Policy Briefing: How technological change is reconfiguring the economy and focus of businesses
Although Tuesday was unarguably the busiest day on the Cap-to-Cap schedule, many people in our delegation made the time to attend the Policy Briefing on the Clean Energy Sector. The distinguished line up of speakers discussed the new business environment that we face, how quickly emerging technology is changing the game and what we need to do as a region to adapt and position ourselves to become the leader in the Green Technology Sector.
The briefing began with a presentation from Dr. Shari Garmise, vice president of the International Economic Development Council, who opened by addressing the new economic development environment and what that means for existing businesses, entrepreneurship and the globalization of capital. Due to growing globalization, all economic sectors are finding themselves able to access the global marketplace. This is leading to rapid technological change, which has shortened business cycles, in turn, stimulating
new economic sectors and occupational needs. This has created a new business model. Within this new model, we see intense competition between companies and regions, as well as increased mobility for both businesses and workers.
Another result of this new model is the reduction of medium-size businesses. Global companies serve the masses, while small companies service specific niches. While Dr. Garmise painted a picture of a changing economic development environment and highlighted the ways we must adapt to stay competitive in that new environment, she also pointed out that basic amenities still matter a great deal.
It is important to nurture the businesses that we do have in our region and ensure that there are the basic necessities in place to allow those businesses to thrive, even as new industry emerges. It is also important to take inventory of the assets of your region; if new innovation falls in congruence with the strengths of your region and pre-existing businesses are taken care of, it is at that point a region can begin to align itself to create a nurturing environment that supports innovation and
new technology.
The Metro Chamber's Vice President for Public Policy Michael Faust followed Dr. Garmise and explained that our region is in a prime position to nurture and invest in new technology and innovation. In response, SARTA is working to create a Clean Energy Technology Resource Manual. The manual is a comprehensive guide outlining the resources that exist in our region to assist Clean Green Sector businesses and workforce development. Faust pointed out that with the help of this resource manual we, as a
region, can identify our needs quickly and move forward in a seamless manner. This falls in step with Dr. Garmise's earlier point that to respond to new business cycles, a region must be engaged and ready to act quickly.
The final portion of the briefing was a panel discussion including comments from moderator J.D. Stack, CEO of SARTA, and panelists Paul Misso, Ray Kerridge, Kirk Uhler and Brice Harris. The panel did an outstanding job of relating the information presented to our specific strengths, weaknesses and goals in the region.
Some of the key topics that resonated from the panel included the following points: need for consistency between jurisdictions; the advertisement and celebration of pre-existing Clean Tech businesses in the region; open access to lawmakers and regulatory agencies; elimination of bureaucracy; the need for workforce training for both new employees, as well as existing employees; and the importance of strong regional leadership and support.
The Clean Green Policy Briefing was sponsored by the City of Roseville.
Speaker Pelosi applauds Metro Chamber for regional priorities
Amidst the backdrop of the beautiful Cannon Caucus Room, Cap-to-Cap chair Robert Dugan welcomed the delegation to the annual leadership luncheon. In his opening remarks, Dugan took the opportunity to remind the delegation of the importance of their visit. He then touched upon some of our regions most critical issues, from transportation to flood protection, as well as the Clean Technology Sector developing in the region. He then introduced local congresswoman Doris Matsui, who approached the podium
to a rousing round of applause. Congresswoman Matsui kept her comments brief and introduced the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.
Speaker Pelosi started by applauding the Sacramento Metro Chamber for the well-thought out and important regional priorities that the Metro Chamber has identified as the key issues. From there, Pelosi talked about the need for trade competitiveness, a strong economy and a strong military. She also addressed the importance of growing the economy and the re-building of American infrastructure.
In step with the Metro Chamber's goal of expanding the Clean Green sector, Pelosi named this as one of the most pressing issues in America today. She said that we need to look to America' farmers to lead the way in finding renewable energy. As we rebuild Americas infrastructure, we can do so in a Green manner.
Nearly 200 years ago, President Thomas Jefferson created the Build Infrastructure Initiative. About 100 years ago, President Theodore Roosevelt established a National Park Service to preserve our forests. Now, 100 years later, Pelosi would like to see a strong effort put forth to rebuild America's infrastructure. She said that this needs to happen in a no-deficit environment. Pelosi also stated that in order to preserve the planet, we need to do it in a bi-partisan manner. Greening and preserving
the planet will create new jobs. Pelosi stated that America needs to act as an incubator for innovation and that innovation begins in the classroom.
Another key element that Pelosi spoke about was the skyrocketing costs of health care. Pelosi believes that we need to focus on prevention to help lower health care costs. She also thanked the Metro Chamber for carrying the children's health care SCHIP issue as one of its top Cap-to-Cap priorities. Pelosi explained that the idea behind SCHIP is backed by bi-partisan support. President Bush said that the country cannot afford this, but Pelosi asserted that if we were not in Iraq, we would have far
more money for programs such as SCHIP.
Finally, Pelosi thanked the crowd for lobbying on behalf of California and national priorities. Pelosi assured the delegation that along with Congresswoman Matsui, she will spread the word of the Metro Chamber to her colleagues.
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Tuesday, April 8
Morning Lobbying Appointments
Policy Briefing
8-9:30 a.m.
Mayflower Hotel – State Room
Leadership Luncheon
11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cannon Caucus Room
Speakers include:
--Rep. Doris Matsui
--Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi
All Delegation Photograph
1:15 p.m.
Afternoon Lobbying Appointments
All Delegation Reception
6:30 p.m.
Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art & Portraiture
All Delegation Dinner
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art & Portraiture
Entertainment at both Tuesday p.m. events is The Sacramento Theatre Company's School of Theatre troupe
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