
For more information, please contact Kate Klimow. Send your recommendations for The Golden Acorn to squirrel@californiasquirrel.com.
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MEMBER TO MEMBER: DISNEYLAND RESORT AND OCTA WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE JOBS
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As part of its current expansion, Disneyland Resort celebrated both the opening
of its new Toy Story Parking Lot last week as well as a unique public-private
partnership that utilizes idle Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
buses and provide employment opportunities for OCTA bus drivers.
Transportation to and
from the new parking lot is being provided through a partnership with the
Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN), which is leasing OCTA buses that were not
in service due to recent reductions in bus service. ATN is utilizing 20 buses
and has hired 15 former OCTA bus drivers to date.
"We are fortunate to
be part of a community with leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves to
figure out a way to creatively address issues," said George Kalogridis,
president of the Disneyland Resort. "This is a wonderful example of a
public-private partnership at its best."
"OCTA's partnership
with ATN and Disneyland Resort is an ideal example of how government and the
private sector can successfully work together to deliver transportation
solutions at a time when we are forced to reduce service because of state
funding cuts and declining sales tax and ridership," said OCTA Chairman Jerry
Amante, mayor of Tustin. "We are very pleased to see that these buses, bought
with taxpayer dollars, will continue serving the public and generating revenue
to support OCTA transit operations."
The new lot,
located on Harbor Boulevard just south of Katella Avenue, is slated to operate
daily and adds 2,678 parking spaces to 1,000 already existing spots. In
addition, four portable kiosks staffed by Disneyland Resort Cast Members will be
open while the lot is being parked, enabling Guest to purchase park tickets and
pay for stroller rentals with a credit card and proceed directly to the park
gates upon arrival. For more information, contact Kate Klimow.
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NEXT CHAIRMAN'S LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST TO FEATURE NEW DISNEYLAND PRESIDENT
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Join OCBC for the Chairman's Leadership Breakfast featuring the new
president of The Disneyland Resort, Geroge A. Kalogridis. Listen as OCBC
CEO Leadership Caucus Chairman Tom Phelps conducts an indepth interview
with one of Orange County's leading executives.
On October 12, 2009, George Anthony Kalogridis was named
president of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. A 39-year
veteran of The Walt Disney Company's theme park business, George has
returned to the Disneyland Resort. As president, George oversees a
workforce of 20,000 Cast Members at the 506-acre resort, which
comprises the world-famous Disneyland Park, Disney's California
Adventure Park, the Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian
Hotel & Spa, the Paradise Pier Hotel  and Downtown Disney.
What: Chairman's Leadership Breakfast Featuring George A. Kalogridis
When: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 |
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.
Where: The Center Club, Costa Mesa
Online Registration | For more info, please contact Leslie Dods.
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RECUPERATIVE CARE PROGRAM FOR OC'S HOMELESS
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 Finding clean, safe shelter to
continue recovery after an illness or hospitalization is the biggest challenge
for the local homeless population at the time of discharge. Orange County hospitals reported
about 100 patients per month in need of safe haven for medical respite in
2008.
A new program launched in January of
this year by OCBC
member, the Hospital Association of Southern California, along with the National
Health Foundation and Illumination Foundation, changes that and provides a new
level of dignity and care to an under serviced population. The Recuperative
Care Program provides homeless individuals needing further recovery from illness
or injury after hospitalizations a clean, safe place to recuperate with medical
oversight.
Despite a homeless population
estimated at nearly 21,500, Orange County had no recuperative
care beds available to provide this type of post-hospital care until the launch
of this program. In addition to providing a safe and clean environment for
clients to recover, clients will be connected to follow-up social services,
including temporary / permanent housing, when they leave recuperative care. The
project offers a proactive holistic solution for individuals who no longer need
to be in an acute hospital environment.
By providing post-hospitalization
healthcare services, this program will reduce unnecessary hospital stays and
emergency room treatment thereby reducing costs and improving the level of
medical care to all. For more info, please contact Kate Klimow.
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OCBC MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KCOMM
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KCOMM is a full-service
communications firm specializing in Public Affairs, Public Relations, Internet
Marketing, Signature Events and Strategic Relationships. In the past 15 years,
the company has provided cost-effective, results-driven and measurable services
to over 500 clients world-wide.
