Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Spotlight is on...Deer Creek Broadcasting!
At the Chico City Council Meeting on May 1, 2012, the Chico Chamber of Commerce highlighted Deer Creek Broadcasting in our Business Spotlight presentation. The purpose of our Spotlight program is to demonstrate the significant impact various businesses in Chico have on our local economy. With us during the presentation was Dino Corbin, Market Manager for Deer Creek Broadcasting.
I'm pleased to share our presentation:
"This story actually begins in 1935, when the Chico Chamber of Commerce asked Harry Smithson and Sidney Lewis to put KHSL –AM on the air. The first letters of these gentlemen’s first and last names formed the call letters KHSL. In 1936, KHSL was purchased by Hugh and Mickey McClung of the Golden Empire Broadcasting Company. In 1953, the McClungs founded KHSL-TV, the first commercial television station in the Northstate. Mickey McClung was noteworthy as one of the first female broadcast pioneers in this industry. The McClung family and their Golden Empire Broadcasting owned and operated these stations until 1994, when the radio and TV stations were sold to different parties. At that time, KHSL-AM & FM joined KPAY and the MIX under Craig McCoy’s ownership.
In 2001, Clear Channel Broadcasting purchased the radio stations, then selling these stations in 2004 to the current ownership group, Deer Creek Broadcasting. They currently operate six different radio stations, News-talk 1290 KPAY, Adult Contemporary MIX 95.1, KHSL Country, the #1 Spanish language radio station north of Sacramento KHHZ, Sports-talk 1340 KEWE and 101.7 FM ESPN Radio.
This is the only electronic media company in Chico with local ownership. With a staff of 28, these six radio stations provide compelling information, live local news, entertainment, local weather, local high school and college sports coverage and live remote services. KPAY 1290 was the primary live radio news source during the tragic Paradise fires of 2008. Several former employees have gone on to successful positions in major radio markets.
Deer Creek Broadcasting Market Manager and Partner, William Dino Corbin, graduated from California State University Chico in 1975. He was recently recognized by Chico State with the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Service Award. Dino Corbin’s illustrious background includes a 40-year career in radio and television stations and newspapers, publication of books and articles, and appearances on national radio and television programs. He served for three years as the president of the California Broadcasters Association.
All of this is overshadowed by Mr. Corbin’s involvement with the 33 civic and community organizations listed on his resume. Dino is currently involved with eight of these organizations, and his role with each is significant. Corbin is president of the Chico Chapter of the Chico State Alumni Association, he serves as a member of Butte Pioneers Economic Planning Committee, he is the current chairman of the Chico Concours d’Elegance, and he is president of the Stansbury Home Preservation Association. Mr. Corbin has made it clear through his personal example and through his management, that the most important charge for Deer Creek Broadcasting is to serve their communities.
Through numerous Public Service Announcements Deer Creek Broadcasting provides over $200,000. worth of air-time to their communities. This company supports directly and indirectly 58 jobs, providing personal income of $1.8million. Local and state taxes total $379,000. This company supports 130 people, 15 in grade school, 8 in high school and 51 households. The total annual economic impact of Deer Creek Broadcasting is $10.5million."
We thank Deer Creek Broadcasting for their participation in our Business Spotlight program. To learn more about what they do, please visit www.kpay.com
Please join us at the first Chico City Council meeting of each month to hear a new Business Spotlight presentation.
We know you mean business...and we do, too!
~ Katie
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Chico Electric shines at the April 3rd City Council Meeting
At the first Chico City Council Meeting of every month, the Chamber delivers a Business Spotlight presentation featuring the history, outlook, and economic impact of a local business. Past presentations have featured TransferFlow, Build.com, Work Training Center, The Salvation Army, and Mom's Restaurant & Madison Bear Garden.
Council member feedback and questions are much appreciated as we demonstrate the value of our local businesses, organizations, and industries. These presentations also open the door for in depth discussions on regulatory challenges, infrastructure issues, and other policies and trends impacting our local economy.
At the April 3rd Council Meeting, we proudly featured Chico Electric as our Business Spotlight, inviting Norm Nielsen, President, to answer questions and address issues. Chico Electric has an important family history here in Chico that we illuminated, honoring the legacy and community footprint of the business over the years.
Here is our presentation:
"Chico Electric was founded in 1960 by Cecil Nielsen and his partner Larry Grage. The partnership lasted 3 years and then Cecil became the sole owner of the business. Chico Electric was originally located at 9th and Esplanade where Cecil built the company’s facility before moving the business to its current location on Eaton Road in 1989.
