Tuesday, July 22, 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, Tom Brickley, Mike Burrows, Rachelle Bussell, Ken Coate, Ron Fremont, Ron Griffin, Scott Hofferber, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, Bill Lemann, Sue McKee, Tom Nightingale and John Prentice.
Guests: Olivia Gomez, Maral Hernandez & Ken Stream.
Announcements: 1) THINK Together has resigned from membership effective immediately due to budget considerations. 2) Kristine Scott is the new Co-Chair of the Environment Committee as Tom Brickley is stepping down from that role. 3) Loma Linda University Health announced at their Vision 2020 last Tuesday that they have received a $100 million donation towards expanding the medical enter on their main campus. The impressive gift is the largest in the Inland Empire and is one of the largest healthcare gifts in the state.
M/S/P: Minutes from July 15, 2014.
The Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP) mission is to help create the two-county region’s voice for business and quality of life. Their focus is on regional funding from state and federal government, the private sector and both counties of Riverside and San Bernardino.
The IEEP membership is a collection of important organizations in the private and public sector that care about the region. Their combined expertise gives the organization the knowledge and perspective needed to advocate and provide a vibrant business and living environment in our region. Strategic partners include Mobility 21, The California Stewardship Network, R.E.A.L. Coalition, SCAG and more. The IEEP has a complex structure and is made up of the following eight divisions: Business Council, Manufacturers Council of the Inland Empire, Inland Empire Biz PAC, Inland Empire Public Partners, Inland Empire Latino Leadership & Policy Council, Inland Empire Film Commission, The Community Foundation Alliance and the Inland Empire Education Council. These divisions allow each sector “its say”.
The IEEP Board of Directors includes heads of major companies like Walmart, Best Best & Krieger and UPS. Additionally, the Board is comprised of a member each from Riverside and San Bernardino Countys’ Board of Supervisors; two mayors representing the city members of IEEP; the Chair and CEO of the Community Foundation; and the President/Chancellor of the University of Redlands, California State University San Bernardino and University of California at Riverside. Also members of the Board are Dr. John Husing, the Chief Economist of IEEP, as well as Paul Granillo, President/CEO of the IEEP.
Growth of the Inland Empire has been dramatic both in terms of population and economic activity. This growth has brought with it opportunities and challenges throughout the region. Current forecasts project the region’s population at over five million by 2015, an increase of nearly 60 percent in just 15 years. Continued growth in our three major industries of goods movement, healthcare and manufacturing are critical.
When the business environment is successful it improves our quality of life. The business community needs to be present in a united way. The Biz PAC is a way for fund raising and to get the best possible representatives we can.
We are only now just beginning to move forward out of the Inland Empire’s stigma of corruption, instability and what is seen as a lack of cooperation between the two counties.
In order for the region to further succeed we must build bridges in education that will raise our average college degree holders beyond the current 18% rate.
Our Latino population (the 4th largest in the U.S.) is not being prepared for leadership. They must be better educated and understood, as this ethnic group will be the majority. The IEEP seeks to promote, train and advocate for the development of this community.
The film industry has changed dramatically and major movies are no longer being filmed in California. Unfortunately the lack of tax incentives has driven out all but a few television and commercial filming.
Last year the IEEP launched their Regional Academy program that provides in-depth understanding of key issues facing the Inland Empire region, including the Coachella Valley and the High Desert, Southern California and the State of California. Participants will advance their knowledge of regional issues, public policy, and perceptions of the Inland Empire within the state.
Two years ago the IEEP began working with the legislature. They have made inroads with state legislators by making presentations to the Inland Empire Caucus. Interest has been expressed by legislators that a similar group could be created on the federal side.
The IEEP is working to create a strong regional voice that will have an effective influence on public policy at all levels of government and assure that the Inland Empire enjoys its fair share of resources to meet the challenges of continued growth.
In order to speak with one regional voice, the three groups (Monday Morning, IEEP & Inland Action) will work to strengthen their relationships and broaden dialog.
A Q & A period followed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.