Lucy Dunn and Bob Alvarado head state’s transportation commission

Press ReleasesLeave a comment

IRVINE, CA — Today Lucy Dunn, President and CEO, Orange County Business Council, was elected to Chair of the California Transportation Commission. While Bob Alvarado, Executive Officer, Northern California Carpenters Regional Council, was elected as Vice-Chair. Currently serving in their second term as commissioners, Dunn and Alvarado bring a wealth of experience to the positions and are steadfast advocates for increasing efficiencies and investment in construction, management, and maintenance of the state’s infrastructure system. “California’s economic prosperity relies on a well-maintained and well-funded transportation system,” Dunn said. “As the world becomes increasing interconnected, the ability to efficiently and effectively move people and goods is more important than ever before, and remains a top priority for the business community. I am honored to serve as Chair and look forward to continuing the good work already being done to implement innovative, sustainable solutions that will move California’s economy through the 21st century and provide a high quality of life for all who live here.” Both Dunn and Alvarado were first appointed to the state commission by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006, and appointed again by Governor Jerry Brown in 2014. During this time, the CTC has successfully implemented policies on the local, regional and statewide level to strengthen public-private partnerships, design-build project delivery, and streamline of transportation funding programs that help create jobs and improve the state’s economy. Dunn is committed to implementation of the state’s planning law, SB 375, requiring thoughtful planning of housing and transportation together at the local level, as well as the success of SB 1077, the state’s recently approved pilot program to test road usage charges as a substitute to the ineffective gas tax for funding future transportation projects across the state. Dunn has been President and CEO of OCBC since 2005 and was previously Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development from 2004 to 2005. She served as a member of the Green Building Code Advisory Committee of the California Building and Standards Commission. In 2010, South Coast AQMD appointed her to its Small Business and Local Government Advisory Committee, and in 2011 to its Advisory Committee to develop the Air Quality Management Plan for the basin. Dunn is an attorney admitted to practice before the California State Bar, the federal bar and the U.S. Supreme Court. As Executive Officer of the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council, which represents over 35,000 men and women in carpentry and related crafts, Alvarado has negotiated four multi-year Carpenters Master Agreements for Northern California. He led the creation of the Basic Crafts Workers Compensation Fund, an insurance program that utilizes Alternative Dispute Resolution to improve service to workers and reduce costs to employers of Carpenters, Laborers and Operating Engineers. He also serves as Co-Chairman of the Corporate Board for the Carpenters’ Funds Administrative Office, overseeing combined assets of over 3½ Billion Dollars. Previously, he was a member of the board of the State Compensation Insurance Fund, and the Contractor’s State License Board. About OCBC: Orange County Business Council is the leading voice of business in Orange County, California. OCBC represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance Orange County’s economic development and prosperity in order to preserve a high quality of life. OCBC serves member and investor businesses with nearly 250,000 employees and 2,000,000 worldwide. In providing a proactive forum for business and supporting organizations, OCBC helps assure the financial growth of America’s sixth largest county. For more information, visit www.ocbc.org. # # #

Now accepting applications! Who turns Red Tape Into Red Carpet in your community?

Press ReleasesLeave a comment

IRVINE, CA— Orange County Business Council (OCBC) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the fourth annual “Turning Red Tape Into Red Carpet” Awards. Acknowledging the good work local government can do in tough times, the awards program honors Orange County’s local governments that have implemented innovative policies and programs that cut through red tape, eliminate barriers to economic growth and open the door to private sector jobs creation. Since its inception the program has expanded to include over 40 nominees each year, showcasing the county’s most innovative and cost-reducing government programs. Its success is recognized throughout the state, including the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, “Streamlining Superstars,” and California Association for Local Economic Development’s annual “Awards of Excellence,” programs. Winners will be recognized at an Awards Reception on November 20, 2014 at the Irvine Marriot, for achievement in the following categories: Business Retention and Expansion, Responding to Globalization, Sustainable and Green Development, and Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse. The Partnership Award will be presented to the nominee demonstrating a steadfast commitment to public-private partnerships, and the Leadership Award for Public Service will be presented to an outstanding leader in the public sector who is advancing economic development in their community. Details: Nomination deadline: Friday, September 12, 2014 Entry fee: $75 per nomination. No limit to the number of entries an agency may submit. Submitted to: www.ocbc.org/redcarpet, or mailed to OCBC, 2 Park Plaza, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92614. Awards Reception and Announcement: Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the Irvine Marriot. For more information: visit www.ocbc.org/redcarpet or contact Matt Petteruto, Vice President of Economic Development, at 949.794.7209 or [email protected]. About OCBC: Orange County Business Council is the leading voice of business in Orange County, California. OCBC represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance Orange County’s economic development and prosperity in order to preserve a high quality of life. OCBC serves member and investor businesses with nearly 250,000 employees and 2,000,000 worldwide. In providing a proactive forum for business and supporting organizations, OCBC helps assure the financial growth of America’s sixth largest county. For more information, visit www.ocbc.org. # # #

