Sacramento Metro Chamber News Newswire

Metro Chamber issues statement on Mayor’s Arena Task Force; applauds committee make-up

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO—With announcement of Sacramento First Entertainment and Sports Complex Task Force, the Sacramento Metro Chamber issued this statement by President & CEO Matthew Mahood: We are pleased that Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson is taking a strong leadership role in solving this ongoing regional issue on how to finance and construct an entertainment and sports complex. We hope the task force can find a viable solution to building a world-class facility here that will attract quality entertainment for our residents. The issue is a complex one and needs focused attention. We applaud the combination of task force members who have subject-matter expertise and civic interest in finding a solution. In the past, the Metro Chamber, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership and the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau have studied the matter diligently. Our own 2004 Arena Task Force’s findings still hold true: • The current ARCO Arena is obsolete and needs to be replaced. • A regional dialogue should be employed to determine the most feasible and appropriate sources of both public and private financing for such a project. • Location of the facility in The Railyards is appropriate. But any location chosen should create a catalyst for complementary development or redevelopment. • The site should have the ability to promote city and regional development goals of smart growth, transit orientation and urban revitalization. The Metro Chamber looks forward to working with Mayor Johnson and the Task Force as needed in order to help move this complex issue to a successful conclusion.

Chamber View: Nestle Waters plant followed city rules--Council must not cave into special interests

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

By Linda Cutler Chair, Sacramento Metro Chamber Board of Directors

The discussion about the new Nestle Waters bottling facility is actually about Sacramento’s commitment to job creation and the process and rules by which businesses come to our city.

The Sacramento City Council was set to consider on Oct. 27 a measure related to this plant that will have a serious and far-reaching impact on the jobs and business climate in Sacramento.

We have a set of rules that govern how companies coming to our community must conduct business. These rules come in the form of zoning, building permits, utility fees, water use and the like. These are rules that are determined through a very open and public process and they are rules that every business must follow.

The city also has a plan that includes taking into account water needs for residential, government and industrial uses. Nearly every business, whether it is a bottled beverage company, a car wash, a restaurant or a widget manufacturer, uses water to produce its product or service. That plan includes water availability for new businesses to purchase without impacting the water already flowing to other businesses and homes.

So how does Nestle Waters’ new plant fit into this? First, the company followed all the rules, and it did not get any special treatment with respect to the rates it will pay the city for water. Nestle leased existing space from a local property owner and applied to the city for the permits and utilities needed. In short, the company has followed the process just as the many other beverage bottlers such as 7-up and Coca Cola did when they came here.

Now, some members of the Sacramento City Council are working to change those rules mid-stream by tossing aside the council’s entire review process in an effort to force a new law that would either delay or completely stop this plant from moving forward. That should be a frightening proposition to anyone interested in job creation and business development in our community. The signal it would send to other businesses is: Come to Sacramento at your own risk. The city council, at the prompting of special interests, may decide it does not want your business here even after you have leased a building, put millions into retrofitting it and begun to hire people.

And, this decision could have a major impact on the availability of capital for new projects. Why would a bank lend money to a business when the political winds could derail the project mid-way through construction?

Nestle has received more than 2,200 job applications in just in just two months. The company has already hired 11 people and has a local contractor and his crew working to retrofit the building it leased. And Nestle has invested more than $3 million into this facility already, with another $11 million to follow.

So if the city council takes action to stop this plant from moving forward, council members will have to explain not only to those 11 people and the contractor why they will be laid off, but also explain to the other 2,200 people who are looking for work why they are closing off an opportunity to bring jobs to this community.

By making the process of opening a business a political one, the city council is saying that it will pick and choose businesses and jobs depending on its political whims. This is a precedent our community simply cannot afford to set unless the council is ready to take responsibility for hanging that closed sign on the Tower Bridge.

Perspectives 2009 speaker change announced: Sir Ken Robinson replaces Howie Long

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Perspectives 2009 announces Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., will be added to the Friday, Oct. 9 lineup, substituting for Howie Long. “Due to an unavoidable and unforeseen conflict, regrettably, Howie Long will not be able to attend Perspectives,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “However, we are very excited about having creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson as our new speaker. Sir Robinson challenges his audiences to think differently about how we are educating our children and how many organizations are inhibiting innovation. With our region's emphasis on improving our competitiveness through innovation, intellect and influence, he is a perfect addition to this year's Perspectives line-up.” The 2009 lineup also includes former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, financial commentator Jane Bryan Quinn, Flags of Our Fathers author James Bradley and columnist/entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki. Back for the 15th year as master of ceremonies will be Tom Sullivan, national radio host for FOX News. View their biographies at www.metrochamber.org/perspectives. Robinson is an internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation and human resources. He works with governments in Europe, Asia and the U.S., with international agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and some of the world’s leading cultural organizations. An award-winning writer, Robinson developed the creative and economic development strategy as part of the Peace Process in Northern Ireland. He has won the Peabody Medal for contributions to the arts and culture in the U.S. and his new book, The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything” is currently on the New York Times Best Seller list. His presentation at Perspectives will ask, “What does it take to achieve personal success and feel like you are in your element?” He feels that it is not natural talent that drives personal success, but rather a delicate interplay of talent, passion, attitude and opportunity that brings people to achieve their highest levels of success and lead lives of meaning and purpose. Robinson will take the Perspectives audience on a compelling tour of what can happen when passion and talent meet. He draws on the personal stories of high achievers in many fields, including Sir Paul McCartney, Arianna Huffington, Matt Groening (creator of The Simpsons), Meg Ryan and renowned physicist Richard Feynman. With a wry sense of humor, Sir Ken helps audiences understand: • What it takes to find “The Element” in our own lives • Why age and occupation are no barrier • How to enhance creativity and innovation in both personal and professional settings • How focusing on “The Element” is an essential strategy in transforming education, business and communities to meet the challenges of living and succeeding in the 21st century. Since 1995, the Metro Chamber has introduced the region’s business people to some of the world’s most influential speakers, including President George H.W. Bush, Sen. Bob Dole, New York, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Gov. Ann Richards, President Gerald Ford, Capt. Jim Lovell, and Gen. Colin Powell. Annually drawing an audience of more than 2,000 people, Perspectives set the stage in Sacramento for world-class speakers to reach our community and creates first-class networking opportunities for business and civic leaders. The event was launched in celebration of the Metro Chamber’s 100th anniversary and century-long service to the community. The event will be held 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sacramento Convention Center and features an exhibit hall and the NewsTalk 1530 KFBK Business Center, where attendees can keep in touch with the office and conduct business. Tickets are $195 for members, $245 for nonmembers. Register online at www.metrochamber.org/perspectives or call 916-444-1919.

Metro Chamber: Special Legislative session needed on Delta Crisis: State and region’s prosperity at risk—action needed now!

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

This past weekend, the State Legislature adjourned without passing a comprehensive water package that could have addressed the critical need to fix the ailing Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and improve water reliability for all Californians

California’s future economic prosperity is threatened by the rapidly deteriorating Delta. Our current and future water supplies are dependent on solving the Delta crisis quickly and equitably. This crisis has been brought on because of under-investment in modern water supply infrastructure and management strategies, coupled with increasingly stringent regulatory restrictions. If this situation is not addressed, it could threaten the economic stability of the entire state. The Metro Chamber holds that:

• The Delta crisis is a statewide issue that directly impacts our region.

• We must ensure that our region’s future economic prosperity and quality of life is not jeopardized by an unfair political solution.

• We must ensure the certainty of our region’s current and future water supply.

• We must ensure all parts of a Delta solution move forward at the same time and any solution implemented is done swiftly and, most importantly, in a fair and comprehensive manner.

We recognize solving this crisis will be expensive, but not solving it will be devastating to California because much of the state’s economy depends on water that moves through the Delta. By doing this we will help ensure future economic prosperity for California and our region.

We encourage the Governor to call a special session to deal with this crisis and encourage our region’s delegation to utilize the Metro Chamber’s Delta Policy Principles when shaping the legislation that will solve this crisis.

Despite the setback last week, the timing is right for our state lawmakers to finally produce a legislative package that will benefit our entire state for years to come. Water is our most fundamental economic and environmental resource—and this is our watershed moment to act.

The Metro Chamber encourages our state legislature, the leadership of both parties and Gov. Schwarzenegger to enact a comprehensive Delta solution that will protect and preserve our region’s and the state’s economy and quality of life for generations to come.

State budget crisis hitting small businesses hard, recent Metro Chamber member survey shows

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The California state budget crisis is directly impacting many of Sacramento Metro Chamber member businesses, a recent survey on the economy shows.

Just over 67 percent of those who responded to the Third Quarter Metro Insights survey indicated that they are being hit hard by state budget issues, and more than 25 percent said they were expecting to receive an IOU from the state, causing significant enough cash flow problems that they may need to reduce operations and/or employment.

Another 28 percent said their banks would not honor the state IOUs, but those businesses expected they could get by for now. Only 15 percent said their bank would take the IOUs.

“Even though the state now has a budget—of sorts—the financial crisis is still ongoing and threatens small businesses,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “We urge both state and local governments—and banks—to recognize that our region’s economic recovery relies on the ability of small businesses being able to stay open and keep their workers employed.”

Mahood noted that nearly 25 percent of the total jobs in the six-county region are government related, and that the health and well-being of that industry sector significantly influences the local economy.

The survey was conducted in July with 558 businesses responding. More than 60 percent of those replying had 50 or fewer employees.

Perspectives 2009: An American experience to present Silicon Valley guru Guy Kawasaki

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Perspectives 2009: An American Experience brings to Sacramento author and entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki—international technology guru, among America’s best business speakers and by Forbes’ calculation, the most influential Twitterer in the world.

Known as one of the top 50 bloggers with the web column: How to Change the World, Kawasaki’s expertise is grounded in the early days of the PC revolution in Silicon Valley, where as an Apple employee, he helped market the Macintosh in 1984 by creating passionate user-advocates for the brand.

“Business people attending Perspectives will enjoy not only a dynamic, out-spoken commentator but one who possesses keen insight into current day business practices,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “With Sacramento working on becoming a green and clean tech center, we can learn much from him.”

A venture capitalist, Kawasaki currently is managing director of Garage Technology Ventures, a seed-stage and early-stage venture capital fund. Other business ventures include Fog City Software that created an email and list server products and Alltop.com, an “online magazine rack” of popular topics on the web made successful by social networking tools such as Twitter.

Sharing his vision with irreverent wit, Kawasaki’s passion at mentoring entrepreneurs is another example of an American Experience that will be on display Oct. 9 at Perspectives. Like many of the other top Twitters, Kawasaki also ranks prominently—ninth place—on Forbes’ annual listing of the Internet’s most famous people. Although he’s been called a business legend, Kawasaki says that being a legend shouldn’t be a goal. “What you should do is create a great product or service—the goal is to change the world—if you do that, maybe you’ll be a legend.”

Guy Kawasaki’s newest book, Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition is an all-in-one guide for starting and operating great organizations that ignore passing fads in business theory. He is also the author of nine books including The Art of the Start, which has become a highly acclaimed book for small business.

Since 1995, the Metro Chamber has introduced the region’s business people to some of the world’s most influential and world-renowned leaders including President George H.W. Bush, Gen. Colin Powell, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Gov. Ann Richards, President Gerald Ford, Capt. Jim Lovell, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Perspectives was launched in celebration of the Metro Chamber’s 100th anniversary and century-long service to the community. Annually drawing an audience of nearly 2,500 people, the day-long program is informative and creates first-class networking opportunities for business and civic leaders.

The complete speakers lineup for Perspectives 2009: An American Experience comprises Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, NFL Hall of Famer/Fox Sports Analyst, Howie Long, Personal Finance Expert/TV Host Jane Bryant Quinn, Flags of Our Fathers Author James Bradley, Author/Entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki and returning emcee, Fox News Radio Host Tom Sullivan.

Perspectives will be held 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 in the Sacramento Convention Center. Tickets are $195 for Metro Chamber members and $245 for the public. Tables of 10 are $1,950/$2,450. Tickets can be purchased online at the Perspectives website or via the events hotline at 916-444-1919.

New Sacramento Metro Chamber Member Discount Program: Receive 10% off tuition for Drexel Graduate Studies programs

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Reflecting a commitment to develop the region’s workforce, the Sacramento Metro Chamber is partnering with Drexel University to offer 10 percent reduction in tuition on ALL of Drexel’s graduate studies programs.

Metro Chamber members can save between $3,000 and $4,800 over the course of their selected degree program at the Drexel University Center for Graduate Studies.

“Investing in yourself—especially during a recession—can be a smart move for many employees,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “You can make yourself more valuable to your employer or future employers by increasing your skills.”

Drexel University’s state-of-the-art facility in Sacramento offers graduate degrees in business administration, education leadership, public health, engineering management, higher education, human resources, instruction, library science and nursing education and leadership, among others.

The university—based in Pennsylvania—founded a campus at One Capitol Mall in Sacramento in 2008 with the assistance of the Metro Chamber. It is among the nation’s most innovative universities, according to U.S.News & World Report, requiring students to learn technology and to work with other Drexel students three time zones away.

“We believe our approach to higher education will position our students for success, and support the Sacramento region’s high-tech future,” said Carl (Tobey) Oxholm II, dean of the center.

For questions about the Metro Chamber discount contact Nancy Thompson at Drexel University, 916-325-4602.

Note: Restrictions apply--Discount available only to small- to medium size businesses with 100 or less full-time employees and nonprofit organizations.

Flags of Our Fathers Author James Bradley to relate common virtues of the American Experience

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

No American Experience has been more photographically reproduced than the raising of the American flag over Iwo Jima in 1945. Perspectives 2009: An American Experience brings to Sacramento James Bradley, author of Flags of Our Fathers, whose father is one of the figures in the photograph.

Bradley’s book recounts the story of the boys’ lives, beginning as his quest to discover why his father remained silent about the wartime experience. In telling the story behind the Greatest Generation’s iconic photo, Bradley relates basic fundamentals of the American Experience: teamwork and digging in to do what’s called for. The figures in the photo, he said, were boys of common virtue doing their duty.

The best-selling book became a Clint Eastwood-directed movie released in 2007. His second book, Flyboys, which debuted in 2003, is the secret story of eight naval aviators who were beheaded on the island next to Iwo Jima. A ninth Flyboy got away. His name is George H.W. Bush—the 41st President of the United States.

Bradley’s life has evolved into an American Experience typical to Baby Boomers whose fathers served in World War II—a life of adventure, overseas travel and as a college student, study abroad in Japan—and that experience changed his life. As a result, he founded the James Bradley Peace Foundation, dedicated to fostering understanding between America and Asia. The foundation sends American schoolchildren to high school in Japan and China where they live with a family.

Says Bradley, “My hope is that after these young people come back from their one year abroad, they will eventually migrate upwards into the American power structure and the next time we are debating whether to talk it out or fight it out, one of them might make a difference.”

Bradley is also very familiar with the corporate world, with vast experience writing and producing corporate films and corporate meetings; he has traveled the globe, living and working in more than 40 countries for nearly a decade. He has run companies in the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy.

Since 1995, the Metro Chamber has introduced the region’s business people to some of the world’s most influential and world-renowned leaders including President George H.W. Bush, Gen. Colin Powell, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Gov. Ann Richards, President Gerald Ford, Capt. Jim Lovell, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Perspectives was launched in celebration of the Metro Chamber’s 100th anniversary and century-long service to the community. Annually drawing an audience of nearly 2,500 people, the day-long program is informative and creates first-class networking opportunities for business and civic leaders.

The complete speakers lineup for Perspectives 2009: An American Experience comprises Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, NFL Hall of Famer/Fox Sports Analyst, Howie Long, Personal Finance Expert/TV Host Jane Bryant Quinn, Flags of Our Fathers Author James Bradley, Author/Entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki and returning emcee, Fox News Radio Host Tom Sullivan.

Perspectives will be held 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 in the Sacramento Convention Center. Tickets are $195 for Metro Chamber members and $245 for the public. Tables of 10 are $1,950/$2,450. Tickets can be purchased online at the Perspectives website or via the events hotline at 916-444-1919.

Welcome Metro EDGE: A unique young professionals group emerges

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, the Sacramento Metro Chamber introduced their new young professionals program—Metro EDGE. With a vision to support and advance the creative and innovative growth of the Sacramento region, the program will provide Sacramento with a fresh, robust group of business people dedicated to enhancing their community. The newest young professionals group to hit the Sacramento region, Metro EDGE held an invitation-only soft launch event July 16 to share the vision and mission of the organization and recruit local members. “Metro EDGE complements our hugely successful Leadership Sacramento program. It's an opportunity for our young professionals to share our community and significant regional attributes with their peers,” said Linda Cutler, chair of the Metro Chamber Board and vice president Corporate Communications for GenCorp, Inc. “It will also help cultivate the Metro Chamber’s next generation of civic, business and entrepreneurial leaders. The synergy between Metro EDGE, Leadership Sacramento and our Metro Chamber Foundation is sure to be powerful.” Metro EDGE—a clever acronym of the group’s founding principles: Engage, Develop, Give, Empower—is determined to find creative ways to catapult the Sacramento region into a stronghold of business, social and cultural opportunities that rival other major metropolitan hubs in the U.S., according to its chair, Autumn Heacox of Sierra View General Contractor. “What’s different about Metro EDGE is that we have a strong sense of community and a drive to make Sacramento a better place,” Heacox said. “We are a group of generation X and Y professionals that prides itself on uniting with One Voice to offer a fresh, unique perspective on Sacramento’s most pressing issues.” Founding sponsor of Metro EDGE is Drexel University Center for Graduate Studies, the region’s newest higher education institution offering master’s degree programs for the busy professional. Drexel is committed to the development of leaders in the Sacramento region and found Metro EDGE to be on the mark with their goals. The official Metro Edge launch will be Sept. 9, 2009, celebrating all things local and One Voice for a generation. For details, visit metro-edge.org or contact Ingrid Nurse Foster, vice president of communications for the Metro Chamber, 916-321-9145 or ifoster@metrochamber.org

Preview: Health Care/Biosciences industry accounts for big piece of regional job pie, good salaries

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Since 2001, one out of five jobs in the El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties has been in the health care/biosciences cluster. And since 2001, that cluster’s employment has grown 22 percent. Those were just two highlights from the Metro Chamber’s Health Care & Biosciences Economic Impact Report. A preview of the report was delivered July 17 by UC Davis Medical Center CEO Ann Rice at the Metro Chamber-Sacramento Business Journal Health Care breakfast, attended by more than 250 participants. Full details of the impact report, commissioned by the Metro Chamber, will be released in August. So huge is the scale of the health care/biosciences cluster that it accounts for $33.5 billion in economic activity throughout the region, supporting more than 240,000 jobs in 2007. “Not only are there a lot of jobs,” Rice explained, “these are well paying jobs, with wages 40 percent higher” than the regional average. Based on 2007 data, the study shows that the average salary in the sector is $59,000 compared to the overall average salary of $42,000 in the region. Analysis for the study was conducted by Applied Development Economics, with financial support from Sutter Health, Mercy/CHW, Kaiser Permanente, UC Davis Health System, Western Health Advantage and Burger Rehabilitation. What Makes Up Health Care and Biosciences Cluster? • Core: Hospitals, practitioners, labs, medical instruments • Supplier: Drugs, insurance services, data processing, industrial chemicals What Are the Breakdowns by Percentage? • Hospitals: 29% • Insurance and Medical Services 23% • Doctors and other practitioners: 15% • Drugs, Industrial Chemicals: 13% • Other Core Sector: 9% • Long-term Care: 6% • Research: 5% What’s Are the Next Steps? • Consumer-oriented briefing regarding the value of the industry’s output • Leverage the strength of the health care/biosciences cluster through coordinated advocacy • Support the industry cluster through coordinated advocacy

Telehealth: Upcoming tool to improve health care, lower costs

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

As businesses look to cut their health care costs and as the nation struggles to find a way to provide health care for all at an affordable price, a new tool—telehealth—has the promise to improve access, quality and efficiency of delivering services. That was the message from Sandy Shewry, president and founding CEO of the nonprofit California Center for Connected Health. She also spoke at the July 17 Health Care breakfast hosted by the Metro Chamber and the Sacramento Business Journal. Currently, UC Davis Medical Center is the flagship, leading the state’s development of telehealth, receiving a $22.1 million three-year contract from the FCC and contracted to provide 24-hour on-call pediatric intensive care unit specialists to a few rural county hospitals via telehealth. Telehealth is defined as interactive health care over a distance using information or telecommunications technology. How telehealth works: • Provides “real-time” consultation via teleconferencing between a patient and provider (like a doctor) or provider to provider • Captures patient data, like retina scans, X-rays, for forwarding to a provider for future review (called store and forward) • Tracks a patient’s vital signs for in-home monitoring and report back to the clinic How telehealth can improve medical care in California: • Provides doctors and others located in rural areas with connection to specialists at urban medical centers • Improves underserved urban neighborhoods by providing specialists/consultations • Creates “virtual” tumor boards for clinical trials in rural areas and for having specialists review treatment plans for outlying patients • Offers language interpretation/treatment in a patient’s preferred language • Improves and reduces costs of prison health care. California prisons are the largest users of telehealth in California. By providing patient-provider consultation via telehealth, a prison doesn’t have to spend resources having two officers transport a prisoner-patient to a hospital. A 2002 study of telehealth programs in Veterans Administration hospitals showed: • 40% reduction in ER visits • 63% reduction in hospital admissions • 63% reduction in hospital bed days of care • 64% reduction in nursing home admissions • 88% reduction in nursing home bed days As many as 1,000 community health centers want to be part of the California Telehealth Network, Shewdry said. Nationwide, the FCC has dedicated more than $417 million for pilot programs. Many areas have to be wired with broadband telecommunications, and money is available for that from state and federal sources, including $4.7 billion for broadband technology and $2.5 billion for telemedicine in federal stimulus funds.

Sacramento region gears up for ‘marine highway’ system: Cargo to be shipped by barge between Port of Oakland and Port of West Sacramento

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Very soon, you will see barges loaded with containerized cargo sailing into the Port of West Sacramento. This movement of goods is called the “marine highway” and it will help bring hundreds of new jobs to the region while improving air quality and reducing highway congestion by taking more than 1 million truck trips off area roads. More than 100 business and civic leaders heard details of the “marine highway” outlined during the Northern California World Trade Center’s annual State of the Sea Ports event, held June 25 in West Sacramento. The company expecting to begin shipping containerized cargo from the Port of Oakland to West Sacramento and Stockton is Denver-based The Broe Group and San Francisco-based Eco-Transport. Company vice president Alex Yeros said he hopes operations will start this year. The “marine highway” concept offers many positive contributions to the region’s economy, Yeros said, including creating new family wages jobs in the San Joaquin Valley, reducing harmful air emissions, improving traffic congestion and safety and reducing wear and tear on highways and infrastructure. “The operational concepts are in place, and there’s enough shippers support to begin an entry level service,” Yeros said. Currently, more than 25 percent of the Port of Oakland’s import and export freight travels to and from the Valley over the road, so the marine highway is an environmentally sustainable alternative, he said, citing figures that show one container barge equals two stack trains or 350 container trucks. The marine highway also offers advantages of reducing harmful air emissions—more than 660 tons per day—and reliance on foreign oil as one gallon of fuel can move one ton of cargo 60 miles by truck, 426 miles by train but 500 miles by ship. Michael Faust, president & CEO of the Northern California World Trade Center, calls the marine highway development potentially a huge economic engine for the Central Valley and our community. “This will help make Sacramento, Yolo County and the Port of West Sacramento a gateway to Asia,” Faust said. “It will create hundreds—if not thousands of new jobs over time—and also help our agriculture and manufacturing industries stay competitive as shipping costs can be reduced.” Other positive business developments at the Port of West Sacramento were outlined by Port Director Mike Luken: • Rice shippers ADM and Farmers Rice exported nearly 360,000 metric tons in 2008-09 to Japan, Korea, Papua New Guinea, in bagged rice. Connell Rice & Sugar sent 20,000 tons of bulk milled rice to Puerto Rico. Increased rice export is helping the port during the recession. • The Port of West Sacramento is positioned and equipped to help clean energy technology advance at several of the region’s windfarms: 75 complete windmill units and related project cargo arrived in the port June through October 2008 for Solano County. • Germany-based Enligna is completing one of the world’s most modern commercial wood pellet facilities at the Port of West Sacramento. The project will have a “zero carbon footprint” and create wood pellets from forest wood slash, orchard waste from Valley farms and wood waste from construction projects. The wood pellets are designed to replace coal in coal-fired power plants throughout the Pacific Rim. Exports are expected to be in excess of 235,000 metric tons a year. • West Coast Recycling is building a plant to shred crushed automobiles, planning on shipping 200,000 metric tons a year. • Deepening of the Sacramento Deep Water Ship Channel 35 miles from West Sacramento to Collinsville will begin thanks in part to the Metro Chamber’s Cap-to-Cap efforts that have secured $10 million in federal funds for the $80 million total project cost.

Perspectives celebrates 15th year—announces 2009 lineup: Speakers include former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Perspectives, Sacramento’s premier speakers forum and business networking event, celebrates its 15th year of bringing phenomenal minds and talent to our region on Oct. 9, with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice headlining. Since 1995, the Metro Chamber has introduced the region’s business people to some of the world’s most influential and world-renowned leaders including President George H.W. Bush, Gen. Colin Powell, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Gov. Ann Richards, President Gerald Ford, Capt. Jim Lovell, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Perspectives was launched in celebration of the Metro Chamber’s 100th anniversary and century-long service to the community. As the Metro Chamber’s trademark event, Perspectives has set the stage in Sacramento for world-class speakers to reach our community. Annually drawing an audience of nearly 3,000 people, the day-long program is informative and also creates first-class networking opportunities for business and civic leaders. The complete 2009 lineup includes former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, NFL Hall of famer and FOX sports analyst Howie Long, financial commentator and TV host Jane Bryant Quinn, Flags of Our Fathers author James Bradley, and author and entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki. Tom Sullivan, national radio host for FOX News, will be back for the 15th year as emcee and will provide the audience with his expert financial insight on our challenging economic times. The program will be Oct.9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sacramento Convention Center and will feature an exhibit hall and the NewsTalk 1530 KFBK Business Center, where attendees can keep in touch with the office and conduct business. Tickets are $195 for members, $245 for nonmembers. Register online at metrochamber.org/perspectives or call 916-444-1919.

Senators speaking at State Legislative Summit see no quick fixes for state budget mess

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Talk of the state budget crisis permeated the Metro Chamber’s State Legislative Summit on Wednesday.

In meetings with legislative staff on 39 regional issues, a typical comment to state officials was “We have stepped up to the plate—please help us out,” as regional entities asked for promised state matching funds that are being held up by the budget shortfall.

But in remarks during lunch to the summit participants, Sen. Denise Ducheny and Sen. Abel Maldonado indicated that massive, broad cuts in spending were on the way. Below are some of the points the senators made…

Sen. Ducheny, D-San Diego:

• The citizens of the state largely don’t understand what the state government does or where their tax dollars go.

• Over the last few years, the state has let people believe that all things are possible as far as money goes by papering over spending with gimmicks because business grew and thus revenues grew. That ended this year.

•The passage of the property tax relief measure Prop. 13 in 1978 created a cascade of other ballot initiatives over the next two decades that boxed up state revenues in spending in specific areas.

• Cutting the vehicle license fee directly reduced revenues to city and county police and fire services. “Everyone wanted to cut it; no one acknowledged what it paid for was local police and firefighters.”

• The state government is actually only run on 10 percent of the state budget—at least half goes to other elected entities to spend and the rest is constitutional mandates.

• Revenues for this budget year are equal to those of 2004-05, yet caseload growth for prisons, in-home services and schools have all continued to rise.

• What is the impact on local economies if state parks are closed or if support for 450,000 single working mothers is cut entirely. We have to figure that out and not make matters worse.

Sen.Maldonado, R-Santa Maria:

• The budget compromise by the Legislature in February was “the best we could do under the circumstances we had."

• As a result of the May 19 election when state voters turned down tax increases, Maldonado said he has “signed on” and will not raise taxes. “I’m the octo-dad of tax increases."

• I have faith in the state when times get good the money comes in quickly—but then spending goes up. • In the next couple of days, the legislature is going to prioritize budget cuts and there are three choices available: cut, raise taxes or deficit spend.

• Although the current budget crisis presents an opportunity to put budget reforms in place so the crisis won’t repeat itself, Maldonado said he doubted the reforms would be made.

• An upcoming ballot measure for an open primary may help reform the state budget process in that open-minded, pragmatic and reasonable legislators would likely be elected. • The state capital is driven by fear—fear by elected officials of the small blocks of special-interest voters that get them elected.

Assemblyman Roger Niello, outgoing Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, also spoke to delegates at breakfast.

Among his comments:

• “We find ourselves in a true crisis situation…The budget has been the never-ending story.”

• The key problem is a “structural deficit.” “We are struggling with a disastrous economy that is widening our deficit. Even if we didn’t have the (economic) situation, we would still have a structural deficit.”

• Over an 18-month period, the budget deficit amounts to $66 billion in a $150 billion budget. “That is a serious imbalance.”

• An even more pressing concern is that by the end of July, the state will have a cash flow problem—with more going out than coming in. It will have to borrow money, but Wall Street is not looking kindly on the state’s budget situation.

• “We must move quickly because we have a cash crisis.”

Leading State Senators to talk budget at State Legislative Summit

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

NEWS ADVISORY For more information, contact Hal Silliman, 916-321-9117 c: 916-519-1218 hsilliman@metrochamber.org For Immediate Release JUNE 9, 2009 SACRAMENTO—What’s next for the state’s finances? Leading players in the state’s budget drama, Sen. Abel Maldonado and Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny, will brief Sacramento Metro Chamber members at the annual State Legislative Summit on Wednesday. Who: Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny, D-San Diego Maldonado cast the deciding vote on the state budget solution. Ducheny is one the few legislators acknowledged as understanding how the state budget really works. What: Sacramento Metro Chamber annual State Legislative Summit When: Senators to speak at lunchtime, 12 to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 10 Where: Sheraton Grand Sacramento, 1230 J St., Sacramento Why: More than 150 of the Sacramento region’s business leaders are meeting for a State advocacy day on top priorities: economic development, flood protection and water resources, and transportation issues. A complete agenda of the day, as well as papers and information on more than three dozen business issues that will be addressed with State leaders are available online.

