Message From the Chair Emeritus—Richard Johanson
One of nature’s greatest visual gifts to us is the beauty of Fall. Our trees and vines are covered with gold, yellow and red leaves as they prepare for their winter dormancy. The leaves fall gently to the ground with an assurance that next Spring they will reappear wearing a coat of bright green and inspire us once again. The thought occurred to me that while we are conscious of this annual process, we often forget that it is not the leaves that make our trees what they are, it is the root system. We are making progress around here not because of bright colors. Rather our momentum has grown because of our unseen but critically important community-based root stock. A critical component of our root stock is this Business Council. It is my hope that all who read this weekly Bulletin will commit to some type of Council membership support in the upcoming year. For more information visit our website www.fresnobc.org. Our leaves are depending upon us.
One Employer’s Solution to Healthcare—Safeway
In order to learn more about national and state private sector thinking on healthcare, Dr. Alan Pierrot and I attended a meeting convened by the Committee for Economic Development, a national business think tank, and the Bay Area Council. One speaker offered Safeway’s approach based upon research and partnership:
Research
• 70% of healthcare costs are driven by behavior.
• Four chronic conditions create 74% of costs.(Obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease)
• Obesity is a driving factor in all 4 chronic conditions.
• Noncompliance with recommended care reaches 67% for obesity.
• Transparency is critical to control costs.
• Obesity rates: Japan 3%, Switzerland 8%, Canada 15%, USA 34%.
Solution to Rising Costs
• Insure everyone.
• Create more personal responsibility.
• Encourage prevention and wellness by linking healthy behaviors to financial incentives.
• Provide cost and quality transparency.
• Pay more for results and less for services rendered.
Safeway’s Program• Open to all employees.
• Focus on 4 issues—weigh, tobacco, blood pressure, cholesterol.
• Earn lower premiums through changed behavior.
• Distribute information on procedural costs and quality. For comparable services cost ranges go from 10:1 to 4:1. Hard costs $887 to $8,650; $3,538 to $16,779.
Results
Since the program began in 2005, Safeway and its employee’s annual savings have gone from $19 million in 2006 to $5
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
November 23, 2009
Message From the Chair Emeritus—Richard Johanson
Thanks to all who accepted my invitation to share their “Thoughts of Thanksgiving” with us. This has been a difficult year and I believe it is critical that we don’t let the negatives overwhelm our blessings. Here are a few responses, some of which I have abbreviated. I am hopeful that you will add your own.
“We are thankful for the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man--nature, music, great books and the opportunity to serve others.”
Lee Ayres
“Family and good friends. The “things” in my life pale in comparison to the people I care about. People are eternal and everything else is not.”
Kurt Madden
“I am thankful that we live in a place that allows us the opportunity to think, learn, create and contribute.”
Alice Saviez
“The Marjorie Mason Center is grateful for the incredible numbers of compassionate, generous and energetic individuals who make this such a wonderful place to live, work and thrive.” Pam Kallsen
“For me it can be the little things, looking at the sun shining through the three leaves or our fourth grandson’s birth.”
Kathy Bray
“I am thankful for life, love of family and friends, health and well-being and that we live under the protection of a free and peaceful nation each day.”
Kay Garabedian
“I am thankful for learning so much from God – relationships, caring, intimacy, and connectedness.”
Doug Davidian
“I am thankful to have an opportunity to make a difference, work with extraordinary people, and for my wonderful daughter, Noelle.
Deb Nankivell
Monday, November 16, 2009
November 16, 2009
Message From the Chair Emeritus—Richard Johanson
I would like to try something I’ve never done before in the fifteen plus years I have been privileged to contribute to our Bulletin. Next week we shall celebrate Thanksgiving Day. For what will you be most thankful this year? Please send your thought(s) to me (rajoho@comcast.net) so I can pass your feelings on to others. We will share as many of thoughts as possible in next week’s bulletin. As for me, I shall once again be thankful for family, friends and all of those who understand that in exchange for living in an imperfect democracy we owe it to ourselves and others to try to leave this a better place than we found it. Such is the mission of the Fresno Business Council. Such is the Spirit of Thanksgiving.
