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The Leading Voice of Business in Orange County | Tuesday, May 25, 2010
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OCBC DELEGATION MEETS WITH STATE LEADERS ON CALIFORNIA'S ECONOMY AND BUDGET
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Leading a
delegation of nearly 30 business leaders representing a broad cross
section of industries, OCBC executed its annual Sacramento advocacy trip
this past week, the completion of
its "One Voice, Two Capitols"
advocacy strategy.
The timing was purposeful, right after the
release of the annual
state budget revisions from the Governor and reviewed by the
legislature, making sure our elected officials heard--clearly and loudly--from the business community that the state's
budget problems can not be shouldered by business alone. Reducing or eliminating deductions to solve budget
problems translates into a direct tax increase for businesses. Frankly,
additional tax increases in any guise will cripple California's struggling economic recovery and jobs creation. Yet, last week, State
Senate Democrats rolled out a $4.9 billion package of proposed tax hikes on cars, alcohol, income
and corporate profits. The budget negotiations begin another round with
the Governor's administration and Republicans vowing to oppose any tax
increases.
The foundation for OCBC's advocacy adventure was set by its guest speaker
at the opening lunch, Jon Ortiz, the Sacramento Bee's reporter,
columnist, and blogger of "The State Worker." Jon provided a perspective on the state
bureaucracy known as "the state worker" and how staffing, salaries and pensions are
intertwined with the budget... [READ MORE]
Click here for trip photos. For more information , please contact Kate Klimow.
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VOTE JUNE 8. OCBC RECOMMENDATIONS ARE...
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The
California primary election is right around the corner.
Make your voice, your vote count. OCBC
has studied the issues, met with and reviewed the candidates. Here
are
OCBC's
recommendations
for statewide offices and propositions:
Click here for further breakdown on the ballot measures and OCBC's positioning. For more information on these candidates and ballot measures or on OCBC's
position statements, please contact Kate Klimow.
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| 2ND ANNUAL LATINO
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT RECEPTION: BE THERE! |
|  The LEA reception will be celebrating the initiative's action and
success on June 3, 2010 at the Discovery
Science Center
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The LEA Initiative is a grassroots, community based program
to help parents learn how to guide their children through our educational
system. In partnership with the Orange
County Business Council, The Orange County Register, the Orange County
Department of Education, the Orange
County United Way and others, LEA is designed to
lower the achievement gap and drop-out rate while keeping children in school
and preparing them to become eligible for entrance into the university system.
LEA has several non-profit partners
including: CREER, El Viento, Fullerton Collaborative, Garden Grove Unified
School District and KidWorks. LEA has trained parents, teachers and
administrators in 22 neighborhoods and 85 schools in Orange County including: Huntington Beach, Fullerton,
Santa Ana, San Juan
Capistrano, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove,
and Westminster and will soon include
neighborhoods in La Habra and Orange. LEA's goal is to implement its program in Orange County's
100 lowest performing schools by 2011. Approximately 10,000 adults have benefited from LEA's work. [CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON LEA] For more information, please contact Alicia Berhow.
What: Latino Educational Attainment Initiative Reception
When: Thursday, June 3, 2010 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Discovery Science Center | 2500 N. Main Street, Santa
Ana, CA 92705
How: Click here to register online
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OCBC REPRESENTS BUSINESS AT CARLY FIORINA PRESS CONFERENCE IN IRVINE
| |  Last week, former
Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina held a brief press conference in Irvine announcing the recent endorsements from local organizations including OCBC's support in
the
GOP primary for U.S. Senate
to face
three-term Senator Barbara Boxer in the fall.
Matt Prince, OCBC Director of Communications, spoke on behalf of the Council during the press conference which included former state Sen. Marian Bergeson; Hispanic 100
Chairman Mario Rodriguez; Brea Mayor Ron
Garcia; Rancho Santa Margarita
Mayor Pro Tempore Tony Beall and Dana Point City
Councilwoman Lisa Bartlett.