Cecil was originally from a farming family in Nebraska before moving to Los Molinos and then to Chico to attend Chico State. He met his wife while in school and worked for Wells Electric before starting his own business.
Norm Nielsen, who now owns Chico Electric, grew up in the business, spending his summers working with his father, Cecil. Norm attended Butte College before earning his degree from San Diego State. It was while Norm was away at college that he realized how much he loved Chico. He says now that it was natural for him to return home after graduation to, eventually, join his father in business. First Norm worked as an apprentice before moving up through the ranks. He founded his own business which he then merged with Chico Electric when his father retired more than 25 years ago at the age of 60. Norm calls his father, who is still very supportive of the company and of his son, a "great role model."
Norm considers himself entrepreneurial and wants to continue to expand the business. He says Chico Electric has been growing at a steady pace for the past 20 years. At one point, Chico Electric had a booming public works construction department which Norm decided to shelve when, among other things, the state regulations made it too challenging for the operation to remain competitive. Norm remains active in addressing the issues he sees with the Department of Industrial Relations.
Chico Electric now has two major segments and a primary market focused on the North State. The first segment of the business is Quick service, which requires staff and a fleet of trucks to manage small construction and service projects for both homes and businesses; the second segment is their Ag business, which focuses on solar installations, industrial motor control and other systems for growers and processors, such as rice dryers and irrigation systems.
Though he struggles with state regulations, Norm commends the City of Chico for improvements he's seen to the permitting process. He appreciates the City's efforts overall and feels that Chico is the right place for his business and his family, just as his father did over 50 years ago. "People are great here," he says, and compliments the quality of life that he feels is unique to Chico.
Norm and his wife raised two children in Chico, both of whom are successful young adults. Over the years, Norm's charitable focus has been on youth programs, actively sponsoring scouting programs, the Boys & Girls Club, and the activities of Noon Rotary Club. In the past, Norm was also a big supporter to CEPCO and remains invested in economic development efforts including workforce development. Norm partners with Butte College for workforce training, manages his own in-house training program, and is a member of the Western Electrical Contractors Association (WECA) for additional training opportunities.
Though Chico Electric downsized due to the diminished commercial construction market, Norm plans gradual re-growth over the next several years. The company continues to invest in marketing efforts and in their web site which is currently undergoing improvements."
To contact Norm or to learn more about Chico Electric, please visit their web site: http://www.chicoelectric.com/
Please stay tuned for news on upcoming Business Spotlights, and make plans to join us in supporting and highlighting a member of our business community at the first Council meeting of every month.
~ Katie Simmons
President & CEO
Council member feedback and questions are much appreciated as we demonstrate the value of our local businesses, organizations, and industries. These presentations also open the door for in depth discussions on regulatory challenges, infrastructure issues, and other policies and trends impacting our local economy.
At the April 3rd Council Meeting, we proudly featured Chico Electric as our Business Spotlight, inviting Norm Nielsen, President, to answer questions and address issues. Chico Electric has an important family history here in Chico that we illuminated, honoring the legacy and community footprint of the business over the years.
Here is our presentation:
"Chico Electric was founded in 1960 by Cecil Nielsen and his partner Larry Grage. The partnership lasted 3 years and then Cecil became the sole owner of the business. Chico Electric was originally located at 9th and Esplanade where Cecil built the company’s facility before moving the business to its current location on Eaton Road in 1989.
Cecil was originally from a farming family in Nebraska before moving to Los Molinos and then to Chico to attend Chico State. He met his wife while in school and worked for Wells Electric before starting his own business.
Norm Nielsen, who now owns Chico Electric, grew up in the business, spending his summers working with his father, Cecil. Norm attended Butte College before earning his degree from San Diego State. It was while Norm was away at college that he realized how much he loved Chico. He says now that it was natural for him to return home after graduation to, eventually, join his father in business. First Norm worked as an apprentice before moving up through the ranks. He founded his own business which he then merged with Chico Electric when his father retired more than 25 years ago at the age of 60. Norm calls his father, who is still very supportive of the company and of his son, a "great role model."