California Forward’s Budget Reforms and Local Control Measures
The current structure of California government is based upon another era and patches that didn’t fix the underlying problems—structural, systemic and power dysfunctions. Our board has endorsed the 2010 Reform plan aimed at two primary goals—serving community before single interests and restoring power to local government. The reforms include:
Best Practices Budget Accountability Act
• Planning Ahead—two-year spending plans with 5 year fiscal forecasts.
• Results & Accountability—goals for every program linked to budget decisions.
• Performance Review—Oversight of major expenditures; ten year review cycles for programs.
• Reduce Debt When Revenues Spike—Use one time revenues to pay down debt.
• Pay-As-You-Go—No new programs without funding source.
• Majority vote budget/deadline—forfeit pay and per diem if not on time. Retains 2/3 vote for tax increases.
Community Funding Protection and Accountability Act
• Protect local taxes—state prohibited from taking local taxes or fees.
• Collaborative Problem Solving—encourages local institutional alignments to solve problems and eliminate duplication.
• New Resources for Community Services—If county-wide plan adopted, county can ask for sales increase up to 1 cent to be distributed to local government.
• Accountability for Outcomes—discretion coupled with reporting on progress and support of voters to continue.
For more in depth information, go to the website, www.caforward.org
I would like to try something I’ve never done before in the fifteen plus years I have been privileged to contribute to our Bulletin. Next week we shall celebrate Thanksgiving Day. For what will you be most thankful this year? Please send your thought(s) to me (rajoho@comcast.net) so I can pass your feelings on to others. We will share as many of thoughts as possible in next week’s bulletin. As for me, I shall once again be thankful for family, friends and all of those who understand that in exchange for living in an imperfect democracy we owe it to ourselves and others to try to leave this a better place than we found it. Such is the mission of the Fresno Business Council. Such is the Spirit of Thanksgiving.
California Forward’s Budget Reforms and Local Control Measures
The current structure of California government is based upon another era and patches that didn’t fix the underlying problems—structural, systemic and power dysfunctions. Our board has endorsed the 2010 Reform plan aimed at two primary goals—serving community before single interests and restoring power to local government. The reforms include:
Best Practices Budget Accountability Act
• Planning Ahead—two-year spending plans with 5 year fiscal forecasts.
• Results & Accountability—goals for every program linked to budget decisions.
• Performance Review—Oversight of major expenditures; ten year review cycles for programs.
• Reduce Debt When Revenues Spike—Use one time revenues to pay down debt.
• Pay-As-You-Go—No new programs without funding source.
• Majority vote budget/deadline—forfeit pay and per diem if not on time. Retains 2/3 vote for tax increases.
Community Funding Protection and Accountability Act
• Protect local taxes—state prohibited from taking local taxes or fees.
• Collaborative Problem Solving—encourages local institutional alignments to solve problems and eliminate duplication.
• New Resources for Community Services—If county-wide plan adopted, county can ask for sales increase up to 1 cent to be distributed to local government.
• Accountability for Outcomes—discretion coupled with reporting on progress and support of voters to continue.
For more in depth information, go to the website, www.caforward.org
Monday, November 9, 2009
November 9, 2009
Message From the Chair Emeritus—Richard Johanson
A year has gone by since the voters of this nation used the privilege granted them in our constitution to elect by majority vote those candidates for public office they prefer to serve them during the ensuing political cycle. Whenever we become disenchanted with the performance of the party in power, we make a change. The underlying strength of this country resides in having a strong two party system with the primary responsibility of the “out” party being to serve as the watchdog over the actions of the other. Our history tells us that rancor, diatribes pitting one party against the other and forecasts of impending doom have always been a part of this process. What has never changed has been that cadre of citizens who quietly and efficiently continue their quest of transformation amid the ongoing political turmoil. Such has been the role of the members of the Fresno Business Council and our extended family of those dedicated to making our tomorrow better than our yesterday.