Metro Chamber to advocate for regional priorities at State Capitol during annual Legislative Summit; Senators Maldonado and Ducheny to give expert and inside view of state budget crisis

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Regional business leaders will be at the State Capitol on June 10, tackling issues that affect all California businesses, including new on and off-road diesel engine rules, incentives for energy efficiency, support of rural tourism, renewal of the Williamson act and recycled water rules. Approximately 150 top business and civic leaders from the six-county region are expected at the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual State Legislative Summit. Throughout a day of more than 80 meetings with elected and government officials, business people will advocate for sensible implementation of climate change rules for business, funds for critical flood protection projects and health care reform as well as other issues of regional significance. The summit concludes with a reception recognizing state legislators. They will also hear an inside view of the state’s current financial condition from two of California’s state senators who are experts on the state budget: Republican Sen. Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria, and Democratic Sen. Denise Moreno Ducheny, D-San Diego. Maldonado cast the deciding vote on the state budget solution. As part of the final budget solution, the senator negotiated the elimination of the gasoline tax increase as well as other reform proposals. On the other side of the aisle, Ducheny is Chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. She has been referred to by many in the State Capitol as the “only elected official remaining that really understands how the budget works.” Maldonado and Ducheny will speak at lunchtime. Among the top issues the Metro Chamber will advocate on during the Legislative Summit are: • Support for growth of Sacramento’s clean energy sector, • Protection of local government redevelopment funds, • Improvement of airport safety from wildlife strikes, • Passage of bills that support energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements, • Continued funding of enterprise zone tax credits, • Support of changes to HR 1 to safeguard regional economic benefits of tourism and impacts on rural, economic development • Support of many bills and measures to improve the region’s flood protection and safety, and • Support of education and job readiness program for foster youth. “If any of the issues touch your business, we urge you to join the Metro Chamber on June 10,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “For business and the region, these issues are all imperative, and we need a powerful presence from business to make our points.” Mahood also added that the Metro Chamber will urge elected officials to resolve the state budget crisis, by • Tightening its belt and identifying ways to operate more effectively and efficiently, • Focusing on priorities that will support a stronger economy, and • Placing jobs and economic growth as the highest priority in all decisions. “Just the issue of the state’s budget crisis—which threatens the region’s economic well-being—is reason enough to be at the table, and the Metro Chamber State Legislative Summit offers businesses high visibility with their peers and among government leaders while providing a valuable service to the region,” Mahood said. Information on the State Legislative Summit Day policy initiatives and the event day itinerary can be found at metrochamber.org/events. The all-day event will be based at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento. Cost is $175 for Metro Chamber members and $225 for nonmembers. Register online at metrochamber.org/events. Individual tickets for the legislators recognition reception, being held in partnership with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, are also available—$35 for members and $60 for nonmembers. For more event information, contact Chantal LeFevre at 916-319-4260 or clefevre@metrochamber.org.

Latest Metro Chamber survey findings: Members more optimistic about region’s economy

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

At the end of the second quarter of 2009, Metro Chamber members were optimistic about the region’s business climate — even more so than they were in January, a recent survey found. The second quarter Metro Insights survey found that 87 percent of respondents believe the region’s business economy will remain either unchanged or will improve in the next six months. The survey, conducted in late April among 4,658 Metro Chamber member representatives, recorded 451 responses. By comparison, the First Quarter survey of members found 58 percent of the survey respondents believing the region’s business economy would remain either unchanged or would improve in the next six months. Additionally, 40 percent in January believed it would be worse. Now in the second quarter, only 12 percent of respondents think the region’s business climate will be worse in six months. “Chamber members are by definition a positive group of people,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “If you are in business, you have to remain upbeat. What’s telling about the two surveys is that a majority of business people in both January and April said the perception of a weak business climate was still the number one issue impacting their businesses.” Nearly 40 percent of respondents in the second quarter survey said “perception of a weak business climate” was impacting their business. That number is down 10 percent from the first quarter—when 50 percent felt that way. The survey also found a doubling in members who said the lack of credit was impacting their business. The second quarter survey found 13.3 percent seeing lack of credit as an issue—compared to only 6.5 percent in January. Member businesses remain cautious about capital expenditures, with 60.8 percent saying they would delay them. As to employment levels over the next six months, most respondents expected them to stay the same (60.1 percent), while 18.2 percent said they would increase and 21.7 percent said they would decline. “Business people responding to the survey seem to indicate they are conducting their businesses prudently, in light of current conditions,” Mahood said. “It’s interesting to see more than 21 percent of members in both January and April feel that the state budget crisis is also an issue impacting their business. In fact, it was the number two response for both surveys. “Clearly, the state budget fiasco will have a continued dampening effect on the region’s economy. When the Metro Chamber holds its State Legislative Summit on June 10, we will be urging our elected leaders to create a new budget that emphasizes job creation, economic development, and exercises the same practicalities that business people face when setting their own budgets.”

Metro Chamber seeks business people to advocate at State Capitol Annual State Legislative Summit

Tue, 26 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

NEWS RELEASE For more information, contact: Ingrid Foster, 916-321-9145, c: 916-320-8940, ifoster@metrochamber.org For Immediate Release May 26, 2009 Metro Chamber seeks business people to advocate at State Capitol Annual State Legislative Summit to bring regional business leaders together SACRAMENTO—The state’s finances are a mess. Legislators might be tempted to create income streams by schemes that will put new fees on business. Voice your opposition by joining the region’s business leaders June 10 at the annual Sacramento Metro Chamber State Legislative Summit. “People who want to change how state’s regulations impact their business should join us,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “We need business owners and managers who can relate to elected officials what’s impacting their business and what will help them grow and prosper. Our elected officials need to hear that now is the time to remove barriers and let business do what they do best—create jobs.” The Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual State Legislative Summit is expected to attract more than 150 top business and civic leaders from the six-county region. In more than 80 meetings with senators, assembly members and top government officials, they will give voice to changes that will help their businesses towards more success. “The Legislative Summit mirrors the Metro Chamber’s Cap-to-Cap effort, ” said event chair Bruce Starkweather of Lionakis. “For our region to succeed in receiving its fair share of state funds, we have to make our case more strongly than the state’s more populated areas. Thankfully, our region has a core of committed, hard-wording business and civic leaders willing to prepare for this one day of advocacy that requires many hours and meetings preparation.” Currently, the Metro Chamber seeks regional business leaders who want to round out the summit advocacy teams and participate. The all-day event includes a breakfast at the Sheraton Grand, presentations by a Republican and Democratic member of the state Legislature, team briefings, morning and afternoon lobbying appointments, a lunch with keynote speakers and an evening reception to recognize state Legislators. Cost is $175 for Metro Chamber members and $225 for nonmembers. Register online at metrochamber.org/events. Individual tickets for the reception are also available—$35 for members and $60 for nonmembers. For more event information, contact Chantal LeFevre at 916-319-4260 or clefevre@metrochamber.org. xxx The Sacramento Metro Chamber is the largest, oldest and most prominent voice of business in the greater Sacramento area. Representing nearly 2,200 member businesses and business organizations in the six-county Sacramento region, the Metro Chamber serves as the region’s leading proponent of regional cooperation and primary advocate on issues affecting business, economic development and quality of life.

Want more connections? Metro Chamber invites you to social networking sites

Mon, 18 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In recent months, the Metro Chamber has been communicating through social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and You Tube. For the first time, social media sites were used to connect Cap-to-Cap participants, as well as non-participants from as far as North Carolina. The Metro Chamber was able to share photos, event updates and successful meeting outcomes in real time. Media outlets like NewsTalk 1530 KFBK and KCRA Channel 3 were promoting our presence on these social websites so their audiences could follow the progress.
Now, the Metro Chamber has created a resource page on our website that educates members about the use of social media websites. Check out this brief overview as it provides simple steps to create profiles and better communicate for business success. Get more from your membership by connecting with members and the Metro Chamber on the following networks:

Facebook.com—Sacramento Metro Chamber group page and fan page (must be a Facebook user to view).
Twitter.com—Follow updates of Metro_Chamber
Linked In—Sacramento Metro Chamber group page

“Social media use for brand messaging, networking, media outreach and program promotion is a dynamic and broad-reaching new tool,” said Ingrid Nurse Foster, vice president of communications for the Metro Chamber. “Facebook and Twitter were fantastic for our Cap-to-Cap efforts this year. We plan on their continued use in our organizational messaging and encourage businesses to investigate how they can benefit from the use of these social networks as well.”
There will also be a FREE Business Builder workshop presented by Rebel PR’s Tony Estigoy on June 18 at the Metro Chamber. Tony will walk you through the basics and how to make an impact on your business. For more information about the class and to register, click here.

Metro Chamber seeks business people to advocate at State Capitol: Annual State Legislative Summit to tackle important economic development issues

Tue, 12 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Sensible implementation of climate change rules for business, funds for critical flood protection projects and health care for children are among the top issues that the region’s business leaders will take to the State Capitol for an intensive day of advocacy on June 10. The Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual State Legislative Summit is expected to attract more than 150 top business and civic leaders from the six-county region when they hold more than 80 meetings with senators, assembly members and top government officials. “Our Legislative Summit mirrors the Metro Chamber’s Cap-to-Cap effort. For our region to succeed in receiving its fair share of state funds, we have to make our case more strongly than the state’s more populated areas,” said event chair Bruce Starkweather, of Lionakis. “Thankfully, our region has a core of committed, hard-wording business and civic leaders willing to prepare for this one day of advocacy that requires many hours and meetings preparation.” Currently, the Metro Chamber seeks regional business leaders who want to round out the summit advocacy teams and participate. The all-day event includes a breakfast at the Sheraton Grand, presentations by a Republican and Democratic member of the state Legislature, team briefings, morning and afternoon lobbying appointments, a lunch with keynote speakers and an evening reception to recognize state Legislators. Cost is $175 for Metro Chamber members and $225 for nonmembers. Register online at metrochamber.org/events. Individual tickets for the reception are also available—$50 for members and $75 for nonmembers. For more event information, contact Chantal LeFevre at 916-319-4260 or clefevre@metrochamber.org.

Top U.S. government international trade officials to speak at May 19 Consular Corps Luncheon

Wed, 06 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Northern California World Trade Center will host three of the nation’s top international trade experts—Acting Assistant Secretary for International Trade Administration Stephen P. Jacobs, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services “Bud” Philbrook and U.S. International Trade Commission Vice Chairman Daniel R. Pearson—when they speak at the annual Consular Corps Luncheon, May 19, at UC Davis Freeborn Hall. The Northern California World Trade Center will bring together nearly 50 trade consuls representing dozens of foreign governments and a variety of international business people from throughout the region and throughout California to attend this annual event. “If you are a business person wanting hear from those people who are the decision-makers for international trade in this country and connect with a trade representative from another country—the Consular Corps Luncheon will offer you an unparalleled opportunity,” said Michael Faust, president & CEO of the Northern California World Trade Center. “Our lineup of high caliber speakers provide hard-to-come-by, up-to-the minute details on the current international trade policy and the international trade economy. For international networking and business acumen—this is one event you must attend.” Set on the UC Davis campus, the event also recognizes the university’s centennial anniversary and service as an international beacon for cutting-edge research in the region, the country and around the globe. A tour of the UC Davis campus with Centennial Director and Assistant Vice Chancellor Bob Segar will be offered at the conclusion of the luncheon program. “If I were only able to attend one event this year to understand, engage and hear from the top U.S. officials affecting the entire spectrum of international trade, I would have to say that this lineup of speakers and the diverse number of consular representative makes this THE unique event I would have to attend,” said Mike Luken, manager of the Port of West Sacramento and chair of the WTC. The event’s premiere speakers are not often in our region, but they are incredible contacts for any business involved in international trade: Acting Assistant Secretary for International Trade Administration—Stephen P. Jacobs: Jacobs, a UC Davis graduate, will highlight the actions of the administration's mission of strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry, of promoting trade and investment, and of ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and agreements. The International Trade Administration creates opportunities for U.S. workers and firms by promoting international trade opportunities and by fostering a level playing field for American business. He will also be presenting one local company the prestigious Export Achievement Certificate. USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services— “Bud” Philbrook: Philbrook was recently named to his prestigious post to help lead the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, which include the Farm Service Agency, Foreign Agricultural Service and Risk Management Agency. RMA and FSA programs help producers manage their business risks and improve the stability and strength of the domestic agricultural economy. FAS works to expand existing and build new markets for U.S. products, improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. The Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is incredibly important to the greater Sacramento region as it works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products, build new markets, improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace and provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. U.S. International Trade Commission Vice Chairman—Daniel R. Pearson: Pearson will discuss importing and exporting with the United States from the perspective of his globally influential position. The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent federal agency determining import injury to U.S. industries in antidumping, countervailing duty and global safeguard investigations; directing actions against unfair trade practices involving patent, trademark and copyright infringement; supporting policymakers through economic analysis and research on the global competitiveness of U.S. industries; and maintaining the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Tickets for the 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. luncheon are $65 for World Trade Center and Metro Chamber members and $85 for nonmembers. Register online at www.metrochamber.org/events or contact Lindsey Ono at 916-319-4262. The UC Davis campus tour will begin at 1:45 p.m. and last about an hour; register onsite at the event.

Metro Chamber’s Cap-to-Cap effort: Recount of the effort by the numbers

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The nearly 300 delegates participating in the Metro Chamber’s annual Cap-to-Cap effort returned home April 29 after 2 ½ days of advocating for the region in Washington, D.C. and meeting with federal elected and government officials. Metro Chamber President & CEO Matt Mahood summarized the effort this way: “This trip is the region's best example of a public/private partnership. With nearly 300 attendees—almost 50 elected officials and dozens of staff members from various cities, counties and special districts coming together with business and labor leaders to advance a unified regional agenda.” He called the effort “Sacramento region’s competitive advantage,” saying “ this year's delegation may be smaller than years past, but without question remains just as mighty—and in some ways more focused than previous efforts.” Still at, nearly 300 participants it remains the largest effort of its kind in the nation. View the issues delegates advocated on at www.metrochamber.org/captocap. Over the course of Cap-to-Cap, delegates: • Conducted over 220 individual meetings with 33 separate congressional offices, 63 different federal agencies offices and 20 different congressional committees • Advocated on behalf of 91 separate policy and appropriations items • Heard from four of our region's Congressional Representatives Dan Lungren, Doris Matsui, Mike Thompson and our newest member of the delegation, Tom McClintock. “This is the first time in recent memory we have had a clean sweep of the delegation,” Mahood said. • Briefed by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Director of the National Economic Council & Assistant to the President for Economic Policy , Dr. Lawrence Summers • Conducted a Health Care Policy Workshop that examined health care both the reform discussion and what the policy decisions here meant to our region. “We learned important information about our region’s single largest private sector employer and what the issue of health care reform means to them and our business community .” • Met with a chief technology officer and member of the Board of Directors for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy • Met with the top civilian with the Army Corps of Engineers • Met with California’s Sen. Barbara Boxer • Had three separate meetings with the White House Office of Management & Budget • Met U.S. House of Representatives Transportation Committee Chairman, Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minnesota • Made sure that the professional lobbyists and association representatives that live and work in Washington, representing our local governments, our state government, critical trade associations were made better aware our regions issues • Twittered and Facebooked throughout the trip.

Annual Cap-to-Cap effort looks to capture more federal stimulus funds: Delegates leave this week for annual Washington, D.C. advocacy work

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

With billions more in federal stimulus funds waiting to be allocated, nearly 300 participants from the Sacramento region leave for Washington, D.C. this week for the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual Cap-to-Cap effort. The group will be in the nation’s capital April 25-29, participating in well over 200 meetings with elected officials and government agencies. While their main mission will be to secure more American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, the delegates—who represent businesses and jurisdictions in the six-county region—will also advocate on four top priorities: flood protection and water resources, transportation, economic development and health care. These issues have the greatest impact on the region’s businesses and have received ongoing attention by Cap-to-Cap delegates over the years. “Business and civic leaders attend Cap-to-Cap because the effort has a decades’ long track record of accomplishment,” said Matt Mahood president & CEO. “The advocacy effort truly makes a difference for the region. Cap-to-Cap offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for business and civic leaders to meet their counterparts in the nation’s capital.” With more than 200 meetings planned with elected officials and government representatives in Washington, D.C., the large turnout of Cap-to-Cap delegates bolsters the region’s advocacy efforts there year-round. In all, the Metro Chamber has 12 policy teams prepped for the Cap-to-Cap effort, each with a series of issue papers that explain our region’s concerns to national leaders. Teams include aviation, small business, clean and green, natural resources and workforce, among others. All of the issues papers can be viewed at metrochamber.org/captocap. Delegates this year will be reporting on their activities through social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. The Facebook fan page is Cap to Cap, A Sacramento Metro Chamber Event. You’ll find information about the event, photos and delegate chatter. You can also follow “CaptoCap” on Twitter for the latest updates.

Port Manager Luken named 2009 Northern California WTC Board Chair; WTC announces Michael Faust as new President & CEO

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Northern California World Trade Center has named Port of West Sacramento Manager Mike Luken as the 2009 Board Chair and Michael Faust as the President & CEO. Luken has experience in the logistics and supply chain industry, and since January 2006 he has managed the Port of West Sacramento, its daily operations, facilities, services and programs. “Mike Luken will bring tremendous expertise in the logistics of international trade to the Northern California World Trade Center,” said Michael Faust, Northern California World Trade Center president and CEO. “In addition, the WTC and its affiliate, the Sacramento Metro Chamber, are embarking on sustained advocacy to bring in new funds to improve and modernize the Port of West Sacramento. Under Mike’s leadership, we can make significant progress this year.” Luken began his career in 1988 with Keith Companies, a provider of integrated planning, engineering, design and environmental compliance services for the private and public sector. Prior to becoming Port Manager, Luken worked for the city of West Sacramento Redevelopment Department as the liaison between the city and the port, riverfront development projects and new business recruitment. He holds a master’s of arts in planning from California State University, Chico and is a graduate of California State University, Humboldt. Additionally, effective Feb. 2, Michael Faust was named the Northern California World Trade Center President & CEO. He serves in a dual capacity as the senior vice president of public policy and economic development for the Sacramento Metro Chamber. Former Northern California World Trade Center President & CEO Matt Mahood will continue to serve on its Board of Directors on behalf of the Metro Chamber. Faust has widespread knowledge and experience in economic development and public policy issues affecting business. Under his leadership, the Northern California World Trade Center will continue to expand the International Visitors Leadership Program, provide educational programs for the international business community and will work to enhance the region’s international economic opportunities. “Michael Faust brings a new scope of expertise to the Northern California World Trade Center,” said Mahood. “He will address many strategic issues facing businesses that are involved in international trade, including developing the region’s infrastructure for goods mobility movement and support of small businesses that want to grow jobs and expand their facilities.”

Metro Chamber Supports May 19 Ballot Propositions: Approval of Measures 1A-F will help state move out of recession more quickly

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber is encouraging its 2,200 business members and the general community to support Propositions 1A through 1F on the May 19 special election ballot. “Propositions 1A-F provide short-term solutions to get us through these difficult economic times and long-term solutions to avert these types of deficits for the state again,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. Mahood said it is vital that all of the propositions succeed together because continuation of the state’s budget crisis will have dire consequences for the state and many member businesses. “Failure could likely mean that the state legislature attempts to balance the recently enlarged budget deficit with dramatically increased taxes and fees on business—thus negatively impacting our state’s economy,” Mahood said. “Our state’s economic future is at risk. By passing these ballot measures, the state’s citizens and businesses will make quicker progress out of this recession,” Mahood said. “Voting yes on these propositions will help improve our state finances—continuing to allow vitally needed federal stimulus funds to flow to the state for the thousands of infrastructure and other federally-funded projects that are dependent on the state matching federal funds.” “The Metro Chamber recognizes the propositions are not perfect,” Mahood added, “but they do help resolve the budget crisis and position us for the future where we will be less likely to face some of these same issues. We simply cannot afford the budget crisis to continue and encourage everyone to vote YES on Proposition 1A through 1F.”

Folsom Lake Crossing bridge opens: A Metro Chamber and Cap-to-Cap success

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Count the new bridge across the American River in Folsom among the many Sacramento Metro Chamber success stories. The $139 million Folsom Lake Crossing Bridge, dedicated Saturday, replaces a heavily commuted roadway across the Folsom Dam, closed because of security concerns after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Over the last five years, the Metro Chamber, in collaboration with many regional partners, invested enormous volunteer time and resources to help secure financing for the bridge and get the structure built in record time "The important "Matsui-Doolittle Compromise"--which resolved highly contended issues on flood protection and funding--was heavily influenced by the Metro Chamber and its Cap-to-Cap effort," said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. "After a decision was reached to build the bridge, we needed to get funding--and the Metro Chamber spent several years of Cap-to-Cap advocacy in Washington, D.C., and as well at the State Capitol to get the money." Much of the local funding came from renewal of Measure A half-cent sales tax, a Metro Chamber initiative. Mahood called the bridge a "proud achievement" for the region--made possible by excellent business advocacy and communications with local, state and federal officials. "The Folsom Lake Crossing is a prime example of what can happen when the region's economic needs are put first," Mahood said. "Right now, there are many similar projects needing public-private cooperation, and with Federal Stimulus funding on the table to pay for them--the time is ripe for heightened advocacy by our region. Our upcoming Cap-to-Cap effort, April 25-29, historically--as seen by the new bridge--is the best way to achieve federal funding. 2009 is the year when we need a high degree of participation by civic and business leaders." Register for Cap-to-Cap at www.metrochamber.org/captocap.

Metro Chamber Ribbon Cutting set for March 6 at new Comast facility in South Sacramento

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

NEWS ADVISORY WHO: Bonnie Pannell, Sacramento City Councilmember, District 8 Monica Gonsalves, Member Services Executive, Sacramento Metro Chamber Marty Robinson, Area Vice President, Sacramento, Comcast Marian Jackson, Director of Government Affairs, Sacramento, Comcast Comcast employees and guests WHAT: The grand opening of Comcast’s new South Sacramento Customer Service Center, featuring a reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The free event will feature prize giveaways and food to celebrate the new state of the art facility that will support the greater Elk Grove and South Sacramento area and its surrounding communities. Previously, Comcast customers could only drop off payments or equipment at a nearby market and had to travel to Natomas, Roseville, Davis or Stockton if they needed full service Comcast access or wanted to test drive products. Designed entirely around the needs of customers, this new location features a welcoming environment where local residents can pay bills, interact with service agents, return or pick up equipment, and test-drive Comcast’s products including Video-on-Demand, Comcast residential home phone service, high-definition (HD) television, and blazing fast high speed Internet service. The 2,500 square foot South Sacramento Customer Service Center will employ five people,and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. WHEN: Friday, March 6, 2009 4– 5 p.m. (Building Dedication and Ribbon Cutting at 4:25 PM) WHERE: Strawberry Creek Shopping Center 8211 Bruceville Road (near Highway 99 & Cosumnes River Blvd.) Sacramento, CA 95823 CONTACT: Bryan Byrd, Comcast, 916-515-2821, bryan_byrd@cable.comcast.com

Metro Chamber: Plan now for world-class arena: Cal Expo Board should continue to explore NBA facility at state fairgrounds

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber believes that California’s Capital Region deserves world-class amenities and encourages the Cal Expo Board to continue exploring a National Basketball Association arena on the state fairgrounds site. Metro Chamber President & CEO Matt Mahood said a national sports franchise team, a world-class sports and entertainment facility, and meeting and exhibit space are the kinds of amenities that will benefit the region’s economic prosperity, in comments at the Feb. 27 Cal Expo Board announcement. “If the city of Sacramento is going to be a world-class city, we need world-class amenities,” Mahood said, adding that despite current economic conditions, the region must plan for the future. “We need to position the Sacramento region now for the future economic growth that will eventually return.” Since 2002, the Metro Chamber has had significant involvement in the new arena discussions. In 2004, the Metro Chamber initiated an Arena Task Force made up of business and community leaders. In short, task force findings were: • The Sacramento Kings are an important regional asset, and the business community wants and needs to keep them. • ARCO Arena is obsolete and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. • Some level of public funding may be required and is appropriate. • The new facility should serve as a catalyst of some larger smart growth project. “The project described today meets many of the criteria outlined in our 2004 findings, which still hold true in 2009,” Mahood said.

Sacramento Region’s Clean Tech Green Pages: Metro Chamber and SARTA unveil one-of-a-kind resource guide for clean tech sector

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

With the Sacramento region quickly becoming the clean energy technology capital, the Sacramento Metro Chamber and the Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance have created a one-of-a-kind resource directory—Sacramento Region’s Clean Tech Green Pages. The directory—funded on a grant from PG&E—was compiled by Applied Development Economics and the Sacramento Metro Chamber. It has powerful resources for start-up clean tech businesses, companies planning to relocate into the six-county region and existing companies who want to expand their green business practices. “This is a dynamic new resource for our region’s clean tech business community,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “As we look for ways to grow and expand our region’s economy—especially this year—the clean tech industry continues to provide this region with a unique opportunity—an opportunity to be a leader in the state, in the nation and in the world.” Over the past few years, the region has seen a handful of clean tech companies grow into more than a hundred. “The Sacramento region is truly a hot spot for the clean tech sector. This resource directory fills a recognized and critical need by providing customized assistance for this industry sector,” Mahood said. Sacramento Region’s Clean Tech Green Pages details information and resources on funding, starting a CET business, entrepreneurship, management and training, employee training and recruitment, information on technology transfer and business mentoring and counseling. Joining the Metro Chamber in development of the Sacramento Region’s Clean Tech Green Pages is the SARTA—Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance. SARTA is one of several public-private partnerships dedicated to accelerating the growth and development of technology companies. “The Clean Tech Green Pages contains critical information and is a must-have resource for all tech companies who want to survive and thrive,” said J.D. Stack, SARTA CEO. “As well, the development of this resource significantly sets our region apart from all other cities and regions, as we have a competitive advantage here that’s clearly illustrated by the depth of the directory. We are telling clean tech industries—come, stay and expand in the Sacramento region…we have all kinds of help for you!” The directory is intended to be a “living document” and updates are encouraged. One section reviews current gaps in clean tech resources. “Future editions will keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of our resources,” Stack said. “We are always looking for more resource providers.” A free copy of Sacramento Region’s Clean Tech Green Pages is available online at metrochamber.org/green.

Metro Chamber CEO Matt Mahood receives honor at association conference

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Sacramento Metro Chamber President & CEO Matt Mahood was recognized as an Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) by the Western Association of Chamber Executives. The designation is awarded to only those chamber executives who meet stringent criteria set by the association’s board of directors. Mahood was one of seven chamber of commerce executives awarded accreditation this year at the association’s annual conference in Las Vegas. The accreditation program was first awarded in 1993 to encourage chamber executives to upgrade and expand their skills through continuing education and training programs in the chamber management and business fields. There are currently a total of 47 ACE recipients active in chambers of commerce in the West. Recipients of the Accredited Chamber Executive (ACE) must apply for re-accreditation every five years in order to retain the designation. W.A.C.E. is an association of approximately 860 chamber executives and staff professionals with members in fourteen Western states. The association’s mission is to promote and enhance the professional development of chamber of commerce executives. W.A.C.E. is the largest state or regional association of chamber of commerce executives in the United States.

Metro Chamber members' voice on the economy: Business hampered by popular impressions

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

A survey of the Metro Chamber member outlook on the economy last month found that business people are gathering their information largely from media outlets, and it is that information that seems to be shaping their perceptions of the economy. Half of the respondents said that it is the perception of a weak business climate that will be the significant factor impacting their business in the next six months, not the true business impact. The "perception of things being really bad seems to be a self- fulfilling prophecy," commented one respondent. Another said, "If you keep your mind in the right place and go out and make something happen, you can overcome most obstacles." When survey respondents looked at their own business, a negative perception of the economy didn't necessarily equate to a catastrophic failure of theirs. Notably, about 42 percent see sales growth increasing in the next year, while an additional third of the respondents predicted no growth. "We have had a very good past year, in part due to innovation and development of new revenue streams," said one respondent. Nearly 58 percent of respondents see the business climate remaining the same or getting better in the next six months. In 2010, 63 percent believe the region's business climate will improve. The majority of businesses that responded to the survey don’t project doing any less business this year than they did last year. The majority of respondents also don’t have plans to lay people off. Over the next six months, nearly half of the respondents said their business employment levels will stay the same; 13 percent even predicted an increase in jobs at their business. "Businesses seem to be circling the wagons. They are adjusting their business practices to match the challenge of the day," said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. In the area of finance, for instance, 65 percent are delaying capital purchases, perhaps because 40 percent found credit harder to obtain. About 45 percent of respondents said they were also scaling back slightly on their own personal spending--being more careful in making purchases. One business summed up the economy this way: The "media is very negative indicating that all business in all sectors is down; however, we are experiencing an increase in business. What is not reported is that those companies that have built a solid foundation and are willing to work hard(er)--particularly small businesses--should be able to hang in there. We have been fiscally very conservative--have not spent beyond our means--and it appears that is helping us out for 2009."

