oakland business review september 2012 issue

24
April 2010 | 1 OPINION Build a new home for the Raiders Page 12 Travel with the Chamber Take off Nov. 13 to sunny Spain Page 6 THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | Oakland Business Review Visit www.oaklandchamber.com for more business opportunities, news and event registration. Leadership Oakland Gearing up for the new season Page 20 > Join the growing list of parade sponsors www.oaklandchamber.com | VOL XXXVIII NO. 9 September 2012 > The Chamber debates – A grand success Women in Business Jessica Steel to speak Page 21 2012 Holiday Parade Gold medal Olympians to participate Page 24 On Wednesday, Nov. 14, the Chamber will hold another in our series of Power Breakfasts, with this one featuring Dr. Tony Smith, superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District. Do you want to know how our schools have been progressing? What’s in sight for the future? Dr. Smith is an outstand- ing, motivational speaker who is certain to pique your interest in the workforce of tomorrow. Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Square for this important address. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The breakfast runs from 8 to 9:30 a.m. To register or for more information, visit www.oakland chamber.com or contact Amanda Medina at the Chamber at (510) 874-4800, ext. 319 or at amedina @oaklandcham ber.com. > Attend our Power Breakfast with Dr. Tony Smith More than 20 candidates are competing for five seats on the Oakland City Council and two women are battling it out to be City Attorney. They all had a chance to make their case and share their plans at five different candidate forums hosted by the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in the last two weeks of August. Nearly people came to the debates and thousands more followed on Twitter as opinions on public safety, eco nomic growth, jobs and the city budget were offered by the candidates. At the City Attorney debate (below), candidates Barbara Parker (third from the left) and Jane Brunner (second from the right) faced off at the Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Square. Others pictured are (left to right) guest panelists Matt Artz (Oakland Tribune) and Jill Broadhurst (East Bay Rental Housing Association), moderator Helen Hutchison (League of Women Voters), Chamber Vice President and Public Policy Director Paul Junge, and Chamber Public Policy Council member David Tucker (Waste Management of Alameda County). > A kickoff to the election season What’s best for Oakland? What do Oakland’s voters think are the most important issues? The Chamber has embarked on the first of what it expects will be an annual series on “The Pulse of Oakland,” a public opinion poll that is currently underway to find out what issues are most important and the direction that the city is headed. The poll of Oakland residents, conducted by EMC Research, covers everything from economic development and jobs to public safety and education. The results of the poll will be announced at a special Chamber breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Sco’s Seafood Grill & Bar in Jack London Square, and a professional pollster will be on hand to explain the results of the poll and answer audience questions. The breakfast costs $40 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members. Ten-seat sponsor tables are available for $1,000 (Chamber members) and $1,250 (non-members). In addition, OakPAC, the Chamber’s political action commiee, will announce its endorsements at the same breakfast – and all of those endorsed candidates will be invited to aend. Join us to learn what Oakland voters consider the most important issues – and discover the story behind the numbers. For tickets and information, contact Amanda Medina of the Chamber staat (510) 874-4800, ext. 319 or at [email protected]. > Join us for the Chamber’s 2012 Golf Classic The Oakland Chamber is teeing up to bring our members another fabulous day of golf, quality networking, good food, and loads of fun. If you’re a local businessperson looking for a day of relaxation, but with some important business mixed in, this is the perfect event for you. The 2012 Oakland Chamber Golf Classic and Academy is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 15 at Sequoyah Country Club in the Oakland hills. This annual, all-day tournament brings together some of the top business leaders in the city for breakfast and lunch, a shot- gun start, and the 19th Hole Awards dinner-reception. With the 13th annual America’s Children’s Holiday Parade getting closer to its Dec. 1 marching date, the list of sponsors continues to grow. The Chamber thanks presenting sponsor Kaiser Permanente for its long-time support, and they’re joined this year by Visit Oakland, Wells Fargo, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Waste Management of Alameda County, The Clorox Company and Recology East Bay. Also joining the ranks of the supporting sponsors is Macy’s, known worldwide as the leader in parades and holiday programming. This year’s parade, the 13th annual, will be held in downtown Oakland on Saturday, Dec. 1 beginning at 2 p.m. Macy’s helps bring magic to millions of people around the globe with its countless holiday events, including the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, numerous “Glamorama” theatrical shows, and its partnerships with many organizations to host tree lighting ceremonies and other holiday-related events. America’s Children’s Holiday Parade, founded and managed by the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, is seen by more than one million people world-wide, enjoying the thrills and pageantry of the parade as well as the beauty of Oakland. This year’s parade will mark the seventh time that it will be oered to public broadcast sta- tions (PBS) across the country, and the fourth year it will be broadcast on the American Forces Family Network to 175 countries and U.S. territories around the globe. “We’re delighted to have Macy’s as another sponsor of America’s Children’s Holiday Parade,” says Chamber of Commerce President Joe Haraburda. “We’ve long admired the quality and content of their Thanksgiving Day Parade and look forward to Macy’s joining our event as we strive to be one of the finest holiday parades in the country.” On parade day in Oakland, more than 100,000 people – children of all ages – converge on downtown Oakland to enjoy the spectacular floats, the colorful balloons, the beautiful floats, and the award- winning marching bands. Some 40 cartoon and storybook children’s characters entertain. As do bands – many bands. The 2012 parade will feature some 20 marching high school bands, as well as two international bands – from Guatemala and Jamaica. For more information on how you and your company can get in- volved in the 2012 parade, contact Amanda Medina at (510) 874-4800, ext. 319 or at [email protected].

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Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce monthly newspaper, September 2012 Issue. Contains a special section on the Oakland Raiders

TRANSCRIPT

April 2010 | 1

OPINIONBuild a new home for the RaidersPage 12

Travel with the ChamberTake off Nov. 13 to sunny SpainPage 6

THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |

Oakland Business Review

Visit www.oaklandchamber.com for more businessopportunities, news and event registration.