“It’s Different This Time”—A Community Steps Up Together
Barn raising is an American tradition where everyone came together when someone needed a barn. Most were volunteers, a handful of those with special skills were paid and everyone benefitted, not just the family with a new barn. Early Americans understood interdependence and that there are challenges we can only meet as a united whole. Community transformation is one of them. As the RJI continues to accelerate driven by the EDC, Office of Community and Economic Development at Fresno State, Lyles Center, WIB, State Center and others, the City of Fresno is sparking increasing engagement from many institutions and organizations to revitalize the Lowell Neighborhood. Here is an excerpt from a recent blog from Craig Scharton, the head of the Downtown and Community Revitalization Department:
What an unbelievably great meeting! Fresno State is on it. They have departments lined up with classes and internships all focused on Lowell. Off the top of my head: construction management, recreation, education, the library (for research and database), political science, psychology, business, engineering, arts (lighting)...and others that I'm forgetting. They have a matrix of every department's involvement. They have specific classes that will be involved. They are organizing an event to link nonprofits in Lowell to students. This is so incredibly gigantic. They are hosting a national conference for Urban Universities next year and will bring schools from around the country to Fresno to see how an engaged city and university can work together. Somebody pinch me...I never, in my wildest dreams, thought that this would all be happening so quickly. Dr. Welty, the Provost and Assistant Provost are all actively engaged to pull this focus and follow-through together. I do not believe that there is anything quite like what is happening, anywhere in the country. As Mayor Swearengin says, "it is different this time." Folks, it is different, I've been doing this stuff off and on for 25 years. I have never seen things happening like this before.
A year has gone by since the voters of this nation used the privilege granted them in our constitution to elect by majority vote those candidates for public office they prefer to serve them during the ensuing political cycle. Whenever we become disenchanted with the performance of the party in power, we make a change. The underlying strength of this country resides in having a strong two party system with the primary responsibility of the “out” party being to serve as the watchdog over the actions of the other. Our history tells us that rancor, diatribes pitting one party against the other and forecasts of impending doom have always been a part of this process. What has never changed has been that cadre of citizens who quietly and efficiently continue their quest of transformation amid the ongoing political turmoil. Such has been the role of the members of the Fresno Business Council and our extended family of those dedicated to making our tomorrow better than our yesterday.
“It’s Different This Time”—A Community Steps Up Together
Barn raising is an American tradition where everyone came together when someone needed a barn. Most were volunteers, a handful of those with special skills were paid and everyone benefitted, not just the family with a new barn. Early Americans understood interdependence and that there are challenges we can only meet as a united whole. Community transformation is one of them. As the RJI continues to accelerate driven by the EDC, Office of Community and Economic Development at Fresno State, Lyles Center, WIB, State Center and others, the City of Fresno is sparking increasing engagement from many institutions and organizations to revitalize the Lowell Neighborhood. Here is an excerpt from a recent blog from Craig Scharton, the head of the Downtown and Community Revitalization Department:
What an unbelievably great meeting! Fresno State is on it. They have departments lined up with classes and internships all focused on Lowell. Off the top of my head: construction management, recreation, education, the library (for research and database), political science, psychology, business, engineering, arts (lighting)...and others that I'm forgetting. They have a matrix of every department's involvement. They have specific classes that will be involved. They are organizing an event to link nonprofits in Lowell to students. This is so incredibly gigantic. They are hosting a national conference for Urban Universities next year and will bring schools from around the country to Fresno to see how an engaged city and university can work together. Somebody pinch me...I never, in my wildest dreams, thought that this would all be happening so quickly. Dr. Welty, the Provost and Assistant Provost are all actively engaged to pull this focus and follow-through together. I do not believe that there is anything quite like what is happening, anywhere in the country. As Mayor Swearengin says, "it is different this time." Folks, it is different, I've been doing this stuff off and on for 25 years. I have never seen things happening like this before.