Norm considers himself entrepreneurial and wants to continue to expand the business. He says Chico Electric has been growing at a steady pace for the past 20 years. At one point, Chico Electric had a booming public works construction department which Norm decided to shelve when, among other things, the state regulations made it too challenging for the operation to remain competitive. Norm remains active in addressing the issues he sees with the Department of Industrial Relations.
Chico Electric now has two major segments and a primary market focused on the North State. The first segment of the business is Quick service, which requires staff and a fleet of trucks to manage small construction and service projects for both homes and businesses; the second segment is their Ag business, which focuses on solar installations, industrial motor control and other systems for growers and processors, such as rice dryers and irrigation systems.
Though he struggles with state regulations, Norm commends the City of Chico for improvements he's seen to the permitting process. He appreciates the City's efforts overall and feels that Chico is the right place for his business and his family, just as his father did over 50 years ago. "People are great here," he says, and compliments the quality of life that he feels is unique to Chico.
Norm and his wife raised two children in Chico, both of whom are successful young adults. Over the years, Norm's charitable focus has been on youth programs, actively sponsoring scouting programs, the Boys & Girls Club, and the activities of Noon Rotary Club. In the past, Norm was also a big supporter to CEPCO and remains invested in economic development efforts including workforce development. Norm partners with Butte College for workforce training, manages his own in-house training program, and is a member of the Western Electrical Contractors Association (WECA) for additional training opportunities.
Though Chico Electric downsized due to the diminished commercial construction market, Norm plans gradual re-growth over the next several years. The company continues to invest in marketing efforts and in their web site which is currently undergoing improvements."
To contact Norm or to learn more about Chico Electric, please visit their web site: http://www.chicoelectric.com/
Please stay tuned for news on upcoming Business Spotlights, and make plans to join us in supporting and highlighting a member of our business community at the first Council meeting of every month.
~ Katie Simmons
President & CEO
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Chico Chamber Board Announces Katie Simmons as President and CEO
The Chico Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced this morning the appointment of Katie Simmons as the Chamber’s new President and CEO. Simmons has been serving as the Chamber’s Interim Director since December, 2011 when she took on the position after the resignation of former Chamber CEO Jolene Francis.
“I am honored that the Board of Directors has selected me to serve as the Chico Chamber’s new President and CEO,” said Simmons. “I look forward to continuing the important work the Chamber has done in serving and representing the needs of the business community, and to maintaining a strong voice in addressing local and statewide issues impacting our economic vitality.”
“Selecting the perfect fit for the Chamber CEO position was a critical decision for our Board,” said Roger Hart, the Chamber’s 2012 Board Chair. “Our interview and selection process was extremely thorough. From the very beginning, we wanted to be sure that whoever we selected for the position understood the new culture and vision of the organization.
While the recruitment process unveiled a number of qualified candidates, ultimately Katie’s non-profit management experience combined with her vision for and leadership of the Chamber over the last several months made her the perfect selection. We are confident she will bring her enthusiasm and expertise to the table as we continue to move the organization forward.”
Simmons brings more than a decade of non-profit management experience to the position, most recently as Executive Director of Chico Velo and, prior to that, as Executive Director of the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce. From 2001 to 2008 Simmons served in management positions at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, headquartered in Berkeley, California, ultimately as their Director of Operations. Her experience working to define, develop and implement clear and creative strategic goals made her a prime candidate for the Chamber CEO position.
Simmons holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego. She will assume the role of President and CEO immediately. For questions or to schedule an interview, contact the Chamber at 530.891.5556
The Chico Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest, broad-based business advocacy organizations in Northern California. Its mission is to serve as the Voice of Business.
##
“I am honored that the Board of Directors has selected me to serve as the Chico Chamber’s new President and CEO,” said Simmons. “I look forward to continuing the important work the Chamber has done in serving and representing the needs of the business community, and to maintaining a strong voice in addressing local and statewide issues impacting our economic vitality.”
“Selecting the perfect fit for the Chamber CEO position was a critical decision for our Board,” said Roger Hart, the Chamber’s 2012 Board Chair. “Our interview and selection process was extremely thorough. From the very beginning, we wanted to be sure that whoever we selected for the position understood the new culture and vision of the organization.
While the recruitment process unveiled a number of qualified candidates, ultimately Katie’s non-profit management experience combined with her vision for and leadership of the Chamber over the last several months made her the perfect selection. We are confident she will bring her enthusiasm and expertise to the table as we continue to move the organization forward.”