Leadership OaklandGearing up for the newseasonPage 20

> Join the growing listof parade sponsors

www.oaklandchamber.com | VOL XXXVIII NO. 9 September 2012

> The Chamber debates– A grand success

Women in BusinessJessica Steel to speakPage 21

2012 Holiday ParadeGold medal Olympiansto participatePage 24

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, theChamber will hold another in ourseries of Power Breakfasts, withthis one featuring Dr. Tony Smith,

superintendentof the OaklandUnified SchoolDistrict.

Do you wantto know howour schoolshave beenprogressing?What’s in sightfor the future?

Dr. Smith isan outstand-

ing, motivational speaker who iscertain to pique your interest in theworkforce of tomorrow.

Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 14at the Waterfront Hotel in JackLondon Square for this importantaddress. Registration begins at7:30 a.m. The breakfast runs from8 to 9:30 a.m.

To register or for moreinformation, visit www.oaklandchamber.com or contact AmandaMedina at the Chamber at (510)874-4800, ext. 319 or at amedina@oaklandcham ber.com. !

> Attend ourPower Breakfastwith Dr. TonySmith

More than 20 candidates are competing for five seats onthe Oakland City Council and two women are battling itout to be City Attorney.

They all had a chance to make their case and share theirplans at five different candidate forums hosted by the OaklandMetropolitan Chamber of Commerce in the last two weeks ofAugust.

Nearly !"" people came to the debates and thousandsmore followed on Twitter as opinions on public safety, eco#nomic growth, jobs and the city budget were offered by thecandidates.

At the City Attorney debate (below), candidates BarbaraParker (third from the left) and Jane Brunner (second fromthe right) faced off at the Waterfront Hotel in Jack LondonSquare. Others pictured are (left to right) guest panelistsMatt Artz (Oakland Tribune) and Jill Broadhurst (East BayRental Housing Association), moderator Helen Hutchison(League of Women Voters), Chamber Vice President andPublic Policy Director Paul Junge, and Chamber PublicPolicy Council member David Tucker (Waste Managementof Alameda County). !

> A kickoff to the election season

What’s best for Oakland? What do Oakland’s voters thinkare the most important issues? The Chamber has embarkedon the first of what it expects will be an annual series on “ThePulse of Oakland,” a public opinion poll that is currentlyunderway to find out what issues are most important and thedirection that the city is headed. The poll of Oakland residents,conducted by EMC Research, covers everything from economicdevelopment and jobs to public safety and education.

The results of the poll will be announced at a specialChamber breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 8 to 9:30 a.m.at Sco$’s Seafood Grill & Bar in Jack London Square, and aprofessional pollster will be on hand to explain the results ofthe poll and answer audience questions. The breakfast costs$40 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members.Ten-seat sponsor tables are available for $1,000 (Chambermembers) and $1,250 (non-members).

In addition, OakPAC, the Chamber’s political actioncommi$ee, will announce its endorsements at the samebreakfast – and all of those endorsed candidates will beinvited to a$end.

Join us to learn what Oakland voters consider the mostimportant issues – and discover the story behind the numbers.

For tickets and information, contact Amanda Medina ofthe Chamber sta% at (510) 874-4800, ext. 319 or [email protected]. !

> Join us for the Chamber’s 2012 Golf ClassicThe Oakland Chamber is teeing up tobring our members another fabulousday of golf, quality networking, goodfood, and loads of fun. If you’re a localbusinessperson looking for a day ofrelaxation, but with some importantbusiness mixed in, this is the perfectevent for you.

The 2012 Oakland Chamber GolfClassic and Academy is scheduled forMonday, Oct. 15 at Sequoyah CountryClub in the Oakland hills. This annual,all-day tournament brings togethersome of the top business leaders inthe city for breakfast and lunch, a shot-gun start, and the 19th Hole Awardsdinner-reception. !

With the 13th annual America’s Children’s Holiday Paradegetting closer to its Dec. 1 marching date, the list of sponsorscontinues to grow.

The Chamber thanks presenting sponsor Kaiser Permanente for itslong-time support, and they’re joined this year by Visit Oakland, WellsFargo, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Waste Management ofAlameda County, The Clorox Company and Recology East Bay.

Also joining the ranks of the supporting sponsors is Macy’s,known worldwide as the leader in parades and holiday programming.

This year’s parade, the 13th annual, will be held in downtownOakland on Saturday, Dec. 1 beginning at 2 p.m.

Macy’s helps bring magic to millions of people around the globewith its countless holiday events, including the annual Macy’sThanksgiving Day Parade in New York, numerous “Glamorama”theatrical shows, and its partnerships with many organizations tohost tree lighting ceremonies and other holiday-related events.

America’s Children’s Holiday Parade, founded and managed by theOakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, is seen by more thanone million people world-wide, enjoying the thrills and pageantry ofthe parade as well as the beauty of Oakland. This year’s parade willmark the seventh time that it will be o%ered to public broadcast sta-tions (PBS) across the country, and the fourth year it will be broadcaston the American Forces Family Network to 175 countries and U.S.territories around the globe.

“We’re delighted to have Macy’s as another sponsor of America’sChildren’s Holiday Parade,” says Chamber of Commerce President JoeHaraburda. “We’ve long admired the quality and content of theirThanksgiving Day Parade and look forward to Macy’s joining ourevent as we strive to be one of the finest holiday parades in thecountry.”

On parade day in Oakland, more than 100,000 people – childrenof all ages – converge on downtown Oakland to enjoy the spectacularfloats, the colorful balloons, the beautiful floats, and the award-winning marching bands. Some 40 cartoon and storybook children’scharacters entertain. As do bands – many bands. The 2012 paradewill feature some 20 marching high school bands, as well as twointernational bands – from Guatemala and Jamaica.

