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Recent OCBC Events

Sacramento | Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trips

OC Mayors Summit | OC Wireless Tech Summit

California State Senator Tom Harman
June 27, 2008

OCBC and BIZPAC were honored to host California State Senator Tom Harman at a breakfast reception June 27.

Senator Harman took the opportunity to meet with OCBC investors and BIZPAC supporters to dscuss his efforts on a range of critical issues. Among the items discussed were water infrastructure, coastal issues, the Senator's efforts to stem frivolous lawsuits and how the legislature plans to tackle the State Budget.

On the emerging crisis in water supply across the state, Senator Harman focused on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. "The Delta is so fragile, and so important to this state. It must be fixed," said Harman, adding the issue of water storage should be postponed in favor of a timely fix for issues facing the Delta.

County of Orange Wireless Technical Summit
June 27, 2008

A Technical Summit was convened by OCBC and the County of Orange as part of the ongoing Wireless Internet Assessment project being undertaken by the two organizations. The summit brought city and public agency IT professionals together with various vendors and internet service providers to discuss interoperability, security protocols and other technical aspects of a prospective regional wireless program.

OCBC member ATS Communications (President Tony Ingegneri pictured at right) as well as Intel, Cisco and others presented case studies on how wireless has enhanced the infrastructure of cities and counties around the nation. Steve Reneker, Chief Information Officer for the City of Riverside, discussed his city’s experience with implementing a network that covers roughly 55 of the Riverside’s 78 square miles. The city entered into an “Anchor Tenant” agreement with AT&T, which allows revenues to be shared with the city for granting AT&T use of public assets. The implementation required some creativity, as Reneker described the city’s decision to “dress up” the required 80-foot tall transmission towers as flag poles flying the U.S. flag.

The Technical Summit, held at the City of Tustin's Community Center, was the latest step in a project that OCBC will continue to work on with the County of Orange. OCBC’s Dr. Wallace Walrod has completed studies that analyze both business and technical models to realize a countywide wireless internet system, and the County is currently seeking input from cities and other public agencies. Watch for updates on this project in OCBC’s eNewsletter.

Deborah Proctor, President and CEO, St. Jospeh Health System
June 26, 2008

OCBC was honored to feature Deborah Proctor, President and CEO of St. Joseph Health System, at its first Chairman's Leadership Breakfast of 2008 on June 26. As interviewed by past OCBC Chairman Tom Phelps of Manatt, Phelps and Philips, Proctor discussed her leadership philosophy, views on heath care reform in California and the unique assent of a Presbyterian woman to leadership of a $4 billion Catholic Health System.

Proctor cites her background in nursing as key to her current success. “I tell young people all the time, nursing is some of the best leadership training there is,” she said, elaborating that working with patients “teaches you to assess a situation, develop a plan of action and implement it. These are helpful skills in any profession.”

Tom Phelps guided Proctor through a review of her upbringing in Arkansas and various Midwest locales. Proctor outlined her views on health care as a right, rather than a “market based commodity,” and a health care delivery system that is, in her estimation, “severely broken.”

“We have such a challenge with the uninsured, but just as important, with the under-insured,” she noted. She praised Governor Schwarzenegger’s efforts to lead on health care reform, feeling he has “worked hard towards finding legitimate solutions.”

OCBC thanks Deborah Proctor for making its first Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast of 2008 a rousing success. Special thanks also go to OCBC Vice Chair of Government Affairs Ron Diluigi, who is Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs for St. Joseph Health.

Phillip Swagel, Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy, U.S. Treasury
Friday, June 20

Phillip Swagel, Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy under U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, presented a Housing and Economic Update to OCBC on June 20, his full presentation may be viewed here.

Swagel gave an overview of the current state of housing market in California and across the U.S., and discussed what the sub-prime crisis could mean to the mortgage industry in terms of new regulation. Swagel shared that approximately 9% of U.S. mortgage holders are currently behind on their payments, with 2.5% actually in foreclosure. He outlined current efforts to aide these homeowners, noting that 50% of foreclosed borrowers have historically avoided all contact with their lender.

