Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Open Board of Directors Meeting
San Bernardino Community College District
114 S. Del Rosa Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Minutes
Present: Deborah Barmack, Carole Beswick, Ann Bryan, Ken Coate, Bill Easley, Ron Griffin, Scott Hofferber, Mark Kaenel, Pam Langford, John Mirau, Brian Reider, Susan Rice, Kristine Scott, Larry Sharp, Phil Waller, A.J. Wilson and Ray Wolfe.
Guests: Annie Han & Todd Warden
Announcements: 1) The 2014 State of the Region Conference will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at the Ontario Double Tree Inn. For more information use the link provided https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-state-of-the-region-tickets-9868482898 2) Randall Lewis is holding a Business Breakfast for Give BIG San Bernardino County (a 24 hour campaign to benefit our communities’ non-profit organizations) on Friday, April 4, 2014 at 8:00a.m. The event will be held at Sierra Lakes Golf Club, 16600 Clubhouse Dr., Fontana. Rsvp to soxarat@cbbankarena.com 3) A completion ceremony for the Omnitrans sbX Green Line Bus Rapid Transit Service will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at the Court Street Square in Downtown San Bernardino. 4) The Investiture of Kim Wilcox will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 2:00p.m. at the Student Recreation Center, University of California, Riverside. For more information please call (951) 827-3144. 5) The advocacy trip to Sacramento is planned for Tuesday, May 20, 2014 with the option of arriving on Monday, May 19th. 6) SANBAG plans to bring recognition to leaders in our communities by honoring local leaders during their 2014 General Assembly on Thursday, June 12, 2014. Please use the link for more information and submission of entries http://www.sanbag.ca.gov/documents/VisioningAwardsNominationPacket_000.pdf
M/S/P: Minutes from March 18, 2014.
Larry Sharp introduced Noel Massie, Chairman, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce & President, UPS Southern California District.
Mr. Massie expressed appreciation for the groups’ regional perspective and cooperative approach. His experience has taught him that those in Washington, D.C. have a greater interest when a broad “whole system” view is presented.
He discussed the L.A. Chambers recent advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. and their priorities such as: comprehensive immigration reform, infrastructure improvements for freight & goods movement, support of free trade agreements and K-12 education improvements.
An educated workforce is critical to keep a city vibrant. 50% of Los Angeles children do not get their high school diploma. Education reform and restructuring is necessary to provide business with qualified people. He discussed a program in Chicago where IBM reopened 7 of 10 high schools, closed due to underperformance, and created a school system to fill the company’s needs. The 6 year STEM high school is designed for students to obtain not only their high school diploma but also their Associates Degree. IBM and others are driving their future by building and investing in cities that are growing. When government cannot be relied upon for reform, business will find a way.
The Inland Empire has land and people but is lacking in the educated work force needed by business. Future growth will continue in high tech areas and health care. It would be wise to prepare now in order to tap into and attract these businesses to the Inland Empire.
He believes that trends will dictate more freight traffic at Ontario Airport.
The L.A. Chamber is strong and well respected. They are currently reviewing school models that “work” and will use their political clout to challenge the current system and initiate change.
A Q & A period followed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30a.m.