For more information on how you and your company can get in-volved in the 2012 parade, contact Amanda Medina at (510) 874-4800,ext. 319 or at [email protected]. !

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com2

City Attorney

The office of the City Attorney (OCA) provides legal counsel to the city

of Oakland, its employees, officers, agencies, boards and commissions.

The OCA drafts ordinances, resolutions, contracts and other legal docu-

ments requested by city officials and departments, and reviews the form

and legality of all city contracts and represents the city in litigation matters.

The City Attorney role has been an elected position in Oakland since 2000.

Ironically, Oakland’s most recent City Attorney, John Russo, was in atten-

dance at the Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Square for this special open

forum.

The debate featured City Councilmember Jane Brunner pitted against the

incumbent, Barbara Parker, who was appointed when Russo left to become

City Manager in Alameda.

The office of the City Attorney is “bureaucratic” and “way too slow,” said

Brunner. “I am an activist attorney” and “will bring change.” Parker said her

judgment and experience will stand her in good stead in the position. While

Brunner insisted that the Oakland City Attorney must “understand politics

in a political world,” Parker said that there is “no place for politics in the City

Attorney’s office.”

At-Large

Four of the five candidates faced off for the At-Large seat, another

city-wide race – Theresa Anderson-Downs, City Councilmember Ignacio

De La Fuente, At-Large incumbent Rebecca Kaplan, and Carol Lee Tolbert.

Mick Storm, a fifth candidate for the post, was unable to attend.

“This city will succeed when we get the jobs in and the guns out,” said

Kaplan. She urged more research on Operation Cease Fire, which is being

used by other cities to help curb violence.

De La Fuente said the police have to be provided with the proper tools to

do their job, with those tools including curfews and gang injunctions.

Tolbert, who has years of experience with area nonprofits, wants an op-

portunity to work with city residents “to develop policies that make sense.”

Anderson-Downs is a small business owner whose work centers around

youth and youth services. “Our children are in peril,” she said. “They have

nowhere to go, nothing to do.”

Kaplan, the incumbent, says that her work on this current Council has

improved local jobs and worked on stopping violence. She has “upgraded

ordinances” to encourage Bites on Broadway, and helped land a grant to fund

the free Broadway shuttle.

De La Fuente pointed to his 20 years of service in District 5, saying that he

has “fought to make the city safe” and works on “deploying and maximizing”

the resources that are available.

The forum was held at the Kaiser Auditorium in downtown Oakland.

District 1

Held at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church, seven candidates faced off

for the Council seat left vacant by Jane Brunner. The candidates – Craig

Brandt, Dan Kalb, Amy Lemley, Don Link, Don Macleay, Len Raphael and

Richard Raya – answered a myriad of questions regarding policy positions and

shared meaningful exchanges regarding current and potential issues.

Discussions ranged from public safety, gang injunctions and increasing the

Oakland police force to economic development issues and the state of the

Oakland public schools.

Brandt, who said that he’d push for a reduction of the business tax, admit-

ted that he’d like to place another parcel tax on the ballot.”

“Fix the crime,” said Raphael, “and business will come.”

Raya demanded more police while insisting that the city also needs to re-

duce crime, “but also improve the relationship between the police and people

of color.”

District 3

The six candidates vying for the City Council seat left vacant by the retiring

Nancy Nadel squared off at Z Café in the middle of Auto Row near downtown

Oakland. The candidates are Nyeisha DeWitt, Lynette Gibson-McElhaney, Alex

Miller-Cole, Derrick Muhammad, Sean Sullivan and Larry Lionel Young Jr.

While there were many agreements about expanding the Port and promot-

ing city gems like Art Murmur, the candidates also had something personal to

say about their individual qualifications. Said Miller-Cole, for example, “I un-

derstand the frustrations that all of our business owners have, and I offer you

my tireless energy.” As a City Councilmember, he said he would judge issues by

“sustainability, responsibility and fairness.”

Muhammad promised “conflict resolution to create a better city for all,”

while Lionel envisions Oakland as “the best place to live, work and vacation.”

Gibson-McElhaney pointed to her depth of experience in housing and com-

munity development, DeWitt promised “to look to small businesses to help

create jobs,” and Sullivan, the creator of Covenant House, said that because of

his nonprofit he’s already “helped to make Oakland greener, more beautiful

and a little safer.”

District 5

The District 5 forum, held at the Fruitvale-San Antonio Senior Center in

Fruitvale Village, featured four candidates competing for the position – Noel

Gallo, Shelly Garza, Mario Juarez and Dawn McMahan.

A hot topic of all of the Chamber’s debates was public safety, and that topic

continued to be on the front burner in Fruitvale. “Yes, we need more police,”

said Gallo. “If we agree that public safety is our number one priority, we’re

going to have to pay for it (through a parcel tax).”

Garza, who described herself as a government insider, insisted that the

next City Councilmember must implement partnerships. “Together we can be

the solution,” she said.

Juarez, a local business owner, insisted that more police could be hired with

a user fee at Oakland International Airport. “If we charge $7.95 per person,” he

said, “do the math. We’ll bring in $111 million.”

And McMahan, the creator of the Phoenix Rising Homeless Project and

other nonprofits, called Fruitvale “a war zone” that must be repaired.

Thank you

The Chamber thanks the Public Policy Council panelists who assisted in devel-

oping questions and then attended the debates to deliver those questions – Jill

Broadhurst, Greg Chan, Dan Cohen, Julie Hadnot, Kerry Hamill, Barbara Leslie,

Jessica Reynolds, David Tucker and Kim Winston. A special thanks to panelist

Matt Arza of the Oakland Tribune. !

More than 20 candidates are competing for five seats on the Oakland

City Council and two women are battling it out to be City Attorney.