A new hotline is available, 888-895-HOPE, to help distressed homeowners during the current crisis. Swagel forecasted that as excess inventories are cleared, hat recovery should be expected to begin on the near horizon. View his full presentation, including forecasted GDP growth and housing market data, on OCBC’s website.

Boasting Orange County roots as a graduate of Los Alamitos High School, he has also served as a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and an economist at the Federal Reserve Board and the International Monetary Fund.

Orange County Mayors' Summit
June 19, 2008

“Civic Innovation and Customer Satisfaction” was the topic headline for the 3rd Annual Orange County Mayors’ Summit held last week. Organized by the Orange County Business Council, Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle and Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido, the annual meeting of mayors focused on innovation and ways to improve customer service. Approximately 175 people attended the event at Anaheim Garden Walk of which included elected officials, city managers and senior city administrators representing about 27 of Orange County's 34 cities.

Stephen Goldsmith, the director of the Innovations in American Government Program at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, was the keynote speaker. Goldsmith, the former mayor of Indianapolis, is known for his dynamic efforts to reduce the size and scope of government while transforming his city’s downtown. In his speech, Goldsmith discussed different examples of city-level innovation around the nation, saying: “Across the country, and in California, local officials are facing tough budget choices where citizen needs surpass available resources by ever greater amounts. Yet across the country we see encouraging signs from bold public officials, willing to challenge the status quo, utilize competitive forces, and leverage public and private partners to bring about innovative solutions. Taxpayers simply cannot afford business as usual which creates both pressure and opportunity.”

The conference also featured a panel of experts discussing ways to improve city governments’ customer service. Moderated by Rick Reiff, executive editor of the Orange County Business Journal, the panel featured Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle, Jim Gaz Senior Director for Travel and Tourism for J.D. Power and Associates, and Jeff Wolff, Doubletree/Hilton’s Regional Director for Brand Performance.

Improving customer service in the City of Anaheim has been a top priority since Mayor Pringle proposed that the city conduct a customer service study to measure and improve the level of satisfaction of Anaheim residents and businesses during his January State of the City address. The Mayor suggested the city partner with J.D. Power and Associates, one of the nation’s leading firms specializing in measuring and analyzing customer opinions. In April, the Anaheim City Council voted to commission J.D. Power to measure resident’s level of satisfaction with City services, focusing primarily on planning, police and utility services.

One Voice, Two Capitols -- 2008
Sacramento -- June 10 - 12

The Orange County Business Council led the second of its Two Capitols, One Voice advocacy trips to Sacramento earlier this month, exchanging ideas with legislative leaders, the Schwarzenegger Administration as well some of the most prominent lobbyists and members of the Capitol press corps.

OCBC would also like to thank the Children and Families Commission of Orange County, the Disneyland Resort, Ford Motor Company, the Metropolitan Water District and Michael Brandman Associates for making this Advocacy trip a success.

Dan Walters, pictured at left and an award-winning political columnist with the Sacramento Bee, kicked off the week’s agenda. Les Card, participating in the trip as Chair of OCBC’s Infrastructure Committee, noted Walters’ discussion on land use policy was particularly compelling, as he outlined the impact of land use decisions “on everything we talk about in public policy – from the water we drink to air we breathe.”

After Walters’ presentation the OCBC delegation moved into the Capitol to brief legislative leaders and members of the Schwarzenegger administration on OCBC’s priority initiatives and importance of maintaining the vibrant economic climate that exists in Orange County.

Participants met with Assemblymembers Chuck DeVore, Jose Solorio, Todd Spitzer, Van Tran as well as Senators Lou Correa, Dave Cox, Tom Harman, and Bob Margett. Senate Republican Leader Dave Cogdill and Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines also met with OCBC and discussed State Budget negotiations, stressing their view that the state does not have a revenue issue, but rather a spending one.