"As a businesswoman, Carly understands firsthand the
challenges companies across California and the nation are experiencing during
these difficult times, as well as the steps government can take to help support
their continued growth and success," stated Prince on behalf of OCBC President and CEO Lucy Dunn. "Carly
Fiorina knows what it takes to create jobs and build a strong economy, and she
will be a steady advocate for both California's employers and employees as a
member of the United States Senate."
In November of last year, Fiorina addressed the Council 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. For more information please contact Kate Klimow.
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OC LEGISLATORS HONORED WITH U.S. CHAMBER'S SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE AWARDS
| |  At a recent reception on
Capitol Hill, the U.S. Chamber recognized select members of Congress with its
prestigious "Spirit of Enterprise" award. The recipients voted with business at
least 70% of the time last year on the highest priority issues, including
economic stimulus, health care, energy and environment, travel promotion, pay
discrimination, and much more.
Orange County was well represented amongst the award winners, including:
- Rep. Ed Royce (CA-40)
- Rep. Jerry Lewis (CA-41)
- Rep. Gary Miller (CA-42)
- Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-44)
- Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (CA-46)
- Rep. John Campbell (CA-48)
Click below to see the full scores for all members of Congress, along with details on the votes counted by the U.S. Chamber. Senate Scores | House Scores For more information, please contact Kate Klimow.
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OC SUPERINTENDENT BILL HABERMEHL URGES LOCAL CONTROL OF EDUCATION FUNDING
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Orange
County's top education leaders, representing a half million students and 55,000
employees, called last week for lawmakers to give school districts local control
over budgeting and spending to soften the impact of the state's ongoing fiscal
crisis and better ensure that students graduate from high school ready for work
or college.
The
Orange County District Superintendents' Organization, which includes 28 district
superintendents and the county superintendent of schools, held a press
conference to unveil reform measures designed to permanently allow school boards
and communities to determine spending priorities based on their most pressing
local needs including:
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Permanent Local
Control Over Restricted Spending
- K-3 and
9th Grade Class Size Reduction
- Overhaul of State and
Federal Mandates
"As
educational leaders, we want to be part of the solution to this budget crisis,
as opposed to sitting on the sidelines," William M. Habermehl, Orange County
Superintendent of Schools, said. "We're not here to whine and moan. Instead,
we're here to offer specific recommendations to Sacramento and Washington for
tangible economic relief without additional cost to our taxpayers. To get that
relief, we need control at the local level." [READ MORE]
Click here to read Lucy Dunn's latest Dunn and Done blog: Let Our Children Go! Return Local Control of Education NOW
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CALLING ALL EMPLOYERS: JOIN THE 2010 ANAHEIM/OC JOB FAIR!
| |  Is your company hiring? Looking for talent? Register today for a free booth at the second annual Anaheim/OC Job Fair and Expo! Last year, 109
employers came, with over 2,400 salary and part time jobs to fill.
Learn more about the job fair and what you can get our of it by visiting www.anaheimjobs/jobfair2010.html.
The road to economic recovery starts with jobs, jobs, and more JOBS.
Great employers stepped up at last year's job fair to help Orange County get
back to work, help us do the same this year. Because it all boils down to one simple equation:
business growth + new hires = both employers and employees paying taxes.
And those tax dollars fund city and state services, ensuring a high
quality of life. Click here for more info.