Sacramento region leaders call upon Congress to pass stimulus bill—send funds directly to local governments

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

In response to the current economic crisis, regional leaders in the six-county Sacramento region have developed a broad, coordinated strategy to better position regional infrastructure projects for funding from the proposed federal stimulus package. Now, they call upon Congress and the President to move forward with a stimulus bill that creates real jobs, long-lasting assets and sends funds directly to the region for those projects. Working over the last two months, public and private leaders from more than 70 organizations compiled infrastructure projects that—with federal funding—can almost immediately help put thousands of people to work in the Sacramento six-county region. “The Sacramento region’s strategy for positioning economic recovery projects is a milestone achievement for the region and for continued regional cooperation,” said Matt Mahood, Sacramento Metro Chamber president & CEO, at a news conference with other regional leaders. The region’s construction projects are worth billions of dollars in potential funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. With this historic effort, the region stands ready to receive funds directly from the federal government to begin the work. “The regional team effort must continue to ensure funding is realized,” Mahood said. “Given our region has the know-how, experience and tradition of working with the federal government on regional priorities, we urge our elected leaders in Washington to act. We need a bill that creates real jobs and long-lasting assets for our country and strategically sends the funds to the local and regional level. This is critical so we can put Californians and Americans back to work immediately.” History of Regional Collaboration Over the past 30 years, public and private entities working together have made the region a national leader in regional collaboration—setting regional priorities and achieving state and federal support for those priorities. This collaboration provides the region with a competitive advantage. “We are innovative in the area of true integration of land use, housing, transportation and air quality planning,” Mahood said, citing the example of the Sacramento Area Council of Government’s Blueprint land-use strategy. “In addition, the six-county Sacramento region has a proven track record of delivering infrastructure projects on time and on budget. This track record will allow us to be well positioned to receive funding that puts people back to work—completing our projects quickly and on budget.” What Regional Leaders Are Saying Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson: “In this time of crisis, citizens across the region are looking for leadership and collaboration. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to make sure the Sacramento region gets its fair share of the stimulus funding.” Supervisor Susan Peters, Chair of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors: “Sacramento County is working hard as part of this important regional effort to develop a plan that includes projects that will revitalize our economy, create jobs and provide lasting benefits in our community. I am hopeful that Congress and the Administration will devise a plan to get the stimulus money to our region and others nationwide as quickly as possible.” West Sacramento Mayor Chris Cabaldon: “The communities of the Sacramento region stand ready to deliver proven projects that will not only create jobs and sustain local businesses, but create enduring public assets that protect public safety and sharpen our economic competitiveness. And we can do it immediately. “Four generations ago, the first major federal stimulus program, the New Deal, built the Tower Bridge, easing cross-river commerce and transportation and paving the way for decades of metropolitan economic growth. “Our economic stimulus requests are simple—they create jobs, keep local companies strong, and can start immediately. We need stimulus funding for our local roads, public transportation, and to improve the movement of goods through our community. We need stimulus funding for our flood protection projects and to increase the capacity of our Port. And we have an unmatched record of delivering major projects on time and on budget. “We arrived at this point, with stimulus-ready projects, because we have a need and our region is ready. We are very grateful for the regional cooperation, resulting from quick effort to identify and deliver projects. We are appreciative of the Metro Chamber and SACOG for leading communities throughout the region to a strategic investment to strengthen our local and national economy.” Sacramento Regional Transit General Manager Mike Wiley: “The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) has anticipated the opportunity to receive stimulus funding, and is focused and prepared to deliver shovel-ready capital projects that will have a tremendous economic and environmental impact on the Sacramento region. Accelerating the construction of the South Line Phase 2 light rail extension and key infrastructure projects will create new jobs and improve mobility throughout the region.” Los Rios Chancellor Brice Harris: “Community Colleges are one of the most important and effective economic engines in our region. A community college education puts people to work in jobs that are vibrant parts of our economy—nurses, police and fire professionals, and technical professionals in the growing green energy industry. Investing stimulus dollars in community college projects will be sound investments in building long-term assets for the region and in building the human capital of our citizens.” Sacramento State President Dr. Alex Gonzalez: “We have come together as leaders to demonstrate our immediate readiness to strategically invest in our infrastructure, create jobs and build the innovative workforce that will lead our region back to prosperity.” Today’s News Conference Site The news conference held today in West Sacramento is at the location of six infrastructure projects that are visible proof of the region’s ability to collaborate. Projects At the Site Ready for Construction: • West Capitol Avenue Streetscape Project – Phase Two (Stimulus Project)—This project would be a continuation of the improvements currently underway between Garden Street and Jefferson Boulevard. The project has final construction drawings and certified CEQA and NEPA reviews, is ready for bidding, and can be ready to begin initial work within 120 days. It will create more than 400 new construction-related jobs. • Community/Senior Center (Stimulus Project)—The new West Sacramento Community Center is driven by the community’s need for a place to provide human services to West Sacramento citizens. The multigenerational center will include day care and senior services. This two-story, 21,500-square- foot project will be ready to begin construction within 60 days and will create 150 new construction jobs. • Regional Transit Center—The multi-modal transit center will include six bus berths, passenger amenities and future access to a regional street car linking downtown Sacramento with West Sacramento across the Tower Bridge. It is a joint project of the city of West Sacramento, Yolo County Transit District, Sacramento Regional Transit and the Federal Transit Administration. Community Projects Under Construction On This Site: • Los Rios Community College Campus—This building is a regional higher education project between the state of California, Los Rios Community College District and the city of West Sacramento. Funding comes from the state of California, Education Bond Initiatives and the city of West Sacramento. The three-story facility will house education programs for more than 300 students and staff. • Arthur F. Turner Community Library—This library is a joint regional project of the county of Yolo, the city of West Sacramento and community groups. Funding comes from the county, city and private donations. The 18,000-square-foot facility is the first new community library in over 30 years. • West Capitol Avenue Streetscape Project – Phase One—This is a regional partnership and transportation project uniting the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, federal transportation agencies, Yolo County and the city of West Sacramento. This project refurbishes a small portion of Historic Highway 40, improves goods movement, and provides construction of future streetcar and other public transportation improvements. News about the progress of the region’s highlighted projects and other federal stimulus information will be available at www.metrochamber.org/federalstimulus.

GenCorp’s Linda Cutler to lead Metro Chamber Board: Calls for region’s stakeholders to work collaboratively to strengthen the economy

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber welcomes 2009 Board Chair Linda Cutler, who is vice president, Corporate Communications for GenCorp Inc., and the chamber’s 2009 Executive Committee.

Inaugurated Jan. 30 at the Metro Chamber’s 114th Annual Dinner & Business Awards, Cutler said in her inaugural remarks that the Metro Chamber will spend 2009 developing partnerships so the region can emerge stronger and more competitive when the economy recovers.

“In these challenging times, the Metro Chamber’s voice has never been more important,” she told an audience numbering 900 of the region’s business and civic leaders. As board chair, Cutler will lead a business group of more than 2,300 members in the six counties, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba.

“Businesses this year need to think and behave differently—working collectively to position our region for economic recovery that will eventually come,” she said. “This is especially true as we compete for a share of the state’s expected billions in Federal Stimulus Package funds.”

At GenCorp, Cutler also serves as president of the GenCorp Foundation and chairman of GenPAC, the company’s political action committee.

Cutler joined GenCorp in March 2002 from DST Output in El Dorado Hills, a subsidiary of DST Systems, where she held senior marketing roles, including vice president, Marketing and Corporate Communications. Prior to her position at DST Output, Cutler was vice president, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications for USCS International in Rancho Cordova.

A graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, she holds a bachelor's degree in political science, and completed professional development course work at the University of California at Berkeley, Hass School of Business.

Active in the community, Cutler is a board member of KVIE, the local PBS station; the California Capital Air Show, representing the City of Rancho Cordova; the Folsom Chamber of Commerce; the Folsom Economic Development Corporation and the Sacramento Lincoln Club. Cutler is a graduate of the American Leadership Forum.

She and her husband, Bradley, are the parents of two college students, Jay and Tiernan.

Joining Cutler in leading the Metro Chamber in 2009 will be members of the Executive Committee:

First Vice Chair Randy Sater of Teichert Land Co.
Second Vice Chair Greg Eldridge of CH2MHill
Immediate Past Chair Michael Jacobson of Intel Corporation
Economic Development Vice Chair John DiStasio of SMUD
Public Policy Vice Chair Robert Dugan of Granite Construction
Small Business Vice Chair Terry Harvego of Harvego Enterprises
Marketing & Communications Vice Chair Michele McCormick of CirclePoint/MMC Communications
Programs & Events Vice Chair Kathy McKim of AT&T
Membership Vice Chair Michael O’Brien of Sacramento Magazines Corporation,
At-Large Representatives
Griseld Batrajas of Griselda’s Ventures
Christopher Delfino of Downey Brand, LLP
Kris Deutschman of Deutschman Strategies
Shelly Schlenker of CHW/Mercy
Metro PAC Chair Michelle Smira of MMS Strategies
Legal Counsel Martha Lofgren of Brewer Lofgren
Treasurer Warren Kashiwagi of Perry-Smith, LLP
President & CEO Matthew R. Mahood.

View Entire Metro Chamber Board

METRO CHAMBER ADVOCACY EFFORTS PAY OFF FOR LOS RIOS: Community College District to receive $2.04 million to train students in clean/green technology

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

NEWS RELEASE

For more information, contact
Hal Silliman, 916-321-9117
c: 916-519-1218
hsilliman@metrochamber.org

For Immediate Release
January 26, 2009
The Sacramento Metro Chamber announces a milestone achievement in its advocacy efforts for the Los Rios Community College GreenForce Program.

Congresswoman Doris Matsui reported that the Los Rios Community College District will receive a $2,037,399 job training grant to provide education and training in clean energy and technology.

This U.S. Department of Labor grant will allow Los Rios to train more than a thousand people over a three-year-period. Sacramento is home to more than 100 clean energy companies in the region, and these companies, like all in this emerging industry, often have difficulty finding and hiring qualified workers. This funding will provide for much need job training and help close the workforce gap.

“During last year’s Capitol-to-Capitol lobbying effort in Washington, D.C., the Metro Chamber made funding of Los Rios’ GreenForce program a priority,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “This is great news for Los Rios, students and businesses in our region. We are also grateful to Rep. Matsui for her important support. Her membership on the House Energy and Commerce Committee will be crucial to the Sacramento region for years to come as we seek to become a clean/green national technology center.”

In November, Matsui, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, wrote to the Department of Labor in support of Los Rios’ application for the federal funding.

“As Sacramento’s clean technology industry grows, area residents are going to have to be well trained to fill those positions,” Matsui said. “I am confident the development of the GreenForce program will build an exceptional green workforce out of our region’s residents. I am very pleased that the Department of Labor and Los Rios have partnered on this incredibly important project.”

The GreenForce program will train workers in the clean energy and technology fields. This includes the areas of solar systems design and installation, green building design and management, and water system design and operation.

“Thanks to this grant, our colleges will be able to jump start critical workforce training programs in solar and wind technology, and sustainable building design and construction,” said Los Rios Chancellor Brice Harris. “We know that these areas will provide huge job growth in our region and we are eager to train students and put them to work.”

The Sacramento Metro Chamber is the largest, oldest and most prominent voice of business in the greater Sacramento area. Representing nearly 2,500 member businesses and business organizations in the six-county Sacramento region, the Metro Chamber serves as the region’s leading proponent of regional cooperation and primary advocate on issues affecting business, economic development and quality of life.

Sacramento Metro Chamber to honor regional business achievement during Annual Dinner & Business Awards: Awards to include Sacramento, Businessman, Businesswoman of the Year

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber will recognize 12 of the region’s leading individuals and organizations during the 114th Annual Dinner & Business Awards, set for Friday, Jan. 30th, at the Sacramento Hyatt Regency. Headlining the awards event honoring outstanding business achievement and community service is former president and CEO of River City Bank, Jeanne Reaves. Reaves, the first woman to head a locally-owned bank, has been named the 2008 Sacramentan of the Year – the Metro Chamber’s highest annual honor. “In a time when running a business takes concentrated focus to succeed, it’s also a time to honor best practices,” said Matthew R. Mahood, Metro Chamber President & CEO. “The award recipients demonstrate the ‘new era of responsibility.’ The Metro Chamber believes that beyond the bottom line, business success is measured in how owners and employees engage in the community through volunteer service and support of regional goals.” This year’s winners include: Sacramentan of the Year—Jeanne Reaves As the first woman to head a locally-owned bank, former president and CEO of River City Bank Jeanne Reaves is recognized as 2008 Sacramentan of the Year for creating and cultivating an industry-respected business culture focused on family and civic engagement while expanding the bank’s size and performance. Through her example, the bank has become an admired leader in Sacramento’s philanthropic community. The Sacramentan of the Year award is given annually to a person contributing significantly to the well-being of our region over a lifetime in the community. Reaves embodies the spirit of this award through proven business acumen that grew River City Bank’s staff of full-time employees by 23 percent and doubled total assets to more than $780 million, as well as a philosophy that “a happy business is a healthy business.” Her values and commitment created a corporate and philanthropic success for Sacramento and the Metro Chamber is delighted to honor her with this award. Businesswoman of the Year—Jan Schori The Businesswoman of the Year award recognizes the contributions of an individual to the growth of her enterprise. Under the stewardship of former General Manager Jan Schori, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) earned high ratings nationally in customer appreciation while electricity rates remained among the lowest in California. In 14 years of service, Schori reinvented the way SMUD provided service to its customers, pioneered the use of solar and wind for customers and raised the power system’s reliability performance. Thanks to Schori’s dedication and ingenuity, JD Power & Associates has ranked SMUD nationally among the best in customer satisfaction surveys in both the residential and commercial sectors. Businessman of the Year—Larry Kelley Using experience derived from more than 30 years in the real estate industry, McClellan Business Park CEO Larry Kelley helped transform 16 million square feet of a shuttered air force base into a job-generating high-tech and public safety center – helping to revitalize an aging, industrial and commercial quadrant of Sacramento. Now, with 14,000 employees and more than 200 tenants, the 2,880-acre McClellan Park has become a center of economic activity. This entrepreneurial success, along with Kelley’s talent and experience have earned him the honor of 2008 Businessman of the Year. Small Business of the Year—Griselda’s Ventures Combining competence with strong beliefs, Griselda Barajas is the consummate small business entrepreneur, earning her the 2008 Small Business of the Year Award. As a 21-year-old, Griselda Barajas opened the Texas Mexican Restaurant, using borrowed money and her mother’ recipes. With business savvy, she grew the enterprise into Griselda’s Ventures and with her husband, chef and partner, Michael Keolanui, the business now operates other cafes and caters for events, weddings and aviation. Care for employees, combined with a strong advocacy for small business owners, community issues and volunteer support of numerous nonprofits make Griselda’s Ventures an exemplary small business and worthy of the Metro Chamber’s Small Business of the Year award. Centennial Business Hall of Fame—UC Davis On the 100th anniversary of the University California, Davis, the Metro Chamber created the Centennial Business Hall of Fame to celebrate a century of all-around service. Contributing more than $3 billion each year to the California economy, UC Davis returns $5 for every state dollar received. The Metro Chamber recognizes that this level of economic impact and significant contribution to the well-being of the region and the world establishes UC Davis as the ideal inaugural member of the Centennial Business Hall of Fame. Business Hall of Fame—Frank Fat’s and Vision Service Plan (VSP) Frank Fat’s Induction into the Business Hall of Fame is based upon 50 years of significant contribution to the economic and civic growth of the community. Frank Fat’s epitomizes these hallmarks as the Capital City’s oldest eating establishment. Frank Fat opened his namesake restaurant in 1939 and quickly became the state’s “Third House,” a place where landmark bills were drafted on napkins in back booths. For this and many other significant contributions to the region, the Metro Chamber applauds Frank Fat’s induction into the Business Hall of Fame as one of the region’s leading enterprises. VSP In recognition of pioneering business acumen and community service, the Metro Chamber inducts Vision Service Plan into the Business Hall of Fame. Since 1968, VSP has been headquartered in the Sacramento area and is now a major employer, with gross revenue topping $2 billion in 2004. For seven consecutive years, VSP has been voted one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in the United States. Al Geiger Memorial Award—Derrell Roberts, Co-Founder and CEO, Roberts Family Development Center Established in 2001 by community leaders Derrell and Tina Roberts, the Roberts Family Development Center serves the North Sacramento community with a goal to nurture personal growth, strengthen families and enhance community development and civic involvement. By improving the lives of children and families through services in early childhood and family education, economic empowerment and technology, the Roberts Family Development Center honors the ideals of the memorial award named after the late Al Geiger, a former chair of the Black Chamber. Peter McCuen Award for Civic Entrepreneurs—John E. Frisch, Managing Partner, Cornish & Carey Commercial The Peter McCuen Award is named after the late Sacramento developer and high-tech innovator Peter McCuen for his entrepreneurial skills and civic engagement. John E. Frisch exemplifies the award’s ideals as he is one of the region’s top real estate agents at Cornish & Carey Commercial Real Estate, as well as one of our most prominent volunteers. Over his 27-year career, Frisch has negotiated more than 800 transactions, representing in excess of 10 million square feet of office space. As a highly engaged volunteer who evokes the civic entrepreneur status of the Peter McCuen Award, Frisch has been recognized four times as the real estate professional who “gives back” to the community. Moreover, the Sacramento Metro Chamber honored Frisch in 2005 as the Volunteer of the Year and he received the Salvation Army’s Humanitarian Award in a 2007 event that generated more than $300,000 for the Salvation Army. Volunteers of the Year—Tim Murphy and Cheryl Marcell Cheryl Marcell and Tim Murphy are recognized as the Metro Chamber Volunteers of the Year for their enthusiasm and energy guiding the Leadership Sacramento program. Marcell is the Sacramento County Airport System deputy director for marketing and public relations, and Murphy is GenCorp Realty Investments pubic affairs director. Over the past two years, they have co-chaired the annual Leadership Sacramento program. Besides the month-to-month work required, both were instrumental in setting up a succession plan for the chair and co-chair positions. The Metro Chamber award also recognizes the depth of their volunteer service. In the spirit of true volunteers, they are being honored for multiple commitments. As 2008 Study Mission Chair, Marcell led a group of business and community leaders to San Antonio, Texas, to examine important economic development strategies. Murphy also helped establish a scholarship for the annual Study Mission program, helped establish the Leadership Sacramento Advisory Council and significantly supported the Cap-to-Cap transportation team chair. Ambassador of the Year—Burnie Lenau The Ambassador of the Year recognizes a member of the Metro Chamber’s prime volunteer group—the award is based upon points accumulated for visiting Metro Chamber members and attending chamber events. For the second year in a row, Burnie Lenau, owner of Lawnman, Inc., has visited more members and attended more events than anyone on the committee. In 2008, he was the Ambassador Chair, helping restructure the group, and he served as a Cap-to-Cap team captain. His service to the Metro Chamber makes him an outstanding Ambassador of the Year.

Small Business Committee hears how to use Internet for marketing: Presentation by Bauer360 founder sketches strategies

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Metro Chamber Small Business Committee marked a milestone change with the institution of “Business Enhancement Strategies” on its monthly agendas. Last week the committee heard from Greg Bauer, of Bauer360, a company that provides new media and internet solutions. Bauer is an entrepreneur who has started multiple businesses including RacknRoad and Park A Bike. Bauer presented a PowerPoint slide that emphasized the importance of a “process driven approach to your web strategy.” He made a point that nothing can replace a good handshake, but the digital world is allowing businesses to supplement their sales efforts and reach out to customers at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing. Bauer cautioned that if a business is blogging, emailing, or sending E-newsletters, and the content does not talk to their customers’ emotional needs in a short and relevant way, it can also be the cheapest way to lose customers. Bauer’s business partner Ryan McCann covered blogging. This is one of the many Digital Services Bauer360 offers. Here is a short recap: • Blogging is useful for keeping a business’ customers up-to-speed on what's happening in their customers' terms; give them information they want to read. Blogs can be promoted through other blogs and a business’s should concentrate on five to 10 topics that are most relevant to the individual business. Self-serving blogs are the quickest way to lose business. • The more a business blogs, the more content is created about that business that search engines can find—thus providing more presence on the Internet. View an example of Bauer360’s blog at http://blog.bauer360.com.

Planning for big job growth in 2009: Metro Chamber, SACOG gather projects for Federal Stimulus Plan

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

With the creation of thousands of jobs in mind, representatives from dozens of agencies and jurisdictions met Tuesday at the Sacramento Metro Chamber to work on gathering projects for the anticipated Federal Stimulus Plan. The Metro Chamber and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments are tracking 825 projects across the six-county region--ranging from transportation to power and parks. If all projects are funded, they would generate more than 327,000 jobs in the region through $10.4 billion of new construction. The Metro Chamber and SACOG are compiling the region's list in hopes of securing $5.6 billion in federal funds for the submitted projects. Once the list goes to Washington, D.C., participants on the Metro Chamber's annual Capitol-to-Capitol trip will meet with new Obama administration officials, and the region's new Congressional delegation to further lobby for the region's projects.
"More than ever, this year's Cap-to-Cap trip will help drive home billions of federal dollars for our important infrastructure and innovation projects--and vitally needed jobs," said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber President & CEO. "I urge all business people and civic leaders to participate. The Metro Chamber's Cap-to-Cap trip is still the largest of its kind in the nation. And this year, size counts!"

Metro Chamber thanks Mayor's Inauguration Donors: Remaining funds used to Santa's Parade

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Metro Chamber thanks member businesses who contributed to the Mayor Kevin Johnson Inauguration. Mayor Johnson contributed remaining funds from the inauguration to sponsor the Saturday, Dec. 20 Santa Parade in downtown Sacramento. The parade was set to be cancelled for lack of funds before Mayor Johnson stepped in. | News 10 Parade Coverage

Mayor Inaugural Event Sponsors






Markstein Beverage Company Corporate Staging & Events Bob Slobe Sacramento Hispanic Chamber Griselda's Ventures John and Maggie Frisch Carson Development Surewest Warren Kashiwagi Frank Washington Lionakis Drexel University

New state law: Tell your employees about earned income tax credit

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

With tax season just around the corner, a new law, Assembly Bill 650, requires employers to notify their employees about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

AB 650, co-authored by Assembly Members Ted Lieu and Dave Jones, became law in response to reports that every year, thousands of working families fail to claim the EITC when filing their taxes

. To help employers comply with the new law, the Metro Chamber, in partnership with the Sacramento Coalition for Working Families and Assemblymember Jones, are offering to provide you with FREE brochures that you can distribute to your employees in January.

These brochures provide information on free tax preparation services offered by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and per AB 650 guidelines, notify your employees that they may be eligible for the EITC.

Handing these brochures to employees, or sending them in the mail, will make it easier for businesses to comply with the new law and will connect eligible employees to the EITC and free tax assistance.

To learn more about the benefits of promoting the EITC and VITA in the workplace, please watch this short video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnQ5-mc42Q

To request your free brochures, email to alex.barrios@asm.ca.gov or call the Office of Assemblymember Jones at 916-324-4676.

Metro Chamber sees harmful economic impacts from AB 32 scoping plan: Six-county business group urges more accurate economic analysis

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber anticipates a harmful impact on the 3.5 million small California businesses that will be affected by the Assembly Bill 32 climate change scoping plan and asks the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for a more accurate economic assessment.

AB 32 is the California Global Warming Solutions Act that requires the state reduce its green house gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. CARB voted unanimously Dec. 11 to approve the scoping plan.

“The plan’s evaluation of the costs and savings of some recommended measures is inconsistent and incomplete,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber President & CEO, noting that “economic analysis played a limited role in development of the scoping plan.”

The Metro Chamber recognizes that implementing AB 32 offers new business opportunities for the state—including businesses in the emerging Clean Energy Technology sector.

“We are also wary, however, of the potential for significant negative impacts, both direct and indirect, which could accrue for all business sectors, and particularly the 3.5 million small businesses throughout California,” Mahood said.

Mahood pointed out that CARB has not resolved findings by the state Legislative Analyst’s Office of Economic Deficiencies in the AB 32 scoping plan. As well, the plan doesn’t speak to investment pathways.

“AB 32 is perhaps the most far-reaching legislation ever passed in California—with an impact greater than property tax initiative Proposition 13,” Mahood said. “AB 32 requirements will sift down into every segment of human activity in the state—and that means every business and individual will be affected. Therefore it’s essential that the economic analysis, planning and investment pathways be more accurately outlined.”

As a member of the AB 32 Small Business Coalition, the Metro Chamber is committed to a collaborative dialogue to ensure AB 32 is implemented in a manner which achieves a healthier and more sustainable natural environment while simultaneously enhancing economic prosperity.

Rep. Matsui announces flood Insurance rate extension in the Natomas area--Will save Natomas residents hundreds of dollars

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui announced that FEMA has, at her request, agreed to allow all homeowners in the Natomas area that have signed up for flood insurance at the Preferred Rate Policies prior to Dec. 8 to be able to renew those policies when they expire at the Preferred Rate Policy price for one additional year. “This is an important step towards ensuring that residents have necessary flood insurance, while protecting hardworking Sacramento families from dramatically increased flood insurance prices,” said Rep. Matsui. “I am glad that FEMA agreed to my request of an additional one year extension of current rates. This decision reflects a sensible response to an ongoing issue that has caused legitimate concern within the community.”

On Nov. 17, Congresswoman Matsui wrote FEMA Administrator David Paulson asking FEMA to allow local residents impacted by changing flood insurance maps to be able to get an extension on Preferred Rate Policies, which will save homeowners over $900 each year. Because of the delay in implementing the new flood zone map for areas of Sacramento and Sutter Counties, FEMA has agreed to Congresswoman Matsui’s request to give residents in these areas an additional one year extension in Preferred Rate Policies.

In her letter, Matsui pointed out that homeowners in Natomas voted to assess themselves to pay for the local share of the flood control work. While they voted overwhelmingly to pass the assessment for flood protection, it is yet one more financial burden they have to face during these tough economic times.

This new announcement from FEMA means that anyone that currently has a Preferred Rate Policy can renew it at that level next year, saving homeowners hundreds of dollars. For example, if you had purchased a lower cost Preferred Rate Policy flood insurance plan on Nov. 1, it would have expired November 1, 2009. FEMA will now allow that policy to be extended at the Preferred Rate Price until Nov. 1, 2010.

Metro Chamber works with other large chambers to speed up infrastructure project funding

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber is a member of the Regional Economic Association Leaders Coalition, comprised of 15 of California’s largest local and regional chambers. The Metro Chamber, both with the REAL Coalition and independently, has been hard at work advocating on behalf of both public/private partnerships and publicly funded projects throughout the Sacramento region.

This persistent advocacy has created an opportunity for the Metro Chamber to help bring additional needed funding to regional infrastructure projects that are ready to go within 120 days of receiving federal funding. These funds often are the public sector’s portion for public/private partnership projects.

Recently, Metro Chamber President and CEO Matt Mahood, met with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other members of the REAL Coalition to discuss the importance of advancing public/private partnership projects throughout California as soon as possible to provide much needed improvement to our state’s infrastructure and to stimulate our economy by creating jobs.

As a result of this meeting, the Metro Chamber is now working with the governor and the Coalition to expedite and access possible funding streams for important, regional projects. After reaching out to many of our regional partners, the Metro Chamber compiled a list of nearly 40 shovel-ready projects from around the region, which was recently provided to the governor and his staff.

This collaboration with Schwarzenegger’s office offers an enormous opportunity to leverage funding for regional public/private partnerships and several publicly funded projects as the federal government contemplates additional stimulus packages. By pursuing and potentially receiving funding for regional projects, our local economy will be injected with a financial investment that will benefit our region’s infrastructure and create jobs, which in the end, will help boost our regional business climate and economy.

For more information on the REAL Coalition, contact Senior Vice President for Public Policy Michael Faust at 916-321-9115.

New vice president of communications: Metro Chamber hires marketing and communications specialist Ingrid Nurse Foster

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber has hired former Wente Vineyards marketing director Ingrid Nurse Foster to head the Metro Chamber’s communications division. Foster replaces Christine Ault, who is pursuing her own business in the Sacramento area. Foster, who will serve as the vice president of communications at the Metro Chamber, comes to the position with an extensive background in marketing and communications in Northern California. Most recently, she was a wine industry executive for Wente Family Estates in Livermore. Her position brought exposure to national and international marketing strategies, as well as brand development and management. “Ingrid has outstanding skills in the areas of communications, marketing, branding and strategic management that make her an important addition to the organization,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “Her experience will help the Metro Chamber meet the current demands of a new economy and the structural changes we are seeing in how the business world communicates.” Foster’s previous experience includes service with Beringer Blass Wine Estates of Napa, where she worked on marketing programs for the popular Chateau St. Jean brand. Locally, she served as marketing manager for Bel Air and Nob Hill Foods with Raley’s Family of Fine Stores and worked in public affairs for the Sacramento-based Perry Communications Group. She was also the director of corporate communications for the Chicago-based technology corporation, 4Access Communications. She holds a master in business administration in marketing and strategic management from UC Davis and a bachelor of arts in mass communications from UC Berkeley. Foster can be reached at 916-321-9145 or ifoster@metrochamber.org.

Former River City Bank chief Jeanne Reaves named Sacramentan of the Year: Sacramento Metro Chamber also names Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO—Former president & CEO of River City Bank, Jeanne Reaves—the first woman to head a locally owned bank—has been named the 2008 Sacramentan of the Year by the Sacramento Metro Chamber.

Reaves, who stepped down recently from River City Bank where she had been CEO since 1998, will receive the award Friday, Jan. 30, at the Metro Chamber’s 114th Annual Dinner & Business Awards at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.

Beginning as a secretary at Wells Fargo Bank, Reaves rose to the top of the region’s banking industry over a career that spanned more than 40 years. During her tenure as CEO for River City Bank, the business grew in both size and performance, with assets doubling to more than $780 million and full-time employees increasing by 23 percent. Meanwhile, Reaves created and cultivated an industry-respected business culture that focused on family and civic engagement.

The Metro Chamber will also honor McClellan Park President Larry D. Kelley as Businessman of the Year for his work to convert the old air force base into a successful business park and former SMUD General Manager Jan Schori as Businesswoman of the Year for her tenure in making the utility one of the most respected and best performing in the nation.

The Metro Chamber annual awards recognize business people for their civic, industry and entrepreneurial contributions to the region. Awards will be given over nine categories at the 2009 event. They also include:

AL GEIGER MEMORIAL AWARD
—Derrell Roberts, Co-Founder & CEO, Roberts Family Development Center

PETER McCUEN AWARD FOR CIVIC ENTREPRENEURS
—John E. Frisch, Managing Partner, Cornish & Carey Commercial

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
—Griselda’s Ventures

BUSINESS HALL OF FAME
—Centennial Inductee: University of California, Davis
—Hall of Fame Inductees: Frank Fat’s and VSP

METRO CHAMBER VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR
—Cheryl Marcell, Sacramento County Airport System
—Tim Murphy, GenCorp

METRO CHAMBER AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
—Burnie Lenau, Lawnman, Inc.

The Annual Dinner will also pay tribute to the leadership of outgoing chair of the board, Michael Jacobson of Intel Corporation, and welcome the 2009 Board Chair, Linda Cutler of GenCorp.

Tickets are $155 for Metro Chamber members and $225 for nonmembers and can be purchased online at metrochamber.org or by calling Chantal LeFevre at 916-319-4260. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To secure your sponsorship, please contact Susan Harris at sharris@metrochamber.org or 916-321-9144.

The Sacramento Metro Chamber is the largest, oldest and most prominent voice of business in the greater Sacramento area. Representing nearly 2,500 member businesses and business organizations in the six-county Sacramento region, the Metro Chamber serves as the region’s leading proponent of regional cooperation and primary advocate on issues affecting business, economic development and quality of life.

State of Sacramento County: More than 2,000 jobs added in 2008

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The annual State of the Sacramento County Forum, hosted by the Sacramento Metro Chamber on Nov. 14 at the Sheraton Grand, reported good news for 2008: More than 2,000 new jobs were created as the result of economic development efforts in the region.

The forum brought together more than 250 business and civic leaders to hear from county officials and representatives of Optisolar, Siemens and McClellan Park. Optisolar is building a half-mile long production plant at McClellan Park and Siemens is expanding its light rail manufacturing plant in the south area.