That evening, OCBC hosted a Special Tribute to Senator Dick Ackerman and Assemblyman Todd Spitzer at its Annual Orange County Legislative Dinner. Ackerman, pictured at right with Senator Lou Correa, was honored for his leadership and commitment to both Orange County and the State of California by an assemblage of his legislative colleagues and the Business Council's delegation.

Day Two began with a presentation by Garry South, acclaimed political consultant and the architect of Gray Davis’ successful gubernatorial bids. South delivered an overview of the political landscape in California, discussing the outlook for Governor Schwarzenegger’s remaining years in office as well as potential contenders for his successor in 2010.

These were but the highlights of OCBC’s most successful Sacramento Advocacy Mission to date. Participants in this trip also met with prominent members of the Governor’s Administration, including Lester Snow, Director of the California Department of Water Resources and Herb Schultz, Senior Policy Advisor on Health Care.

OCBC is very pleased to have led a distinguished group of business leaders advocating for the county’s highest priorities including infrastructure, workforce housing, workforce development, health care and economic development.

Keep an eye out for OCBC’s 2009 “Two Capitols, One Voice” program and don’t miss this exciting opportunity to meet with decision makers and key opinion leaders in both the state and nation’s Capitols.

Rosario Marin, Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency
May 30, 2008

OCBC was honored to host Rosario Marin, Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer of the United States at a small meeting with OCBC members and chamber executives May 30. Marin led a discussion on the State of California’s procurement process, which generates billions of dollars each year for California businesses, large and small.

The State's procurement procedures are designed to produce maximum competition, although the procedures vary with the size and type of procurement. It is the role of the State and Consumer Services Agency (SCSA) to oversee the Department of General Services to ensure fair competition occurs.

Secretary Marin spoke together with Jim Butler, Deputy Director for Procurement, on various approaches businesses can take in the procurement process. Marin also discussed how the State works to maximize opportunities for both small and large businesses.

OCBC gives special thanks to Eddie Northern of UPS for chairing the meeting. OCBC staff will work with investors on reciprocity situations that are possible with the state procurement process.

Bijan R. Kian , Board Member, U.S. Export-Import Bank

May 15, 2008

OCBC hosted Bijan R. Kian, a member of the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) the morning of May 15. Kian, a former lecturer at Cal State Fullerton, met with a small group of high level OCBC investors, and discussed the Ex-Im Bank’s efforts in over 150 countries.

The Ex-Im Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States. Its mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets. As a board member, Kian sits on several committees ensuring the effectiveness of the Bank’s operations.

Among the Bank’s current priorities is assisting with the ever increasing market for services. This includes “everything you can’t take a picture of,” said Kian, who elaborated on specific industries such as medical and financial services. Kian also discussed patent protection and his view on the overall strength of the U.S. economy. “We are seeing the markets cycle, but it is not a cycle we have not seen before,” said Kian. “The U.S. economy is very resilient.”

California Attorney General Jerry Brown

May 13, 2008

Attorney General Jerry Brown joined OCBC the afternoon of May 13 for an informal discussion on key issues facing the business community. The former Governor and Mayor of Oakland shared his insights from a lifetime spent in California government. “The fact is that things were a good deal simpler in a California of 24 million versus today’s state of 38 million,” said Brown.

Brown cited the increased difficulty of doing business and education our children as top issues facing the state. He discussed the many thousands of new state regulations that have come into being since his term as Governor. Brown was briefed by OCBC members on efforts pertaining to OCBC’s top strategic priorities of infrastructure, workforce housing and workforce development.

The Attorney General was particularly interested in education issues, as well as the details of the congestion-pricing model employed by the 91 Express Lanes.