OCBC applauds state for keeping High-Speed Rail on track

Press ReleasesLeave a comment

IRVINE, CA —Orange County Business Council released the following statement today from President and CEO Lucy Dunn in response to the state Legislature’s approval of SB1029, allocating $4.5 billion in funding for the nation’s first High-Speed Rail system. OCBC applauds the vision, leadership and perseverance of those who voted in favor of jobs, the environment and the economy by supporting funding for high-speed rail, including Orange County’s elected leaders Senator Lou Correa and Assembly Members Tony Mendoza and Jose Solorio. As a business organization working to enhance Orange County’s economic development and prosperity, OCBC has been a strong supporter of high-speed rail, recognizing it as a critical component of a comprehensive transportation network for the state. “Orange County and California’s economic vitality depend on an effective multi-modal 21st century transportation system,” Dunn said. “From greater mobility, to job creation, to environmental and economic benefits, every country in the world that has a high-speed train system has been enhanced by its development. In the U.S., California is once again on the forefront of innovation, the first in the nation to create a system that we believe will ultimately lead to improved passenger rail travel throughout the country.” With the state’s population expected to grow by 500,000 each year over the next 20 years, California is faced with increased infrastructure demands that cannot be met with the current transportation system. California needs a long-term, multi-modal transportation plan to meet these growing needs and high-speed rail provides the better, faster, and cheaper option to increase mobility and economic vitality for years to come. Built out in phases over 25 years, the 800 mile rail system would take 70 million cars off the road annually, while costing less than half of that needed to expand the state’s current transportation system. California’s high-speed rail will result in improved movement of people, goods and services by allowing for faster ground travel between major metropolitan areas and reliving congestion on all major freeways and airports. About OCBC: Orange County Business Council is the leading voice of business in Orange County, California. OCBC represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance Orange County’s economic development and prosperity in order to preserve a high quality of life. OCBC serves member and investor businesses with nearly 250,000 employees and 2,000,000 worldwide. In providing a proactive forum for business and supporting organizations, OCBC helps assure the financial growth of America’s sixth largest county. For more information, visit www.ocbc.org. # # #

Hoag CEO Dr. Richard Afable Kicks Off OCBC Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast Series

Press ReleasesLeave a comment

IRVINE, CA—Orange County Business Council (OCBC) is pleased to announce the 2011 Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast Series, beginning on Wednesday, March 2, featuring Dr. Richard Afable, President and CEO of Hoag Memorial Hospital. OCBC’s Chairman’s Leadership Breakfast Series features high-level guest speakers who share their tools for success and leadership philosophy. The series is hosted by Thomas Phelps of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, and takes place quarterly at the Center Club in Costa Mesa. Prior to joining Hoag in 2005, Dr. Afable was the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Catholic Health East, an East Coast health system comprised of 31 acute care hospitals and 47 long-term care facilities. Before joining Catholic Health East, Dr. Afable was the founder and President/CEO of Preferred Physician Partners (PPP), an Ohio-based physician practice management company that supported physician groups and provider networks. The second breakfast on Thursday, May 26 features guest speaker Scott Davis, Chairman and CEO of United Parcel Service, the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services. Prior to his current position, Davis served as vice chairman and chief financial officer. The third breakfast on Tuesday, August 23 features guest speaker David Pyott, Chairman and CEO of Allergan. Pyott has more than 26 years of international experience in nutrition and health care and has worked in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. The final guest speaker of the series is Victor Nichols, CEO of Experian North America, who will be speaking at the Tuesday, October 18 breakfast. Prior to this appointment in 2010, Nichols was Chief Executive Officer, UK and EMEA, and leader of Experian’s Marketing Services practice globally. He joined Experian in early 2007 with 27 years of experience in the fields of finance and technology.