Sacramento County Board Chair Jimmie Yee reviewed notable progress affecting economic development in the county:
--Yee first praised the Metro Chamber, saying, "We are very fortunate that the Metro Chamber has the same vision as the county in promoting the growth of the region's prosperity."
--Sacramento County is using the temporary pause in the economy to work proactively for the future--looking 10 to 25 years ahead to plan for the future.
--Regional cooperation is strong via established revenue sharing between the county and the city of Sacramento; through efforts with adjacent counties in agri-tourism; through partnerships with surrounding agencies for the connector road between Highway 99 and Highway 50 and for the Highway 50 corridor. "We can't do anything without each other's help," Yee said.
--A third trauma center will be added in the south area at Kaiser after a spirited bidding process.
--The county's Health Department received a national award for its green-yellow-red restaurant rating system, one of the first in the nation.
--The county broke ground for a new $207 million water treatment system in the south area a joint venture with the East Bay Municipal Utility District, with both agencies sharing the cost.
--The Sacramento International Airport began its $1.25 billion expansion, with completion in 2012.
--A visioning strategy and programs have begun for the Jackson Highway and Grant Line Road corridors--a combined total of 30,000 acres of land, in addition to a plan for 10,000 acres in Natomas.

County CEO Terry Schutten presented the Sacramento County 2007-08 Report Card, an evaluation of performance in transportation, strong and health families, law and justice, public health and safety, sustainable and livable communities and economic growth: 2008-09 Sacramento County Report Card

The special focus of the State of the County Forum was a panel discussion on specific new jobs initiatives. Metro Chamber Board Chair Michael Jacobson, government relations manager for Intel, emceed the panel, beginning by noting that "whether the economy is up or down, there is always opportunity. You have to continue to move forward; complacency is not the solution." Summary of panelists comments:

Rob Leonard, director of economic development, Sacramento County reviewed how the county works with businesses to bring add boost employment:
--In 2008, 2,000 new jobs were or will be created in Sacramento County (not all have been realized yet), but they will bring $4.5 million in new revenues, being driven by $1 billion in investments in new facilities on three million new square-feet of development.
--New investments by Optisolar and Siemens happened because of creative partnerships with Sacramento County, McClellan Park, SMUD, city of Sacramento Housing Redevelopment and other agencies.
--The new Florin Town Centre redevelopment has been completed and despite the economy, 83 percent of the new space has been leased and much of the center is occupied.
--Successes like bringing in Optisolar to McClellan Park meant approaching the deal with creativity, cost-benefit analysis and putting money into the company's investment to help it reduce costs.

Alan Hersh, senior vice president, McClellan Park said the converted 2,880-acre air force base has become a dynamo of economic activity, with 14,000 employees present, 230 diverse tentants predominated by manufacturing, 35,000 jobs, six million square feet of built-out facility space and $475 million invested by the tenants.
--McClellan Park has achieved a good integration with North Highlands and the adjoining city of Sacramento neighborhoods, helping to improve a once shaky environment.
--McClellan Park's biggest competitive advantage, he said, "is we don't say 'no' and we deliver. There's not a lot of places that can do that and we can do that because of our partnerships."

Juergen Wilder, vice president and general manager, Rolling Stock Division of Siemens Transportation Systems, said the company that makes light rail cars just installed a 1.5 megawatt solar power system and changed from using oil-based to water-base paints, with a goal of reducing carbon emissions by one-half. However, if the company wants to continue expanding meeting some of the carbon-reduction goals set by the state might get harder.
--Finding a skilled workforce is "always a challenge." The company needs engineers and not having them is a "bottleneck" for growth.
--The manufacture of light rail car steel trucks was relocated to Sacramento where the engineers are located (rather than in Europe). However, Siemens needs 100 to 200 welders and that skillset needs to be developed in local schools, and Siemens is now in discussion with Sacramento education institutions for that.

Bryan Crabb, director of government affairs, at Optisolar reviewed the company's decision to build its manufacturing plant in Sacramento County. Optisolar is the newest company to locate to Sacramento. Founded in 2005, Optisolar's goal is to by a mega-manufacturing effort, to drive down the cost of solar panels. The company located to McClellan Park because it was "welcomed with open arms" by SMUD, very competitive rates on property, a talented workforce and highly trained contractors. Optisolar employs 500 people and expects to double that.
--Optisolar also chose to relocate to Sacramento because of the renewable energy market forming in the region.
--In Optisolar's quest to build "solar farms" of electric-generating panels, permitting barriers with state and federal agencies are complicated and take 12 to 18 months. This is keeping 250 round-the-clock jobs from being created. "Let's get going," he exclaimed.

Photos of the State of the Sacramento County Forum were taken by Riverview Media Photography and can be viewed and purchased here.

Survey results: Metro Chamber asked for input into governor's proposed budget solution

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Sacramento Metro Chamber President & CEO Matt Mahood provided chamber member comments on the governor's proposed budget solution to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week. Metro Chamber members and stakeholders were surveyed for their views on budget cuts and tax increases. Survey Results

Mahood was included among a dozen statewide business and political leaders meeting with the governor on Nov. 14. Among the findings from members that Mahood passed along to Schwarzenegger were:

Business and voters are ready to accept deep cuts in all the areas we proposed to them in our survey including, but Metro Chamber members are most supportive of cuts in these areas:
--$78 million in reductions to parole spending for low-risk offenders
--$320 million in reductions to state employee compensation
--$349 million in reductions to Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment grants
--$250 million in reductions from shifting some public safety spending away from the General Fund

Metro Chamber members are not supportive of cuts to K-12, higher education and the CalWORKs program.

Surprisingly, business and voters appear ready to accept “some” higher taxes to meet the budget shortfall. Metro Chamber members are most supportive of:
--$293 million from a five cent increase in the alcohol excise tax
--$528 million from a tax on oil producers for the right to extract oil in California
--Permit tax hikes okay, however, if not coupled with deep spending cuts and incentives to get people back to work, the support will evaporate immediately.

The budget must ensure the burden is spread evenly amongst all the citizens proportionally. It is the only fair way to get out of this financial trouble.

Metro Chambers suggest that the governor can jump-start the economy by making sure that the previously approved bond money gets to the street immediately.

In terms of the proposed various economic stimulus measures, Metro Chamber members were most supportive of:
--Allowing employees to work a flexible schedule upon request, without being paid overtime. This will help both small business as well as large business.
--Clarifying meal and rest period laws: This will help both small business as well as large business.
--Reducing barriers to public-private partnerships and design-build agreements.
--Streamlining the permitting and review process for non-structural hospital construction projects under $2 million in the six-county Sacramento region is critical.
--When asked, 79.5 percent of the Metro Chamber members who answered the survey agreed that that we should support Schwarzenegger's proposal to close California's $11.2 billion budget shortfall.

Among individual comments that the survey generated were:
--I don’t disagree on the infrastructure spending (and that does help a broad sector of our economy), but I hope we also stress that the governor needs to take actions to free small, medium and large business from costly red tape, encourage research and development that is so critical to our innovation economy and take actions that encourage much needed capital investment.
--We need to position for an impending economic stimulus package that will primarily consists of job-creating infrastructure projects. Roads, bridges, levees, and other public projects that are "ready-to-go" to construction will rank high and we should make sure that we are advocating (with specifics) for our fair share.
--I suggest that the state implement an incentive system for the staff-based on reducing budget expenses and give them a portion of it back, even increase it if the state hits its customer satisfaction goals.
--I would simply say that we have to get the job done. It is no longer acceptable to say “no further cuts” any more than it is acceptable to say “no new taxes.” Personally, I suggest reinstituting the vehicle license fee. It is an ad valorem tax so those who own high-end vehicles or multiple vehicles will pay more but I presume that are capable of paying more which means this is a progressive tax. It could balance a sales tax increase such as has been proposed. With the dramatic reduction in gas prices, folks should be able to handle this. I would suggest a sunset on the provision however.

Los Rios gets approval to expand campuses, classes: Metro PAC provided major support for Measure M on Nov. 4 ballot

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Metro Chamber celebrates the approval by voters of Measure M, which will allow Los Rios Community College District to issue a $475 million general obligation bond to build new classrooms and add green technology, business and other need class offerings, among other expansion plans. The campaign for Measure M was chaired by Metro Chamber board member, architect Bruce Starkweather of Lionakis. The Metro Chamber's independent political action committee, Metro PAC contributed $5,000 to the campaign and contacted voters 50,000 times. The measure passed 57 percent to 43 percent. "In the last four years, enrollment at our regional community collegeshas increased by 25 percent," said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. "In a time when the economy is slow and many are looking to improve their skills or enter into a new career, community colleges are more important than ever. By investing in our community colleges, we are investing in the region's workforce--and hence the region's businesses. This is a major Metro Chamber priority."

Metro PAC choice Mayor Cabaldon re-elected: West Sacramento official is important regional leader

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Metro PAC, who supported Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, congratulates him on in his successful Nov. 4 bid for re-election to lead the West Sacramento City Council. He claimed 54 percent of the vote to his challenger's 41 percent. "Christopher Cabaldon is a longtime supporter of business and an important leader in the Sacramento region," said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. "He has been crucial to the success of West Sacramento and an important voice for regional collaboration. He is also one of the founders of the region's economic development strategy, Partnership for Prosperity. The Metro Chamber is pleased that he was re-elected as mayor of West Sacramento."

Mayor-elect Kevin Johnson meets with Metro Chamber board during retreat

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

In his first public speech to the business community, mayor-elect Kevin Johnson made a point to thank the Sacramento Metro Chamber and Metro PAC for their unwavering early support and throughout the campaign. His remarks were made Nov. 6 at the Metro Chamber board's annual retreat. Johnson thanked the Metro Chamber for being courageous in stepping out early to support him and working hard to ensure he won the General Election against the incumbent mayor. Johnson said that he looked forward to working with the business community and the Metro Chamber as he looks to solve the city's budget problems, improve public safety, ignite key development projects and help to make Sacramento a world-class region. Johnson officially takes office Nov. 25. The Metro Chamber board of directors gave Johnson a standing ovation upon his arrival and departure. "His speech was both motivating and inspriational, " said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president and CEO, "It got them excited aobut the possibilities now that we have a leader with vision and lots of energy."

Clean Air Partnership explores achieving California’s renewable energy goals

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

With the implications of AB 32 and now SB 375 rapidly coming down the pipe, the topic of discussion at the Cleaner Air Partnership recently-held fourth luncheon was “Achieving California’s Renewable Energy Goals.” After a brief overview of California Energy Policy by Bill Mueller, CAP manger and CEO of Valley Vision, the large group of about 60 regional stakeholders was presented with a panel discussion that explored Renewable Portfolio Standards. Panelists included Obadiah Bartholomy, project manager, Advances Renewable and Distributed Generation Technologies for SMUD; Daniel Kim, public affairs mmanager for PG&E; and James Takehara, electric resource analyst for the city of Roseville. Renewable portfolio standards are the requirements that mandate electric power providers to generate or purchase a specified percentage of the power it supplies and/or sells from renewable energy resources. California’s renewable portfolio standards are considered the most aggressive in the country. The AB 32 scoping plan released earlier this year by the California Air Resources Board requires by the year 2020, 33 percent of the power delivered in California needs to be from renewable sources. According to the ARB, the 33 percent by 2020 goal will further California’s efforts to address climate change and lead the nation in proactive clean energy policy. To date, 13 percent of PG&E’s energy comes from renewable sources that qualify under California's Renewable Portfolio Standards program. However, PG&E is mandated to deliver 20 percent of the energy it sells from renewable resources by the year 2010. As for the region’s other large energy supplier, 19 percent of SMUD’s energy comes from renewable sources. It is the goal of SMUD to increase that number to about 23 percent by the year 2011. SMUD, PG&E and Roseville Electric continue to explore the use of wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and small hydroelectric to reach these aggressive objectives, and eventually the 33 percent by the year 2020 target. For the power providers the need for transmission sites poses a challenge as building new transmission can takes years, but is essential to connect new renewable resources to load. Roseville Electric supplies a much smaller market than PG&E and SMUD and complies with the Roseville Electric Renewable Portfolio Standard, which was adopted by the Roseville City Council. Roseville’s renewable mix includes a portion designated as eligible renewable by the California Energy Commission, as well as Large Hydroelectric power, which SMUD and PG&E are not considered eligible for. Roseville Electric Qualified RPS Resources include any renewable resources defined as non-fossil fueled electric generating resources, including hydroelectric. That stated, the Roseville Electric renewable mix total for last year was 40%. It’s Roseville’s goal to meet the state mandate to encourage renewable resources, especially wind and photovoltaics, while pushing for environmental improvement without creating an adverse impact on rate payers. While SMUD, PG&E and Roseville Electric are all forward thinking, proactive companies that are making great strides in the quest to expand the use of renewable energy, there is still much work to be done to meet the requirements of AB 32. The Cleaner Air Partnership is a collaboration between Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails, the Sacramento Metro Chamber and now Valley Vision. The goal of the partnership, which was created in 1986, is to help the six-county Sacramento region meet the clean air standards that protect health and promote economic growth.

Metro Chamber congratulates Kevin Johnson: Business stepped up to support next mayor of Sacramento

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber congratulates Kevin Johnson for his resounding victory in Tuesday's run-off election for the mayor of Sacramento. The Metro Chamber's political action committee, Metro PAC, early on endorsed Johnson and over the course of two elections generated a large turnout of business support for him. "Kevin Johnson's successful mayoral campaign is a perfect example of what can happen when a courageous civic leader steps forward," said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. "Johnson was supported by a broad business, labor and community coalition who wanted a visionary, pro-business, strong leader. Six months ago, no one thought Kevin could win, but many groups like the Metro Chamber stepped forward for him anyway. I am glad we were there to support him early and often!"

Pro-jobs candidates win at polls in races backed by Metro PAC

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Metro PAC fulfilled a goal for 2008 of generating more support for pro-jobs candidates in the primary and general elections than ever before. The political action committee and other sponsored committees raised over $150,000 in 2008 and more than $260,000 for the election cycle. This amount far eclipsed previous political fund-raising for business-friendly candidates.

"Given the current economic climate, it is imperative that we have elected officials who understand principles that lead to business success and job growth," said Matt Mahood, president & CEO.

"Metro Pac's efforts to elect pro-business candidates are critical in supporting the Metro Chamber's mission of fostering regional economic prosperity. I am grateful that so many Metro Chamber members stepped up this to support pro-job candidates."

In called elections, the Metro Chamber congratulates these candidates endorsed by Metro PAC for their victories:

Mike Thompson--Congress District 1
Dan Lungren--Congress District 3
Doris Matsui--Congress District 5
Dave Cox--State Senate District 1
Dan Logue--State Assembly District 3
Ted Gaines--State Assembly District 4
Roger Niello--State Assembly District 5
Kevin Johnson--Mayor of Sacramento
Jeffrey Starsky--Folsom City Council
Barbara Payne--Galt City Council
Randy Shelton--Galt City Council
Jeff Slowey--Citrus Heights City Council
David Sander--Rancho Cordova City Council
Sophia Scherman--Elk Grove City Council - Dist 5
William Lugg, Jr--Elk Grove USD - Area 1
Terry Cochran--Los Rios CCD, Area 3
Katherine Albiani--Los Rios CCD, Area 7
Donald Terry--Sac City USD-Area 3
Patrick Kennedy--Sac City USD - Area 7
Renee Taylor--SMUD Ward 1
Rob Kerth--SMUD Ward 5
Gil Albiani--Cosumnes CSD
Michelle Orrock--Cosumnes CSD
Spencer Short--Lincoln City Council
Tom Cosgrove--Lincoln City Council
Brett Storey--Rocklin City Council
Carol Garcia--Roseville City Council
John Allard--Roseville City Council
Alan Clarke--Cameron Park CSD
Ray Nutting--ED County Supervisor, Dist 2
David Machado--City of Placerville
Mark Acuna--City of Placerville
Christopher Cabaldon--Mayor-City of West Sac
Larry Montna--Sutter Supervisor Dist 1
John Miller--Yuba City - City Council

Propositions and Measures results

Metro PAC took the following positions, which prevailed at the polls, and based upon the outcome of the election and congratulates all those who helped both approve and defeat the following propositions and measures.

Prop. 1A - Safe High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act - Support
Prop. 11 - Redistricting - Support
Prop 5. - Nonviolent Offenders. Sentencing Parole and Rehabilitation - Oppose Prop. 7 - Renewable Energy - Oppose
Measure M - Los Rios Community College District - Support
Measure N - Center Unified School District - Support
Measure Q - Colfax Elementary School District - Support
Measure T - Alta-Dutch Flat Union School District - Support
Measure U - City of West Sacramento - Support
Measure V - City of West Sacramento - Support
Measure W - Davis Joint Unified School District - Support

METRO PAC ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS IN SIX COUNTY REGION

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release October 13, 2008 For more information, contact Ingrid Nurse Foster: (o) 916-321-9145; (c) 916-320-8940 or ifoster@metrochamber.org METRO PAC ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS IN SIX COUNTY REGION Candidate and Ballot positions are pro-jobs and business for the region SACRAMENTO—The Sacramento Metro PAC is proud to announce its endorsement of the following candidates and ballot measures for the November 4, 2008 election. Voters are urged to join Metro PAC in protecting jobs and the economy by electing these pro-business individuals and ballot measures that protect and enhance the regional economy. These selections represent the clear choice in each race for job protection and business enhancement in our challenging economic times. Through Metro PAC, the Metro Chamber invests in a political strategy that helps elect candidates who are business-friendly and have a vision for regional prosperity. Over the last few months, Metro PAC, a committee of volunteer business leaders, has done nearly one hundred interviews of local, regional and federal candidates and spent hours debating and digesting the impact of proposed legislation. The following candidates and propositions are Metro PAC endorsed: CANDIDATES Federal Mike Thompson: Congressional District 1 Dan Lungren: Congressional District 3 Tom McClintock: Congressional District 4 Doris Matsui: Congressional District 5 State Dave Cox: State Senate District 2 Greg Aghazarian: State Senate District 5 Dan Logue: State Assembly District 3 Ted Gaines: State Assembly District 4 Roger Niello: State Assembly District 5 Jack Sieglock: State Assembly District 10 City of Sacramento Kevin Johnson: Mayor of Sacramento Sacramento County Jeff Starsky: Folsom City Council Rosemary Younts: Folsom City Council Barbara Payne: Galt City Council Randy Shelton: Galt City Council Jeff Slowey: Citrus Heights City Council David Sander: Rancho Cordova City Council Mike Leary: Elk Grove City Council – District 3 Sophia Scherman: Elk Grove City Council – District 5 William Lugg, Jr.: Elk Grove Unified School District – Area 1 Terry Cochran: Los Rios Community College District – Area 3 Katherine Albiani: Los Rios Community College District – Area 7 Donald Terry: Sacramento City Unified School District – Area 3 Toni Colley-Perry: Sacramento City Unified School District – Area 5 Patrick Kennedy: Sacramento City Unified School District – Area 7 Conrad Mayer: Folsom Cordova Unified School District Teresa Stanley: Folsom Cordova Unified School District Renee Taylor: SMUD Board of Directors – Ward 1 Mark Bahouth: SMUD Board of Directors – Ward 2 Rob Kerth: SMUD Board of Directors – Ward 5 Jimmie Johnson: Cosumnes Community Services District Gil Albiani Cosumnes Community Services District Michelle Orrock Cosumnes Community Services District Lance Christensen San Juan Unified School District Lucinda Luttgen San Juan Unified School District Yolo County Christopher Cabaldon: Mayor, City of West Sacramento Placer County Bruce Kranz: Placer County Supervisor – District 5 Spencer Short: Lincoln City Council Tom Cosgrove: Lincoln City Council Brett Storey: Rocklin City Council John Allard: Roseville City Council Carol Garcia: Roseville City Council El Dorado County Harry Norris: Supervisor – District 1 Ray Nutting: Supervisor – District 2 Mark Acuna: Placerville City Council David Machado: Placerville City Council Ted Long: South Lake Tahoe City Council Alan Clarke: Cameron Park Community Services District Sutter County Larry Montna: Supervisor – District 1 John Miller: Yuba City, City Council BALLOT POSITIONS Proposition 1A: Safe High-Speed Rail Train Bond Act METRO CHAMBER Position: Support Reason for Support: The Sacramento Metro Chamber supports Proposition 1A because it will inject new vitality into California’s economy by creating nearly 160,000 construction-related jobs, 450,000 permanent jobs and relocation of the High Speed Rail (HSR) businesses headquarters to the Sacramento Region. If passed, it will bring Californians a safe, convenient, affordable and reliable alternative to rising gasoline prices, freeway congestion and will help reduce California’s dependence on foreign oil. Proposition 5: Nonviolent Offenders. Sentencing Parole and Rehabilitation. METRO CHAMBER Position: Oppose Reason for Opposition: As a matter of public safety, the Metro Chamber is just one in a broad coalition opposed to this measure. Prop 5 contains implications that will have an adverse effect on the business community, as it weakens employers’ rights when dealing with an employee who is convicted of using drugs and other non-violent offences. This measure also establishes two new bureaucracies with virtually no accountability which will cost hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars. This measure would reduce penalties for crimes against business, including property and white collar crimes, and would limit the ability of judges to hold parole violators accountable. Proposition 7: Renewable Energy METRO CHAMBER Position: Oppose Reason for Opposition: Proposition 7 has an unprecedented, large coalition of opposition. If Prop 7 were to pass, it has the potential to halt renewable energy development in California and result in significant increases in our electric bills. In addition, this measure would force small wind and solar companies out of the market. Proposition 11: Redistricting METRO CHAMBER Position: Support Reason for Support: The California State Legislature has been stuck in partisan gridlock for too long. Proposition 11 is needed to enact political reform. This measure would encourage more competitive elections and would increase the accountability of our elected officials. Measure M: Los Rios Community College District METRO CHAMBER Position: Support Reason for Support: In the last four years, enrollment at our Regional Community Colleges has increased by 25%. Without additional resources for construction and modernization, our community colleges will not be able to accommodate the growing demand. By investing in our community colleges, we are investing in workforce development for the Sacramento Region. Measure R: Placer County METRO CHAMBER Position: Support Reason for Support: The Metro Chamber supports this measure because it seeks to increase the compensation of the Placer County Board of Supervisors from $30,000 to $48,000. Serving as a County Supervisor is an important and time consuming job and we believe that the Supervisors should be fairly compensated. While the Metro Chamber believes that there is still room for improvement, this measure is a step in the right direction and may encourage more qualified people to run for office. Measure U and V: City of West Sacramento METRO CHAMBER Position: Support Reason for Support: The Metro Chamber supports these measures because flood protection is vital to the safety and prosperity of the Sacramento region. The second beneficiary of this sales tax extension would be the proposed Riverfront Streetcar. The Streetcar is a transportation project that would connect Sacramento to West Sacramento and would serve as an economic benefit to both sides of the river. This type of project will help maximize the riverfront’s potential to create a thriving epicenter for the entire Region. Local Education Measures METRO CHAMBER Position: Support Reason for Support: The Sacramento Metro Chamber supports the following local, education-based bond measures. The following local measures provide funding to benefit and invest in local school infrastructure and the future education of students throughout our Region. None of these measures seek to change school curriculum or set specific curriculum limitations or education policies, therefore, the Metro Chamber supports the following education-based, local measures: Measure N: Center Unified School District Bond Measure Measure Q: Colfax Elementary School District Bond Measure Measure T: Alta-Dutch Flat Union School District Bond Measure Measure U: Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Bond Measure Measure W: Davis Joint Unified School District Bond Measure

Metro Chamber forms AB 32 Task Force—Technical experts wanted

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Perhaps the most far-reaching legislation ever passed in California—with an impact greater than Proposition 13—is AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act that by 2020 requires the state reduce its green house gas emissions back to 1990 levels. AB 32 requirements will sift down into every segment of human activity in the state—and that means every business and individual will be affected. To help the region’s businesses and economy tackle this monumental challenge, the Sacramento Metro Chamber is forming the AB 32 Task Force, an action approved at the August Metro Chamber Board meeting. This task force will work with technical partners, such as SACOG and the CalChamber, who have the climate change experts to make sense of the AB 32 Draft Scoping Plan’s complex scientific foundation. The task force will also proactively provide Metro Chamber members with information critical to preparing to meet the coming regulatory requirements. In addition, the group task force will also advocate for a balanced implementation and ensure our region’s priorities are not overlooked. “We really don’t yet know the full measure of how regulators will interpret AB 32,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “But business people need to be on guard—and the Metro Chamber intends to watch closely and react quickly to any onerous AB 32 burdens.” The California Air Resources Board is the lead agency in implementing AB 32. CARB’s draft scoping plan was released on June 26 and CARB plans to present the final scoping plan to its board on November 20 of this year. “The Draft Scoping Plan’s recommendations for meeting the mandated 2020 emissions targets are very general in nature, leaving stakeholders with more questions than answers,” Mahood added. “This lack of clarity is compounded by the scientific complexity of the subject matter.” Technical experts from the business community are needed for the Metro Chamber’s AB 32 Task Force. If you, or your business have technical expertise and are interested in joining this select group, contact Michael Faust at 916-321-9115 or mfaust@metrochamber.org.

Assembly OKs Metro Chamber's bill on emission reduction credit transfers

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Metro Chamber-sponsored bill, SB 1662, carried by David Cox, R-Sacramento, was approved 68-4 by the state Assembly and now awaits Gov. Schwarzenegger's signature, after the state budget snafu is resolved. SB 1662 will enable the transfer of emission reduction credits. "SB 1162 makes an important technical change that continues to protect our air quality while allowing reasonable economic expansion," said Tom Stallard, chair of the Clean Air Partnership and Metro Chamber small business vice chair. SB 1662 is one of the first bills in recent Metro Chamber history to be sponsored by the chamber. It will provide a significant positive economic impact and improve air quality by allowing emission reduction credits to be transferred to portions of El Dorado and Placer counties from other areas within the Sacramento Metro Federal Nonattainment Area. In May, the state Senate gave unanimous approval of SB 1662. “Although the bill is a technical fix to an existing regulation, it will help the Sacramento region implement the award-winning Blueprint land-use strategy,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO, “as it will empower El Dorado County to locate jobs next to housing.” Currently, El Dorado County does not have a significant amount of emission reduction credits in reserve, so if SB 1662 goes into law, Mahood explained, it would allow business in El Dorado County to expand, thus creating more jobs in the county and reducing commute traffic from El Dorado County to Sacramento County. “The proposed legislation simply recognizes that the state boundaries of air quality basin are artificial in that they are drawn in conjunction with political boundaries and don’t conform to the real wind patterns, as correctly pointed out by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency,” said Michael Faust, Metro Chamber, senior vice president for public policy. Sponsoring and supporting the proposed legislation enables the region’s businesses to stay and expand in the region and helps keep them from moving jobs to other parts of the country and world, Faust said. This is part of the Metro Chamber’s mission in the six-county region that includes El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties. “We know that 80 percent of new employment comes from existing businesses,” Faust said. “If passed, SB 1662 will enable businesses in El Dorado County and possibly elsewhere, to expand. And in our current business climate, it's essential that we take proactive measures to keep employers thriving.” SB 1662 heads now to the Assembly. For more information, contact Faust at 916-321-9115 or mfaust@metrochamber.org.