Friday, October 30, 2009
October 26, 2009
Message From the Chair Emeritus—Richard Johanson
Last Tuesday a number of partners convened a Community Conversation Forum. Approximately forty private and public sector leaders came together to attempt to gain a “level set” understanding of the many issues we face and a framework we can use to align resources behind shared goals. The session was ably moderated by Kurt Madden, a community leader who serves in all three spheres (economic, infrastructure and human development) and is a steward of the whole. While differences in thinking and approaches to solving problems were rightfully expressed, there was an underlying unity of purpose and intention to create a better tomorrow for all. One of the major conclusions reached is that we can’t hire others to cure our civic illnesses. We are our own doctors. As an example, we learned that in a decade FUSD students have gone from 58% living in poverty to 81%. This is unacceptable and affects everyone in our community. Changing this circumstance will require a commitment from people in every sphere to work together. Tomorrow’s generation is depending upon our wisdom and commitment to improvement. The session-ending conclusion was recognizing if we think we can achieve our goals alone, our vision is too small.
Shared Themes—Community Forum, San Joaquin Partnership Summit
A common theme emerged at two meetings last week—the importance of steward leadership. Einstein told us we cannot solve a problem at the level of thinking that created it. Whether its water, safety, education, or economic development, if we only come together as self and single interests, we spend precious resources fighting to get more, rather than focused on long term solutions to serve the whole. Interdependence means problems do not confine themselves to one jurisdiction or interest any more than smoke paid attention to nonsmoking sections on an airplane. Our region is demonstrating through the Partnership that together we can accomplish much more. One of the gubernatorial candidates emphasized, “We are all Californians.” A key question is how do we create governance models that reflect this belief? Fragmented thinking and acting got us here. What would a “CEO function” that served the whole look like locally, at the regional level, at the state level and at the national level?
Key Thoughts on Water From the Partnership Meeting
...The amount of water available is static—97% comes from precipitation.
...Every region has different water needs and resources.
...The amount of water permits issued far exceeds the amount of water available.
...Regional antagonism drives the water wars.
...The solution must be based upon co-equal values—water supply reliability and improved and protected Delta eco-system.
...The state is close to a solution largely due to the ability of the San Joaquin Valley to remain united rather than fragmenting along single interests. (The Partnership is a platform to unite, lead, and change the way the public’s business is done.)
...We are in this mess because of all of us. Rather than clarity of purpose, we have 200 state and federal agencies engaged in water issues. When everyone is involved; nobody is in charge and nobody is accountable.
...There is no piecemeal solution—there must be a complete solution.
Monday, October 19, 2009
October 19, 2009
Message From the Chair Emeritus—Richard Johanson
Is there anything more American than October and the excitement of all of the festivities surrounding the World Series? While baseball may be our national pastime, I would submit that for many of us it does not overshadow our year around determination to win our own pennant by leaving this a better place than we found it. Most of us can only superficially try to comprehend all of the good work taking place in our community as we have learned the skills of collaboration and the power of shared visions. To attempt to do so is to begin to understand the depth of the commitment of all of those who care enough to give so much. As we watch the progression over the next couple of weeks to see which team shall emerge as our baseball champions, let’s not overlook our own champions among us who work unendingly without public acknowledgement in creating a brighter tomorrow for all who are among us and will come after. They are our real heroes.
Embodying the Community Values Through Insight and Practice
As a way to deepen our understanding of Community Values and strengthen our resolve to act in accordance with them, at each board meeting we discuss one of them. At last week’s meeting, Hal Bolen offered some thoughts about the value “Commitment to Resolving Conflict.” The value’s description notes that conflict is inevitable as we have differing world views and life experiences. It also acknowledges that conflict is often required to achieve the best outcome. The challenge is learning the skills to use conflict as an asset to help clarify a strategy or build motivation. As part of his presentation, Hal offered 8 steps to resolve conflict: 1) Know thyself and take care of self, 2) Clarify personal needs threatened by the dispute, 3) Identify a safe place for negotiation, 4) Take a listening stance into the interaction, 5) Assert your needs clearly and specifically, 6) Approach problem-solving with flexibility, 7) Manage impasse with calm, patience and respect, 8) Build an agreement that works. Imagine how quickly positive changes would happen if we all mastered the art of conflict resolution. By doing so, we would “be the change” and help spread this skill throughout the community.