They all had a chance to make their case and share their plans at five

different candidate forums hosted by the Oakland Metropolitan

Chamber of Commerce in the last two weeks of August.

Nearly 500 people came to the debates and thousands more

followed on Twitter as opinions on public safety, economic growth,

jobs and the city budget were offered by the candidates.

Many political consultants consider this year unique for the Oakland

City Council in that it will have at least three new Councilmembers after

the November election, a turnover unseen for 16 years. The existing

Council is characterized as having “fractious dynamics,” and even some

Councilmembers themselves are excited for a chance to change the tone

of the conversation.

City and business leaders and voting residents were on hand for

the debates, each with a panel of businesspeople from the Chamber’s

Public Policy Council posing questions.

Four of the five forums were moderated by Paul Junge, the

Chamber’s vice president and director of public policy. The fifth, the

City Attorney debate, was moderated by Helen Hutchinson of the

Oakland League of Women Voters, which co-sponsored that particular

event.

The following is a round-up of the Chamber forums:

> Candidates lay out theirvision for Oakland’s future

Candidate Debates

September 2012 | 3

• At-Large" Current City Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente answers a ques-

tion at the At Large debate.

# Incumbent City Councilmember At Large Rebecca Kaplan makes a point

during the open forum at Kaiser Auditorium. A table of panelists, all

members of the Chamber’s Public Policy Council, asked questions. From left

to right at the panelists’ table are Dan Cohen, Barbara Leslie and Jill

Broadhurst. The candidates (from left) are Carol Lee Tolbert, Kaplan, Ignacio

De La Fuente and Theresa Anderson-Downs. Mick Storm, a fifth candidate,

was unable to attend. !

• District 1" Chamber Vice President and Director of Public Policy Paul Junge

moderated the District 1 debate. The candidates are (left to right) Len

Raphael, Don Link, Amy Lemley, Richard Raya, Craig Brandt, Dan Kalb

and Don Macleay.

# The College Avenue Presbyterian Church in Rockridge was the site of the

District 1 debate. Some 100 Oakland voters were on hand to see and hear the

candidates.

• District 3" Lynette Gibson-McElhaney addresses nearly 100 people at Z Café

during the District 3 debate.

# Larry Lionel Young Jr. speaks his mind at the District 3 open forum. Other

candidates are (left to right) Nyeisha DeWitt, Derrick Muhammad, Alex

Miller-Cole, Lynette Gibson-McElhaney and Sean Sullivan. !

• District 5" Noel Gallo makes a point as other candidates in the District 5 face-off

(left to right) Shelly Garza, Dawn McMahan and Mario Juarez look on.

# Oakland voters and business and civic leaders were in attendance at the

Fruitvale-San Antonio Senior Center for the District 5 forum. Nearly 500 people

in all attended the Chamber-sponsored debates.

# Members of the Chamber’s Public Policy Council acted as panelists at each

debate. Here, in District 5, David Tucker from Waste Management and Kerry

Hamill from BART asked each of the candidates questions of critical

importance. !

Candidate Debates

District 1, District 5 and At-Large photos by Photographers@Large

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com4

September 2012 | 5

Chamber-sponsored debates – A successIt’s true that many political consultants consider this year unique for theOakland City Council because it will have at least three new councilmembersafter the November election.

It was with this in mind – as a public service – that the Chamber held fivecandidate debates in August, giving Oakland voters a chance to see and hearfrom the various candidates and to ask questions.

Nearly 500 people attended our debates – held in various parts of thecity – and thousands followed on Twitter as opinions on public safety,economic growth, jobs and the city budget were discussed.

It was a real team effort on behalf of the Chamber, with Paul Junge, ourvice president and director of public policy, acting as moderator for four ofthe five debates. Staff members Amanda Medina handled logistics and waslive Tweeting, Eleanor Hollander and Hank Masler wrote blogs, and LanaTurn and Jennifer DeSerpa worked at the registration desk.

Our thanks to the League of Women Voters of Oakland (LWV) forco-sponsoring the first debate, the two-person face-off between incumbentBarbara Parker and outgoing City Councilmember Jane Brunner, for the CityAttorney post. That debate was held at the Waterfront Hotel in Jack LondonSquare, and Helen Hutchison of LWV acted as moderator.

Our other debates were held in the districts that they represent, exceptfor the City Council At-Large spot, which is a city-wide election. That debatewas held at the Kaiser Auditorium in downtown Oakland.

The District 1 forum took place at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church;the District 3 debate was held at Z Café (2735 Broadway); and District 5 washeld at the Fruitvale-San Antonio Senior Center in Fruitvale Village.

Special thanks to the Chamber’s Public Policy Council panelists whoassisted in developing questions and then attended the debates to deliverthose questions – Jill Broadhurst, Greg Chan, Dan Cohen, Julie Hadnot, Kerry

Hamill, Barbara Leslie, Jessica Reynolds, David Tucker and Kim Winston all dida great job bringing out useful answers from the candidates. Thanks also toMatt Artz of the Oakland Tribune for acting as a panelist.

It was a job well done by all, and the Chamber received positive responsesfrom the candidates themselves.

The Pulse of OaklandThe Chamber has just completed what we hope will be an annual event – acity-wide poll of Oakland voters to determine the most critical issues facingour city. The poll was conducted by EMC Research and covered everythingfrom public safety and economic development to education and jobs.

The results of the poll will be announced at a special Chamber breakfaston Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar in JackLondon Square, and a professional pollster will be on hand to look behind thenumbers, explain the results, and take audience questions.

In addition, OakPAC, the Chamber’s political action committee, willannounce their endorsements for city office at the Sept. 18 event.

For tickets and information, contact Amanda Medina at (510) 874-4800,ext. 319 or at [email protected].

New CEO at Visit OaklandThe Chamber welcomes Alison Best as the newpresident and chief executive officer of Visit Oakland,Oakland's official destination marketing organization.The announcement comes after an extensive searchover the past several months conducted by HorizonHospitality.