Simmons brings more than a decade of non-profit management experience to the position, most recently as Executive Director of Chico Velo and, prior to that, as Executive Director of the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce. From 2001 to 2008 Simmons served in management positions at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, headquartered in Berkeley, California, ultimately as their Director of Operations. Her experience working to define, develop and implement clear and creative strategic goals made her a prime candidate for the Chamber CEO position.
Simmons holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego. She will assume the role of President and CEO immediately. For questions or to schedule an interview, contact the Chamber at 530.891.5556
The Chico Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest, broad-based business advocacy organizations in Northern California. Its mission is to serve as the Voice of Business.
##
Thursday, February 16, 2012
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." ~ Will Rogers
I'm so incredibly encouraged by the outpouring of support we've received from the business community, local agencies, fellow service organizations, and the public to TAKE ACTION on the 4 issues identified at the Chamber's 2012 Business Summit that I have to share our progress.
As you know, attendees at the Summit, held on January 31st, spoke out on the issues affecting business in 2012. Here are the top 4 issues identified by over 130 people:
1. Burdensome regulations
2. Financing options for business growth
3. Employment challenges: qualified workforce
4. Transparency in the permitting process
I'm thrilled to report that we've made progress on ALL FOUR issues!
We're pursuing meetings with the City to discuss transparency in permitting and to gain insight into the regulatory issues that are under local control. All of our inquiries have been met with receptivity and, as we move forward with our meetings, we will find ways to partner with the City to problem-solve around these issues. We will cast a wider net once we've bench-marked our plans to re-engage the business community and will be calling on YOU to participate in this ongoing dialogue.
To address the need for delivering more content and education around financing options and availability for small business growth, we've reached out to experts in the field to speak at our upcoming Spring Business Symposium, slated for April 26th in the Big Room at Sierra Nevada. If you attended our Fall Business Symposium, you know to expect expert advice and guidance on these issues -- and financing, a hot topic, will get the royal treatment. Believe me, we’ve heard you and we're going to deliver.
Alliance for Workforce Development, a strong partner, has expressed interest in working with us to deliver a workshop on solving problems around employment challenges. Once we confirm the workshop date and time, targeted for May, we'll be asking you to tell us: What are your employment needs? What are the barriers you face? And what does "qualified" mean to you? We'll give your answers directly to the team of experts leading this workshop and you will walk away with ideas, solutions, resources, tools, and contacts to help you move forward with this challenge in 2012.
Access to broadband and the internet didn't make it to the very top of the list but, having landed at #5, we still take it seriously. Look for progress on these issues, too, as meetings are in place to determine resources available to us now.
I'm greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm we've been met with at every turn. The City, service organizations, and community members are taking our Summit results seriously.
As we draft a formal strategic plan to address these issues, detailing the steps and partnerships involved, as well as the areas in which we will need YOUR input, I promise to keep you posted.
I'm energized by the progress we've made in these few short weeks to show measurable progress on YOUR concerns. I'm also pleased that so many organizations and agencies are working together, as business advocates, for the health and vitality of our local economy.
After all, we’re all in this together.
~ Katie
Katie Simmons
Interim Managing Director
As you know, attendees at the Summit, held on January 31st, spoke out on the issues affecting business in 2012. Here are the top 4 issues identified by over 130 people:
1. Burdensome regulations
2. Financing options for business growth
3. Employment challenges: qualified workforce
4. Transparency in the permitting process
I'm thrilled to report that we've made progress on ALL FOUR issues!
We're pursuing meetings with the City to discuss transparency in permitting and to gain insight into the regulatory issues that are under local control. All of our inquiries have been met with receptivity and, as we move forward with our meetings, we will find ways to partner with the City to problem-solve around these issues. We will cast a wider net once we've bench-marked our plans to re-engage the business community and will be calling on YOU to participate in this ongoing dialogue.
To address the need for delivering more content and education around financing options and availability for small business growth, we've reached out to experts in the field to speak at our upcoming Spring Business Symposium, slated for April 26th in the Big Room at Sierra Nevada. If you attended our Fall Business Symposium, you know to expect expert advice and guidance on these issues -- and financing, a hot topic, will get the royal treatment. Believe me, we’ve heard you and we're going to deliver.
Alliance for Workforce Development, a strong partner, has expressed interest in working with us to deliver a workshop on solving problems around employment challenges. Once we confirm the workshop date and time, targeted for May, we'll be asking you to tell us: What are your employment needs? What are the barriers you face? And what does "qualified" mean to you? We'll give your answers directly to the team of experts leading this workshop and you will walk away with ideas, solutions, resources, tools, and contacts to help you move forward with this challenge in 2012.