KEEPING BUSINESS WELL: Metro Chamber opposes paid sick leave bill and other job-killing legislation

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The state mandatory Paid Sick Leave bill (AB 2716) is one of two dozen bills that will sicken our state and region’s economic recovery. The Sacramento Metro Chamber over the next few months will stringently oppose the state mandatory Paid Sick Leave bill and others—but help from members is needed. A vast majority of Sacramento Metro Chamber members responding to a recent survey want the chamber to oppose the AB 2716 that mandates employers offer paid sick days. However just because 86 percent of respondents oppose the bill, it doesn’t mean they are stingy, as 77 percent of the respondents' businesses currently offer sick leave benefits. “When it comes to employee benefits, I think that businesses get it right most of the time,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “Paid sick leave is a benefit that businesses offer when they can afford it. Sick leave is not an entitlement—it’s a benefit and also an excellent employee recruitment and retention strategy.” The Metro Chamber's Executive Committee opposes AB 2716 and other “job-killer” bills, listed below. For more information on how you can help fight these bills, contact Michael Faust at 916-321-9115 or mfaust@metrochamber.org. Job-Killer Bills Being Tracked by the Metro Chamber Barriers To Affordable Housing AB 1065 (Lieber; D-Mountain View) Construction Costs Increase. Before amendments, would have substantially increased the cost of housing and development in California by implementing significant energy efficiency measures for all new residential and commercial buildings without regard for the additional costs that will be passed on to consumers. Much of this may be addressed in the implantation of AB 32. This bill has been amended recently, but Metro Chamber still opposes. AB 2112 (Saldaña; D-San Diego) Construction Costs Increase Substantially increases the cost of housing, interferes with the utilities’ ability to meet the AB 32 carbon cap mandates and drives up the cost of AB 32 compliance ultimately leading to increased utility bills by mandating on-site energy generation and efficiency standards for all new residential buildings. AB 2046 (Jones; D-Sacramento) Construction Jobs Loss Originally halted construction of housing, cost construction jobs and provided a disincentive to clean up ground water by inappropriately denying use of some groundwater resources as a stable water supply. Amended to allow water districts to count contaminated groundwater as part of the planned water supply for development if a plan to remediation is offered. The Metro Chamber still opposes because it would severely disrupt project entitlements by excluding groundwater that has not already been treated from water supply assessments. AB 2046 would require the water supply assessment to exclude projected groundwater that has not been determined by the state or a local public health department to have been treated to the standard applicable for the proposed use. In doing so the bill fails to recognize that no water source-–groundwater or surface water--is ready for human consumption in its current form. It all must be treated eventually to meet stringent state and federal drinking water standards. The bill’s flawed approach to analyzing potential water sources would fundamentally alter the nature of the water supply assessment which is designed as a 20-year planning tool to project future water supplies. The purpose of the assessment is to determine long-term water needs and to allow water agencies and developers an opportunity to treat water prior to its use. This bill shifts the burden for use of groundwater by obligating that it be treated to a drinking water standard today when it may not be used for several years. AB 2046 would thereby create a huge disincentive to clean up groundwater basins if they indeed cannot be counted as a water source for a future project. AB 2046 is unnecessary because current law already requires that water districts analyze whether a groundwater basin will be a viable source to meet a project's future water needs. AB 2705 (Jones; D-Sacramento) Construction Jobs Loss Makes new housing less affordable, risks the loss of construction jobs and squeezes support for maintenance costs for parks and schools by expanding Mello-Roos Fees to include financial support of transit services. Using the Mello-Roos Act's landowner voting procedures, local government can impose parcel taxes to pay for services without any approval from the residents who will eventually end up paying those taxes. Expanding local governments' taxing authority under the Mello-Roos Act, at a time when many Californians can't afford the costs of homeownership, could reduce a community's bonding capacity and willingness to fund other basic infrastructure such as parks, schools, and utilities. Costly Workplace Mandates AB 2279 (Leno; D-San Francisco) Employee Safety Risk Hurts employee safety and employers’ right to maintain drug-free workplace policies and exposes employers to potential litigation by prohibiting employers from refusing to hire applicants or fire current workers who use medical marijuana. AB 2716 (Ma; D-San Francisco) Employer Benefit Mandate Unreasonably expands employer’s costs and liability by mandating a specific paid sick leave policy. SB 840 (Kuehl; D-Santa Monica) Government-Run Health Care Creates a new government-run, multi-billion-dollar socialized health care system financed from a yet-to-be-specified tax increase. SB 1115 (Migden; D-San Francisco) Workers’ Compensation Reform Roll Back Increases workers’ compensation costs and rolls back the workers’ compensation reforms from 2004 by making apportionment very difficult to prove. SB 1717 (Perata; D-Oakland) Workers’ Compensation Reform Roll Back Increases workers’ compensation costs and rolls back the workers’ compensation reforms from 2004 by arbitrarily doubling permanent disability benefits and altering the 15% bump up/down provision in current law. Economic Development Barriers AB 2359 (Jones; D-Sacramento) Limits Investments Before amendments, would have limited investment by capital markets by imposing legal liability on the secondary market for flaws in home loans written by other lenders and brokers. After amendments, removed the negative "assignee liability" provisions that would have limited investments and reduced liquidity, so no longer considered a "job killer." The Metro Chamber still opposes, however, because the bill still contains unresolved mortgage loan concerns, including language limiting binding arbitration. For the purchase of loans into the secondary market requires certain wavers as a condition of purchase. By having wavers in the bill as currently defined it will have a chilling effect on the flow of capital into the already battered lending market making it substantially more difficult of consumers to access capital. AB 2447 (Jones; D-Sacramento) Construction Job Loss Severely limits residential and commercial development to a degree that it could virtually shut down any suburban development in certain areas of California by prohibiting the approval of development in fire-risk areas without a mitigating finding by the city or county. This bill makes a state mandate of outright denial of development in fire-prone areas. It takes the decision making choice out of the hands of the local government and replaces it with a state mandate with a “no-development” rule through a set of specific findings that are impracticable and infeasible and set the stage for the state position of deny all developments in a fire prone areas. (an argument can be made that virtually all parts of California are potentially fire-prone areas) AB 2514 (Eng; D-Monterey Park) Costly Construction Delays Delays construction of commercial and residential projects and obstructs normal agricultural practices by requiring an unworkable resolution to disposition of human remains that are not Native American. SB 375 (Steinberg; D-Sacramento) Limits Transportation Capacity Thwarts the intent of voters who approved broad-based transportation bonds and limits increased transportation capacity in certain areas of the state by prioritizing transportation projects in areas identified as a preferred area for growth. The Metro Chamber recognizes and supports the proactive implementation of AB 32 and bases its current position upon the following principles that should serve as the foundation of any amendments: Implementation must: • Be incentive-based and not foreclose market innovation to encourage consistency rather than mandating compliance; • Maintain local land use authority while providing incentives for regional cooperation; • Apply evenly to “inner” greenfield projects (i.e. large new developments within the preferred growth scenario footprint) as well as infill projects; • Include procedural protections for regional planning agencies to ensure incentive targets set by the state are feasible to meet and provide for a reasonable means to address those that are not; and, • Streamline CEQA for projects consistent with an adopted regional “Blueprint” or “Sustainable Communities Strategy.” Expensive, Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens AB 2546 (De La Torre; D-South Gate) Interference of Goods Movement Jeopardizes ports, railyards and manufacturing facilities by setting up an unreasonable requirement to regulate the emissions from mobile emitters that visit their facility even if they have no control over the mobile sources. Fuel Price Increases AB 2558 (Feuer; D-Los Angeles) Climate Change Tax Assesses an unconstitutional tax on businesses and consumers by authorizing the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to impose a tax by a majority vote on either motor vehicles or vehicle fuel. AB39 (Nuñez; D-Los Angeles) Gas Price Increase Imposes a billion-plus-dollar tax increase on California oil companies which would result in higher gas prices for consumers, increased dependence on foreign oil, and further damage to our already-suffering economy. SB 140 (Kehoe; D-San Diego) New Fuel Mandate Disadvantages California businesses and increases fuel prices by creating a fuel mandate that picks a winner in the alternative fuels market, preventing the research and development of additional viable options that may be cheaper and more efficient. (Much of this may be addressed in the implementation of AB 32.) SB 1240 (Kehoe; D-San Diego) Restrictive Fuel Standard Interferes with the development of a competitive alternative fuels market and threatens job creation in California by creating a costly Low Carbon Fuel Standard that conflicts with the existing standard created by Governor’s Executive Order S-7-04. (Much of this may be addressed in the implementation of AB 32.) Inflated Liability Costs AB 437 (Jones; D-Sacramento) Increased Employer Liability Exposure Significantly expands employers’ liability exposure and hampers their ability to defend themselves by effectively removing any statute of limitations for lawsuits challenging any employer decision that affects pay or benefits. It removes the incentive from the employee to engage in dialogue with the employer about the alleged unlawful compensation decision when it first takes place. The employee can delay notifying the employer of the claim for as long as he or she wishes, while accruing potentially large damages amounts. This bill violates the public policy behind statutes of limitations, which is to ensure that a defendant is not faced with stale claims that cannot be defended due to the passage of time and the dissipation of fresh and available evidence against the employer. AB 1456 (Laird; D-Santa Cruz) Increased Insurance Costs Greatly increases liability exposure for companies and may lead to higher insurance rates for consumers by preventing Medi-Cal amounts paid on behalf of a plaintiff from being considered in determining an insurance company’s liability for medical damages. SB 1113 (Migden; D-San Francisco) Incentive to Sue Expands reward to plaintiffs for costs of litigation stemming from private attorney general actions while providing no-cost recovery for those who must defend themselves against such actions, even if those actions are found to be baseless.

Paid Sick Leave Bill: Summary of Survey Results

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In last week's e-News, the Sacramento Metro Chamber asked members what they think of AB 2716 that would require employers to offer paid sick days. So far, 86 percent of respondents oppose the bill and yet 80 percent of the respondents' businesses currently offer sick leave benefits.

Nevertheless, 86 percent of those responding want the Metro Chamber to oppose the Paid Sick Leave Bill. The Metro Chamber's Executive Committee will be taking up the matter and making a decision in the upcoming weeks.

The survey is currently open, and a significant percentage of Metro Chamber members so far had replied.

Other survey findings:

30 percent had businesses with more than 100 employees, 25.3 percent had 6-20 employees, 25 percent 21 to 100 employees and 19 percent five or fewer employees.

65 percent offered between one and 10 sick days; and 15 percent offered 11 or more sick days.
40 percent reported the sick day benefit cost their firms more than $25,000 annually; of those, nearly 29 percent reported costs of greater than $100,000 annually.
45 percent reported they would cut other benefits if they had to free up resources to implement this new burden to business.
34 percent would not hire additional employees to free up resources.
40 percent would lay-off employees or reduce employees' salaries.
31 percent would increase prices.

Among comments as to what effect the proposed law would have on their business, Metro Chambers said:

As a small business, we try and control our payroll depending on the season to contain costs. This will hurt us financially especially if it is cumulative. There will be certain employees who will take advantage of this perk. There will also be employees who could use it. I just resent government telling me how to run my own business.
Every condition for using the time would be utilized. This would be like workers comp. before the reforms, people would game the system!
It would provide a negative impact. It promotes staff to take more days off. We find employees taking their sick leave now for questionable reasons....
The mandated benefit doesn't come out of thin air, and a smart business owner will find away to make either the customer or employee pay, one way or the other. It's simple economics, I think the legislators either don't understand the complete issue or don't care about the unintended consequences.
I would have to close the business.
We do provide paid sick days, but accruing unused sick (leave) is onerous. It would cost us a substantial amount of money.
Increase payroll costs, increase timekeeping costs, reduce flexibility with employee benefits.
Multiple levels of change. Accrual methods that differ from other benefits. Software changes needed in new and older programs that may not have upgrades available. More burden placed on employer, while employee has no burden. Extra hours of unproductive time and wages will have to be passed down to consumers. This would have a great negative impact on our business.
The additional cost of this new bill in paid sick pay to the rest of my employees would be enormous.
The company would immediately decrease the number of sick days currently awarded full-time employees. The negative impact is severe and would take many hours to calculate.
It will increase the cost of our product and force us to pass those costs on to consumers. If the market is unwilling to pay a higher price, then we will have to layoff employees to reflect higher costs associated with being an employer. At some point soon, we may move our business out of the state. California is not a business-friendly state. I love it here, but it is getting very hard to maintain a profitable business with the high direct taxes and indirect ones such as this bill.

The survey also asked for respondents for comments to pass to the region's 12-member state legislative delegation. Here's a sampling:

I feel that the legislature has no idea how difficult it is to run a small business, and the fact that someone is in "business" must mean they can accommodate health plans, mandated sick leave etc. We already pay a lot of matching taxes, and I assume, in addition to pay more taxes, we have to pay the employee too! We already have to have workman's comp. It feels like local governments are desperately trying to tie the lack of a universal health plan by state and federal governments onto businesses because they have no other resource.
This is simply one of the worst bills of all time. The originators of this bill have obviously never worked with human resources, payroll, or even general business practices. Employers should only have to pay for time worked, all other payments for time not worked MUST be left at the employers discretion. Employee retention is the motivation for an employer, not ridiculous legislation.
Why does this legislature persist in dis-incentivizing employment and driving employers out of state?
If they don't oppose this bill more company's will be required to reduce benefits, cut salaries, raise fees, and lose out to out-of-state companies. It will also drive out businesses in California. It seems the state has already put a major burden on the backs of companies in California. Enough is enough!
Government should be focused on the real problems of its citizens, not expanding and dictating fringe benefits. Shouldn't the government be trying to improve the economy (by less regulation), not creating a more-hostile business environment in California?
Do not allow government to dictate the "benefits" an employer offers to employees. Let the market determine what is fair and equitable.
One particularly loony provision of this bill allows an employee who does not have a spouse or domestic partner to "designate a person for which he or she may use paid sick days to provide care" (a neighbor, a friend, his dog or cat, who knows?). This is "nanny government" at its absolute worst!!
This is another obstacle in doing business in California. This is especially true for the mid and small size businesses which are the backbones of this country. Legislature needs to remember if there are no businesses there will be no employees or jobs. If business taxes are down, government spending will be down or the State will go into bankruptcy.
This is one of the most outrageous proposals I have heard in a long time. I already offer my employees paid vacation and holidays.
It is bad enough that the government workers have as many holidays, sick days and other perks that do not mandate that they work, and now they want us in the private industry to follow suit. Well, we do not have the deep pockets the government has. And it is so easy for them to spend it, due to them extrapolating it from our lives and businesses. Enough is enough when it comes to the government telling us how to spend our money.
While I believe that every responsible employer should provide their employees with sick benefits, the law as currently written is too restrictive and will place an excessive burden on small business...and, let's face it, if employer's costs go up everybody's costs go up.
Strongly oppose this bill. Leave the running of businesses to the business men and women. The state has a large deficit due to the brilliant business practices of our legislature. The private business person can't stay in business if the costs to run it keep escalating.
I feel private businesses with 50+ employees should be looking to improve the quality of life for their employees. It leads to retention, loyalty. I think it's a shame that my tax dollars go to state employees, rather than supporting our community and the private business owner. I do feel the law should take into account the number of employees on the payroll. Larger businesses, that employ 50+ can certainly afford the benefit.

Dialoguing with Our State Officials: Metro Chamber members go to State Capitol armed with region’s priorities

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

More than 110 business leaders attended State Advocacy Day on June 18, continuing advocacy started on Capitol-to-Capitol Trip for the Metro Chamber's leading priorities of flood protection, transportation and economic development, health care, workforce development and education, and land use and natural resources. “It was great to see so many Sacramento Metro Chamber members take part in this year's program,” said event co-chair Deborah Pacyna of Fleishman-Hillard. “It’s so important for us to remain in dialogue with all of our regional lawmakers.” This year’s State Advocacy Day was a prime example of regional collaboration and cooperation at its best. 79 meetings were held by Metro Chamber participants with elected representatives and state agency officials—more than double the number of meetings held in 2007. “Convening regional business leaders, policy experts, government representatives and our elected officials to discuss key policy issues, is a critical component in determining future regional prosperity,” said Kelly Brenk, Metro Chamber governmental affairs manager. “By fostering collaborative and open relationships with our civic leaders and leading the charge for innovative economic development policy, common sense budget practices and investment in critical infrastructure as our delegation did on State Advocacy Day, we can work together in an effective manner to shape the direction of our region,” said Matt Yancey, Metro Chamber director of business and economic development. Participants heard from Senators Dave Cox, R-Sacramento, and Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, who notably agreed that a balanced approached to solving the state’s budget problems was needed and CalChamber CEO Allan Zaremberg. Also speaking were and political party gurus Roger Salazar, political consultant, California Democratic Party, and Kevin Spillane, political consultant, California Republican Party in a q-and-a session moderated by KCRA Channel 3/KQCA 58 reporter Kevin Riggs. Among the speakers’ noteworthy comments: • Sen. Darrell Steinberg—The state’s tax system “doesn’t work” as it’s overly reliant on personal income tax; lowering the sales tax rate and extending to some services might be better. • Sen. Dave Cox—Encouraged businesspeople to come to the State Capitol on a regular basis and communicate to elected representatives frequently. • CalChamber CEO Allan Zaremberg—States that have established a sales tax on services have eventually repelled it. “It’s not closing a tax loop hole, it’s increasing costs…8 percent. • Democratic Party consultant Roger Salazar—The next governor of California will be Jerry Brown. “You can throw anything at him and nothing sticks to him.” • GOP Party consultant Kevin Spillane: Sen. John McCain will campaign in California. “He doesn’t want to lose the state.” More details of the State Advocacy Day, including meeting summary excerpts will be posted soon at metrochamber.org.

NorCal WTC hosts Chinese delegation studying economic development

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Northern California World Trade Center on June 3 hosted a high level government delegation from the Henan Province in China. Henan borders Hebei to the north, Shandong to the northeast, Anhui to the southeast, Hubei to the south, Shaanxi to the west, and Shanxi to the northwest. With nearly 100 million people, Henan is the most populous province of China by residency. The visiting delegation came to Sacramento as part of Sacramento State's Continuing School of Education programs and consisted of 26 officials that focused on learning the Sacramento regional approach to Economic Development. The group was able to learn from our region's experts and discussed best practices the group can utilize to increase the economic diversity in their own province. The delegation also learned how our region aligns and focuses the resources from the City of Sacramento, LEED, Metro Chamber and the Northern California World Trade Center to facilitate International Economic Development throughout our region. Speaking were Dion Dwyer, executive director of the NorCal World Trade Center NCWTC, James Rinehart of the City of Sacramento, Dave Butler, CEO of LEED and Matt Yancey, Metro Chamber business and economic development director. The Northern California World Trade Center acts as a connector, facilitator and resource provider for business looking to interact on the global stage.

Scholarship fund established to honor late Raymond Nelson, former Metro Chamber board chair

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Sacramento lost a great community leader last year with the passing of Raymond Nelson, who served many organizations in this region both philanthropically and with his great talent. He was a past chair of the Sacramento Metro Chamber board of directors and a principal at Wilcox Miller & Nelson executive search consultants. Recently, leaders of organizations where Nelson served formed a committee to help raise a scholarship fund in his memory, and we would like to ask you to contribute whatever you can to this endeavor. The scholarship will be awarded each year to an outstanding business student at one of our local Universities. This student will be qualified based on freshmen grades, an essay, and a personal interview; and will exemplify several of the key traits Nelson valued: personal integrity, commitment to family, entrepreneurship and why giving back to the community is so important. The committee hopes to raise enough money to fund a perpetual endowment. Alternatively, the scholarship will be in place for as long as funds areavailable. His wife, Marilyn Nelson, has agreed to sit on the SRCF committee that will administer the fund and decide which worthy student will receive the scholarship each year. Members of the Raymond Nelson Scholarship Committee will support her in every effort. The three finalists will write a 1,000 word essay will participate in a short interview to be conducted by Marilyn Nelson and/or her designee. The Sacramento Region Community Foundation has agreed to support this effort and will accept, manage and distribute funds as advised by Marilyn Nelson and the SRCF committee. A contribution to the fund will be tax deductible and a receipt with appropriate tax ID information will be provided when your donation is received (include your mailing address with response). Contributions may be sent to: The Raymond Nelson Scholarship Fund c/o Sacramento Region Community Foundation 740 University Ave. Suite 110 Sacramento, CA 95825 For more information, contact the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, 916-921-7723 or info@sacregcf.org.

Cap-to-Cap success: Matsui amends legislation to connect region's business incubators to federal program

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, successfully amended the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5819) to help entrepreneurs implement their ideas and shepherd them through production and commercialization. The amendment will encouragebusiness incubators—entities that provide startup companies with resources and services to grow their businesses—to partner with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award recipients. “When you hear the word ‘incubator,’ an image is called to mind of a safe environment that allows growth to happen. Business incubators are entities that do just that: they provide our innovators and entrepreneurs a stable environment in which to move their ideas from concept to reality,” said Rep. Matsui. In Sacramento, incubators such as CleanStart and the McClellan Technology Incubator have already had a demonstrably positive effect on the maturation of the business climate in Sacramento. Business incubators provide startup companies with technical and management assistance, access to equipment, shared offic space, networking opportunities with other local businesses and venture capital groups, and a host of other services. Put simply, these incubators undertake the task of shepherding entrepreneurial companies from the initial idea stage to product implementation and, eventually, commercialization. The companies which receive SBIR grants, are by definition, small, innovative and with brandnew research. These are just the type of companies best situated to take advantage of the tools an incubator can provide. This amendment will support and strengthen the objectives of the SBIR program. "This action by Rep. Matsui is a direct outcome of discussions on Capitol Hill during the recent Metro Chamber Cap-to-Cap trip," said J.D. Stack, CEO of Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance. "SARTA participated in these discussions as a member of the Clean/Green Technology Team." The team asked for federal funding support of business incubation programs focused on growing clean technology firms. "I was surprised and delighted by the quick action taken by Congresswoman Matsui," Stack said. Congresswoman Matsui's amendment on this bill is a big step for growing Sacramento's technology-based economy, Stack added. "This legislation will provide opportunities for crucial funding and business development assistance for innovative companies in our region's burgeoning clean technology and medical technology sectors. Her leadership on this important federal research and development program is most timely and valuable for local economic development efforts." There are over 1,100 incubators in the United States, and the vast majority of these are non-profit organizations, such as the McClellan Technology Incubator. According to the National Business Incubation Association, incubators in North America assisted more than 27,000 startup companies that generated more than $17 billion in 2005 alone. Section 404 of H.R. 5819 requires Federal agencies to encourage partnerships between small companies that receive SBIR awards and prime contractors, venture capital companies, and larger businesses. The intent of these partnerships is to help SBIR awardees get their products to the commercial phase faster. However, Section 404 did not require these partnerships to include business incubators, even though these incubators are uniquely positioned—in fact, designed—to help small companies make the transition from concept to commercial product. The Matsui amendment requires that business incubators are included in these provisions. “Cultivating our workforce, which is largely comprised of small businesses, will help ensure that America remains competitive in the evolving global market. By providing resources to innovative new businesses, we are taking action now to grow the cutting-edge workforce of tomorrow,” said Rep. Matsui. “The bill we passed today reinvests in research and development in the sectors that will compose the workforce of tomorrow, including clean energy and technology. Taking steps now to help grow our small businesses will cultivate a better America for the future,” said Rep. Matsui.

METRO PAC ENDORSES KEVIN JOHNSON FOR MAYOR

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Metro PAC, the independent political action committee of the Sacramento Metro Chamber—has endorsed candidate Kevin Johnson in the race for mayor of Sacramento. “Sacramento is at a crossroads and requires a mayor now with a credible vision and leadership,” said Rick Fowler, chair of the Metro PAC board. “Throughout his life and especially over the last decade, Kevin Johnson has demonstrated a unique blend of vision, entrepreneurial spirit and strong leadership that will positively advance the city of Sacramento forward on key issues and catalytic projects.” Last year, Metro PAC issued a call to the business community, asking leaders to step up and run for elected office, Fowler said. “We were looking for candidates from the business community who demonstrated big-picture thinking, political savvy, common-sense decision-making and a strong business sense.” “Kevin Johnson is a business person who understands what it means to meet a payroll and deadlines. He understands economic development—as evidenced by the new businesses and jobs he helped create in Oak Park. There is a strong connection between a thriving business community and quality schools and neighborhoods.” The Metro Chamber’s PAC joins other organizations in Sacramento—including labor and law enforcement groups—in endorsing Johnson. “We stand with Sacramento Police Officers Association, Sacramento Builders Exchange, Sacramento Labor Council, United Food and Commercial Workers Union in support of Mr. Johnson,” Fowler said. “He clearly is a candidate with a vision for economic development that’s grounded in reality, experience and tested by time.” Metro PAC, composed of volunteer business leaders, interview candidates for mayor last week and has issued endorsements for other races this season throughout the six-county region. Those endorsements can be viewed online at metrochamber.org. Metro PAC was established in 1985 by the Metro Chamber Board of Directors, who believed that for the Metro Chamber to be an effective advocate on behalf of the Sacramento region's business community, it must employ a full spectrum public affairs and advocacy approach, including endorsing and financially supporting candidates for public office who support the Metro Chamber's mission of fostering regional economic prosperity.

SAVE THOUSANDS ON HEALTH INSURANCE: New Metro Chamber member benefit offers access to major providers

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber introduces a new health care insurance program—Ben-e-lect—that can save member businesses thousands of dollars. Ben-e-lect offers savings on medical, dental and vision plans for businesses with two or more employees. “We are pleased that the Metro Chamber can offer members another valuable, money-saving benefit as important and vital as health care insurance,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. Enrolling in the program can lower actual plan costs by an average of more than 30 percent per year, can maintain or improve benefits that member employers provide their employees and provide access to leading insurance carriers in the area. Other features include fast, efficient turnkey administration and full financial reporting of plan results. “The Ben-e-lect Plan is currently helping thousands of employers lower their medical, dental and vision plan costs and control benefits,” said Mark Reynolds, president of Ben-e-lect. “It can work for your business as well.” To learn more about the insurance, visit the Membership page of metrochamber.org or contact Ben-e-lect at 888-886-7973. Ben-e-lect is one of several discount programs offered by the Sacramento Metro Chamber. Others include discounts on office supplies, health insurance and supplemental insurance. For more information, visit Member Discounts page.

SACRAMENTO AWARDED STATE FUNDS TO MOVE RR TRACKS: Metro Chamber, agencies championed project before California Transportation Commission

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber today celebrates the awarding of $20 million in funds by the California Transportation Commission for the city of Sacramento’s project to straighten railroad tracks at the Sacramento Valley Station. The Metro Chamber supported the realignment proposal and had testified before the CTC in February on behalf of the project. The California Transportation Commission selected the track relocation for the matching funds following a highly competitive review process. The money will come from Proposition 1B transportation bonds approved by voters in November 2006. “This funding award is a sterling example of what agencies can do when they cooperate on projects that have a lasting, regional impact,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “The mayor, city council, Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments—along with the Metro Chamber—joined forces, and this is the excellent result of that kind of leadership.” Moving the tracks 500 feet north will improve freight and passenger service, improve air quality, reduce congestion and better integrate a new transit station into the proposed UP Railyards infill project. “A substantial side benefit will accrue by stimulating redevelopment in one of the largest infill sites in the entire country,” Mahood added. “The UP Railyards project is consistent with our region’s awarding-winning Blueprint regional growth strategy.” The CTC funding will help secure federal matching money—some $19.6 million. A request for those federal funds was a priority item on the Metro Chamber’s just-concluded Capitol-to-Capitol Trip to Washington, D.C. The city’s track relocation project has already been recognized by Congress as one of the first nine projects in the nation to be considered for federal rail relocation funding. The estimated total for the project is estimated at $45-50 million. The city will fund the first $40 million, with the remainder to be split between the city and Railyards developers Thomas Enterprises. The city will also contribute Measure A Sales tax. Construction is expected to get underway in early 2010, with completion by the end of 2010.

Metro Chamber endorses bill to help develop local markets for renewable energy systems

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber Board of Directors recently endorsed AB 811 (Levine) as recommended by the chamber’s Economic Development and Regulatory Affairs Committee. This bill will provide cities throughout California with a mechanism to further develop local markets for renewable energy systems. The bill has passed the Assembly and is currently in committee in the Senate. The bill will allow a general law city to establish, with approval of the property owners, an area in which it wishes to make loans for renewable energy systems. The property owners may then request loans from the city to finance installation. Loan repayments will be added to the property tax bill for the loan recipient. These costs will only be added to the tax bills of loan recipients. AB 811 represents a technical fix. Currently, charter cities are able to establish target areas in which they will make loans available to property owners wishing to install renewable energy systems. Before general law cities (the majority in California) can provide these loans, the state needs to include it as a provision in the powers granted to them. “Our state needs to use every measure possible to encourage clean and green technology,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “Bills like AB 811 will make it easier for residents and businesses to upgrade their homes with solar and similar technology. The more we can develop a market, the more products we’ll have to choose from—and that will help to reduce acquisition costs over the long run.” The bill is supported by the California Business Properties Association and the California Solar Energy Industries Association and has been received broad support.

SACRAMENTO METRO CHAMBER ENDORSES COMMUNITY COLLEGE INITIATIVE

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 04:00:00 GMT

At its board of directors meeting yesterday, the Sacramento Metro Chamber voted to endorse the Community College Initiative on the February 2008 statewide ballot. “In order to keep California’s competitive edge over the next 20 years, almost 40 percent of the workforce will need to be college educated. Unfortunately, today we are well below that percentage,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber. “Our community college system is this region's lynchpin to ensuring we produce the highly skilled workers required to meet the demands of the next technological era." Passing the Community College Initiative will offer more affordable and accessible academic and vocational education for both recent high school graduates and those returning to school. And the initiative does this without raising taxes. The Sacramento Metro Chamber is the second largest chamber of commerce in the state of California with nearly 2,500 member businesses. As the Sacramento region’s leading business organization creating economic strength throughout the six-county Sacramento region, the Metro Chamber realizes that critical importance of growing human capital from within the community in order to serve as leaders in the workforce for tomorrow. The Community College Initiative makes a commitment to community colleges, ensuring they receive adequate and stable funding. The measure guarantees a stable system of independent public community college districts and Board of Governors; requires minimum levels of state funding that grows along with the student population, and sets fees at $15 dollars per unit and limits future fee increases to no more than the cost of living. The Sacramento Metro Chamber joins a broad coalition of community college leaders, advocates, local trustees and students – including the California Federation of Teachers, the Community College League of California, the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, the California School Employees Association and the Los Angeles College Faculty Guild - in supporting the Community College Initiative For more information on the Community College Initiative, please visit www.CaliforniansForCommunityColleges.org.

A SUSTAINABLE SECTOR: Sacramento region has brains, needs to buy

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Two industry experts in clean energy technology and green buildings said the Sacramento region has the intellectual capital to become an industry center, but the region itself needs to be its own best customer and buy the products dreamed up and built here. U.S. Green Building Council Chair and Founder David Gottfried and UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center Director Andy Hargadaon spoke to 300 business and community leaders at the Sustainable Sacramento Industry Breakfast Aug. 24, co-hosted by the Metro Chamber and the Sacramento Business Journal. So in demand for information on this emerging sector that there was a wait-list of 50 for seats. What They Said Of Note: —Development and use of clean energy and green technology is business and economic tidal wave. —The word “green can refer to many activities, but defines reduction of a business, buildings or individual’s carbon footprint; basically, it’s a way of operating efficiently and effectively—and results in cost savings over the long run. —Jurisdictions across the U.S. are supporting the “green buildings” sector by cutting property taxes (state of Nevada by one-half), providing massive tax credits—up to $200 million—on LEED certified buildings, or providing a “density” bonus. —Walmart is reducing cardboard packaging by 25 percent. —Wind generation in Europe is saturated because of favorable government incentives, so European wind turbine manufacturers are turning to selling in the U.S., and thus bad for American companies in the same market. —Sacramento is rated at 14th as a “sustainable” community, based upon a variety of metrics but it can do much more to improve its rating. —Sacramento is also rated in the top 10 of “best and brightest” communities because of the intellectual capital here. —The Sacramento region has a cluster of companies building solar power equipment and a nucleaus of buyers—such as Lennar Communties—purchasing. Both sides of the market are growing in the region, one of the few to be doing so. “We are the best market.” —Businesses now have a “triple” bottomline to consider when making decisions: economy, environment and social equity.” —What leaking faucets were to the 1970s’ drought, so is waste of electricity through plugged-in appliance chargers (cell phone, etc.) —A price needs to be put on carbon use, such as a tax, to encourage conservation. —Everyone is their own “offset,” i.e., individuals must practice carbon generation reduction. —Industry progress is made not in the labs but through usage—getting a clean or green energy technology product out in the marketplace. —More engineers are needed; the sector doesn’t have enough workers.

SAYING YES TO CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ZONE: Metro Chamber testifies on behalf of city of Sacramento proposed economic development plan

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber supports the city of Sacramento’s proposed Clean Energy Technology incentive zone, approved Aug. 21 by the Sacramento City Council. In testimony before council members, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Advocacy Michael Faust said, “We look forward to the day the city has a Clean Energy Technology incentive zone up and running.” “When the city is ready to make that move, please know that the Metro Chamber will be there to partner with you to make sure that it is loaded with Clean Energy Technology companies and the jobs that come with them. Our region is well positioned to become the Clean Energy Capital of the World. This will be the significant industry of the future,” Faust said. In fact, the Metro Chamber in July committed itself to help lead the charge for the region to add more than 20,000 direct and indirect Clean Energy Technology jobs to the region by 2015. “Not only do we believe this number is achievable, the Metro Chamber believes it can and will be the bedrock of the next tidal wave of economic development in our region,” Faust said.