Best comes to Visit Oakland with more than fiveyears of experience in executive positions at the SantaMonica Convention and Visitors Bureau, includingsenior vice president of business development,director of sales, and vice president of sales andservices. Prior to this, Best held executive management

positions with Tourism Whistler and Uniglobe Advance Travel. !

From the president | Joe Haraburda

Campaign debates, Oakland surveyresults and new Visit Oakland CEO

Alison Best

The results of the city-wide “Pulse of Oakland” poll will be announced at a special Chamber breakfast onTuesday, Sept. 18 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar in Jack London Square, and a professionalpollster will be on hand to look behind the numbers, explain the results, and take audience questions.

ALAMEDA COUNTY BUSINESSES ANDMULTI-FAMILY PROPERTIES

> Recycling is now the law

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com6

Diabetes is the fastest growing disease in the world. Every 17seconds someone is diagnosed with diabetes; it kills more peoplethan breast cancer and AIDS combined.

There are nearly 26 million Americans living with diabetes,including close to 153,000 people here in Alameda County.

The American Diabetes Association needs your help to stopdiabetes. People from all over the Bay Area help us support ourmission to fund valuable research to find a cure, promote advo-cacy efforts to protect the rights of people living with diabetes,and provide education for people affected by diabetes. In ourcommunity, the Association funds more than $3.5 million inresearch at local institutions including UCSF and UC Davis. It isinvolved in numerous community health initiatives with localpartners, diabetes centers and hospitals.

The Association’s annual Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes isintegral to supporting the mission. This year, the local Step Out

is taking place on Saturday, Oct. 13 at Lake Merritt in downtown Oakland. The dayincludes a walk around the lake (three miles), a healthy living fair, music, lunch andthe chance to stand together united in the fight to stop diabetes. You can start ateam of your friends, family or colleagues and walk together or you can walk asan individual. In the weeks leading up to the Walk you can ask your friends fordonations to support your efforts. You will find that many people are affected bydiabetes and are happy to support the cause.

To sign up for the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, visitwww.diabetes.org/stepoutoakland or contact Kimberly Cofer at (510) 654-4499,ext. 7524. !

The local Alameda County WasteManagement Authority ordinancebuilds upon a California State law,AB 341, effective as of July 1, 2012,which requires commercial andmulti-family accounts to haverecycling service. The localordinance:

1. Requires property ownersand managers to provide adequatelevels of recycling service andon-site signage and information toemployees, tenants and contractors;

2. Clarifies what materials mustbe recycled;

3. Specifies how the state lawwill be enforced in Alameda County.

The materials that must berecycled under the local ordinance include corrugated card-board, newspaper, mixed recyclable paper, glass recyclable foodand beverage containers, recyclable metal food and beveragecans, and #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) plastic bottles.

To confirm whether your business or institution is affected,review your solid waste bill to determine if the volume adds upto four or more cubic yards of solid waste collection per weekor contact your waste hauler. For those who are affected, thefollowing resources and support are available to help businessesand commercial property owners comply:

• City contracted haulers can provide assistance tobusinesses that are starting or increasing their recycling service.

• Technical “how-to” assistance for businesses andinstitutions in Alameda County is also available through theStopWaste.Org Business Technical Assistance Team.

Under Alameda County Waste Management Authorityordinance 2012-01, business and multi-family property ownershave until the end of the year to complete the steps necessary

On July 1, 2012, anew ordinance took

effect in 12 of the 14cities in AlamedaCounty, including

Oakland, requiringbusinesses generat-

ing four or morecubic yards of solidwaste per week and

all multi-familyproperties with five

or more units toprovide adequate

on-site recycling forthe amount of

recyclable materialthey produce.

> Walk to stop diabetes set for Oct. 13

to comply. Assistance is available to ensure that affectedbusiness and property owners know what recyclable materialsare covered and what actions they need to take. No fines willbe issued before Jan. 1, 2013.

The local ordinance was adopted as a key strategy to helpAlameda County Waste Management Authority reach its long-term waste reduction goals – specifically to ensure that lessthan 10 percent of the waste sent to landfills by 2020 is easilyrecyclable or compostable material.

For additional info out the ordinance, including detailsabout who is affected, how to comply and what materials mustbe recycled, please visit www.RecyclingRulesAC.org. !

The Chamber is offering aspecial vacation trip to Spainin November, with bothIreland and the Tuscanyregion of Italy coming upnext year. Make your plansnow!

The trip to Spain andCosta del Sol will feature11 days with seven nights inthe same hotel beginningon Nov. 13. Highlightsinclude Granada, Seville andGibraltar. The package goesfor $2,359 per person (basedon double occupancy) andincludes roundtrip airfare,accommodations, trans-portation and admissionsand sightseeing per theitinerary. An optional tourof Madrid is also available.

Then in March 2013, theChamber takes off for ninedays to Ireland, featuringDublin, Killarney andLimerick. And then inNovember of next year, we’llspend nine days in Tuscany,with side trips to Rome,Florence and Siena, as wellas a look at Italy’s famousChianti region.

Make your vacationplans today. Call AmandaMedina at the Chamber at(510) 874-4800, ext. 319 oremail [email protected]. !

Travel with theChamber tosunny Spain…and beyond

September 2012 7

> ORAC hears about futureSafeway store development

CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY

Economic Development

Zylstra gave an overview of the plannedSafeway area development at 51st Streetand Broadway. He also showed earlier it-erations of the design and described howthe shopping center concept and designhas changed with input from the sur-rounding neighborhood residents andOakland’s Design Review Commission(DRC). After the presentation, the ORACmembers gave individual feedback onthe opportunity sites/areas designatedfor retail within the master plan that waspresented.