FBC Board Endorses CA Forward 2010 Reform Plan
So often when we blame people, the real problem is context and structure. The CA Forward reforms are intended to insure that community interests are placed ahead of single interests, protect local funding and deliver better outcomes. Other states and successful businesses have already shifted to results based budgets and a focus on long term, collaborative strategies. This thinking has also moved to the local level in some cities, regions and counties. The shift will allow cities, counties, school districts and others to work together to solve community problems and overcome the industrialized, silo model of thinking, funding and acting that has prevented innovation and collaboration for so long. “If you can achieve your goal alone; your vision is too small.” For more information, the CA Forward website is www.caforward.com
Is there anything more American than October and the excitement of all of the festivities surrounding the World Series? While baseball may be our national pastime, I would submit that for many of us it does not overshadow our year around determination to win our own pennant by leaving this a better place than we found it. Most of us can only superficially try to comprehend all of the good work taking place in our community as we have learned the skills of collaboration and the power of shared visions. To attempt to do so is to begin to understand the depth of the commitment of all of those who care enough to give so much. As we watch the progression over the next couple of weeks to see which team shall emerge as our baseball champions, let’s not overlook our own champions among us who work unendingly without public acknowledgement in creating a brighter tomorrow for all who are among us and will come after. They are our real heroes.
Embodying the Community Values Through Insight and Practice
As a way to deepen our understanding of Community Values and strengthen our resolve to act in accordance with them, at each board meeting we discuss one of them. At last week’s meeting, Hal Bolen offered some thoughts about the value “Commitment to Resolving Conflict.” The value’s description notes that conflict is inevitable as we have differing world views and life experiences. It also acknowledges that conflict is often required to achieve the best outcome. The challenge is learning the skills to use conflict as an asset to help clarify a strategy or build motivation. As part of his presentation, Hal offered 8 steps to resolve conflict: 1) Know thyself and take care of self, 2) Clarify personal needs threatened by the dispute, 3) Identify a safe place for negotiation, 4) Take a listening stance into the interaction, 5) Assert your needs clearly and specifically, 6) Approach problem-solving with flexibility, 7) Manage impasse with calm, patience and respect, 8) Build an agreement that works. Imagine how quickly positive changes would happen if we all mastered the art of conflict resolution. By doing so, we would “be the change” and help spread this skill throughout the community.
FBC Board Endorses CA Forward 2010 Reform Plan
So often when we blame people, the real problem is context and structure. The CA Forward reforms are intended to insure that community interests are placed ahead of single interests, protect local funding and deliver better outcomes. Other states and successful businesses have already shifted to results based budgets and a focus on long term, collaborative strategies. This thinking has also moved to the local level in some cities, regions and counties. The shift will allow cities, counties, school districts and others to work together to solve community problems and overcome the industrialized, silo model of thinking, funding and acting that has prevented innovation and collaboration for so long. “If you can achieve your goal alone; your vision is too small.” For more information, the CA Forward website is www.caforward.com
Monday, October 12, 2009
October 12, 2009
Message From the Chair Emeritus—Richard Johanson
As we celebrate Columbus Day it is worth dwelling upon the similarity between the reality of Christopher Columbus traversing a vast ocean in a few frail boats to reach his destination and our ongoing journey to cross our extended community’s lake as a broad-based coalition dedicated to arriving at our vision for this region. While “Uncle Chris” used sails and oars to propel his tiny fleet, our armada is akin to a large contingent of ducks. From above we may appear to be gliding calmly across the water when in reality underneath the surface we are paddling feverishly. We shall reach our destination not because we made short lived waves and splashes upon the surface but because we mastered the art of propelling ourselves forward by paddling in the same direction together. The next time you see one of your fellow ducks, give each other a quack.