MOVING BUSINESS FORWARD: Metro Chamber’s BRE program has new manager, heads into second phase

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 04:00:00 GMT

As the Sacramento Metro Chamber moves into the next phase of its business retention and expansion efforts, it announces a new manager who has joined the staff, Matt Yancey, director of business and economic development. Yancey, who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from CSU Chico, formerly served as an associate project manager with the Sacramento office of Applied Development Economics. He is familiar with the Metro Pulse BRE system, having sat on the steering committee as a representative of ADE, a sponsor of the program. As Metro Pulse begins to assist regional businesses, Yancey and the steering committee will work to connect them with the appropriate resources for their specific growth/expansion needs. Businesses can take a self-assessment at metropulse.org. “The Metro Chamber and participating jurisdictions are meeting regularly to review the program's performance and ensure that all businesses that have completed the self-assessment are being referred to the resources they need,” Yancey said. Focusing on business retention and expansion is a Metro Chamber priority for 2007 and will continue to be so in the future. “Much is at stake as the Sacramento region has the opportunity, with forward thinking and regional cooperation, to claim the title as “the place” to grow a business,” Yancey noted. “And the Metro Chamber is leading the way with programs such as Metro Pulse.” Additionally, efforts to promote the development of the region’s clean energy technology sector—part of the Partnership for Prosperity cluster of five initiatives to grow and plan the economy in the six-county region—will frame many of the Metro Chamber’s activities and events going forward, Yancey added. “Businesses will find that the Metro Chamber has channeled its advocacy efforts at securing flood protection funding from state and federal sources, at ensuring we get our fair share of state transportation bond dollars and at proactively working to connect our businesses to the resources they need. This is all a long-view strategy that’s going to make our region the best place to do business in California and a center for the emerging clean energy technology sector,” he said.

ACCE CONVENTION: ABOVE EXPECTATIONS--Larger attendance by chamber of commerce executive exceeded projections

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Last week’s convention of American Chamber of Commerce Executives that ended Aug. 4, exceeded attendance expectations, according to organizers. Attendance hit 1,154—including 900 chamber of commerce executives from around the nation and 64 participants from international chambers of commerce. The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau estimated that the convention would have an economic impact of $1.3 million from the 2,700 hotel bed nights and other spending by participants. “Thanks to ACCE's convention here, we have now a thousand new ambassadors for the city of Sacramento. “And that kind of word-of-mouth is hard to put a price tag on. It's priceless,” said Matt Mahood, president and CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, host chamber for the event. Two years ago, the Metro Chamber convinced ACCE to hold its 2007 annual convention in Sacramento, working with the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The convention has exceeded expectations in terms of facility, hospitality and the program,” said ACCE president & CEO Mick Fleming. “Chambers from around the country and around the world participated enthusiastically and greatly enjoyed their experience here. We’ve had nothing but favorable comments about the way they’ve been treated and the substance and the value of the program.”

SACRAMENTO TO HOST LARGEST GATHERING EVER OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

As a host town, Sacramento is making history among chamber of commerce executives in the United States. More than 1,000—the largest American Chamber of Commerce Executives convention ever—will gather Aug. 1-4 at the Sacramento Convention Center to discuss domestic and international challenges. The national convention was recruited to Sacramento by the Metro Chamber and the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau. Among highlights will be the celebration of former Sacramento Metro Chamber CEO Rusty Hammer, who is being named in an Aug. 3 event a Life Member of the organization for his decades of management excellence and community leadership. “We’re looking forward to accentuating the best of Sacramento for our counterparts from around the country and the world,” said Matt Mahood, president and CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, the host chamber for this year’s ACCE convention. “Sacramento is a superb community in which to live and do business, and the attendees of this ACCE conference will be able to see it firsthand.” Two years ago, Mahood lobbied the ACCE board to hold the annual convention in Sacramento. Of the 1,000 confirmed registrants, more than 800 are chamber presidents, CEOs or executives. Steve Hammond, president and CEO of the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) heralded the arrival of the chambers of commerce as an honor for the city and an important piece for the city’s meetings portfolio. “This group brings substantial economic impact and future credibility for the SCVB in terms of marketing Sacramento to other meeting planners,” said Hammond. The conference requires more than 2,700 hotel room nights and will bring more than $1.2 million in economic impact to the area. “In terms of positive advertising for our community, this is a group that we certainly want to impress,” continued Hammond. “Conventions like this bring in executive level attendees that have influence with the other organizations they belong to—and this generates referrals for future conventions and trade shows. Having chamber of commerce executives from all over North America visit Sacramento is a real coup.” Over the convention’s four-day run, attendees will identify and analyze trends, improve management effectiveness and share ideas to build stronger communities. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Michael Leavitt, as well as renowned business and economic experts Steve Forbes and Knight Kiplinger, are among the meeting’s keynote speakers. More than 70 educational sessions will focus on domestic and international economic challenges and opportunities, as well as quality of life issues. For more information on the conference, session and speakers, see www.acce.org/convention07.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONVENTION STARTS TODAY: More than a thousand visitors expected at Sacramento Convention Center Aug. 1-4

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

SACRAMENTO—The annual American Chamber of Commerce Executives convention begins today at the Sacramento Convention Center for its four-day run, Aug. 1-4. The convention was recruited to Sacramento by the Sacramento Metro Chamber and the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This is a unique and diverse event,” says Mick Fleming, ACCE’s president. “Every type of chamber leader, from the government relations director at a major metropolitan chamber to the CEO of a small rural chamber, attends this meeting. Attendees return to their respective chambers with the latest in best practices, emerging trends, and strategies for success, in order to better lead businesses and their communities.” Of the 1,000 confirmed registrants, more than 800 are chamber presidents, CEOs or executives. The conference will offer nearly 70 sessions in 10 different tracks: leadership, membership operations, membership sales, economic development, communications, small business development, finance, events, workforce, and government relations. These educational sessions will focus on domestic and international economic challenges and opportunities, as well as quality of life issues. Keynote Speakers • Thursday, Aug. 2, Keynote Breakfast, 8-9:45 a.m.—Steve Forbes, president and CEO of Forbes and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine. • Thursday, Aug. 2, Keynote Lunch, noon-1:45 p.m.—Knight Kiplinger, editor-in-chief of The Kiplinger Letter, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and Kiplinger.com. • Friday, Aug. 3, Keynote Breakfast, 8-9:45 a.m.—Debra Benton, executive coach and author, expert on the art of leadership. • Friday, Aug. 3, Keynote Lunch, 12:45-2 p.m.—Michael Leavitt, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. • Friday, Aug 3, CEO Conference—Michael Dowd, chief campaign strategist for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006 and for Bush-Cheney in 2004; founding partner of ViaNovo, an international communications and brand positioning firm. • Friday, Aug. 3, CEO Conference—Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development; former four-term mayor of San Antonio, Texas. • Friday, Aug. 3, CEO Conference—Dr. Robert Baur, managing director of trading and economics, Principal Global Investors. • Friday, Aug. 3, Management Keynote, 2-3 p.m.—Doug Keeley, corporate workforce and membership development motivator; CEO and chief storyteller of The Mark of A Leader.” • Saturday, Aug. 4, Keynote Breakfast, 8-9:30 a.m.—Dr. Howard Fuller, leader in fundamental education reform and school choice; founder/director of the Institute for the Transformation of Learning, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis. • Saturday, Aug. 4, Closing Keynote, noon-2 p.m.—Joel Kotkin, internationally recognized authority on global, economic, political and social trends. For more information on the conference, session and speakers, see www.acce.org/convention07.

FORMER METRO CHAMBER CEO RUSTY HAMMER TO RECEIVE ACCE HONOR AT AWARDS GALA

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Former Sacramento Metro Chamber CEO Rusty Hammer will be honored Aug. 3 by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives as a Life Member of the organization for his decades of management excellence and community leadership. Hammer was president & CEO of the Metro Chamber from 1994 to 2001. “We’re thrilled Rusty is receiving this high chamber of commerce honor,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO of the Metro Chamber. “Much of the Metro Chamber’s success today is a result of a solid foundation Rusty put in place. He made us truly a modern regional chamber of commerce with voice and influence.” The Life Member award to Hammer will be presented at the ACCE Annual Awards Gala, 7-10 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. Hammer is currently president emeritus of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. He left the position in 2005 due to a battle with leukemia and is currently writing an inspirational book on the lessons he’s learned from the illness. Before joining the Los Angeles Chamber as president and CEO in 2001, Hammer was CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber. He was also the founder, president and CEO of the Northern California World Trade Center. Following graduation from high school, Hammer was elected to the City Council in San Jose bedroom community of Campbell, in 1972, becoming the youngest elected official in U.S. history at the age of 18. In 1975, he was elected mayor of Campbell, the youngest mayor of an incorporated city in U.S. history. He served two terms as mayor and “retired” from politics in 1982. Over the last 30 years of community and political involvement, Hammer has served as a governing board member of many local, regional and national charitable and philanthropic organizations. Hammer is the recipient of numerous awards, including being named one of the Five Outstanding Young Men of California; Who’s Who in the West; Who’s Who in America; Who’s Who in Industry; and the 1996 JCC Friendship Cup Award. For more information on the conference, session and speakers, see www.acce.org/convention07.

20,000 NEW JOBS BY 2015: Metro Chamber commits to leading drive to grow region’s clean energy technology sector

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber announced it will lead the charge to add more than 20,000 new jobs created from the region’s emerging clean energy technology sector and the region is well-positioned to become the Clean Energy Capital of the World. “If we all do our part, and work together in a coordinated and cohesive manner, all pulling together at the same time, our region can use clean energy technology to become what Silicon Valley became during DOT com explosion—but with a more sustainable outcome,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO, during today’s annual Metro Chamber State of the Region Forum. More than 330 business and civic leaders attended the forum at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, where members of the boards of supervisors from the region’s six counties detailed clean energy developments in their jurisdictions. Also speaking was UC Davis professor Dr. Dan Sperling of the Institute of Transportation Studies. Mahood committed the Metro Chamber to drive a regional effort of growing clean and green energy technology related companies by helping to: • Streamline regulations • Align regional business organizations around common objectives, leveraging unique strengths to further this shared initiative, • Ensure the region has the proper workforce to meet the jobs skills that will be needed, • Promote clean energy technology initiatives at the regional, state and federal levels, • Be out front advocating for policies, programs and incentives for companies to start and expand in the region, • Work to make the state and local jurisdictions bigger and better customers, • And expand incentives for clean tech consumers and customers. “As the region’s leading business organization,” Mahood said, “the Metro Chamber we will lead the charge to add more than 20,000 direct and indirect clean energy technology jobs to the region by 2015. Not only do we believe this number is achievable, the Metro Chamber believes this industry sector can and will be the next tidal wave of economic prosperity in our region.” Mahood said the Metro Chamber will join strategic partners—Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance, Linking Education and Economic Development, CleanStart, Sacramento Area Commerce & Trade Organization, Valley Vision, Partnership for Prosperity and others—to ensure the six-county region emerges as the worlds “Green Zone” for clean energy technology, defined to include: • Renewable energy—solar, wind, bio-energy, and environmentally friendly hydro-electric technologies, • Energy efficiency and demand response—energy management systems technology, electricity end-use, green buildings and grid applications, • Environment-enhancing technologies—advanced flue gas clean-up, ultra-low emissions generation such as fuel cells, environmental remediation and exceptionally efficient generation, • And enabling technologies—power electronics, storage, low-loss cables and wires, sensors and instrumentation, control systems, materials and manufacturing technology, and integrated clean energy applications. Dr. Dan Sperling of the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies agreed with Mahood that Sacramento is well-positioned to capitalize on the emerging sector, given that UC Davis is the world’s leader in clean energy research, California is showing strong leadership in climate change policy and Sacramento is one of the top green leadership cities in the nation. “The challenge is how to build on a solid foundation,” Sperling said, noting that it will be innovation and leadership—and not simple solutions—that are necessary for society to convert from petroleum to alternate energy sources. Leadership by individuals, businesses and governments will be needed collectively, he added. The point was illustrated by members of the boards of supervisors of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties. They said their county offices were including green building techniques in new county office construction and replacing vehicles with hybrid and natural gas engines. Counties were finding obstacles, however, with regulations that prevented construction of facilities to produce alternate energy and asked for help from the Metro Chamber to eliminate of the hurdles they face. “The regulatory environment is frustrating us,” concluded Helen Baumann, chair of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors. The next Metro Chamber event on this topic is "Sustainable Sacramento"—an Industry Breakfast on Friday, Aug. 24—that will feature the business impacts and opportunities associated as “sustainable” penetrates the region’s regulations, economy and practices. Register online at metrochamber.org.

NEXT ECONOMIC ERA FOR SACRAMENTO REGION: CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY--Metro Chamber State of Region Forum July 20 to examine emerging sector

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

For the six-county Sacramento region, clean energy technology, much like oil and gold, represents an era-making opportunity for business, entrepreneurs and employees. What the aerospace industry and the air force bases were to the economies of the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s, clean energy technology holds the same promise—if the region acts together across a wide area of activities. The Sacramento Metro Chamber—in its drive to make the Sacramento region “the” place to do clean energy business—is focusing attention of business and community leaders on what needs to be done to attract, expand and retain clean energy businesses, in coordination with the economic planning of the Partnership for Prosperity and other activities such as the annual Capitol-to-Capitol Trip to Washington, D.C., and ongoing workforce development, transportation planning and other joint regional initiatives. The State of the Region Forum (formerly State of the Counties) on Friday, July 20, at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, will examine the impacts and opportunities that this emerging sector can provide the region, where more than 60 companies in the clean energy and "green" technology business are now operating. Keynote speaker will be Dan Sperling, director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis. Sperling is currently helping to design the state’s new low-carbon-emissions fuel standard. A roundtable discussion among the members of the board of supervisors for the six-county region, moderated by David Hosley, president and general manager of KVIE Channel 6, will review aspects of the emerging industry in the various counties. Announcements of new businesses attracted to the area, new and developing public policy and other potential clean energy technology developments are expected during the forum. Members of County Boards of Supervisors set to speak are Helen K. Baumann; chair, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors; Bruce Kranz, chair, Placer County Board of Supervisors; Don Nottoli, chair, Sacramento County Board of Supervisors; Dan Silva, chair, Sutter County Board of Supervisors; Mariko Yamada, chair, Yolo County Board of Supervisors; and Dan Logue, vice chair, Yuba County Board of Supervisors. The State of the Counties Forum will be held 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Sacramento Metro Chamber is the region’s leading organization for promoting economic strength and serving as a unified voice of business throughout the six-county Sacramento region. Register

DO BUSINESS IN CHINA: NorCal WTC to lead trade mission for environmental technology

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

With the Sacramento region out front in clean technology, the Northern California World Trade Center will lead a trade mission to China Oct. 8-18. The mission will provide up to 30 California environmental technology firms with the knowledge and contacts to expand into China and take advantage of the multitude of opportunities that exist in this large and growing market. The Environmental Technology Trade & Business Development Mission will visit Beijing and Shanghai and the CeBIT Asia Trade Show. Participating companies will receive executive-level training and education sessions and other experiences to help build the skills, knowledge and contacts needed to create long-term success in the Chinese market. Other opportunities include matchmaking meetings with Chinese companies, briefings by U.S. and Chinese government officials, cultural excursions and success story roundtable discussions. Registration for this trip is only $3,900 and includes round-trip airfare, flights within China, nine nights accommodation in four-star hotels, most meals, ground transportation, interpreters, tour guides, entrance to cultural attractions, and much more. For more information and to register online, visit ncwtc.org or Jennifer Younathan at 916-319-4277.

EARLY ENDORSEMENTS: Metro PAC improves effectiveness and influence

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Stepping up advocacy efforts for business , the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s political action committee, Metro PAC , started fund raising early for the 2007-08 election cycle and is making early endorsements of regional candidates. “We’re making our voice for business stronger,” said Warren Smith, executive vice president of the Sacramento River Cats Baseball Club and Metro PAC chair. “We are investing in a political strategy that will help get elected candidates who are business friendly and have a vision for making our region prosper.” Part of the strategy to increase the effectiveness and influence of Metro PAC includes making early endorsements of candidates The strategy was outlined in the 2007 Business Plan, an outcome of the annual Metro Chamber board of directors retreat. “We are seeing results already,” Smith said. “Participation among the membership has increased and our Metro PAC fund-raising has shown extremely positive results.” Metro PAC is being transformed to meet the political realities the region is facing. “We need more elected officials who understand what it is to make a weekly payroll, handle personnel issues, improve sales and meet the burdens of regulations. And people who have proven effective leaders in our region, cooperating with other stakeholders.” Metro PAC-endorsed candidates • Susan Peters, Sacramento County Board of Supervisors • Roberta MacGlashan, Sacramento County Board of Supervisors • Renee Taylor, Sacramento Municipal Utility District Board of Directors • Christopher Cabaldon, 8th Assembly District

METRO CHAMBER MEMBERS VOICE NEED FOR REGION’S INFRASTRUCTURE

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Seventy business and civic leaders from the Sacramento region visited the State Capitol June 20 to advocate strongly for flood and transportation funds and land use issues as part of the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s State Advocacy Day. This was the first-ever regionally organized lobby effort among Metro Chamber businesses at the State Capitol. Mirroring the Metro Chamber’s annual and highly attended Capitol-to-Capitol Trip to Washington, D.C., the State Advocacy Day focused on critically important issues to the region’s economy—and how flood, transportation and land use issues are all interconnected to fostering regional prosperity. Prior to meeting the dozen state legislators, participants heard from highly recognized State Capitol figures, whose comments echoed the Metro Chamber’s advocacy positions that the region’s economy is strongly dependent on improving infrastructure. Speaking were John Fillmore, Gov. Schwarzenegger's deputy director of the governor's Office of Planning and Research; Jeff Randle of Randle Communications, who advises the governor; and Aaron Read of Read & Associates, one of the state capital's leading lobbyists. In particular, Fillmore emphasized that the Governor’s November 2004 bond initiatives for rebuilding the state will help keep the “California Dream” alive for the current population and the expected 12 million new people expected here in the next 20 years. Much of the Metro Chamber’s advocacy day centered on securing the region’s share of bond funding approved by voters in November 2004. The job of lobbying the region’s legislators to act on the region’s behalf collectively is made easier because area businesses, local officials and the community-at-large have seen the benefits of collaboration. Over the past three years, the Metro Chamber has worked diligently at getting extension of the Measure A transportation sales tax, at participating in the SACOG Blueprint land use planning strategy for smart growth and at achieving formation of the SAFCA flood protection assessment. This kind of progress to solve problems and raise funds locally empowers the Metro Chamber delegation when it lobbies state (and federal) officials for funding. “We’ve accomplished things in our region that others haven’t,” said Michael Faust, Metro Chamber senior vice president for public policy. “This increases our competitive advantage—for state and federal funds—and for attracting and retaining businesses.” The day ended with the Third Annual State Legislators Recognition Dinner, which honors the cooperation among the region’s state legislators in their collaboration that benefits the region’s economy. 2007 Regional Priority Issues at State Advocacy Day The following have been identified by the volunteer leadership of the Metro Chamber’s board of directors as 2007’s top regional priorities. Flood Protection—Secure real and immediate funding to provide 200-year flood protection for our region Sacramento is more vulnerable to a flood disaster than any other metropolitan area in the nation, and the Metro Chamber believes that the risk of flood is the greatest threat to continued economic prosperity. The Flood Team will encourage state representatives to fully fund the region’s flood protection projects identified in the Department of Water Resources project list issued for early funding, and to work with elected officials to ensure that the Sacramento region receives its fair share in all future rounds of funding from Proposition 1E and 84 funds. The Flood Team will also work in concert with the Land Use Team to ensure that all land use bills are responsible and keep land use authority at the local level in respect to flood control policy. Transportation—Advocate for balanced transportation solutions The Metro Chamber favors a transportation plan that balances public safety and interstate commerce with regional mobility and quality of life. The Team will seek support for priority projects from Proposition 1B funds already nominated by the California Transportation Commission (CTC) for funding, and those that still remain to make the CTC priority list. The Team will advocate for a series of projects from Proposition 1A and 1B funding, and will seek full funding of public transit in the state budget. The team will also ask for funding for improved infrastructure for goods and freight movement in the Sacramento region and support current efforts to address California’s long-term funding challenges. Land Use—Advocate for fair and effective land use policies at the state level The Land Use team will advocate for a series of integrated policies with the Flood and Transportation teams that seek to advance our region’s competitive advantage over other parts of the state by leveraging our unprecedented “bottom-up” strategy which steers local land use decisions (i.e. Blueprint). We will ask legislators to carefully consider the economic impact of land use legislation related to flood protection and to regional Smart Growth and CEQA initiatives. The Team seeks to ensure that the State Water Quality Board adopts a well reasoned State General Stormwater Construction Permit and State Wetlands policy. The Team will ask for Infrastructure funding for Blueprint planning from Proposition 1C funds and from a series of bills. For more information on Metro Chamber policy and advocacy activities, contact Michael Faust, senior vice president, at 916-321-9115 or mfaust@metrochamber.org.

Business, county officials to survey Arden Arcade businesses: Annual Arden Arcade Business Walk set for Friday, June 8

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:00:00 GMT

How’s business doing in Arden Arcade and how can it be improved? That’s what business and county officials ask Friday morning, June 8, during the Sacramento Metro Chamber Arden Arcade Business Council’s annual Arden Arcade Business Walk. This is the fourth year for the Business Walk. About 30 participants will visit up to 300 businesses in nine commercial corridors in Arden Arcade. “Our annual walks have a real impact,” said Tim Cahill, of Charles C. Bell, Inc., chair of the business council. “We’re able to find the hot issues impacting business and because of the participation of County of Sacramento officials and the Fulton Avenue Association, improvements can be made quickly.” Past Business Walks have addressed signage, traffic and policing needs, Cahill said. “This year, the Business Walk will focus on automotive related businesses while making visits to the variety of shops, stores and offices in the district.” For more information on the Business Walk, contact Michael Faust, senior vice president of public policy, Sacramento Metro Chamber, 916-321-9115 or mfaust@metrochamber.org or Tim Cahill, AABC Chair, 916-489-7682, tcahill@ccbell.com. Business Walk Schedule Assembly Point: Conzelmann Community at Howe Park, 2201 Cottage Way, Sacramento 95825 7:45 Breakfast served 8:00 Pre-walk logistics and mechanics talk 8:15 Supervisors Peters – Motivational speech 8:30 Crews Depart for Business Walk of Nine Commercial Corridors Noon Lunch Merrill Lynch1435 River Park Dr. #100, Sacramento, 95815 1:00 Team leaders give a summary 1:30 Break for day Sponsors for this year’s Business Walk include: Howe Community Center, Merrill Lynch, Chick-fil-a, Charles C. Bell, Inc., Fulton Avenue Association, Wal-Mart, Office Depot, RX Staffing, It’s Just Lunch, Emeigh Hardware.

METRO CHAMBER ENDORSES WEST SAC FLOOD PROTECTION

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber endorses the West Sacramento Flood Control assessment district election currently being conducted by mail ballot. The Metro Chamber’s Executive Committee voted May 29 to support the assessment, which will raise $84 million to help pay for levee improvements to achieve 100-year flood protection. “The efforts in West Sacramento for flood control are critical to the citizens and the business owners alike,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “The Metro Chamber worked hard to pass the recent successful SAFCA flood protection assessment election in Sacramento. We hope that its overwhelming passage by voters will energize residents in West Sacramento to approve their assessment.” Approximately $400 million is needed to pay for levee repairs in West Sacramento, with an approximately 79 percent federal and state match that will help pay for the entire project. Ballots were mailed in May and are due back by July 10, with results announced on July 16. A simple majority of property owners is needed for the ballot measure to win. More than 12,000 properties are in the proposed district. “One of the other important reasons the Metro Chamber endorses the flood protection assessment for West Sacramento is that the city is part of the Capital Region Core strategy to improve the riverfront and downtown districts,” Mahood said. “A strong regional core reaps many dividends for outlying areas. It needs protection and improvement to provide business and recreational resources for residents and visitors.” Flood protection is the Metro Chamber’s ongoing top public policy priority. The topic will be one of the issues that Metro Chamber members bring on June 20 to State Advocacy Day at the Capitol, when they will have private meetings with the region’s elected state officials on appropriations of Proposition 1E flood protection bond funds, transportation bond funds and other allocations. Contact Michael Faust, senior vice president of public policy, at 916-321-9115 or mfaust@metrochamber.org for more information.

Foothill companies receive Export Achievement award

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Two regional businesses were honored for their export success by the U.S. Department of Commercial Service during the recent Northern California World Trade Center Consular Corps Luncheon. The two local companies have taken advantage of the assistance of the local Commercial Service office, headed by George Tastard. The Export Achievement award was presented by Dr. David Sampson, deputy secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce. High Sierra Electronics, Katherine Slouber, president, is a woman-owned company which designs, manufactures and installs precise environmental systems. Based in Grass Valley, High Sierra employees 20 people and is noted for providing outstanding services and expert advice for water resource management, weather data collection and prevention of flood damage and loss of life. High Sierra has exported its services as far away as Italy, where they had a contract worth more than $350,000 with an Italian company. JEI, Inc., Jack Mahoney, president, is a manufacturer and exporter of digital voice recorders, analog recorders and audio switching networks. Based in Cameron Park and employing 20 people, JEI recently was re-awarded a bid for a digital voice recorder project with the Romanian government, worth nearly $130,000. “These two companies represent the opportunity of the 21st Century global economy,” Sampson said. “Small businesses in California communities selling their products and services half way around the world (are) creating jobs and opportunity here at home, and delivering cutting edge technology and services to our global neighbors.” The NCWTC is an affiliate of the Sacramento Metro Chamber. Visit online at norcalwtc.org.

FOREIGN TRADE: A MORAL IMPERATIVE--U.S. Dept. of Commerce deputy secretary speaks at World Trade Center luncheon

Tue, 29 May 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce reminded an audience of more than 350 at the Tenth Annual Capital City Consular Corps Luncheon that international trade is not an economic opportunity—it’s a moral imperative. Dr. David Sampson was one of several leading government officials to speak at the Northern California World Trade Center’s yearly event, which also saw 75 foreign government and trade officials in attendance. Sampson, a member of the Bush administration, noted that under President Bush free trade agreements had increased from six in 2000 to 14 by 2004. “Forty-two percent of U.S. exports are going to free trade partners,” Sampson noted, noting such agreements not only open doors to economic opportunity but to cultural ones as well. Sampson urged the approval of the Central America Free Trade Agreement, saying it will provide stability and economic opportunity to the trade partner countries. The opportunities for California from CAFTA will be impressive, based on results of the NAFTA agreement with Canada and Mexico. Mexico receives the most of California’s $128 billion in exports, with a value in 2006 of $19.6 billion. Canada was next, receiving $14 billion in exports from the state. Sampson quoted Thomas Jefferson, who said that the new nation must engage in foreign trade as it cultivates peace and commerce with all nations. “We take that charge seriously,” Sampson said. Also speaking at the Consular Corps Luncheon were Lt. Governor John Garamendi, Mayor of Sacramento Heather Fargo, Chair of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Don Nottoli, California Secretary of State Debra Bowen, Secretary of California Business, Transportation & Housing Agency Dale Bonner, Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Brice Harris and Director of Airports, Sacramento County Airport System Hardy Acree.

METRO CHAMBER TO HOLD FIRST STATE ADVOCACY DAY

Tue, 29 May 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber will hold its inaugural Annual State Advocacy Day, Wednesday, June 20. The State Advocacy Day program is modeled on the Metro Chamber’s successful Capitol-to-Capitol federal advocacy program. The Metro Chamber is applying the same strategy of regional cooperation to advocacy at the state level, because we believe the issues considered at the State Capitol significantly influence the economy and quality of life of the residents and employers in the six-county Sacramento region. The State Advocacy Day delegation will be divided into three policy teams focusing on Flood Protection, Transportation and Land Use. The Transportation Team will be lead by Robert Dugan of Granite Construction and Gene Endicott of Endicott Communications. The Flood Protection Team will be lead by Roy Brewer of Brewer-Lofgren LLC and Greg Eldridge of CH2MHill. The Land Use Team will be lead by Randy Schaber, of The Schaber Company, Gregg McKenzie of Pulte Homes and Mike McKeever of Sacramento Area Council of Governments. The 2007 Metro Chamber State Advocacy Day will begin with a lunch event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Registration opens at 11 a.m.) intended to update the delegation on policy and political activities in the state, will include afternoon lobbying appointments with members of the Sacramento Region State Legislative Delegation and conclude with the annual State Legislators Recognition Reception and Dinner. State Advocacy Day participants are invited and encouraged to attend the annual State Legislators Recognition Reception and Dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. respectively. However, registration for the State Legislators Recognition Reception and Dinner is separate from State Advocacy Day. Schedule State Advocacy Day Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Location: TBD Team Lobbying Appointments 2 to 5:00 p.m. State Capitol Building State Legislators Recognition Reception 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sheraton Grand State Legislators Recognition Dinner 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Sheraton Grand For more information on the Metro Chamber State Advocacy Day, contact Dave Mason by phone at 916-321-9154 or via email at dmason@metrochamber.org. Register

Metro Chamber names annual Small Business Award winners

Fri, 11 May 2007 04:00:00 GMT

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The Sacramento Metro Chamber named its annual Small Business Award recipients for 2007 during a reception held at the State Capitol Park following the May 9 Metro Expo trade show and collaboration conference.

Small Business Person of the Year
Craig Stevenson, CEO, e-VentExe

E-VentExe is a full-service professional human resources consulting and outsource company, which Stevenson co-owns with his wife, Amelya. Stevenson has more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and business management and provides guidance on products and services the company offers to the market, based upon business trends and demands. Headquartered in Roseville, e-VentExe is currently expanding to the Bay Area and in the process of opening an office to service the growing client base.

Over the past several years e-VentExe has grown to nine employees, with expectations of continued expansion based on the client needs.

Last year, e-VentExe overhauled in some form or fashion every part of the company to prepare for anticipated growth, including:

• New and expanded offices
• Transition from contract labor to FT employees
• Implementation of a new accounting system
• Upgrades in telephone technology
• Implementation of new service offerings
• Strategic alliances with new partner relationships for added services and market access

In the midst of all of this and while adding 20 clients in 2006 to a list of more than 140, Stevenson also volunteered his time to small business interests throughout the region by serving two years as chair of the Metro Chamber’s Small Business Committee.

His leadership was instrumental in shifting focus to the importance of small business and in introducing programs that help them help themselves.

Some of his key accomplishments as Small Business chair include:

• The renewal, growth and positioning of a small business trade expo, known today as the Metro Expo,
• Introduction of a reduced cost health care offering for Metro Chamber members, and
• Development of the Small Business Scholarship program, which helps small businesses participate in Metro Chamber events that may be cost prohibitive otherwise.

Stevenson has also participated at the state level through the CalChamber and Department of General Services Small Business Counsel on behalf of small business.

Finally, the Stevensons on an annual basis developed and hosts a fundraiser called "Karts for Young Heart" for Sierra Adoption Services, which assists in placing foster children in permanent homes.

Minority Small Business Champion of the Year
Jose L. Perez, President & CEO, California Magazine, Inc.

Jose Perez began his publishing and events business 10 years ago after a 25 year career with the State of California. Today, California Magazine is the only Latino Journal in the country focused on public policy and government content from a Latino perspective.

In 2003, Perez also launched the California Utilities Diversity Council that promotes supplier diversity.
His expertise and dedication have had a profound effect and has generated access to a breadth of opportunities for small, women and minority businesses with a statewide impact.