The new development at the 51st and Broadway site is proposed to bebuilt in stages, with the relocation of the Safeway store and garden center intothe CVS space on the eastern side of the site slated for the start of the con-struction process. Next, the plan is to extend the end of nearby College Av-enue into the site (and call it “College Court”) to both regularize the trafficpattern and create a “lifestyle” shopping area on the western half of the area.The project’s draft environmental impact report (DEIR) is due out at the end ofOctober.

The meeting continued with a fishbowl-style panel discussion that cri-tiqued and praised the project, specifically recommending marquee buildingdesign changes and stressed ways for the city of Oakland to better facilitate

the process of approval when thefinal EIR (environmental impact re-port) goes to planning commissionfor review. This step in the process ispredicted to take place sometime in the late spring of 2013.

Future topics for the ORAC fall meeting series call for an evaluation of spe-cific sites and areas including the already “retail successful” Hegenberger Cor-ridor. More information on ORAC’s current members and meeting agendatopics can be found on the ORAC page under the Chamber’s economic devel-opment section of the website at http://tinyurl.com/6ra66mp. !

Eleanor Hollander is the Chamber’s director of economic develop-ment.

by Eleanor Hollander

Last month the Cham-ber’s Oakland RetailAdvisory Committee

(ORAC), a group of 15expert retail, develop-ment, and leasing pro-

fessionals, hosted apresentation from

Property DevelopmentCenter’s chief operating

officer David Zylstra.

# David Zylstra of PropertyDevelopment Center makes apoint at the recent ChamberORAC meeting.

> Parklets – urban phenomenon

Parklets in Oakland?The city of Oakland cur-rently is establishing apilot parklet programthat will allow parkletsto be installed year-round in the East Bay.Evaluation criteria andrequirements authoredby the city of Oaklandstate that the parkletmust be established in asuitable location –specifically that the se-lected parklet site is atleast one parking spot infrom a corner. The proposed location must have a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour orless and the proposed street must have parking lanes and minimal slope.

In order to approve a location for a parklet in Oakland, there must also be ademonstration of community support, and “clear and well-thought out design” thatcontributes to the beauty and character of the neighborhood. All parklet materialsmust be easily maintained, installed, and removed if necessary.

If you own a local business and are interested in constructing or hosting aparklet, contact the city planning department’s Strategic Planning Message Line at(510) 238-7299.

Park(ing) DayIf you can’t wait for the next round of parklet applications to open, or aren’t in the marketfor establishing a permanent parklet, there is a one-day event that offers great exposure toparklets around the world. PARK(ing) Day is an annual open-source global event where citi-zens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform metered parking spaces into“PARK(ing)” spaces – known as temporary public places.

The project began in 2005 when Rebar, a San Francisco art and design studio,converted a single-metered parking space into a temporary public park in down-town San Francisco. Since 2005, PARK(ing) Day has evolved into a global move-ment, with organizations and individuals (operating independently of Rebar butfollowing an established set of guidelines) create new forms of temporary publicspace in urban contexts around the world.

The stated mission of PARK(ing) Day is to call attention to the need for moreurban open space.

For more information on Oakland’s permanent parklet permitting process andPark(ing) Day – set for Friday, Sept. 21 – visit http://tinyurl.com/cpeqpz9 and at theREBAR Group’s website, http://parkingday.org/. !

The Chamber’s Economic Development Committee recently learnedabout a new urban design feature from UC Berkeley city planninggraduate student Ruth Miller. A former Board member of the localpedestrian advocacy nonprofit Walk Oakland Bike Oakland (WOBO),Miller first explained the genesis of the “parklet” movement and thendetailed both the forthcoming pilot program for business-sponsoredparklets in Oakland and the annual Park(ing) Day, a celebration oftemporary parklets around the globe.

What is a parklet?A parklet is the temporary or permanent use of space in the dedicated publicright-of-way (parking spaces, unused bus stops, and other types of vehicularand non-vehicular zones) for public uses such as seating or bicycle racks.Parklets may include pieces of street furniture (e.g. benches) that provideaesthetic enhancements to the overall streetscape. In place of car parking, aplatform is built to extend the grade of the sidewalk into the street. Once theplatform is installed, benches, tables, chairs, landscaping, and bike parkingcan all be placed on top in order to create a parklet.

Typically parklets are understood to remain publicly accessible 24hours per day, and depending on the jurisdiction hosting the parklet,signage to this effect may be required to be posted on the installationitself.

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com8

Andrew Thompson, a financial adviser for Mer-rill Lynch in Oakland (www.fa.ml.com/athomp-son), has been named the Chamber’sAmbassador of the Month.

Thompson takes pride in serving Oakland andthe East Bay. “Working with the Chamber allowsme to keep my finger on the pulse of Oakland,contributes to the city in ways beyond my work,and provides opportunities to be involved withthe businesses and people that make this citygreat,” he says.

Thompson works with local residents andbusiness owners to help protect what is important

to them – their financial security. Through his work with Merrill Lynch andthe Chamber, he also strives to build lasting relationships and a sense ofcommunity across neighborhoods and industries in Oakland.

Thompson, a Northwestern University alumnus, helps people makesmart choices with their money by simplifying the complexity in his clients’financial lives. He provides personalized, long-term wealth managementstrategies based on time-tested investment and planning principles. At theheart of his philosophy is a passion to build enduring relationships with in-dividuals, families and small businesses through attentive and tailoredclient service combined with sound financial guidance.

Thompson follows a proven process to:1. Establish and prioritize your financial goals2. Develop your Investment Policy Statement and Investment Strategy3. Implement solutions based upon your risk tolerance, time horizon,

liquidity needs, and overall investment goal4. Review your financial progressAn outdoorsman at heart, Thompson enjoys running, hiking, backpack-

ing, sailing, and golfing. He can be reached at [email protected] or at(510) 208-3849. !