Access to broadband and the internet didn't make it to the very top of the list but, having landed at #5, we still take it seriously. Look for progress on these issues, too, as meetings are in place to determine resources available to us now.
I'm greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm we've been met with at every turn. The City, service organizations, and community members are taking our Summit results seriously.
As we draft a formal strategic plan to address these issues, detailing the steps and partnerships involved, as well as the areas in which we will need YOUR input, I promise to keep you posted.
I'm energized by the progress we've made in these few short weeks to show measurable progress on YOUR concerns. I'm also pleased that so many organizations and agencies are working together, as business advocates, for the health and vitality of our local economy.
After all, we’re all in this together.
~ Katie
Katie Simmons
Interim Managing Director
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Road Ahead
As I sort through the sticky notes and poster boards from yesterday's 2012 Business Summit, I am overcome with gratitude for the business leaders, community members, City staff, and elected officials who took the time to join us for an afternoon of big-picture thinking.
We went into the Summit, graciously sponsored by Alliance for Workforce Development, with several unanswered questions. We wondered if business leaders would find value in small group discussions. We wondered if we'd be successful in developing a list of finite goals. And we wondered if the energy in the room be positive.
From the feedback we've received, we can answer these questions with a resounding "yes!"
Here are the issues our 150 attendees identified as top priorities to tackle in 2012:
1. Qualified workforce
2. Regulation challenges
3. Financial assistance for business growth
4. Permit transparency
After sorting through the solutions our attendees diligently jotted down, we'll formulate strategies to address each one of these issues during the next 11 months. We're hoping to make incremental improvements this year through partnership with the City and other service organizations. We'll report back on our progress regularly, and we'll keep the business community engaged in every step of the process.
After all, even though we reached the "Summit," we've only taken the first step!
Here's an overview of our 2012 Business Climate Survey results:
Of the responses we received, most came from individuals who own or operate a business within the city limits of Chico. Most have been in business for 15 or more years and have 1-5 employees. A wide spectrum of industries is represented in these responses.
Regulations were reported as the #1 State issue inhibiting business growth, followed by Costs. A significant number of businesses feel that their needs are not being adequately represented on a state level – which is certainly good feedback.
Turning to the local level: All City regulations, policies, and practices were reported as having a neutral affect on businesses – except for Permitting which falls in the “Negative Affect” column.
Local infrastructure insufficiencies identified were: Roads, Air Commercial, and Wireless/Broadband which all fell in the “Needs Improvement” category. All other infrastructure areas identified were labeled “Sufficient.”
Challenges to growth include:
1. The economy (identified by nearly 80% of respondents)
2. Capital constraints and State regulations and practices (noted by 40% of respondents)
3. City regulations and practices (recognized by 24% of respondents)
Looking ahead, 50% of respondents indicated their business will grow or stay the same in 2012. Only 3 respondents indicated a predicted decline.
Growth opportunities in 2012 are ranked as follows:
1. Increasing sales
2. Entering new markets
3. Hiring employees
4. And introducing new products
Responses on the “Power of One” program indicate a positive reception – with 57% of respondents indicating they will or will consider creating one job in 2012.
We also asked a number of questions that required thoughtful, written responses, many of which we’ll have the opportunity to follow-up on after this event. Most comments were locally-focused: with suggestions on how to capitalize on tourism and agritourism, how to create better communication between the City and businesses, how to create partnerships that work, and how to keep business local.
The survey, in a nutshell, indicates problem areas as follows:
• State regulations
• City permitting
• Roads
• Air Commercial
• Wireless/Broadband
Given the survey results and the amazing outpouring of input we received at yesterday's Summit, we're encouraged by the work ahead.
Please feel free to contact me at katie@chicochamber.com to give us your feedback, to ask questions, and/or to get involved in the journey we've just begun.
Together, we are going to make positive changes this year -- there's no doubt in my mind.
~ Katie Simmons, Interim Managing Director
We went into the Summit, graciously sponsored by Alliance for Workforce Development, with several unanswered questions. We wondered if business leaders would find value in small group discussions. We wondered if we'd be successful in developing a list of finite goals. And we wondered if the energy in the room be positive.
From the feedback we've received, we can answer these questions with a resounding "yes!"