Women in Business Champion
Karen Penfold, Executive Managing Director, eWomen Network

With more than 15 years of experience in public relations, marketing communications, promotions and sales, Penfold uses her passion for helping women in business to develop and implement effective strategies for marketing who they are and what they do.

She helps women connect to valuable resources and encourages personal and professional growth by helping women build their relationship networking skills through special events, workshops and training. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, eWomenNetwork, Inc. is a national organization that conducts events in cities all across the United States and Canada.

Under Penfold’s leadership, the local membership has grown by about 700 percent—taking 12 members to almost 100 in just 15 months. And monthly networking events in the Sacramento region are growing to become some of the largest of all 100 chapters.

Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year
Coreena Conley, Director, Veterans Business Outreach Center

As director, Conley helps the Veterans Business Outreach Center fulfill its mission to advance the growth and commercial competitiveness of veteran-owned small business enterprises through education and services focusing on business development, technology deployment and e-commerce.

The center offers a variety of services to veterans in their initiatives to start, cultivate and expand a business enterprise. It also provides free one-to-one consulting services and educational workshops in areas of business development, marketing, sources of capital, government contracting, acquisition and mergers, financial management, employee relations, and business planning.

The center goes beyond business start-up to assist veterans, reservist and guard members in survival of a business and infrastructure. In 2006, it aided more than 381 veterans.

Photo above, from left, Small Business Person of the Year Craig Stevenson, Vets Champ Coreena Conley, Minority Champ Jose Perez, Women's Champ Karen Penfold and Metro Chamber CEO Matt Mahood.

TAKE AWAY SUCCESS: A TRADE SHOW FOR BUSINESSPEOPLE--Metro Expo Vendor Fair & Collaboration Conference set for Wednesday, May 9 at Convention Center

Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual trade show and conference on Wednesday, May 9, at the Sacramento Convention Center offers attendees a one-stop place to learn how to become a government contractor and get the help their businesses need to succeed. The all-day conference runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Metro Expo Vendor Fair & Collaboration Conference will feature 200 business-to-business booths, including 30 government agencies, which represent hundreds of millions of dollars in annual purchasing, seeking to do business with small- and medium-sized businesses. The event is produced by the Metro Chamber and the city of Sacramento Procurement Division and Office of Small Business. Metro Expo, presented by Umpqua Bank, is the result of Gov. Schwarzenegger directive to state agencies to connect small business with contracting opportunities and certification information. Opening remarks at 10 a.m. will be made by California State and Consumer Services Agency Secretary Rosario Marin. The event will also debut Metro Pulse, the region’s one-stop system to connect businesses to the people and resources they need to succeed. Metro Pulse is a partnership of a dozen area economic development agencies. Attendees of Metro Expo can take the business survey and self-assessment. More information is available at metropulse.org. Workshop topics include how to do business with the city, how to get a bid from the state, entrepreneurial success, laser-focused marketing techniques, how to obtain government training funds for employees and more. Additionally, attendees can register separately for the 5Minute Networking events. This is a speed-dating style network system customized so business people can meet prospects they want to meet and prospects who want to meet them. Admission is $15 pre-registered or $25 at the door and includes sixteen free workshops. A free reception to honor winners of the Small Business Awards will be held 5-6:30 p.m. after the event at the State Capitol Park West Steps. Metro Expo and Metro Pulse are key components of the Metro Chamber’s priority business retention and expansion strategy. Complete information and registration for events at Metro Expo is available at metrochamber.org/expo or contact Chantal LeFevre at 916-319-4260.

SAFCA Flood Protection Assessment passes with 81.8 percent of vote

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber released the following comments from Matt Mahood, president & CEO, on the announced results of the successful Sacramento Area Flood Protection Assessment election. The vote was 81.8 percent in favor of the assessment, as announced April 26. “We want to congratulate the Citizens for Flood Safety, the SAFCA Board and the Sacramento community for a successful vote on flood protection. Once again, Sacramento citizens have stepped forward and accepted a share of responsibility for making our community safer and stronger. “The results of this public vote fully demonstrate and amplify the community's concerns around flood protection and also demonstrate a commitment to investing our own money to protect ourselves from a known threat. We don’t know of any community that has put forward this intense effort and voted to assess itself, not just once, but twice, to increase flood protection. “For the last two years, flood protection has been the Metro Chamber’s No. 1 priority. It’s the issue the chamber was founded upon in 1895. With this successful election our work does not stop, however. We need to make sure the region secures state bond dollars from the Proposition 1E ballot measure approved by voters in November. We have been working through our Flood Task Protection Task Force on the federal level too. Some 400 delegates just returned from Washington, D.C. for our annual Capitol-to-Capitol Trip. We had many meetings with our representatives and with government officials on getting additional funding for improvements to Folsom Dam and the region’s levees. “Additionally, the Metro Chamber thanks Mayor Heather Fargo and Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters, who served on the Citizens for Flood Safety campaign committee, and we also acknowledge the hard work from dozens of community organizations and volunteers.”

SARTA INTRODUCES J.D. STACK AS CEO

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance SARTA today announced that its board of directors has named J.D. Stack, who has served the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) as Economic Development Program Manager since 1993, to serve as SARTA’s chief executive officer. “I’m proud to join SARTA to be part of a team helping drive technology business development in the area,” said Stack. “Sacramento region is now recognized as a great place for tech companies to establish, grow, and succeed, and I am looking forward to the opportunities presented by SARTA that allow me to share this vision with others.” Stack has served the Sacramento-area community in a variety of roles including energy analysis, government affairs and economic development since 1980, and has been a member of the board of directors of SARTA since 2005 and has been active with several local entrepreneurial development initiatives including CleanStart, McClellan Technology Incubator, and Partnership for Prosperity. “J.D. has incredible experience in economic development and government affairs coupled with a zeal for spreading the word about opportunities in Sacramento, ” said Dan Koellen, Chair of SARTA. “His coalition-building skills and organizational expertise will be a true benefit to SARTA’s members.” The search for a new chief executive was conducted by the departing CEO, Oleg Kaganovich, and the SARTA Board of Directors. Post transition, Kaganovich will remain actively involved, pending SARTA board approval, as a SARTA board member. Kaganovich announced his departure from SARTA in March 2007 and recently announced that he will be joining seed/early stage venture capital fund DFJ Frontier as principal in its West Sacramento office. “J.D.’s knowledge, experience and strong relationships with the economic development and business community will help SARTA continue to grow its relevance and importance,” said SARTA Executive Committee member and Sacramento Metro Chamber President & CEO, Matt Mahood. “The strategic alliance and affiliate partnership between the Metro Chamber and SARTA is vital to the continuing economic growth of the Sacramento region. JD clearly understands how our two organizations compliment one another and he is an excellent selection as SARTA’s new CEO.” About SARTA The Sacramento Area Regional Technology Alliance (SARTA) is a tech-focused 501(c) (3) corporation that supports entrepreneurial programs, companies and technology investment throughout Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties. SARTA’s mission is to accelerate the growth and development of technology companies and the technology sector in the Sacramento region. Through its partners, SARTA connects and provides resources for the region’s high-tech entrepreneurs, investors, business, non-profit, economic development and community leaders, supporting its goal to attract $1 billion in investment capital to the region. SARTA also provides high-tech entrepreneurs, executives, and other business and community leaders with connectivity and resources for growth, networking, and educational opportunities. SARTA is directed by a 45-person board of directors composed of regional leaders of academic institutions, investment groups, business associations and technology corporations that seek to foster technology innovation and growth in the Northern California counties of El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba and Butte. For more information, go to www.sarta.org.

Flood protection, transportation, clean energy grant and health care top Metro Chamber’s Capitol-to-Capitol Trip agenda

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Flood protection and transportation again top the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s policy agenda of highest priority issues to take to Washington, D.C., next week. This year, two other issues—workforce development in the clean technology industry and extending health care coverage for low income children—join the list for the region’s lobbying delegation. Departing on Saturday, April 21, the Sacramento Metro Chamber prepares to lead a record group of just over 400 business and community leaders from the Sacramento region to Washington, D.C., for its annual Capitol-to-Capitol Trip to lobby elected representatives and government officials on economic development and quality of life issues vital to the Sacramento region. This will be the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s 37th visit and remains the largest lobbying trip of its kind in the nation. “The Metro Chamber’s annual Cap-to-Cap Trip allows our region’s business and civic leaders to stay connected with our federal representatives and keeps our region’s priorities top-of-mind—not just during the trip, but throughout the year,” said Michael Jacobson, corporate affairs manager for Intel and chair of the 2007 trip. “The Cap-to-Cap Trip is a perfect example of regional cooperation at its best,” Jacobson said. “Cap-to-Cap offers a unique platform for business leaders and elected officials—representing local, regional and federal jurisdictions—to amplify attention on regional issues important across jurisdictional boundaries.” In 2006, then Metro Chamber board chair Frank Washington established flood protection as the Metro Chamber’s No. 1 policy priority, and it remains so today. “We cannot let our greatest attention come only after a catastrophe,” Washington said. The Metro Chamber believes that the risk of major flooding is the greatest threat to the continued prosperity of the Sacramento region. The Cap-to-Cap Water Resources and Flood Protection Team, led by Roy Brewer, Metro Chamber Flood Protection Task Force chair and attorney with Brewer Lofgren, will urge federal representatives to secure real and immediate funding to provide 200-year flood protection for the Sacramento area. “Our region and Northern California continues to be the nation’s most at-risk metropolitan area for flood disaster,” Brewer said. “Levee repair will be an ongoing maintenance issue, as we were reminded recently with the levees in West Sacramento. There is no quick, clear or simple solution, but we cannot afford to walk away from the table.” Delegates representing the flood issue will seek to obtain a commitment for federal dollars to add to local money expected to be raised by the SAFCA flood assessment (results to be announced April 26) and the statewide Proposition 1E bond money. These three sources of funds are each needed to sufficiently protect the people, businesses and assets of the Sacramento community. The Cap-to-Cap Transportation team will seek appropriations funding for a set of high priority regional projects, and full funding of federal highway and transit programs as authorized under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU). “The Metro Chamber envisions a transportation plan that balances public safety and interstate commerce with regional mobility and an elevated quality of life,” said Robert Dugan, Cap-to-Cap Transportation Team Captain and governmental affairs executive with Granite Construction. At the Cap-to-Cap orientation breakfast earlier this week, guest speaker Dale Bonner, State Secretary of Transportation & Housing, urged Metro Chamber delegates to carry the Governor’s message back to Washington by emphasizing the need for federal support on critical transportation infrastructure and planning. Bonner encouraged the group to amplify the state's interests around goods movement and ports, citing that transportation infrastructure is the backbone of the state's economy. Bonner pointed out that 50 percent of the world's goods and cargo pass through California, affecting transportation, air quality, security and quality of life for the people of this state. Yet, California receives a disproportionate ratio of federal funding for the amount of goods processed through and transported to the rest of the country. “In an era of constrained budgets, the Cap-to-Cap delegation recognizes the need to selectively pursue a defined set of regional priorities—including the Sacramento Intermodal Station, bus, light rail and intercity rail projects and key freeway, interchange and infrastructure projects that enhance the movement of goods and people within and through our region,” Dugan said. While flood protection and transportation have topped the Metro Chamber’s Cap-to-Cap policy agenda for years, delegates this time will highlight the region’s workforce development strengths in the clean energy sector and the need for the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency to be included in Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development Initiative (WIRED) Grants. WIRED is a federal program designed to encourage regional collaboration among public and private entities and to develop a more highly skilled workforce in order to attract jobs through economic development. Directly in line with a regional economic development strategy aimed at building the Sacramento region’s clean technology industries, the focus of the grant is the “Sacramento Region Clean Energy Technology Alliance,” which represents a collaboration of business community, educational institutions, public utilities, economic development organizations and professional associations. This year’s interest in clean energy is fueled by the Metro Chamber’s alliance with partner organizations like SARTA and Partnership for Prosperity, driving the Sacramento region’s emergence as the hot bed for clean and green technologies. As a fourth priority this year, the Metro Chamber will call on Congress to enable states to continue to cover children currently enrolled in SCHIP by rejecting cuts in Medicare funding and by providing $60 billion in new SCHIP funding over five years. SCHIP was established in 1997 to give states the option to extend health care coverage to low-income children who do not qualify for Medicaid because their family income is too high. Currently, SCHIP provides coverage to more than six million children in the United States. SCHIP authorization and funding expires on Sept. 30, 2007, and driven by the Cap-to-Cap Health Care Team, delegates will urge Congress to reauthorize and increase funding to the program.

Sacramento listed as Top 10 destination

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 04:00:00 GMT

As reported on MSN.com, publisher ShermansTravel has listed Sacramento as one of its Top 10 underrated U.S. cities—along with Fort Lauderdale, Houston and Portland. Notably, Sacramento was the only city in California to make the Top 10 list. “It’s great to see national media recognizing what our residents already know—we live in a great place,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber. “We hope this will help entice businesses who are looking for a place to expand or relocate their business: Our region is an ideal place not to just visit but also to open your business, live, work and raise a family.” ShermanTravel, a leading publisher of top travel deals and destination advice, placed Sacramento on its “must-see” list for travelers who want to broaden the scope of their trips to less-talked-about places with “great art scenes, friendly locals, delectable cuisine and rich history.” The article listed Sacramento as the No. 10 underrated city and pointed out the city’s “increasingly sophisticated food scene” as an appeal, along with the “charms of Old Sacramento,” the bike trails along the American and Sacramento rivers and the region’s Sierra Foothill wineries. The town’s most famous resident and governor got a mention too. “That illustrates Sacramento’s allure as a destination spot,” said Mahood. “You can visit many attractions in about a 20-block radius from the State Capitol.” “Sacramento is gaining this kind of attention because of the hard work of affiliated organizations and strategic initiatives underway by the Partnership for Prosperity, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the Sacramento Area Region Technology Alliance, the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sacramento Sports Commission and others,” Mahood added. “Together, we are positioning Sacramento as the best place to do business in California, and our efforts are paying off with outstanding civic amenities that create a welcoming environment—for visitors, new residents or businesses.” The top 10 cities listed are Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Kansas City, Louisville, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence and Sacramento.

MEET NEW VENDORS AND CLIENTS AT METRO EXPO

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual trade show and seminars for small business, set for Wednesday, May 9 at the Sacramento Convention Center, has a new name for 2007 and the added feature of a partnership with the state of California vendor fair and collaboration conference series. Metro Expo—presented by Umpqua Bank—will showcase 250 business-to-business exhibitors and provide Business Builder education sessions all day. As part of the state’s Vendor Fair and Collaboration Conference series, Metro Expo will feature more than 30 federal, state and city agencies who want to do business with the region’s small businesses. Important information will also be available on the Small Business Administration and the state of California Small Business Certification. More than 2,500 business people are expected at the all-day event, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance or $25 at the door. Registration can be done online at metrochamber.org. “In one day, you can meet dozens of new vendors or prospective clients,” said Jessica Chapman, chair of the Metro Chamber’s Small Business Committee. “We are also making available the 5 Minute Networking meetings. This is like speed dating for business—a way to quickly meet people you want to do business.” The Business Builder seminars include topics on government contracting, marketing and policy issues facing small business. Sessions will be held in Spanish as well. Debuting will be Metro Pulse, a demonstration of the region’s newest business retention and expansion services to be offered by more than a dozen area economic development agencies. Metro Expo is produced by the Sacramento Metro Chamber and city of Sacramento Procurement Division and Office of Small Business, in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the state Department of General Services. The day will conclude with the Metro Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards to be held at the State Capitol Park. Complete information and registration for attendance and the seminars, 5 Minute Networking, the awards banquet is available online at metrochamber.org. Vendor booths are still available and may be reserved online. For more information on Metro Expo, contact Chantal LeFevre at 916-319-4260 or clefevre@metrochamber.org.

NCAA PLAYOFFS A CALL FOR ACTION: Two-day tournament at ARCO reminds of need for modern sports & entertainment venue

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 04:00:00 GMT

With Sacramento serving as a venue for the NCAA playoff basketball games, the issue of the region needing a modern sports and entertainment facility comes to mind once again. “The March Madness playoffs, the recent Amgen bicycle tour and the Olympic Track Trials all taking place here create an awareness that Sacramento credibly can host large sporting events and are giving our region notice we wouldn’t otherwise achieve,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “To be able to attract more of these events—which have substantial economic impact on the area—we need a credible sports and entertainment facility. ARCO is wearing out and may soon not be viable.” More than 17,000 fans are expected during each of the Thursday and Saturday NCAA playoff games. Many of these coming from outside the region have filled up local hotels. Beyond the hotel bill, the fans will each leave on average $75 a day here—making an economic impact on the city of $3 million to $4.5 million, Mahood estimated. “We need to figure out how to build a new sports and entertainment facility—and give it a location that will have the most economic impact, that will make it convenient for out-of-town guests and local residents to spend their money in as many places as possible,” Mahood said. People who travel from different destinations to sporting events are a different type of tourist—not typically targeted through traditional convention or tourism marketing. “They bring in found money for our businesses.” All around, sports events like the Olympic Trials and bike tours and tournaments of all kind provide mutual benefits, he said. “They foster community pride, build regional awareness and help business.” “A funding mechanism must be found to finance a new world-class venue for our region’s center,” Mahood said. “I hope that the NCAA playoffs will again remind all parties of what needs to be done.”

Chamber celebrates long, hard road to road project approvals

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber celebrates today the announcement that the state Transportation Commission approved funds for five vital transportation projects in the Highway 50 and Interstate 80 corridors.

“It’s been a long, hard road getting here,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO. “The Sacramento region did extremely well in competing with other transportation projects around the state. We, in particular, thank CalTrans Director Will Kempton for his role, CalTrans and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments.

“Getting the funding for widening White Rock Road from Sunrise Boulevard to Prairie City Road was a real coup,” Mahood said. “It was the only non-highway project approved in this first round by the California Transportation Commission from Proposition 1B funds.”

The CTC approved $22 million for the White Rock Road project.

“This is great achievement for the Sacramento region,” Mahood added. “The Sacramento region’s strategy of regional cooperation was successful. While other regions were fighting over which projects deserved funding in their region, the Sacramento region presented a unified, regional list of priories to the CTC.“

Key to the success for the White Rock Road project was a unique public-private partnership—the Highway 50 Mobility Partnership—formed to ensure a coordinated effort for its approval. The partnership includes the cities of Rancho Cordova and Folsom, the counties of El Dorado and Sacramento, Sacramento Regional Transit and SACOG. The White Rock Road project was identified by the Highway 50 Mobility Partnership as a key project since it will help relieve congestion on Highway 50.

Mahood gave testimony before the CTC Feb. 20, advocating for a list of regional transportation projects developed by the Metro Chamber’s Transportation/Air Quality Committee. The list represented priority projects among CalTrans and the regional transportation planning agencies.

“We were disappointed that the Interstate 80 carpool lane project from Longview to Sacramento River was not funded. The Metro Chamber will still keep that project and all of our other priority projects on our list when we go to Washington, D.C. in April on our annual Capitol-to-Capitol Trip. The list of priority projects will be part of our lobbying effort to get federal funds for needed transportation improvements.”

The Metro Chamber Board listed as priority projects for the Proposition 1B Corridor Mobility Improvement Program:

• Highway 50 HOV Lane—Phase 1, Sunrise Boulevard to Watt Avenue—CTC approved $80 million.
• Highway 50 HOV Lane—El Dorado County line to Bass Lake Road—CTC approved $20 million.
• Highway 50 Auxiliary Lanes—Sunrise Boulevard to Folsom Boulevard
• Interstate 80 HOV Lane, Longview Drive to Sacramento River
• Interstate 80 HOV Lane, Auxiliary Lanes—Roseville Bottleneck (phase 2, 3A)—CTC approved $46 million.
• Interstate 5-Highway 113 Direct Connector—Northbound I-5 to Southbound Highway 113
• Widen White Rock Road—Four Lanes, Sunrise Boulevard to Prairie City Road—CTC approved $22 million
• Widen Hazel Avenue—Six Lanes
• Lincoln Bypass—CTC approved $73.7 million.

Metro Chamber testifies before Transportation Commission

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Testimony for SACOG to California Transportation Commission by Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber President & CEO:

I am pleased to address the CTC today on behalf of the SACOG staff and board. I am the President & CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber supported by nearly 2,500 member businesses who employ over 190,000 residents throughout the 6-county Sacramento region.

• The Metro Chamber firmly believes that we must invest in transportation infrastructure that serves to support and build our regional economy. An effective transportation system will provide:
o Improved access to businesses
o Improved access to affordable and workforce housing
o Improved mobility for goods and services both within and through the region.

• Sacramento has adopted a region wide land use Blueprint to support its long-term transportation plan and its growing economy that call for:
o A shift from suburban sprawl to more infill, mixed use and more compact development, causing:
o Changes to travel patterns, with an increase in shorter trips
o Shorter trips mean less vehicle miles traveled, which means less congestion
o And more compact development means more affordable housing, closer to jobs
o But for infill to work, we must invest to ensure the interior transportation system works better

• We are pleased with the projects recommended by staff, but I ask you to consider these three projects more carefully:

1. None are isolated projects, each is part of a series of improvements
2. All three were included as CalTrans nominations for your Corridor Mobility Improvement program
3. And the two in Sacramento County are part of the new Measure A sales tax program supported by 74 percent of voters in 2004

I-80 HOV lanes would extend an existing HOV lane toward downtown Sacramento, other projects recommended for your Corridor Mobility Improvement program would extend it eastward through Roseville

o Carpool lanes work better when they connect downtown work locations—and they’re critical for making express buses work for commuters
o In looking at cost/benefit numbers used by your staff, it rates comparable or better than half the other projects identified in the “Pool of Appropriate Projects”

White Rock Road would provide parallel capacity to supplement US50
o By 2035, The US50 corridor along the El Dorado Hills-Folsom-Rancho Cordova expects to see the development of 80,000 new jobs and 80,000 housing units.
o White Rock Road is a unique project, a true private partnership. Of the 7 sections costing about $150 million, adjacent private development would pay for 6 of the 7, and the seventh – with no development adjacent – would be publicly funded, and that is the one nominated for Corridor Mobility Improvement bond funds
o This expansion provides the equivalent of adding two freeway lanes as it would provide 12% congestion relief on US50 without disruption to US50 during construction.

I-5/113 Freeway Interchange in Woodland is a connectivity project, not an urban project
o It would provide a second alternative freeway route across the Yolo Bypass – a major barrier – between Sacramento and the Bay Area, for those cases when an accident closes I-80 or I-5, and for emergency evacuation in case of a flood

• I ask you to include these projects on the “Pool of Appropriate Projects” list. They warrant further consideration when the remaining Corridor Mobility Improvement bond funds are put into play in 2008.

Metro Chamber Board lists top transportation projects

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber Board of Directors approved on Feb. 6 a list of eight transportation improvement projects that are priorities for funding with Proposition 1B Corridor Mobility Improvement funds.

“The Metro Chamber is pleased to be out-front fighting to ensure that the Sacramento region is at the front of the line to receive our fair share of the Proposition 1B Transportation funding,” said Michael Faust, Metro Chamber senior vice president for public policy. “We believe that the projects the Metro Chamber voted in favor of today will help reduce congestion and help increase the quality of life here in the greater Sacramento region. We have strategically worked to select projects we believe are in the best position to receive funding from the Proposition1B funds when they come available through the Corridor Mobility Improvement Program funding process when it is revived by the California Transportation Commission.”

The list developed by the Metro Chamber’s Transportation/Air Quality Committee represents multiple priority projects among CalTrans and the regional transportation planning agencies, Faust added. “The business community, via the Metro Chamber, is in agreement on which road projects should receive funding.” These projects will also receive attention by the Sacramento Metro Chamber's Capitol-to-Capitol Trip to Washington, D.C. Transportation Team.

CalTrans District 3 Deputy Director Wayne Lewis appeared before the Metro Chamber Board to review the status of funds approved for transportation projects through Proposition 1B in the November 2006 election. Lewis recognized the Metro Chamber for its support of Propositions1A and 1B and its efforts to select projects that have the best chance to compete for funding with the thousands of projects from thought the state.

“Those propositions provide enough stability that we are able to start building for a change,” Lewis added.

Projects listed and approved as a priority by the Metro Chamber for the Corridor Mobility Improvement Program are:

• Highway 50 HOV Lane—Phase 1, Sunrise Boulevard to Watt Avenue
• Highway 50 HOV Lane—El Dorado County line to Bass Lake Road
• Highway 50 Auxiliary Lanes—Sunrise Boulevard to Folsom Boulevard
• Interstate 80 HOV Lane, North Sacramento—Interstate 5 to Watt Avenue
• Interstate 80 HOV Lane, Auxiliary Lanes—Roseville Bottleneck (phase 2, 3A)
• Interstate 5-Highway 113 Direct Connector—Northbound I-5 to Southbound Highway 113
• Widen White Rock Road—Four Lanes, Grant Line Road to Prairie City Road
• Widen Hazel Avenue—Six Lanes

Metro Chamber nominee appointed to state Transportation Comm

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber is pleased to announce success in its determined action to nominate Roseville resident James Earp to the California Transportation Commission. Earp’s appointment was announced Feb. 15 by Governor Schwarzenegger.

The Metro Chamber led Earp’s nomination through an aggressive letter writing campaign by staff and the Board of Directors and direct contact of the region’s legislative representatives, according to Michael Faust, senior vice president of public policy and advocacy.

“This is a big win for the Metro Chamber in that it punctuates our efforts in developing transportation solutions for those who work and live in our region,” Faust said. “We are going to advocate loudly and work hard at removing barriers and getting all possible local, state and federal funds committed to the region’s transportation needs. Our commitment to transportation will be as impactful and strong as our work on flood protection.”

Currently, there are no representatives from the Sacramento area on the state Transportation Commission.

“As the leading advocate for the region’s critical issues,” said Robert Dugan, chair of the Metro Chamber’s Transportation Committee, “we are particularly interested in having a Sacramento area representative on the CTC who understands the region’s transportation issues. Jim is a Roseville resident and has been actively engaged in regional and local transportation issues for the last nine years.”

Since 1998, Earp has served as executive director of the California Alliance for Jobs. In 2006, Earp launched an initiative campaign to increase protection for Proposition 42 funding and he also served as chair of the Yes on 1A-1E Campaign. From 1976 to 1998, he was public relations director for the International Union of

Operating Engineers Local 3, a heavy construction union. Earp’s appointment to the CTC position will take effect on March 1, 2007, upon Senate confirmation.

“This means that the Sacramento region will now have direct representation on this important commission, which has the primary role in determining how Proposition 1B transportation bonds are invested statewide,” Dugan added. “We endorsed his candidacy, we lobbied for him hard, and he is exemplary in taking an active leadership role in ensuring California’s infrastructure needs are addressed. He is an example of a leader who puts his actions where his words are and follows through. Jim will be a great representative for our region and the state.”

The Metro Chamber has made improving the region’s transportation infrastructure one of its top priorities again in 2007. Last week, the Metro Chamber Board approved a list of eight priority projects to be funded from the first Proposition 1B funds, which will top the Metro Chamber’s 2007 Capitol-to-Capitol Trip agenda, when meeting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., this April.

“The effective movement of goods, services and people is vital to the region’s economy, and these projects will help reduce congestion and help increase the quality of life here in the greater Sacramento region,” Faust said.

Metro Chamber Board backs SAFCA flood protection assessment

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber Board voted overwhelmingly Feb. 6 to support an assessment on Sacramento region properties for improving river levees and the Folsom Dam.

The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency wants to raise $326 million over 30 years to pay the local share of costs to achieve 200-year flood protection around greater Sacramento. The mail-ballot election among property owners will be held in March and April.

“Flood protection ranks as the Metro Chamber’s No. 1 public policy priority as Sacramento is currently one of the most flood-prone cities in the United States,” said Roy Brewer of Brewer Lofgren, LLP and chair of the Metro Chamber’s Flood Task Force and co-captain of the Capitol-to-Capitol Trip Flood Protection committee.

“It’s essential that every property owner take the time to vote in this election,” Brewer said. “Their ballots will arrive in the mail in early March and will need to be filled out and mailed back in the prepaid envelop that will accompany the ballot. The Metro Chamber believes the methodology used to determine the assessment is fair and rational as it only asks property owner to pay for the improvements that will affect their property.”

Appearing before the board, SAFCA Executive Director Stein Buer emphasized that the property assessment will help guarantee that the needed projects get state and federal funding. The funds raised from the local assessment are in fact required in order to secure the remaining 90 percent of federal and state moneys necessary to achieve our region’s flood protection goals. “The local share is really only 10 cents on the dollar,” Buer said.

Also speaking to the Metro Chamber Board was Michael Picker, representing Citizens for Flood Safety, the group that will run the public awareness campaign for the SAFCA flood protection assessment.

Picker said the group’s goal is to get substantially more than the needed 50 percent plus one vote of property owners to approve the assessment. Doing so, will make a strong statement to state and federal officials and help guarantee the region receives state and federal flood funding.

State Sen. Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, appeared before the Metro Chamber Board as well to review the status of Proposition 1E flood bonds passed in the November election. Previously, the federal government had been in charge of flood control, but with the passage of Proposition 1E, “the state is now in the driver’s seat,” Steinberg said.

Steinberg said he is working on the implementing legislation for Proposition 1E and is including provisions to speed up the time it takes to get projects in the ground.

Flood protection remains the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s No. 1 priority because of the devastating implications to the region and threat to the people and businesses that work and live in the six-county region. Flood protection will again be on the top of the Metro Chamber’s Capitol-to-Capitol Trip agenda to Washington, D.C. this coming April.

“The Metro Chamber is proud to lead the fight to make sure that business and homeowners in Sacramento will be able to sleep at night knowing that this effort will raise flood protection to the 100-year level in the next few years and when the improvements are complete will provide 200-year protection for our entire region,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber president & CEO.

For more information on the Metro Chamber’s Flood Task Force, contact Michael Faust, senior vice president for public policy at 916-321-9115.

Sacramento: New home to 'green-collar' jobs?

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Can Sacramento become the center of a new bio-fuel, clean energy/green energy tech sector? Several factors indicate so, and they were explored at the Feb. 2 Industry Breakfast on clean energy, co-sponsored by the Metro Chamber and the Business Journal.

Panelists said the Sacramento region has the resources, a locus of new companies, a strong ag tradition going in its favor.

Speaking were Bob Burris, deputy director of SACTO, whose recruiting efforts in Europe are focused on bringing companies active in solar photovoltaics to the Sacramento region; Eric Mettler, CEO of Altergy Systems, a fuel cell manufacturer in Folsom providing back-up power sources to government, telecom and other users around the globe; Keith Pronske, CEO of Clean Energy Systems, whose turbine power plants use rocket technology to produce low-cost, on-demand electricity with zero pollution; and Gary Simon, chairman, CleanStart, nonprofit business accelerator for the Sacramento region.