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2010 OC WATER SUMMIT KEEPS WATER TALK FLUID
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 OCBC
sponsored OCWD/MWDOC's annual water summit at the Disneyland Hotel this
month. A few highlights from the well-attended conference:
Chris
Schmutte of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California led
an interesting discussion on the effect of sea levels rising and salt
contaminating the Delta region of California. "Improving the levee
system for millions of dollars would not solve the salt issue of rising
seas," said Schmutte. "By 2050, sea levels will have risen by 12 inches
and it would take 9,000 Rose Bowls full of water to get the Delta region
on an even plain with the risen sea. If salt were to contaminate the
Delta, all of the water would be useless for drinking, irrigation, or as
a suitable habitat for thousands of plants and animals." He summed up
his presentation by stating that the Delta is extremely important to
California and the State needs to act now in order to preserve this
fragile eco-system and supply of fresh water... [CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL EVENT RECAP] For more information please contact Kate Klimow.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP TALKS LEAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MEETING
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Orange County Business Council held its Economic Development
Committee Meeting last week. Jesse Martinez from the Southern California Gas Company
gave an informative presentation on current economic development opportunities
and highlighted their Energy Efficiency Calculated Incentive Program (EECIP) as
well as cash rebates, incentives and services trading equipment. Emphasis was also put on "Benchmarking" by
the Energy Resource Center (ERC), a state-of-the-art center offering
energy-efficient solutions to energy-related needs, used in the context of
energy efficiency, being a comparison of a facility's level of energy
efficiency with that of similar facilities nationwide, allowing building
owners and managers to track and assess the energy performance of their
buildings.
In addition, John Bradley Jackson, Director of the Center of
Entrepreneurship at Cal State Fullerton, presented a proposed report for the measurement of entrepreneurship in Orange County. This
six-month long project would define, measure, and analyze all the attributes
relating to entrepreneurship in Orange County. Peer county groups being
analyzed are: Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Santa Clara County,
Middlesex County, and Travis County. Major findings thus far include Orange
County having the highest per capita entrepreneurship of each county in the
peer group (average for peer group was .32 per capita and Orange County scored
a .36) yet receives very little Venture Capital (VC) attention. A major barrier
mentioned was the hostile climate California has created for new ventures. The
recession may bring increased entrepreneurial activity to Orange County but
there needs to be VC support for these opportunities to flourish.
For more information on the committee, or OCBC's Economic Development initiatives, please contact Dr. Wallace Walrod.
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OCBC TEES OFF FOR EDUCATION! JOIN THE 2010 EXECUTIVE INVITATIONAL
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|  Join OCBC Thursday, July 29 for the 2010 Executive Invitational Golf Tournament, presented by Kaiser Permanente, at the beautiful Monarch Beach in Dana Point and tee off for education.
This annual event helps raise funds and awareness for OCBC's Latino Educational Attainment initiative and works to unify the community, students and parents and enhance the future of our
workforce. [CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON LEA]
Don't miss this great opportunity to hit the greens with Orange County's top business executives all while having fun for a great cause. For more information, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Leslie Dods at 949.794.7241.
 What: 2010 Executive Invitational Golf Tournament
When: Thursday, July 29, 2010 | Shotgun start: 12:30 p.m.
Where: Monarch Beach Golf Links | 50 Monarch Beach Resort North, Dana Point
Event Flyer | Sponsorship Opportunities | Registration Form | Online Registration
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OCBC AND OCWIB PRESENTS: 2010 INDUSTRY SUMMIT SERIES
| |  Please join Orange
County Business Council in partnership with the Orange County Workforce
Investment Board in June as we conclude the Industry Summit Series. Dr. Wallace Walrod will be facilitating the
final three forums relating to several emerging and high-growth workforce
clusters in Orange
County. The forums focus on growing and enhancing the
Orange County firms in these clusters, as well
as promoting the workforce skill development needed in current and potential
employees.
Creativity Forum:
The Creativity Cluster is made up of firms
connecting businesses with creative individuals involved in producing cultural,
artistic and design goods and services. These artistic and inventive
professionals generate original ideas into creative goods and services for
every industry cluster in Orange
County. Also included
are components of more traditional enterprises and activities that involve
creativity, innovation, and/or good design. Occupations in the Creativity
Cluster include jobs in fields such as Audio & Video Technology, Printing,
Visual and Performing Arts, and Journalism.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
9:30am to 11:00am | Brandman University: 16355 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine, CA 92618 (map)
[EVENT FLYER]
Biotechnology and Nanotechnology:
The Biotech cluster
is a knowledge intensive industry made up of firms that research, manufacture
or process biological, chemical or medical products including medical and
industrial chemicals and their preparation. Harnessing discoveries from the
human genome project, the medical literature and health promotion practices,
new tools are created to enhance the wellbeing of people.