Here are the issues our 150 attendees identified as top priorities to tackle in 2012:
1. Qualified workforce
2. Regulation challenges
3. Financial assistance for business growth
4. Permit transparency
After sorting through the solutions our attendees diligently jotted down, we'll formulate strategies to address each one of these issues during the next 11 months. We're hoping to make incremental improvements this year through partnership with the City and other service organizations. We'll report back on our progress regularly, and we'll keep the business community engaged in every step of the process.
After all, even though we reached the "Summit," we've only taken the first step!
Here's an overview of our 2012 Business Climate Survey results:
Of the responses we received, most came from individuals who own or operate a business within the city limits of Chico. Most have been in business for 15 or more years and have 1-5 employees. A wide spectrum of industries is represented in these responses.
Regulations were reported as the #1 State issue inhibiting business growth, followed by Costs. A significant number of businesses feel that their needs are not being adequately represented on a state level – which is certainly good feedback.
Turning to the local level: All City regulations, policies, and practices were reported as having a neutral affect on businesses – except for Permitting which falls in the “Negative Affect” column.
Local infrastructure insufficiencies identified were: Roads, Air Commercial, and Wireless/Broadband which all fell in the “Needs Improvement” category. All other infrastructure areas identified were labeled “Sufficient.”
Challenges to growth include:
1. The economy (identified by nearly 80% of respondents)
2. Capital constraints and State regulations and practices (noted by 40% of respondents)
3. City regulations and practices (recognized by 24% of respondents)
Looking ahead, 50% of respondents indicated their business will grow or stay the same in 2012. Only 3 respondents indicated a predicted decline.
Growth opportunities in 2012 are ranked as follows:
1. Increasing sales
2. Entering new markets
3. Hiring employees
4. And introducing new products
Responses on the “Power of One” program indicate a positive reception – with 57% of respondents indicating they will or will consider creating one job in 2012.
We also asked a number of questions that required thoughtful, written responses, many of which we’ll have the opportunity to follow-up on after this event. Most comments were locally-focused: with suggestions on how to capitalize on tourism and agritourism, how to create better communication between the City and businesses, how to create partnerships that work, and how to keep business local.
The survey, in a nutshell, indicates problem areas as follows:
• State regulations
• City permitting
• Roads
• Air Commercial
• Wireless/Broadband
Given the survey results and the amazing outpouring of input we received at yesterday's Summit, we're encouraged by the work ahead.
Please feel free to contact me at katie@chicochamber.com to give us your feedback, to ask questions, and/or to get involved in the journey we've just begun.
Together, we are going to make positive changes this year -- there's no doubt in my mind.
~ Katie Simmons, Interim Managing Director
Thursday, December 1, 2011
"Signing Off" at The Chico Chamber of Commerce
It's been a teary week around here. Usually that's because Alice Patterson has us all laughing so hard, but this week I'm a little weepy over my impending departure on Friday.
I'm very excited about my new adventure at the Enloe Foundation. I look forward to the challenge of 'telling the story' of the Medical Center, why it's economic impact is important to the community, why it's critical that we all do our part to keep our community hospital as well equipped as possible, and why we should all be tremendously proud that we live in a community with top-notch care provided through a locally controlled, patient-centered mission.
I'll admit to being a little sad leaving a job that I have such passion for. We've come a very long way in the last three years. From severe financial stress to comfortable financial health. From inwardly focused political maneuvering to outwardly focused member-centric mission. It's been a lot of work but a really fantastic, fun time. I will miss it.
I'll miss most of all the day-to-day dealings with absolutely the most dynamic, creative and dedicated business leaders in California. Many of them are Chamber members, some are not. But by-and-large each one of them is a pillar that this community builds its economic foundation on and we should be grateful for their work. Thank you.
I'll also miss the fun and fabulous group of ladies that make up our small staff. Each of them brings talent, insight and intelligence to their position and they have a lot of fun doing it!
I think it's best to move on from a position when you remain at the top end of your game. I certainly don't want to pull a Brett Favre and end up hanging on to the old glory even as the crowd yells "Just retire already, for cryin-out-loud"! So I'll feel good about leaving the organization in good health, in good hands and traveling down the right path with a good head of steam.