The panel was moderated by publisher Dan Kennedy of The Business Journal. And out of the panel came the coining, perhaps, of a new term “green-collar” to describe the jobs a clean/green energy sector might bring

Among the components, according to the panel, that currently make the region a hot-bed for development of technology are:

• California is back in the forefront of technology to clean the environment—as it was 30 years ago with the catalytic converter requirement.

• Has great appeal among European countries because of its market and forward-thinking policies.

• Sacramento is the location of several important state agencies to the clean/green sector and related policy-making.

• Research at area universities and graduating students provide important resources.

• Fifty-five young companies working in the clean/green energy sector are already in the region.

• A history and tradition of growing agricultural products lends itself to the up-and-coming bio-fuels boom. “Bio-fuels is ready for anyone to grab,” Simon said.

Yet there are challenges,

• Although Sacramento was “first out of the gate” in the clean-tech sector, other metro regions in the country have jumped into.

• The Sacramento region is losing out on $100 million yearly in R&D money from state agencies that’s going to other parts of the state.

• The region will only succeed in the effort if there continued focus within the community year after year to support and grow the clean/green sector.

• Higher housing prices can hinder companies moving from out-of-state to California.

BRINGING IN FLOOD PROTECTION FUNDS

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

WITH THE PASSAGE by voters of the statewide Proposition 1E on the November 2006 ballot, the Sacramento Metro Chamber is focusing current advocacy efforts on making sure a fair share of the $4.09 billion is used for regional projects, including levee improvements in the Delta and in the Sacramento region.

The Metro Chamber supports continued funding of the Common Features, South Sacramento Streams roup, Sacramento River Bank Protection Project, and the bridge component of the Folsom Dam Raise to protect the state and local economy, state and local government structures and the people of the Sacramento region.

The Metro Chamber urged Governor Schwarzenegger’s office to continue its very productive partnership with the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency.

“To that end, we respectfully request that the appropriate funding levels continue for those projects already authorized and on-track for additional work,” said Matt Mahood, Metro Chamber President & CEO.

SAFCA and the Department of Water Resources are now collaborating with the Army Corps of Engineers on whatthe correct budgetary allocations should be in the fiscal year 2007-08 budget.

The Metro Chamber also maintains that the threat posed by under-seepage in the Natomas Basin must also receive priority attention in the governor’s budget.

“We support SAFCA’s request that $24 million be included in the budget you present to the Legislature,” Mahood said.

Since its founding in 1895, the Metro Chamber has been a leading force in supporting the construction of critical infrastructure to improve the economy and enhance the quality of life in the greater Sacramento region. There is no infrastructure issue more important to the Sacramento region than flood protection. Sacramento remains the U.S. city most at risk for a catastrophic flood from a levee breech.

Please note: The Industry Breakfast on Flood Protection is set for Friday, March 23. Register via the Metro Chamber's online events calendar.

Outgoing Metro Chamber Board Chair Frank Washington's speech

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The following address was delivered Jan. 26 at the 112th Annual Dinner by Outgoing Metro Chamber Board Chair Frank Washington:

SERVING AS THE CHAIR OF THIS ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY. AS AN INSIDE WITNESS TO THE ADVOCACY AND EVENTS JUGGERNAUT OPERATED BY THE METRO CHAMBER, I KEEP THINKING, THERE SHOULD BE A WARNING ABOUT GETTING TOO CLOSE TO THE MACHINERY. MORE IMPORTANTLY, I AM STRUCK BY THE LONG, THIN LINE OF DEDICATION THAT IS OUR METRO CHAMBER STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS AND THEIR OUTSIZED BENEFIT TO THIS AREA’S WELFARE.

I AM CHARGED WITH REVIEWING THE METRO CHAMBER’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE PAST YEAR. TO DO SO, I WILL EMPLOY A FRAME OF REFERENCE -- ONE BASED ON THE POWER OF AMBIVALENCE.

THE POWER OF AMBIVALENCE SOUNDS OXYMORONIC, BUT LESS SO, WHEN YOU EXAMINE ITS DEFINITION. AMBIVALENCE IS THE COEXISTENCE OF OPPOSING ATTITUDES OR FEELINGS TOWARD A PERSON, AN OBJECT, OR AN IDEA.

WHILE AMBIVALENCE CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE IRRESOLUTE, THE INDECISIVE, OR A LACK OF CONVICTION, I SEEK ITS USE IN A MORE PROBATIVE VEIN. THE LATIN SOURCES OF THE WORD ARE AMBI-, MEANING BOTH, AND VALERE “BE STRONG.”

FOLLOWING THESE ROOTS, AMBILAVENCE SPEAKS TO A REVELATORY TENSION BETWEEN OR AMONG CONFLICTING IDEAS, FEELINGS OR FACTS.

OUR ENVIRONMENT IS A WASHING MACHINE PERMANENTLY ON CHAOS CYCLE. AND YET, OUR BRAINS HOLD US CAPTIVE TO A FIXED MENTAL MODEL, WHICH OFTEN BLINDS AND IMMOBOLIZES US FROM RESPONDING TO THE MAELSTROM SURROUNDING US.

A CONSTRUCTIVELY APPLIED AMBIVALENCE BASED ON A CONSTANTLY REFRESHED ASSESSMENT OF REALITY IS ONE ANTIDOTE FOR THIS DILEMMA.

I HAVE A CONFESSION. I WAS AMBIVALENT
ABOUT BEING CHAIRMAN OF THIS CHAMBER. FOR, WHAT IN HEAVENS NAME WAS I GOING TO BRING TO THIS POSITION THAT THE ROGER NIELLOS, SUSAN PETERS, BRICE HARRIS’S AND BERNARD BOWLERS HADN’T ALREADY OVERACHIEVED?

AND YET, WHEN I RECEIVED A CALL FROM
SEVERAL FORMER CHAIRS INSISTING THAT I CONSIDER, I CAPITULATED. PERHAPS, THEIR REMONSTRATIONS INDICATED I DID IN FACT HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER.

IN THAT REGARD, I MUST POINT OUT A RECENT STUDY SHOWING PEOPLE TEND TO INFLATE THEIR VALUE AND DIMINISH THEIR SHORTCOMINGS, WITH THE LEAST COMPETENT BEING THE WORSE OFFENDERS.

WHILE I WILL LEAVE IT TO OTHERS TO GAUGE HOW I FIT THIS NORM, I SUGGEST THAT THIS PHENOMENON IS AMONG THE REASONS AMBIVALENCE PROPERLY APPLIED IS A STRENGTH, IF ONLY IN SALVATION FROM THE PITFALLS OF PRIDE. YOU WON’T CATCH ME ON ANY CARRIER DECKS FRAMED BY MISSION ACCOMPLISHED BANNERS.

SAVVY BUSINESS PEOPLE EVENTUALLY ADOPT AMBIVALENCE. FOR AMBIVALENCE IS DISAPPOINTMENT’S ORPHAN, A PRODUCT OF ALL THE SURE THINGS THAT WEREN’T, THE “IF I HAD ONLY KNOWNS” AND THE “BUT FOR THAT, WE COULD HAVES”.

AS ANDY GROVE, THE FORMER CEO OF INTEL REMARKED, “ONLY THE PARANOID SURVIVE.” AMBIVALENCE MAY NOT QUITE BE PARANOIA, BUT IT IS PART OF THE SAME BLOODLINE.

I SHALL NOW EXAMINE THE METRO CHAMBER’S 2006 RECORD, EMBRACING THE DISCORDANT TONES, RAGGED EDGES, AND FRAGMENTED AND/OR CONFLICTING ANSWERS THAT IS REALITY.

FIRST, THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL LOCAL MATTER OF THE YEAR: A NEW ARENA AND THE Q AND R MEASURES. THIS WAS A MATTER THAT BRISTLED WITH CONFLICTING FACETS.

ON THE ONE HAND, NO ONE FAVORED THE KINGS LEAVING SACRAMENTO, AND MOST PROBABLY SUPPORTED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DOWNTOWN RAILROAD YARD AREA. THAT SAID, THERE WERE POLLS CONSISTENTLY INDICATING BARELY A MAJORITY OR LESS IN FAVOR OF A TAX TO SUPPORT A NEW ARENA. THROW IN A MEASURE CRITICIZED BY MANY FOR ILLEGALLY AVOIDING THE TWO THIRDS VOTE REQUIREMENT, AND LESS THAN COOPERATIVE TEAM OWNERS, AND YOU COULD VIRTUALLY HEAR THE IRON ON IRON SCREAM OF AN APPROACHING TRAIN WRECK.

THERE WERE METRO CHAMBER MEMBERS, INCLUDING FORMER CHAIRS, ON BOTH SIDES OF THIS ISSUE. PERSONALLY, I WAS AMBIVALENT TO THE POINT OF PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT.

IN THE END, HOWEVER, I, ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE METRO CHAMBER BOARD, UNANIMOUSLY VOTED IN SUPPORT OF BOTH MEASURES. THE METRO CHAMBER THEN SPENT CONSIDERABLE AMOUNTS OF ITS SCARCE MANPOWER PROMOTING A YES VOTE. WE ALL KNOW THE VOTERS’ DECISION.

NOTWITHSTANDING THIS IMMEDIATE OUTCOME, THE METRO CHAMBER DID THE RIGHT THING.

FOR AMBIVALENCE’S BRUSH PAINTS ON A LARGER CANVAS, ONE WHERE MEASURES Q AND R WERE MERELY CAMEOS.

THE NORTH WAS ROUTED IN THE FIRST BATTLE OF THE CIVIL WAR AND IN A NUMBER OF INSTANCES THEREAFTER, BUT, WHAT IF IT NEVER LIFTED A WEAPON?

THE METRO CHAMBER AND OTHER LEADERS HAD TO PLAY OUT THIS HAND AS IT WAS DEALT, BECAUSE IT DEMONSTRATED A WILLINGNESS TO PREVAIL, EVEN IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF FLAWED GAME PLANS, FLYING ELBOWS AND WRONGLY CALLED FOULS.

I SUSPECT THAT THIS BLOODY MINDEDNESS HAS IN SOME FASHION CONTRIBUTED TO THE NBA COMMISSIONER’S NEWLY FOCUSED ATTENTION AND THE SEPARATE RAILROAD YARD TRANSACTIONS.

IF MEASURES Q AND R WERE THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL ASPECT OF THE METRO CHAMBER’S INVOLVEMENT IN 2006, OUR FOCUS ON FLOOD PROTECTION WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT.

TO THAT END, THE FLOOD PROTECTION TASK FORCE CHAIRED BY JOHN LAMBETH AND THE METRO CHAMBER:

ELEVATED FLOOD PROTECTION AS A KEY PUBLIC POLICY;

PROVIDED KEY SUPPORT TO FEDERAL AND STATE REPRESENTATIVES IN SECURING FUNDING FOR FLOOD RELATED PROJECTS;

PROVIDED LEADERSHIP ON THE STATEWIDE PROP. 1E CAMPAIGN APPROVED IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTION; AND,

SUPPORTED EXPANSION OF LOCAL FLOOD PROTECTION DISTRICTS THEREBY INCREASING LOCAL REVENUES FOR LEVEE IMPROVEMENT.

WHERE YOU MIGHT ASK, COULD AMBIVALENCE INTRUDE, GIVEN SUCH A PRODIGIOUSLY EFFECTIVE 2006 RECORD OF METRO CHAMBER INFLUENCED FLOOD RELATED ACCOMPLISHMENT?

IT IS PRECISELY THIS RECORD AND THE ABSENCE OF RECENT A FLOOD THREATENING EVENT THAT SHOULD GIVE US ALL PAUSE. IF NOT PUT IN THE PROPER CONTEXT, IT CONTRIBUTES TO A MINDSET THAT DAMAGES THE PUBLIC RESOLVE, UNDERMINING OUR SECURITY JUST AS SURELY AS A GROUND HOG TUNNELING A LEVEE.

FOR HISTORY DEMONSTRATES, WHAT WE ACCOMPLISHED LAST YEAR IS NO MORE THAN A SKIRMISH IN A CAMPAIGN THAT WILL TAKE DECADES OF DOGGED DETERMINATION TO SEE TO A LEVEL OF PROTECTION OUR REGION NEEDS AND DESERVES.

I HAVE FAITH IN OUR IMMEDIATE LEADERSHIP, BUT AS THE TRAIL FROM KATRINA GROWS LONGER, OTHER FACTORS WILL ARISE TO THREATEN THE CURRENT IMPETUS.

IT DOESN’T REQUIRE A CASSANDRA TO SEE THE THREAT TO FURTHER PROGRESS FROM THE INTERACTION OF LAND USE ISSUES SURROUNDING CONTINUED CONSTRUCTION IN FLOOD PLAINS, INTRA-REGIONAL DISPUTES INVOLVING WHO BEARS THE COST OF FLOOD PROTECTION, AND COMPETITION FOR FUNDING FROM OTHER USES FOR STATE AND FEDERAL MONIES.

IT SHOULD BE AMBIVALENCE, DISRUPTING OUR SLEEP WITH THE PROSPECT OF CATACLYSMIC RISK TO HUMAN LIFE AND PROPERTY, THAT IS THE DOG IN THE NIGHT, BAYING–BEWARE OUR OWN SHORTCOMINGS.

I WOULD NEXT LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS PERTAINING TO MORE MEAT AND POTATO ASPECTS OF THE METRO CHAMBER’S ACHIEVEMENT IN 2006.

THE FIRST OF THESE IS THE CREATION OF OUR BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION PROGRAM. IT IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST REGIONAL BUSINESSES BY USING A WEB-BASED DATABASE TO CONNECT THEM TO THE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION THEY NEED TO GROW.

THE METRO CHAMBER IS WORKING WITH THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTS OF MORE THAN A DOZEN LOCAL JURISDICTIONS, WHO HAVE PLEDGED $150K TO UNDERWRITE THIS ENDEAVOR.

THE METRO CHAMBER ALSO REVITALIZED AND UPGRADED ITS MEMBERSHIP PROCESS. INCREASED EMPHASIS HAS BEEN PLACED ON RECRUITING LARGE NEW MEMBERS AS WELL AS INSURING RETAINING ALL SIZES OF EXISTING ONES.

IN THE LATTER REGARD, WE HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED SOME SUCCESS WITH OUR RETENTION RATE AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF 93 PERCENT.

CONTINUED VIGILENCE ON THESE LAST TWO ACCOMPLISHMENTS IS ESSENTIAL, GIVEN THEIR REFLECTION OF AN ONGOING CONFLICT -- HOW THE METRO CHAMBER BEST SERVES ITS LARGER VERSUS ITS SMALLER MEMBERS.

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT SMALL MEMBERS MOST VALUE BUSINESS LEADS, NETWORKING AND DIRECT SERVICES, WHILE THE LARGE ONES PRIZE THE METRO CHAMBER’S ROLE AS AN ADVOCATE IN ADVANCING THE BROADER INTERESTS OF BUSINESS AS WELL AS SUPPORT ON SPECIFIC MATTERS SUCH AS BLUE DIAMOND AND SUTTER HEALTH’S EFFORTS TO CONSTRUCT A NEW, DOWNTOWN HOSPITAL. THE METRO CHAMBER HAS PROVEN THAT IT CAN PLAY AN ADVOCACY ROLE IN A FASHION UNIQUELY BENEFICIAL, NOT ONLY TO BUSINESS, BUT ALSO TO THE REGION AT LARGE.

WE MUST, HOWEVER, CONTINUE TO GIVE VALUE TO THE SMALLER COMPANIES; AND NOT JUST BECAUSE SOME OF THEM MAY BE THE BIG ONES OF TOMORROW. AMBIVALENCE KEEPS US VIGILANT IN CONTINUING TO FIND A BALANCE HERE.

FINALLY, OUR MOST VISIBLE ACHIEVEMENT. WE HAVE NEW OFFICES. AFTER 85 YEARS AT THE SAME SITE, ONE, I MIGHT ADD, WHICH COULD HAVE IN OF ITSELF INSPIRED THE URBAN RENEWAL CONCEPT, THE METRO CHAMBER IS NOW HOUSED AT ONE OF THE SMARTER BUILDINGS IN TOWN.

THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION THAT THE NEW ENVIRONMENT WILL MAKE US MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE OPERATIONALLY, AND UPGRADES OUR EXTERNAL AESTHETIC. NEVERTHELESS, AN ELEMENT OF WISTFULNESS IS APPROPRIATE HERE. LEAVING THAT OLD, RUNDOWN BUILDING IN SOME WAYS REPRESENTS A SEISMIC BREAK FROM OUR PAST. IT IS VITAL THAT WE NOT FORGET WHERE WE CAME FROM. FOR, TO TRULY GO FORWARD, THE METRO CHAMBER, LIKE SACRAMENTO ITSELF, MUST RETAIN A CONNECTION TO THOSE ELEMENTS OF ITS UNVARNISHED, RESILIENT, SENSIBLE AND WELCOMING PAST THAT WILL BE THE BEDROCK FOR ITS FUTURE SUCCESS.

IN CLOSING, I QUOTE THE DANISH PHILOSOPHER SOREN KIERKEGAARD, WHO SAID, “LIFE MUST BE UNDERSTOOD BACKWARDS; BUT… IT MUST BE LIVED FORWARD.” I SUBMIT THAT A HEALTHY AMBIVALENCE IS THE FULCRUM BEST BALANCING THIS EQUATION.

YES, REALITY’S DAUNTING GLARE TOO OFTEN ILLUMINATES THE UNACCOUNTABLE AND THE UNKNOWABLE. YET, I CALL ON US TO PERSIST IN OUR PURSUIT OF THE COMMON GOOD NOT DESPITE THIS, BUT BECAUSE OF IT.

NOW, I’D LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO RECOGNIZE THE LONGSTANDING WORK AND DEDICATION OF THE MANY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE RETIRING FROM THE METRO CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

THANKS TO EACH OF YOU.

YOUR UNWAVERING COMMITMENT AND INVESTMENT OF TIME AND EXPERTISE IN THIS ORGANIZATION HAS CONTRIBUTED TO MANY IMPORTANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR OUR REGION.

ED CANALE
THE SACRAMENTO BEE

FLORENCE DI BENEDETTO
HUNTER RICHEY DI BENEDETTO EISENBEIS

LINA FAT
FRANK FAT’S RESTAURANT, INC.

JOHN FRISCH
CORNISH & CAREY COMMERCIAL

THOMAS GAGEN
SUTTER MEDICAL CENTER SACRAMENTO

MARIE JORDAN
PG&E

SHIELA LAMB CARROLL
CARROLL & ASSOCIATES

PAMELA MARINO
SUTTER HEALTH

TIM RAY
AT&T

ELLIOTT TROSHINSKY
KCRA CHANNEL 3 / KQCA CHANNEL 58

AND, MICHELE WONG
SYNERGEX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

I THANK EACH OF ALL FOR YOUR INVESTMENT OF TIME AND COMMITMENT WITH THIS ORGANIZATION.

2007 Metro Chamber Board Chair John Lambeth's speech

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

This is an excerpt from 2007 Metro Chamber Board Chair John Lambeth's inaugural speech at the 112th Annual Dinner & Business Awards:

In 1895, when a small but strong-willed group of Sacramento’s business and civic leaders gathered to form what is today the Sacramento Metro Chamber, I wonder if they could have envisioned what their dream would become?

We’ve spanned the course of 112 years, leaving our mark on three different centuries. From the dawn of the industrial era through the information age, at every important development in the economic, cultural, social and civic growth of our region, the Metro Chamber has been there.

Some would ask, “What’s in a name?” I think we are very fortunate to have our community bear the name Sacramento, which of course means Sacrament in Spanish.

It is a name that connotes a special and blessed environment.

After all, we could have easily been called Fresno, our neighbor to the South. Fresno …..an Indian word which means “if my horse hadn’t died, I would have made it to Sacramento.”

Consider what we do at the Metro Chamber:

Our annual Cap-to-Cap lobbying trip to Washington DC has exceeded all expectations, setting records for attendance each year, and surpassing any other delegation trip of its kind to our nation’s Capitol. The march of our region’s business and government leaders on the halls of Congress in the spring has become as anticipated as the celebrated cherry blossoms.

Perspectives is the region’s premier public affairs speaking event, drawing leaders from the world over to educate and inspire us, to motivate and make us laugh. No other organization in the region has brought together Presidents and Premiers, Comedians and titans of industry, Actors and Governors, all in one setting, for more than 3,000 of us to enjoy.

In keeping with the role we play in our members’ business success, the Metro Chamber’s Business Expo helps our members reach new customers, build their brands, grow their networks and improve their bottom lines.

For more than 20 years, Leadership Sacramento has worked to foster new generations of leaders – more than 600 of them, to be specific - both in business and civic life; our investment in them will reap invaluable rewards for our community long into the future.

From the Regional Economic Forum to the State of the Counties; from study missions to near daily professional development opportunities, Metro Chamber programs serve to add value to our members, while serving as a showcase to the community at large that the Metro Chamber truly is the voice of business in the region.

Consider where we are today.

Our membership includes nearly 2,500 businesses, with an unprecedented 93% retention rate, with more members than ever actively participating in chamber programs and events.
More than 500 people packed the room at our annual holiday mixer last month.

As usual, tonight’s event has sold to capacity, and for the first time in history, we have a presenting sponsor --thank you to Felix Fernandez and Wells Fargo Bank.

We enter the New Year on firm financial ground, driven in no small part by each of you, because you’ve chosen to make an investment in this organization because you believe in its mission.

Finally, after 85 years we’ve traded our cramped quarters on 7th Street for a spacious new office appropriately located where the Sacramento River meets Capitol Mall.

While it was difficult to leave the place we’ve called home for the majority of the Metro Chamber’s existence, it was important that we make the move to a more modern and more efficient building, one that sets a more proper tone for the work we do.

As we enter our 113th year, we are, I believe, stronger than ever. But each year, we must push ourselves to be even better; challenge ourselves to be even stronger, to excel far beyond expectations.

I spent a great deal of time in the last few months thinking about this organization’s successes, and the pivotal leadership role we hold in the region.

I spent a great deal of time, too, thinking about the challenges that we face as a region and talking to each Metro Chamber Board member about our unique contribution.

The conclusion that I’ve reached is that there exists no organization as well poised as we are to foster the regional cooperation necessary to meet the challenges our region faces in the coming years.

Consider what we face.

The region is woefully under prepared to handle a surge of waters on the American or Sacramento Rivers.

We must secure ourselves and our neighbors from the threat of flood waters, which could cause billions of dollars of damage and untold loss of life and human suffering.

We cannot be oblivious to the fact that we hover at 100 year level flood protection -- meaning in any given year we have a 1 in 100 chance of a catastrophic flood.
Let me put this point in context, -- we have twice the risk that New Orleans did with twice the property and people at risk.

The region is woefully unprepared to handle the increasing demand on our transportation infrastructure. The movement of goods, services and people is critical to our economic future, and we must find solutions.

The region is woefully unprepared to serve the needs of existing and future businesses who wish to grow and stay here. We must implement a region-wide program that serves as a resource for business retention and expansion.

In short, this year, we must focus on building the infrastructure for business.

We will continue to put our energies toward securing real flood protection for our region. Holding back the mighty rivers that gave birth to our region will remain the overriding priority for the Metro Chamber – and it must remain so until the job is done. And we have reason to be hopeful.

For too many years, local organizations and our Congressional delegation were polarized on this issue. But in recent years, we’ve seen great strides toward a solution in large part thanks to the historic compromise of Congressman John Doolittle and the late Congressman Robert Matsui.

These two honorable men – each a leader in his respective party – laid partisan differences aside for the good of the communities they represented. They showed us in a very tangible way that regional cooperation - working together - produces benefits for us all.

I would also like to recognize former Congressman Doug Ose, who in typical fashion served as a behind the scenes catalyst for the historic agreement.

We must renew our commitment to improve our transportation infrastructure. Our freeways are getting more crowded by the day, impacting the health of our economy, the health of our air and the health of our people.

The Metro Chamber-led passage of Measure A, the half-cent transportation sales tax in 2004 – combined with federal appropriations – have positioned us well to share in the 20 billion dollars in bond funding passed by California voters in November.

Now is the time to address the decay brought on by too many years of deferred maintenance, and make real investments in future needs.

If we are to attract new industry, and keep existing business growing and thriving in our communities, we must be prepared to offer the resources they need.

In fact, NEW business is attracted to our region only when existing business is strong and thriving. Through Partnership for Prosperity and our new Business Retention and Expansion program we will track the trends of our regions’ businesses and respond to their needs.

We can be the critical source of information linking business with customers and reducing barriers to expansion.

Finally, as I thought about what we might accomplish this year, and the need to build the infrastructure for business, I couldn’t help but look internally.

The Metro Chamber by its nature is an inclusive organization. We have representation from businesses large and small, nonprofit associations, and local government.

I am pleased that the Board includes representation from the Black Chamber, the Hispanic Chamber, and the Asian-Pacific Chamber.

California is the most diverse state in the nation, and Sacramento was named its most diverse City. And I am proud to say that the Metro Chamber reflects that diversity.

Sometimes the very nature of diversity can diffuse our focus. Let us not forget the primary purpose and focus of this organization. We are a Chamber of Commerce, with emphasis on the word “commerce.”

All businesses within our region need to know that we are protecting and promoting their interests. After all, a region with a healthy and growing business community is a healthy region. Not only do businesses benefit, but we create more jobs and more benefits for charitable organizations as well as governments.

I propose that our reason for being, the one thing we do that has a singular impact on our members and our region is in being the voice of business – becoming an organization of successful advocates. Everything we do should support that effort.

To that end, I propose we dedicate this year to rebuilding our advocacy program through prevention, collaboration, and measurement.

I would like to announce tonight the formation of the Metro Chamber’s new Advocacy Index.

We will measure our success and we will measure our failures. We will continue to improve and will truly become a force to be reckoned with.

Too often advocacy programs focus on reacting to bad policies, something we’ve certainly been guilty of. We rant and rave over bad decisions – but how often do we say thank you when policy makers make good decisions?

We’ve witnessed in the flood control debate that success requires regional collaboration – working together for common goals for the common good. As the region’s Chamber, that should be our cause.

The goal of building the infrastructure of business can only be achieved if our advocacy program is our one big thing.

Tonight, I offer that we can make the Metro Chamber an even better, even stronger organization for our region.

To realize the dreams of our counterparts from another century, and to pass along to a new generation of leaders an organization of which they can be proud.

We cannot blame our fate on bureaucrats in Washington or officials in the State Capitol. Ladies and Gentlemen, our history will be what we make of it.

Tonight we have proposed ambitious goals for an organization accustomed to rising to the challenge to find solutions.

If we accept the challenge, together we can succeed.

I, the staff, and the Board of the Metro Chamber will be calling on all of you to help us. Meeting our daily priorities does not have to mean shirking our regional responsibility.

When the Metro Chamber email comes asking for your letters, respond.

When the phone rings seeking your endorsement, take the call.

When you are asked to attend a Council meeting, make the time.

And most of all, help us help you by being the predominant voice of business for 2007.

I am honored by this opportunity to serve as your Chair. The Membership, staff and Board of Directors of this organization are reflective of the deep pool of talent in our communities, and testament to the unique commitment to service that makes the Sacramento region such a special place to call home. Thank you.

NEW VP FOR PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The Sacramento Metro Chamber has hired former American Pacific Mortgage Corp. vice president Michael Faust to head the Metro Chamber’s public policy and advocacy division. Faust replaces Dave Butler, who has joined LEED-Sacramento as chief executive officer.

Faust joins the Metro Chamber as senior vice president and comes to the position with an extensive background in politics, having served as the senior consultant for a member of the California Assembly and as a staff member for two members of Congress in Washington, D.C. In addition, he has served on national and state boards, run statewide campaigns, been the director of political services for a major statewide party, run a congressional campaign and worked on multiple other campaigns across the country.

“The Metro Chamber’s well respected and effective advocacy efforts are in great hands with Michael Faust,” said Matt Mahood, president & CEO. “Michael is a seasoned expert in articulating issues for business at the political level and managing campaigns and political activities. His experience will enhance the Metro Chamber’s advocacy efforts and the Metro Chamber Political Action Committee’s effectiveness in the upcoming election cycles.”

As a member of the California Association of Mortgage Brokers, Faust is currently its government affairs committee chair and a vice president and board of director of the organization and vice chair of government affairs for the National Association of Mortgage Brokers.

Faust is a leader in the mortgage industry, earning the highest honor bestowed a mortgage broker in California, being named 2005 Broker of the Year. In 2006, Habitat for Humanity of Sacramento awarded him the prestigious, Presidents Award.

At American Pacific Mortgage Corp., Faust carried multiple duties, including serving as the general manager of APMC’s flagship branch—Roseville-based Big Valley Mortgage.

Prior to his appointment at APMC, Faust worked for Pacesetter Financial in Sacramento,in multiple roles, rising in the ranks before being named president and chief operating officer.

Faust holds a master’s degree from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University.

Growing Human Capital: Feb. 23 forum examines workforce

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 05:00:00 GMT

THE ANNUAL REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM—a Metro Chamber economic development event set for Friday, Feb. 23 at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento—will present ideas for developing a continuous learning model that will generate a competitive workforce and ensure our region’s continued economic growth. Our region is poised to come together to develop strategies to fully utilize our human potential. This event will get us on our way.

“The reality is that with a membership of nearly 2,500, Metro Chamber businesses representing 190,000 employees, are impacted by local issues, state, national and global events and economic stresses,” said Sam Driggers, Metro Chamber director of business and economic development. “Workforce development and education is a critical element for the region’s employers and our evolving economic development strategy.”

Workforce development and education has been a theme of several Metro Chamber Study Missions. From Indianapolis, Dublin, Ireland, and most recently San Diego, Metro Chamber members have experienced the benefits and seen the side effects of regional and national economies in transition. One key element of success has been competing as a regional economy and developing a highly skilled, adaptable and technology savvy workforce as the catalyst for economic renewal.

“Study Mission delegations have learned that imports of labor are only a short-term fix and not a sustainable model for economic growth.” Driggers added. “Therefore, we must grow our own labor force. We recognize that our current
K-12 model of workforce preparation and education can be improved to better meet the needs of today’s global economy. Partnering with our region’s educators, business partners, and economic developer professionals will be key.”

For more information on the forum, contact Lauren Palmer at 916-552-6800 or lpalmer@metrochamber.org. Sponsorships are available to promote your business’ service; contact
Susan Harris Brown at 916-552-6800 or sbrown@metrochamber.org.