CHAMBER VOLUNTEER

> Ambassador of the Month

SPECIAL SECTION Small businessINTERNET PRESENCE

> Who is using your parked domain?

If your business is a typical one, you probablyown many iterations of your trade name asdomain names. For example, you may ownABC Company, so you bought“abc-company.com” and “abc-company.biz”as well as “abc-company.net” and“abc-company.info.”

Or you might have purchased domains filled withdifferent punctuation – even typos – to ensure thatno one owns a domain too similar to your own. Youmay have acquired domains in the course of an asset

purchase or after litigation and you are not actively using them, even thoughyou keep their registrations current.

Most businesses choose to “park” a large number of these extradomains, meaning that they do not assign a Domain Name Server (DNS) tothem. For example, your company's main website may be at "abc-company.com," but you may have decided to park the .biz, .net, and .infodomains, even though you own them. In the past, it was not unusual tostumble across these parked domains and see either a “404 Error” messageon a blank screen or a plain “Under Construction” message.

Today, you may be surprised to find some of your parked domainspopulated with third-party advertising. In some instances, the advertisingcan be harmful to your business image or even competitive with your ownbusiness.

This advertising is put on your page by the entity hosting your domains.When you registered or renewed your domain, you signed an agreement thatallows the host to advertise on your parked domains due to some languageburied in the agreement's fine print. Deep in the Network Solutions agree-ment is this, for example:

“You acknowledge and agree that any or all domain names that … donot otherwise resolve to an active Web site, may resolve to an "underconstruction" or similar temporary Web page ("Under Construction Page"),and that Network Solutions may place on any such Under Construction Pagepromotions and advertisements for, and links to, Network Solutions’ Website, Network Solutions product and service offerings, third-party Web sites,

by Dawn Newton

Dawn Newton

Andrew Thompson

third-party product and service offerings, and/or Internet search engines.”In other words, your domain host is making money through pay-per-click

advertisements running on a domain you paid to register. Some domainhosts have opt-out provisions, but they require choosing something otherthan the default settings and may not be obvious to someone who did notcarefully read the domain host’s policies and ferret out the appropriatesettings.

We recommend that you monitor each of your domains to make surethat there is no unwelcome content. If there is – and the domain name is onethat is similar to your main domain – have the parked domain automaticallydirect to the DNS for your main website. In other words, if you own bothabc-business.com and abc-business.biz, you can have the .biz site pro-grammed to direct hits straight to the main site. Anyone going toabc-business.biz will be transferred directly to the abc-business.com sitewithout interruption.

If you own domains that you do not use actively or that you may beprevented from using because of the conditions of a purchase agreement orthe terms of litigation-settlement, consider setting up your own “UnderConstruction” page or simply a blank page that has no advertising contentand can’t be manipulated by the domain host. This will ensure a continuedparked look to anyone who visits the page, without the risk that consumersvisiting that page will be driven to a competitor or will associate a domainname similar to your corporate name with an advertising site.

Reviewing your domains regularly is a good opportunity to ensure thatyou have accurately calendared all of the renewal dates for the domains youvalue. With employee turnover, long-term dates can be lost or forgotten.Avoid unexpected suspensions of your websites and potentially seriousbusiness interruptions by verifying that your renewal-date reminders areset up on calendars that will not be deleted or purged.

If you have any questions about your internet presence, pleasecontact me. !

Dawn Newton is a certified legal specialist, Franchise and DistributionLaw, and partner at the Oakland-based law firm of Fitzgerald Abbott &Beardsley LLP. She can be reached at [email protected].

CateringQuality service since 1995

Specializing in business meetings & corporate catering

OAKLAND CITY CENTER • 510.451.6400

The Fountain Caféwww.fountaincatering.com

Mark your calendar to attend the fifth annual “Advancing Diversity” eventhosted by Burnham Brown at the Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Squarefrom 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20.

The Oakland law firm of Burnham Brown has teamed up with the SanFrancisco Bay Area Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel tocontinue to promote and encourage diversity in the Bay Area legal and businessenvironment. Look forward to an evening of cultural interaction and businessnetworking.

To attend, please RSVP at www.burnhambrown.com.The event is being co-sponsored by the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of

Commerce. !

EVENING OF CULTURAL INTERACTION

> ‘Advancing Diversity’ set for Sept. 20

SPECIAL SECTION Small businessASK THE EXPERT

> More efficient accounting will save you time and money

Are you or your staff spending too much time onaccounting, paperwork, or taxes? Or do you feelyou don’t have enough time to spend on youraccounting?

As a business owner your time is valuable, which iswhy I recommend training in business software andways to keep your business organized in order to savetime, money and improve accuracy.

Business software such as QuickBooks and MS Excelallow you to record transactions and make complicatedcalculations quickly. However, without proper time

spent learning these programs, it is easy to rapidly post incorrect transactions,generate inaccurate reports, and make inaccurate calculations. These mistakescan be time consuming and costly to fix. This is how to resolve it!

I offer software training and tax services, and recommend business ownerstake sufficient time to learn how to use QuickBooks and MS Excel software totheir fullest potential. When properly trained, you will feel confident, ensuringaccurate accounting, income statements you can trust, and calculation results inMS Excel you can depend on. This will also save you time and money when it is

by Anders Johansson CPA

Anders Johansson

tax time. Your accounting will be accurate and a CPA can get started with your taxreturn quickly and will charge you less. It’s a win-win situation.

If you have a bookkeeper or an accountant, you may be thinking, how doesthis pertain to me? I recommend that all business owners take accounting andsoftware classes such as QuickBooks and MS Excel to feel financially in charge ofyour own business. Also recommended is that if your company has a bookkeeperor an accountant on staff, that he or she should also receive proper training.There is nothing worse for a business owner than to not know how the businessis performing at all times, or to not have confidence in the reporting.

