February 2, 2006

Power-packed progress report

Annual Chamber luncheon highlights accomplishments,
government’s role in future business

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

The Fairmont Hotel was awash with high-profile political and business professionals last Thursday, as the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Power Report luncheon to hundreds of attendees in the Regency Ballroom.

Chamber President and CEO Pat Dando is flanked by outgoing Chairman Bill Baron, left, and California Secretary of State Bruce McPherson.

The midday gathering featured a $50 per plate lunch and a formal changing of the guard, where the gavel was passed from 2005 Board Chair Bill Baron to his successor, Terry Austen. The Chamber also recognized outstanding Silicon Valley community leaders for their contributions to the growth and vitality of the San Jose business community, including Mike Fox, Jr. of M.E. Fox and Company, Bernard Vogel of Silicon Valley Law Group, Ray Rossi of Intel Corporation, Robert Scarborough of TenSoft, Inc., Gilbert Sangari of San Jose Magazine, and Susan Roberts Mevio of Raventeam Group, Inc., the 2005 Ambassador of the Year.

Highlighting the event was a keynote speech from California Secretary of State Bruce McPherson, who focused on his plans to make government work better for business. He detailed his roles, which include overseeing the State Archives and election process, implementing Internet disclosure of campaign and lobbyist financial information, and chartering corporations.

In March 2005, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed the former state senator as the 30th secretary of state, a position that Chamber president and CEO Pat Dando feels suits him and the future of business in California.

“When you see Bruce’s history of being able to work on both sides of the isle,” said Dando, “he is more concerned about getting things done for our cities and our state, rather than either Republican or Democrat. We appreciate that.”

Citing a “new tone” in Sacramento, McPherson said that as long as great minds exist in California, great things can be accomplished.

“We are working to improve California’s business climate and help businesses in order to revitalize California’s reputation as the land of opportunity,” he said. “We can build a better tomorrow. It’s right in front of us and we are well on our way, with a better attitude in Sacramento.”

“There’s so many ways the Chamber of Commerce saves you money, markets your business, builds your community, and fights your battles,” Baron said. “These statements are truer today than ever before, and the results prove it.”

Before passing the gavel to 2006 Board Chairman Terry Austen, outgoing Chairman Bill Baron spoke of the increased interest of others as new members joined at historic levels, as well as the number of top quality events the Chamber hosted throughout the year, including the Legends and Leaders dinner, which featured Magic Johnson—all adding up to a year where the chamber operated at a surplus for the first time in over 20 years.

“The Chamber is poised to build on our past and grow in 2006,” said Baron. “And beyond our message and effort, will be the quality of the members of all the neighborhood businesses who support our chamber.”

United Way President and CEO Mark Walker, left, chats with San Jose Unified School Board member Leslie Reynolds, District 10 City Councilmember Nancy Pyle, Kaiser Permanente Santa Teresa head and neck surgeon Linda Wolf, and Director of Public Affairs Kimberly Ellis. Photos by Kymberli Brady

“To the current chamber staff members, volunteers, ambassadors, and board of directors—truly a dynamic group of community visionaries, thank you for setting the bar high and striving to achieve excellence,” he added.

Austen cited the need to actively enter into political decision making to support local, national, and global competitiveness.

“We must leverage our diversity into partnerships to produce new levels of energy and vibrancy into this valley,” he said. “We must bring new sources of excitement that make our valley not only a great place to live and work, but a great place to visit—and make it a great place to come and watch a baseball game.”

The comment roused a room full of applause—many of whom have vowed to continue to fight for a professional baseball franchise in San Jose, including Vice Mayor and Mayoral candidate Cindy Chavez, as well as mayoral candidates Dave Cortese, Michael Mulcahy, and Manuel Herrera.

“With extraordinary leadership from our professional staff and our board of directors, in 2006, our voice will grow louder more compelling—even heroic in our commitment to create the Silicon Valley as the best place for businesses to do business in the nation,” said Austen. “I’m very privileged to be a part of it.”