As I prepare to leave my position as the leader of the Chamber, I'm content to hand over my bullhorn and my soapbox to Katie Simmons who will do a superb job of continuing the Chamber mission of being The Voice of Business. I know she's up for the challenge. While she keeps things moving ahead the Board will explore the potential benefits of unifying the Chamber with our long-term collaborative partner CEPCO. I am anxious to see the end result of this dialog.
Whomever ends up sitting in the CEO chair for the next few years, the next few decades and into the next century, one thing will remain unchanged. An organization like the Chamber, made up of local business people who dedicate their time, creativity and energy to building a strong economy together will always wield great power. MEMBERS are the power within this organization.
One last message before I sign-off because I just can't say this enough...SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MAKES EVERYTHING ELSE POSSIBLE! Thank you for working so hard to make our community a great place to live, work and play. It's been my sincere privilege to work with you all!
I'm very excited about my new adventure at the Enloe Foundation. I look forward to the challenge of 'telling the story' of the Medical Center, why it's economic impact is important to the community, why it's critical that we all do our part to keep our community hospital as well equipped as possible, and why we should all be tremendously proud that we live in a community with top-notch care provided through a locally controlled, patient-centered mission.
I'll admit to being a little sad leaving a job that I have such passion for. We've come a very long way in the last three years. From severe financial stress to comfortable financial health. From inwardly focused political maneuvering to outwardly focused member-centric mission. It's been a lot of work but a really fantastic, fun time. I will miss it.
I'll miss most of all the day-to-day dealings with absolutely the most dynamic, creative and dedicated business leaders in California. Many of them are Chamber members, some are not. But by-and-large each one of them is a pillar that this community builds its economic foundation on and we should be grateful for their work. Thank you.
I'll also miss the fun and fabulous group of ladies that make up our small staff. Each of them brings talent, insight and intelligence to their position and they have a lot of fun doing it!
I think it's best to move on from a position when you remain at the top end of your game. I certainly don't want to pull a Brett Favre and end up hanging on to the old glory even as the crowd yells "Just retire already, for cryin-out-loud"! So I'll feel good about leaving the organization in good health, in good hands and traveling down the right path with a good head of steam.
As I prepare to leave my position as the leader of the Chamber, I'm content to hand over my bullhorn and my soapbox to Katie Simmons who will do a superb job of continuing the Chamber mission of being The Voice of Business. I know she's up for the challenge. While she keeps things moving ahead the Board will explore the potential benefits of unifying the Chamber with our long-term collaborative partner CEPCO. I am anxious to see the end result of this dialog.
Whomever ends up sitting in the CEO chair for the next few years, the next few decades and into the next century, one thing will remain unchanged. An organization like the Chamber, made up of local business people who dedicate their time, creativity and energy to building a strong economy together will always wield great power. MEMBERS are the power within this organization.
One last message before I sign-off because I just can't say this enough...SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MAKES EVERYTHING ELSE POSSIBLE! Thank you for working so hard to make our community a great place to live, work and play. It's been my sincere privilege to work with you all!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sometimes...it works!
Some good news out of Sacramento on Friday. AB 350 (Solorio) failed to make it off the Senate Floor. Senator Doug LaMalfa was among those who helped stop this bill. I'm pretty happy about that. This was one of those head-scratching pieces of legislation that makes you wonder who thinks this junk up. Score 1 for Business!
However, AB 22 did pass the Senate and is currently awaiting action on the Governor's desk. We're advocating for a veto. This is the bill that would prevent employers from using a job applicants credit report as part of the hiring evaluation process. That's dangerous for the employer if they are hiring someone who might have access to their assets, and dangerous for consumers if the employee has access to confidential customer information. We'll keep you posted on the outcome, but encourage you to write a letter of your own to Governor Jerry Brown and ask him to use hist Veto stamp, pronto!
Keep watching in the coming months, we'll be posting the voting records for this legislative session and you can judge for yourself who's doing a good job protecting jobs and job creators in California.
However, AB 22 did pass the Senate and is currently awaiting action on the Governor's desk. We're advocating for a veto. This is the bill that would prevent employers from using a job applicants credit report as part of the hiring evaluation process. That's dangerous for the employer if they are hiring someone who might have access to their assets, and dangerous for consumers if the employee has access to confidential customer information. We'll keep you posted on the outcome, but encourage you to write a letter of your own to Governor Jerry Brown and ask him to use hist Veto stamp, pronto!
Keep watching in the coming months, we'll be posting the voting records for this legislative session and you can judge for yourself who's doing a good job protecting jobs and job creators in California.
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