www.sdchamber.org

Phil Blair, 2008 Chairman of the

Board

Board Report

Councilman-Elect Carl DeMaio, 5th District of the City of San Diego, addressed the Chamber at its meeting on Thursday, August 28.   He discussed his three priorities to: 1) restore San Diego's financial health by achieving a balanced budget; 2) rebuild San Diego's infrastructure and 3) restore public trust in city government by instilling transparency, accountability, and a citizen-centered service culture at city hall.

Director Maureen Stapleton, General Manager of the San Diego County Water Authority, reported on the drought conditions and water supply reliability.  She reviewed the comprehensive action plan to diversify the region's water supply and the long-term development of San Diego County's water infrastructure. The area is currently under a "Stage One" Water Alert calling for voluntary conservation; a "Stage Two" Water Alert will impose mandatory restrictions.  The San Diego County Water Authority is challenging every person to take the "20-Gallon Challenge" and save 20 gallons of water per day.

Jon Ulrich, District Sales Manager for Office Depot, briefed the Board of Directors on the benefits of the Office Depot program for Chamber members.  Office Depot provides Chamber members with 15-25% discounts on office supplies, technology, promotional items, furniture, and coffee and breakroom supplies.  Additionally, Office Depot now provides professional, full service printing, copying, binding and finishing at special member prices.  Both small and large businesses qualify for the discounts.

Board actions included support for AB 2049 (Saldaña) Public Schools: Children of Military Families; Proposition S – San Diego Unified School District – School Repair & Safety Measure of 2008 – School Bond; and the Governor's Compromise Budget.  The Board voted to oppose Proposition 7 – Solar & Clean Energy Initiative.

In an extraordinary action, the Board of Directors endorsed Judge Jan Goldsmith for San Diego City Attorney.

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Nominations for the Chamber Board of Directors

Chamber Bylaws provide for nominations from the membership for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors (Section 3.9.1) by petition personally delivered to the President and Chief Executive Officer by members representing 2 percent (42 signatures) of the voting power of the Chamber.  Additional candidates so designated shall be included in the written ballot to be distributed in November.