California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell

April 24, 2008 -- OCBC Workforce Development Committee

OCBC was honored to host California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell at its April 24 Workforce Development committee meeting. Committee Chairman Chris Harrington of Toshiba presided over a packed meeting as the Superintendent spoke about key education and workforce issues, including the state budget's impact on education funding.

O’Connell, a Cal State Fullerton Alumnus, urged participants to actively engage him in a dialogue about what the economy needs from its school system. “The business community needs to tell us what skills they need,” said O’Connell. He also discussed the need for California to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE), programs that include academic subject matter relevant to career development the real world.

Among the fields in the most demand are engineering and technical positions. O’Connell noted that California cleared 65,000 engineers for work in the state last year, while the Silicon Valley alone needs twice that number to sustain its growth.

OCBC strongly agrees with the Superintendent’s assessment of workforce needs, particularly in regards to increased emphasis on the S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines. The Business Council looks forward to working with the Superintendent on programs promoting these issues.

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One Voice, Two Capitols - 2008

Washington, D.C. - April 16 - 18, 2008

This program stated with one voice the issues that make Orange County an economic engine for the state and nation.

OCBC lead delegations of the county's business, academic, public agency and local elected leaders to Washington, D.C.

(April 16-18). Participants met with lawmakers, key administration officials, members of the media, think tanks and other decision makers on issues including banking and finance, health care, infrastructure, transportation and workforce development. In advance of the trip, OCBC will hosted briefings for all registrants to participate in the formation of the advocacy platforms for each program.

Program included a Southern California Congressional event on Capitol Hill.
High-level briefings with members of the administration and congressional leadership.
Private evening reception with key legislative committee chairs and ranking members.

Online Registration | Print Registration | Event Flyer | Sponsorship Opportunities

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AB32 Requirements, Challenges and Opportunities:

Forum on California's Global Warming Law

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

The Orange County Business Council in sponsorship with Vulcan Materials Company Western Division presented a special issue forum on AB32. The Global Warming Solutions Act affects California industry like no other piece of environmental legislation in history. This special issues forum focused on the mandate, help businesses think about the implications, and suggest how to plan for a carbon constrained future.

Panel featuring:

Brian Anderson, Director of Environment, Regulatory Affairs and Sustainable Development, Vulcan Materials Company, Western Division | Presentation
Allan Bedwell, Principal, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. | Presentation
Sean Carney, Manager, Cantor Fitzgerald | Presentation
Peter Mieras, Former Chief Prosecutor, South Coast Air Quality Management District | Presentation
Malcolm Weiss, Partner, Hunton & William LLP | Presentation

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The State is in the Red, How Can Cities Stay in the Black?

Thursday, March 13, 2008

The Wyndham Orange County, Costa Mesa

Moderated by OCBC's own Lucy Dunn, featuring:

State Controller John Chiang
Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman
Assemblyman Jose Solorio
Chris McKenzie, Executive Director of the League of California Cities

With the State facing a $15 billion shortfall and a housing market struggling to recover, how can cities stay solvent? Is prop 1A enough protection for local government? What are the best investments cities can make today?

Online Registration | Event Flyer |More Info

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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

The Irvine Marriott

Reception - 11:30 a.m.

Lunch - Noon

What are the major challenges and opportunities facing OC in 2008?

How does Orange County compare to its economic competitors?

Hear from the experts in matters of Orange County's economy, infrastructure and finance at OC Forum's 2008 "State of the County" luncheon one week from today on Wednesday, March 5.

Attendees will also receive a copy of the 2008 Orange County Community Indicators Report. The Community Indicators is produced by the Commission on Families and Children of Orange County, in partnership with the County of Orange and OCBC. Since 1999 the report has tracked a range of topics important to the county's social and economic health and prosperity. New data and special features are included to highlight timely and important issues to Orange County.

Featuring:

Lucy Dunn - President and CEO, Orange County Business Council
Supervisor John Moorlach - Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman
Steve PonTell - President, The La Jolla Institute

Email RSVP | Print Registration | More Info

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OCBC Hosts U.S Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Clubhouse at Anaheim Hills Golf Course

Noon - 1:30 p.m.

