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The Leading Voice of Business in Orange County
| Wednesday, October 13, 2010
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2010 SESSION FINALLY ENDS: HOW THEY VOTED. HOW OCBC SCORED.
| | OCBC advocated numerous state bills throughout the legislative session, basing its positions on OCBC's policy  committees, the contribution of the members who participated in the annual One Voice, Two Capitols advocacy trip to Sacramento, and the guiding principles of the Legislative Action Guide.
Of 28 bills that were identified at the May 2010 Advocacy trip, 10 bills opposed by OCBC were killed in committee and 5 bills were sent to the Governor for final action. Of those 15 bills, the killed bills or the Governor's action was in alignment with OCBC's position 14 times giving OCBC a success rate of 93%.
Posted below is a summary of how the delegation ranked in order of support for OCBC positions for the original 28 bills. The adjusted calculation is based on the number of times a legislator voted with OCBC, divided by the total number of times a legislator was present for a vote:
With the addition of new bills throughout the legislative session, OCBC ultimately advocated a total of 52 bills which we will analyze and present at a later time. OCBC also advocated for several bills that never made it out of committee, including bills that would have eliminated Enterprise Zones, added Workers Comp presumptions and opposed a Split Roll Tax. In addition, OCBC achieved some significant legislative success related to its core initiatives in Infrastructure, Economic Development and Workforce Development including:
Infrastructure: AB 2098 - OCBC Support/Signed into Law
This landmark legislation to expedite the six-lane expansion of the 91 Freeway will generate 18,000 jobs and increase capacity in this key transportation corridor. This bill was championed by Orange County's Assembly Member Jeff Miller.
Economic Development: AB 569 (Emmerson) - OCBC Support/Signed into Law
This bill helps to chip away at the confusing and conflicting Labor Code that defines meal and rest periods and starts to put California back on the right track to an improved business climate.
Workforce Development: SB 1440 (Padilla) - OCBC Support/Signed into Law
This bill makes it easier for students in California's community colleges to transfer their credits and coursework to a 4-year university. By improving communication throughout California's higher education system, students will receive a better education and in turn employers will have a better educated and more prepared workforce. For more information, contact Kate Klimow, Vice President of Government Affairs.
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ANOTHER TOUGH BUDGET PASSED 100 DAYS LATE -- MUCH AT STAKE.
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 After a record-setting 100 days, California's legislative leaders have finally established a budget for the 8th largest economy in the world. Democrats agreed to long-term pension and budget changes in exchange for a smaller level of cuts in the 2010-11 budget. In lieu of deeper cuts, Republicans temporarily suspended a corporate tax deduction and agreed to revenue projections that rely on federal payouts. The suspension of the net-operating-loss deduction until the 2012 tax year, although better than the proposed repeal, is disheartening.
This budget agreement includes the repeal of the 1999 law that set higher pension benefits and subjects newly hired state workers to stricter formulas for benefits. The pension changes would only apply to workers in bargaining units without new state contracts. The agreement also seeks to address pension "spiking" by requiring that the final three years of compensation be used to determine benefits.
Is there any good news here? Yes. State Treasurer Lockyer now can allow for the sale of bonds--if Wall Street is OK with the budget--to fund over $2 billion in current infrastructure projects stalled in the middle of construction with another $9 billion on the shelf, ready to go. These infrastructure projects are major job creators for a state in need of 2.3 million jobs. CLICK HERE to read more. For more info, contact Kate Klimow, Vice President of Government Affairs.
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CALIFORNIA'S NEW HEALTH CARE EXCHANGE PROMISES PROBLEMS FOR BUSINESS
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On September 30, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 1602 (Alquist) and SB 900 (Steinberg) better known as the California Health Care Exchange. According to the authors, the purpose of these bills is to implement the federal "Affordable Care Act" making California the first state to implement an oversight board for insurance exchange marketplaces since the new federal health care law was enacted earlier this year.
Specifically, these new laws will result in allowing the exchange to create benefits in surfeit of the federal package and would establish an increased Medi-Cal fraud risk that could cause hundreds of millions of dollars in annual General Fund costs.
The bills prematurely create overly broad and expansive governance and guidelines for the state health benefit exchange which could lead to unnecessary cost increases and limited choice for employers. OCBC opposed the bills because of concerns that the oversight Board will have too much authority with too little accountability. CLICK HERE to read more. For more info, contact Kate Klimow, Vice President of Government Affairs.
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VOTE NOV. 2 -- GOOD CANDIDATES AND TOUGH BALLOT MEASURES -- ANSWERS HERE!
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Jordan Brandman - Re-Election Reception - Monday, October 18, 2010
An opportunity to support an OCBC member (and former OCBC Workforce Development Director) for re-election as Trustee Anaheim Union High School District. View the flyer HERE.