The Nanotech Cluster is made up of firms that are involved with the
manipulation of materials on a very small scale in order to build microscopic
materials, products, and manufacturing processes. Emerging discoveries in
the materials sciences and molecular engineering are utilized to develop tools
at a microscopic level for improvements in efficiency, wellbeing and
sustainability.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
8:30am to 10:00am | Rancho Santiago Community College District
[EVENT FLYER]
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IRVINE CONTINUES TO TOP NATION WIDE LISTS
| |  Recently, Irvine made the grade on two separate studies which the OC city was featured. Last week Irvine was named the
safest large city in the nation, according to preliminary data released
by the FBI. The
stats also mark the lowest per capita Part 1 Crime rate in the city's
history. The ranking comes on the heels of a recent report by the
state's Justice
Department, which also named Irvine the safest large city in
California. [READ MORE]
In addition, Bloomberg.com rated Irvine no. 5 in its "Top 10 Cities for Startups." The website attributed the great startup capability to Irvine's educated, international workforce, a University of California campus and an abundant space in office parks. [READ MORE] For more information, please contact Kate Klimow.
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| COMMUNITY EVENTS | Meg Whitman Cocktail Reception - Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Public Infrastructure Financing Forum - Tuesday, May 25, 2010
On Tuesday, May 25th, from 10am-4pm, California's Public Infrastructure
Advisory Commission (PIAC) will partner with leading transportation, finance,
and industry experts in hosting thePublic Infrastructure Financing Forum. Please join this important discussion about financing
strategies for critical transportation and social infrastructure.The day's discussion will include: an update on the pending Presidio
Parkway (formerly Doyle Drive) P3 project and other projects in the emerging
California pipeline of projects, with an emphasis on alternative financing
strategies and delivery options for managed lanes, transit,
and freight infrastructure. Click here for event website.Reception Honoring Shari Freidenrich for Orange County Treasurer - Thursday, May 27, 2010Join OCBC, OC Tax PAC and Hughes & Sullivan for a reception honoring 2010 Orange County Treasurer candidate Shari Freidenrich. The event will take place at OCBC's offices Thursday, May 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. To RSVP please contact RSVPShari@aol.com or 714.815.1420. OC Forum Presents: The Future of OC and Southern California Housing Market Trends - Thursday, May 27, 2010Join OC Forum for their latest luncheon program featuring Emile Haddad, Founder, FivePoint
Communities,
Steve Ruffner, President, KB Home Southern
California and Jonathan Lansner, Real Estate Reporter/Columnist
- Orange County Register. Home sales and prices are
continuing their steady but slow climb from the bottom in Southern California
as buyers scramble to take advantage
of low prices,low mortgage interest
rates and the first time home buyer tax credit. Hear from housing
experts on what the trend is for the next 12 months and their expectations for
the Orange County and Southern
California housing market. Click here for more info and to RSVP. SAVE THE DATE! Walk United - Sunday, June 13, 2010
Team up with Orange County United Way and Angels Baseball Foundation and WALK UNITED to provide for the over 290,000 people living below the poverty level in our community. Register to Walk and Get More Information at www.walkunited.com.
KOCE-TV 2010 Gala: That's Entertainment - Saturday, June 19, 2010
Join KOCE-TV of the 2010 Gala Event: That's Entertainment at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. The event will feature a live auction, live music and will recognize Bette and Wylie Aitken and the Orange County High School of the Arts.For more information, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Claudia Jenkins at 714.861.4311.
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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