· · · Fresno Business Council · Weekly Bulletin · · ·
Monday, January 22, 2001
Bulletin & Other Information Available on Website at www.fresnobc.org
For Information call 449-6398 or 490-0014--E-mail Deborah.Nankivell@fresnobc.org <mailto:Deborah.Nankivell@fresnobc.org> Barbara.Steck@fresnobc.org <mailto:Barbara.Steck@fresnobc.org>
Message from the Chair-Dick Johanson
Do you remember when we studied logic?
Here is some Swedish logic. Premise one: Personal energy is fundamental to
happiness and success. Premise two: Tremendous energy abounds among
all those working on the local school bond measures. Conclusion: To
increase your personal energy level get totally involved in passing Clovis
Unified's "Measure A" and Fresno Unified's "K is for
Kids". Results are guaranteed in only six weeks. Is that
logical? You betcha...
A Model for Grassroots Leaders
What are the unique qualities that set civic
entrepreneurs apart? According to Grassroots Leaders for a New Economy (Hinton, Melville, Walesh), "they are risk takers
... not afraid of failure ... possessing courage born of strong
convictions. They are people of vision - passionate and energetic.
The bring out the best in people and know how to encourage them."
One such grassroots leader is among us, working diligently, collaborating extensively
as he moves people to action. John Ferdinandi, chairman of
the Fresno Area Residents for Rail Consolidation, has taken on the task to heighten understanding of
the importance of and need for rail consolidation within our metropolitan
area. John has those unique qualities listed above. In addition, he
cares about this community, has the tenacity to follow through and a style that
brings people together in search for solutions to a common goal. To learn
more about his group's efforts, check out their web site at www.movethetracks.org <http://www.movethetracks.org>
Call for Nominations - Rose Ann Vuich
Ethical Leadership Award 2001
The Fresno Business Council announces its call for nominations for the
Rose Ann Vuich Ethical Leadership
Award 2001. The award was created in 1997, in response to a
column by Jim Boren suggesting the creation of an ethical leadership
award named after Senator Rose
Ann Vuich. The Fresno Business Council, with a little prodding from Janet Ryan,
took The Bee's suggestion and created an award to honor Senator Vuich. The
Senator consistently maintained high ethical standards and earned bipartisan
respect throughout her career in the State legislature. The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute of Public Affairs has joined in sponsoring the event this year.
Nominations will be accepted for elected officials serving a second, or longer,
term in office. Eligible offices range from local school boards to
Congress. The 'second term' does not have to be in the same office.
The criteria for selection include integrity, strength of character, exemplary
ethical behavior, ability to build consensus; public service; sustained
contribution, and vision for enhancing the community. The award is open to
elected officials representing Fresno, Madera, Kings and/or Tulare
Counties. The deadline for nominations is 5:00 PM on Friday, February 9,
2001. Call (559) 244-2540 to request a nomination form. The
nomination form is also available on line at www.fresnobc.org <http://www.fresnobc.org> The Rose Ann Vuich Ethical Leadership Award is sponsored by the Fresno Business Council, The Fresno Bee
and The Kenneth L. Maddy Institute of
Public Affair.
People, Place & Prosperity-Fourth
Great Valley Center Conference Scheduled for May 9 & 10 in Sacramento
For the past three years the Great Valley Center has convened a conference to focus on critical issues
in our region. The conferences are packed with substantive sessions with
national level speakers covering a wide range of topics. Networking
opportunities abound to learn about the growing body of knowledge of how to
effectively address challenges facing Great Valley communities. Conference
brochures and registration information will be available March 18. Sponsorship
and exhibit information are on the website at www.greatvalley.org <http://www.greatvalley.org>
Mark your calendars today.
CIO's Are Taking On Policy Making and
Leadership Roles in Local Government
Depending upon the state, being a Chief
Information Officer (CIO) could mean leadership responsibility or simply
support staff. In Fairfax County, Virginia the push toward integrated,
centralized management of technology resources has lead to more accessible
government internally and externally and more effective and efficient
government. At the other extreme, state law in Ohio prevents counties from
appointing a CIO with any real authority so local governments have fragmented
IT structures making data sharing and cooperation between agencies difficult.
The national trend is moving CIO's into strategic, leadership roles thus
increasing the skill sets for the position. Where once technological
proficiency was enough, now effective CIO's must have high-level interpersonal
skills and political sensitivity. Customer service, whether the customer is a
citizen, vendor or employer, is a key driver for the use of technology in
government. In terms of economic development, technology is a critical tool for
success. "There's pretty much enough of a baseline to say it's a best
practice that a government IT strategy is integrally tied to an economic
development strategy. ...such a strategy requires that someone be in charge,
meaning a county is 'dysfunctional' from an economic development point of view
if the systems are not strategically integrated." Source: Governing: The Magazine of States and Localities website is www.governing.com <http://www.governing.com>.
Upcoming Activities & Events:
Tuesday, January 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00
a.m.-Executive Committee (Deloitte & Touche)