The Orange County Business Council and City of Anaheim Mayor

Curt Pringle cordially invite you to an OCMoves Luncheon with special guest United States Secretary of Transportation

Mary E. Peters.

Online Registration | Event Flyer | Sponsorship Opportunities

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2008 OCBC Annual Dinner - "The Road Ahead"

January 29 , 2008

The Orange County Business Council presented the 2008 Annual Dinner, featuring:

George Will, Nationally syndicated columnist,

as he charted the "Road to the White House."

Steve Lenzi, Senior Vice President of the
Automobile Club of Southern California and incoming OCBC Chairman, outlined "The Road Ahead for OCBC"
Chris Anderson with David Hiller, Publisher of the Los Angeles Times gave a special tribute to outgoing Publisher and CEO of the
Orange County Register, Chris Anderson.

Event Flyer |Event Photos

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Chairman's Leadership Breakfast with Janet Lamkin

November 14 , 2007

OCBC Chairman, Dan Miller of The Irvine Company, with presenting sponsor, Strategic Resources Alliance, hosted OCBC investors to the final CLB of 2007.
OCBC Immediate Past Chairman, Tom Phelps of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, conducted an exclusive interview with President of Bank of America California's, Janet Lamkin.

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Economic Forecast Conference
October 22, 2007

The Orange County Business Council and Cal State Fullerton's College
of Business and Economics presented the thirteenth annual

Economic Forecast Conference. This conference informs the Orange County business community of economic issues and concerns for future growth and development.

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Workforce Development Conference
September 24, 2007

OCBC hosted the sixth annual Workforce Development conference in partnership with the Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB). Sponsored by Wells Fargo, the event was held at the beautiful Island Hotel in Newport Beach, and included a keynote address delivered by Wing Lam (pictured at right), Founder and CEO of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos. Lam outlined his view of corporate social responsibility and the importance of a strong, skilled workforce. The conference also featured the unveiling of OCBC’s 2007 Workforce Indicators report, a comprehensive analysis of the Orange County Workforce presented by Dr. Wallace Walrod, OCBC Vice President of Research and Communications.

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Chairmans Leadership Breakfast - Dr. James L. Doti

September 18, 2007

Orange County Business Council Investors were treated to another outstanding Chairman's Leadership Breakfast last week -- featuring Dr. James L. Doti, President of Chapman University. Sponsored by Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, the Waltos Group, and moderated by Tom Phelps of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, OCBC Investors participated in a candid interview and interactive dialogue that was both entertaining and enlightening. Doti, pictured at left with OCBC Chairman Dan Miller, of the Irvine Company, and Bob Waltos of the Waltos Group, offered an array of insights into his leadership philosophy and approach to leading a top academic insitution. He suggested the state's real estate market may be facing a long recovery -- up to five years in his estimation.

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Executive Invitational Golf Tournament
Monday August, 13, 2007

OCBC and UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business under the leadership of OCBC
board member Dean Andy Policano, hosted another successful golf tournament yesterday, benefiting UCI scholars and the Council’s workforce development programs. Top business leaders from around the county participated together with some of California’s top legislators, including Assemblymen George Plescia, Jim Silva, Mike Duvall and Senator Tom Harman.

Tustin Ranch Golf Course was the playing OCTA CEO Art Leahy with OCBC's
field of choice for the day, with OCBC Lucy Dunn and Kris Murray
member and golf pro, Mike Larsen, keeping
everyone on par! All and all a great day of fun in the sun, deal-making, networking and prize-winning. Mark your calendars now so as not to miss next year’s tournament on August 11, 2008.

Thanks once again to all our 2007 sponsors, with Disney and Schubert Flint leading the field. To be part of next year’s outstanding event, contact Michelle Hart at mhart@ocbc.org.