KCOMM's government, public
relations and internet marketing practices are all blended together, giving
clients additional resources for optimal communication and results, creating the
leverage needed to be successful. Whether it's on the local or federal level,
KCOMM has a strong track record of helping clients create relationships with the
most influential corporate and government entities. The company represents and
services clients in the areas of technology, energy, insurance, education,
transportation, environmental agencies, military, land use development, and
telecommunications.
For more information, visit:
www.kcomm.com.
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OCBC COMMITTEE MEETINGS
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March 2010
 Workforce Development Committee
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 from 7:30 - 9 a.m.
Community Colleges Working Group
Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 3 - 4:30 p.m.
NOW FORMING: OCBC's 2010 Golf Committee!
If you are interested in participating in this year's Executive Invitational Golf Tournament planning committee, please contact Leslie Dods.
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 2010 check out OCBC's Committees.
Looking to get more involved?
Click below to receive specific committee notices.
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| COMMUNITY EVENTS |
Allied Healthcare Workforce Forum - Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Join
Allied Healthcare professionals, businesses, educators, and others
to review current data and develop real time healthcare solutions.
There is no charge for this event, however seating is limited! A
continental breakfast and parking is provided. For more information,
or to register visit www.ocbc.org.
5th Annual Military Women's Information Seminar - Thursday, March 25, 2010
5th Annual Military Women's Information Seminar to be held Thursday, March 25th,
8:30 am to 1 pm, Rancho Santiago College School District Conference Center, 2323
N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92705. Featured speakers, EDD Veterans Employment
Services, VA Women's Clinic, County Veteran's Service Office, Vet Center,
Working Wardrobes. Please call 714.687.4832 for reservations.
Education Solutions for California 2010 - Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Chapman
University, YMCA and KCOMM present the Education Solutions for
California 2010 event that will focus on the importance of workforce
development for the state and Orange County. Click here for more event details, and a complete list of speakers including U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. To RSVP please contact Alicia Berhow at 949.794.7215.
2010 Orange County Infrastructure Report Card - Thursday, April 8, 2010
Join the Orange County Division, League of California Cities, Orange County Business Council and the Building Industry Association of Orange County as they unveil the 2010 Orange County Infrastructure Report Card. Click here to register or for more information.
Beyond Copenhagen: An International Conference on Climate Change - April, 21-25, 2010
The Schmid College of Science, in
conjunction with the School of Law, is organizing Beyond
Copenhagen, a three-day conference event at Chapman University. The conference will focus on the specific impacts
of climate change on human societies, policy, energy and international
law, within four major societal sectors: food, energy, health, and
finance, (the "Four F's" of Secretary General of the United Nations Ban
Ki-moon: Food, Fuel, Flu, and Finance). Click here to register or for more info.
Orange County Tourism Council's 2nd Annual Tourism Conference - Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The mission of this
conference is to showcase the
Orange County Tourism Council's role, through
branding, in the development/sustainability of
tourism to Orange County and to serve as an
information resource to hospitality businesses. The conference will provide speakers who will
share ideas for marketing in the current climate
and The OC branding efforts of the Council. Emerging
travel trends from a national
perspective will also be presented.
Click here for more info, or to register.
Orange County Housing Summit IV - Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Orange County Housing Trust (OCHT) and
the Orange County Business Council will co-host the fourth annual Orange County
Housing Summit May 20, 2010
at the University
of California, Irvine Student
Center from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. The OC Housing Summit is the largest event of
its kind in Orange
County. Click here to register for the Summit or contact Dan Carlsson, 949.559.9382 or
dcarlsson@cox.net.
SAVE THE DATE! Mobility 21 Regional Transportation Summit - Friday, October 29, 2010
After hosting the largest
Southern California Transportation Summit in history last September, Mobility 21
will hold the 2010 Summit at the Disneyland Hotel
in Anaheim on
Friday, Oct. 29. The 2010 Summit will feature more breakout sessions, an
expanded expo with more exhibit space, the first-ever Mobility 21 Challenge,
2010 Mobility 21 Award winners, cutting edge transportation information and
exciting speakers from around the nation. For more information , please contact
Marnie O'Brien Primmer, 949.288.6884 or mprimmer@mobility21.com.
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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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TUNE INTO OCBC-TV WEBCASTS AND GET CAUGHT UP ON THE LATEST EVENTS
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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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