Orange County Hispanic Chamber Candidates Reception - Friday, October 22, 2010
This complimentary event will be held at Bistango Restaurant in Irvine. For more information, contact Maria Monter at 714-953-4289 ext. 22 or mmonter@hcoc.org.
Carly Fiorina - Election Reception - Thursday, October 28, 2010
Don't miss this opportunity to meet U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina at The Island Hotel on October 28, 2010. Carly is within striking distance of removing Barbara Boxer from 28 years in the Senate. It's about time. OCBC has endorsed Carly and believes it's past time for this change. Boxer is still a formidable fundraiser, however, and Carly needs our help. $100, $1,000, or $10,000 -- every dollar counts and time is of the essence with just three weeks left to election. This is her last Orange County event and YOU can make a differnce. For additional information contact Stacy Davis at 949.474.6930 or stacy@stacy-davis.com
Real Orange & Inside OC Election Coverage - Tuesday, November 2, 2010
With corporate and community support, KOCE-TV and the OC Channel provide the only comprehensive real-time coverage of Orange County elections. For more information on you or your company can get involved, contact Lisa Mayeda-Nichols at 714-861-4315 or lnichols@koce.org.
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WHEN WILL JOBS RETURN? WHAT DO CEOs THINK? REGISTER AND GET THE ANSWERS
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| 2010 Economic Forecast Conference - Thursday, October 28, 2010
Recovery and Reform: Perspectives from Industry Titans is this year's theme and will be featuring Dr. Anil Puri and Dr. Mira Farka of Cal State University, Fullerton and Richard Davis, CEO of U.S. Bancorp. Learn how the current economic conditions and trends will impact the future of the business and real estate markets, as well as Richard Davis' insight on the road to recovery. For more information click here or contact Leslie Dods, Events Manager.
OCBC's Chairman Leadership Breakfast - Wednesday, November 3, 2010Join OCBC's CEO Leadership Caucus Chairman Tom Phelps as he interviews our guest  speaker, Scott McGregor, President and CEO of Broadcom, in a "talk show-style" format for a candid discussion about his tools for success. McGregor has been with Broadcom since January 2005 after serving as President and CEO of the Philips Semiconductors Division of Royal Philips Electronics. There he oversaw one of the world's largest semiconductor suppliers, with 34,000 employees in over 50 countries. For more info click here or contact Leslie Dods, Events Manager. |
| WAITING FOR "SUPERMAN" OC PREMIERE |
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OCBC hosted the Orange County premiere of the provocative new film, Waiting for "Superman". Thanks to the  generous sponsorship of The Irvine Company, almost 300 business, education and community leaders were moved by this groundbreaking film on the need for education reform. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, whose 2006 feature, "An Incoveniant Truth" won an Academy Award, the riveting documentary examines a failed and entrenched public education system and lays responsibility for its bankruptcy at the feet of local, state and federal authorities. Immediately after the film, Lucy Dunn moderated a brief panel discussion among Randy Barth, CEO of THINK Together after school program, Juan Carlos Araque of USC, formerly with OCBC/United Way Latino Education Attainment, and state Senator Mark Wyland (R) who serves on the Education Commission.
The film is now in wide release and its YOUR TURN to see it and take action. Visit the website HERE. Check your local listings. For more info, contact Alicia Berhow, Director of Workforce Development.
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OCBC WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS TO THE FAMILY!
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OCBC is pleased to announce its newest members, all superb advocates for OCBC's leading intitiatives, of Infrastructure, Workforce Housing, Workforce Development, and Economic Development.
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| CHILDREN AND FAMILIES COMMISSION EXPANDS COMMITTMENT TO HOMELESSNESS |
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OCBC member Children and Families Commission of Orange County approved a series of ambitious, far-reaching measures that will expand and strengthen services and programs for homeless children and their familes. The Commission's actions come just one week after the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the "Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness," a countywide program that seeks to eradicate homelessness by 2020. OCBC's Lucy Dunn helped develop and testified in support of the final draft of the plan.
The measures range from providing major funding for emergency shelters and transitional facilities for homeless families to supporting long-range programs that will play a key role in ultimately eliminating homlessness countywide.CLICK HERE to view the press release. For more information, contact Lucy Dunn, President and CEO.
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QUICK HITS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY
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Anaheim City Council Certifies Environmental Impact Report for the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) . City Council members certified the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and approved a General Plan Amendment reclassifying Douglass Road, south of Katella Avenue from a local street to a secondary arterial. The ARTIC Project will inject approximately $184 million into the local economy and will create 5,000 new jobs. Full development will take place over the next decade. Construction is set to begin in 2011. The ARTIC Project is envisioned as an iconic regional landmark and transportation facility where people will seamlessly move between transit services to reach Southern California activity centers and business districts. The station will accommodate passenger arrivals, departures and transfers with supporting retail, restaurants and passenger services within the building. ARTIC will be built on a 16-acre site owned by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the City of Anaheim
Bank of America's Neighborhood Excellence Awards. OCBC's Lucy Dunn served on the awards committee to help recommend, among many awards, the recipients of two $200,000 capacity building grants to OC non-profits. She was honored to serve and delighted to see so many OCBC members and partners in the mix of contenders.