From Ruben Navarrette to John W. Gardner—The Same Message
The mission of the FBC is to transform our community from good to great, inspired by the book Good to Great by Jim Collins. Implicit in this idea is whether it is a company or a community, greatness requires a commitment to excellence. “Excellence implies more than competence. It implies a striving for the highest standards in every phase of life…in every endeavor and sector…in short, universally.” In a recent column, Navarette contrasted the work ethic of his immigrant grandfather with himself and came up short. He challenged all of us to let go of playing the victim or thinking you are entitled. As Gardner noted in his book, Excellence: Can We Be Equal and Excellent, Too?, The best kept secret in America today is that people would rather work hard for something they believe in than live a life of aimless diversion. The growing number of volunteers and philanthropists in Fresno are a testament to the truth of this statement made in 1961.
School/Business Partnerships Reception—A Win/Win/Win Proposition
We are looking for businesses that want to have a substantial positive impact on their community. Today in our schools we are preparing the next generation of community and business leaders. We need businesses to consider adopting a school in a partnering relationship. Any size business can participate in a school partnership and the rewards to the school and the business are substantial. It is a chance to positively affect the lives of the youth of Fresno. You are invited to a reception at The Shops at River Park, (west end of the Plaza opposite Edwards Theater near REI) to provide you with an opportunity to learn more about these partnerships. The reception is being hosted by the Joint Task for School Business Partnerships, of which the Fresno Business Council is a member. There will be good food and information provided to you in equal measure. You do not have to make any commitment beyond giving us an hour or so of your time. The reception is on Thursday October 22, 2009 at 4:00 PM. If you plan to attend or would like additional information please RSVP to Mike Wilhelm at 490-0950 or mwilhelm@w2lg.com.
As we celebrate Columbus Day it is worth dwelling upon the similarity between the reality of Christopher Columbus traversing a vast ocean in a few frail boats to reach his destination and our ongoing journey to cross our extended community’s lake as a broad-based coalition dedicated to arriving at our vision for this region. While “Uncle Chris” used sails and oars to propel his tiny fleet, our armada is akin to a large contingent of ducks. From above we may appear to be gliding calmly across the water when in reality underneath the surface we are paddling feverishly. We shall reach our destination not because we made short lived waves and splashes upon the surface but because we mastered the art of propelling ourselves forward by paddling in the same direction together. The next time you see one of your fellow ducks, give each other a quack.
From Ruben Navarrette to John W. Gardner—The Same Message
The mission of the FBC is to transform our community from good to great, inspired by the book Good to Great by Jim Collins. Implicit in this idea is whether it is a company or a community, greatness requires a commitment to excellence. “Excellence implies more than competence. It implies a striving for the highest standards in every phase of life…in every endeavor and sector…in short, universally.” In a recent column, Navarette contrasted the work ethic of his immigrant grandfather with himself and came up short. He challenged all of us to let go of playing the victim or thinking you are entitled. As Gardner noted in his book, Excellence: Can We Be Equal and Excellent, Too?, The best kept secret in America today is that people would rather work hard for something they believe in than live a life of aimless diversion. The growing number of volunteers and philanthropists in Fresno are a testament to the truth of this statement made in 1961.
School/Business Partnerships Reception—A Win/Win/Win Proposition
We are looking for businesses that want to have a substantial positive impact on their community. Today in our schools we are preparing the next generation of community and business leaders. We need businesses to consider adopting a school in a partnering relationship. Any size business can participate in a school partnership and the rewards to the school and the business are substantial. It is a chance to positively affect the lives of the youth of Fresno. You are invited to a reception at The Shops at River Park, (west end of the Plaza opposite Edwards Theater near REI) to provide you with an opportunity to learn more about these partnerships. The reception is being hosted by the Joint Task for School Business Partnerships, of which the Fresno Business Council is a member. There will be good food and information provided to you in equal measure. You do not have to make any commitment beyond giving us an hour or so of your time. The reception is on Thursday October 22, 2009 at 4:00 PM. If you plan to attend or would like additional information please RSVP to Mike Wilhelm at 490-0950 or mwilhelm@w2lg.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)