For more info, contact Kate Klimow, Vice President of Government Affairs.
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OCBC COMMITTEE MEETINGS: OCTOBER
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 Workforce Development Committee
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 | 7:30 - 9:00AM
(NOTE: Meeting will be held at 4 Park Plaza, Suite 320)
Workforce Housing Committee
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 | 9:30 - 11:00AM
(NOTE: Meeting will be held at 4 Park Plaza, Suite 320)
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. For more information, contact Leslie Dods at 949-794-7241 or ldods@ocbc.org |
| COMMUNITY EVENTS |
Anaheim Internation Film Festival Black Tie Awards Gala - Saturday, October 16, 2010
A glittering red carpet affair honoring film industry icons with Lifetime and Career Achievement Awards for outstanding work and contributions to motion pictures. Hosted by The Disneyland Resort, this event will be followed by a VIP viewing of "World of Color," the new nighttime water spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park. For more info visit www.anaheimfilm.org.
Want To Learn More About The Great Work fo Goodwill Industries? - Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Goodwill of Orange County Working for Independence luncheon will be held at the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel and Spa. There is no cost to attend. For more information, contact Celeste Signornino at 949-794-7223 or csignorino@ocbc.org.
OCTANe's 5th Annual Medical Device & Investor Forum - October 25-26, 2010
More than ever, companies and individuals must remain at the leading edge of innovation in the medical device industry to maintain a competitive advantage in the US and around the world. This is the Forum to connect with industry leaders; understand the latest adanvcements and trends; meet those to fund or license technology; and hear about critical developments in legal issues, regulatory, design and global opportunities for medical device companies. Contact Janelle Brunette at Janelle.brunette@octaneoc.org or 949.330.6569
ADA Compliance Town Hall - Thursday, October 28, 2010
Senator Huff and Brea Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend a Town Hall Meeting to educate the business community about ADA legislation, and present guidelines to avoid lawsuits for noncompliance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For more information, contact the District Office at 909-598-3981.
Mobility 21 Regional Transportation Summit - Friday, October 29, 2010
The ninth annual Mobility 21 Southern California Transportation Summit is a one-of-a-kind conference that brings together stakeholders, business leaders and local, state and federal officials during a one day meeting to discuss the leading issues facing our transportation system today. For additional information, contact Marnie O'Brien Primmer at 949-288-6884 or mprimmer@mobility21.com. REGISTRATION CLOSES ON OCT. 15TH!
Girl Scouts of Orange County "Celebrate Leadership" Gala - Thursday, November 18, 2010
The 2010 Gala will be honoring twelve extraordinary women in leadership. More details to come. For more information visit www.ggcs3.org or contact Sally Lawrence
SAVE THE DATE! Special Tribute to Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle - Monday, December 13, 2010
Celebrating the eight years as mayor of Anaheim, this charity event will benefit local youth-serving organizations in Anaheim. Watch for details or contact the Anaheim Chamber at 714-758-0222. FLYER LINK
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IN THIS ECONOMY, YOU NEED ALL THE HELP YOU CAN GET!
| | SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR OCBC MEMBERS. One of the many benefits of being a part of the Orange County Business Council is the ability to leverage our member relationships to improve your business. Take advantage of our new offers:
DISCOUNTED SHIPPING RATES: Through the UPS Discount Program, OCBC members can save up to 28% on international, air and ground shipping. Whether you need a shipment to arrive the same day, the next day or in a few
days, UPS will get your package there on time - guaranteed. Visit www.savewithups.com/enroll or call (800) 325-7000. Use promo code PAC376 to enroll.
OFFICE FURNITURE PROMOTION: As Orange
County's Haworth
preferred contract furniture dealership, Interior Office Solutions specializes
in developing functional, productive and beautiful workplace environments
tailored to each client's unique requirements. Purchase $2500 of product and receive a $500 coupon; Purchase $5000 worth of product for a $1000 coupon; Purchase $10,000 worth of product and receive a rebate based on your total furniture. Call Jesse Bagley or Brian Airth to schedule
a consultation: (949) 724-9444 (Offer valid 7/1 - 12/31/2010)
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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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SPREAD THE WORD! IMPACT THE WORLD! FORWARD YOUR COPY TO ASSOCIATES!
| | 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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2 Park Plaza, Suite 100, Irvine CA 92614 | www.ocbc.org | PH: 949.476.2242 | FAX: 949.476.9240 | |
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