Keeping your paperwork organized and business and personal expenses sepa-rate can also save you a lot of time and money. Here are a few tips.

First, Johansson CPA recommends not to mix personal and business purchaseson credit cards, and to get a credit card that gives you extra benefits. For exam-ple, get a low interest business credit card that will give you cash back or points.Then charge your business expenses only, and post and track your expenses inyour accounting software on a regular basis.

Second, have a filing system where you label drawers or files by the months ofthe year, and place your bills in them as soon as received for each respectivemonth. Then every day or week you or the accountant sits down and recordseach purchase the business made. Print out accounts payable and review that allbills are recorded properly. Print out accounts payable ageing and check that youare paying vendors on time. Also, check that you are taking advantage of dis-counts. Pick one time of the day or one day of the week in which these tasks willalways be done.

Third, I recommend keeping close track of your customer invoicing. Every dayor every week you or the accountant should sit down and invoice the clients.Match up support with invoices. Print out accounts receivable and make sure thatall invoices are properly recorded. Print out accounts receivable ageing and checkif customers are paying you on time. QuickBooks also lets you attach documentsto invoices.

Knowing your QuickBooks and MS Excel software, and staying organizedevery day, will make you a business owner who feels in control and is relaxed at alltimes. Now that’s a good feeling!. !

Anders Johansson CPA is a training, accounting, and tax firm. Johansson hasworked for large CPA firms and as a controller. Johansson CPA can be reachedthrough the web at www.sf-accounting.com, email at [email protected], or phone at (510) 363-4370.

September 2012 | 9

Join Jose Ortiz, Ed.D, the new chancellor at the Peralta Community CollegeDistrict, in a lively discussion about the region’s existing and emergingworkforce development needs on Friday, Sept. 21. The breakfast meeting,which costs $45 per person, will be held at the Waterfront Hotel in Jack LondonSquare from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visitwww.peraltafoundation.org or call Stephanie Casenza at (510) 587-7890. !

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21 BREAKFAST

> Meet Peralta’s new chancellor

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com10

REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF BUSINESS WITH GOVERNMENT

Public Policy

JOIN Chamber members for this informative breakfast at theOakland Chamber of Commerce, 475 14th Street.

This event is free to Chamber members and $10.00 fornon-members. To attend, you must RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 26.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND REGISTER ONLINE www.oaklandchamber.com.

Have questions? Contact Paul Junge at (510) 874-4817 or [email protected].

Come to “Inside Oakland Breakfast Forum” andhear from people who affect the policies andprogress of the city in which we live and do business.

Friday, Sept. 28 8:30 - 10 a.m.

> A jump-start to college and careerThe 2012 “Knowledge Is Power” Youth Leadership Forum & College-Career Faire is sponsored by Oakland Civic Pride (OCP) for youthand young adults from 12 to 20 years of age.

“This year’s event promises to be very exciting,” says Carol Lee Tolbert,the organization’s volunteer executive director. “It is being co-sponsored byPeralta Colleges, and will have candidates from local campaigns, includingrepresentatives from the democratic and republican parties to engage ouryouth.” It will also be combined with GOTV activities.

The free community event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 8:30 a.m.to 2 p.m. at the Waterfront Hotel in London Square. Breakfast and lunch willbe provided.

Tolbert asks members to “help youth in our communities get a “jump-start” on college, career or volunteer opportunities. Chamber members canshare their expertise, business or service on topics such as voting,volunteering, school success, college readiness, STEM opportunities,scholarships, skill trades, character and leadership development, financialplanning, and more. Students also earn community service hours.

OCP was founded in 1989, and is a volunteer nonprofit youth-centeredagency that works with schools, churches, businesses and organizations tohelp our youth develop the knowledge, skills, a$itudes and behaviors theyneed to be successful in school, college, the workplace and within ourcommunities. And, says Tolbert, “The organization provides scholarships todeserving youth, and recognizes individuals, businesses and agencies thatmake Oakland a be$er place to live, work and grow. This has been OCP’smission since its inception. It has also received national, state and localrecognition for its 23 years of volunteer service, thanks to the support of ourfantastic partners.”

For panelist, tabling or youth sponsoring information, [email protected], call (510) 450-1844, or visit www.civicpride.net.Chamber members are invited to a$end. Register online or via email.

by Paul Junge

Oakland, a city on the rise, wasthe theme of remarks made byMayor Jean Quan at the Cham-ber’s Inside Oakland breakfast inAugust. Without the assistance ofnotes, the Mayor covered a widerange of subjects from efforts tokeep the A’s, Raiders and War-riors to other economic develop-ment efforts, public safetyimprovements and job creation.

One of the first topics the Mayorcovered was development of theOakland Army Base, and she hadgood news to report. Just days before her appearance, the California Trans-portation Commission decided to commit $242 million in voter-approvedProposition 1B bond funding to the redevelopment of the base. This money willhelp transform the former base into a world-class trade and logistics center ad-jacent to the Port of Oakland, the leading export gateway on the West Coast.

Another positive result of the development of the former base will be thecreation of jobs – both construction and permanent jobs. Mayor Quan indi-cated the Job Training Center in West Oakland is on schedule to open in thenext few months. She says the center will better coordinate the school-to-ca-reer link and help people in Oakland land the new jobs coming to the base.

In speaking about crime and public safety, the Mayor expressed confidencethat things were headed in the right direction. She also sounded optimisticabout the negotiated settlement agreement (NSA) and the Federal Monitoroverseeing the Oakland Police Department (OPD). While noting that the NSAstarted nine years ago with 55 areas for OPD improvement, the list is now downto five.

The Mayor says that she hopes to get that down to three by the next courtdate in December, and with a new Police Information system in place soon shehoped to address the remaining three.

The Mayor also spoke about the next Police Academy that will train thenewest officers for OPD. She noted that of the 60 people entering the acad-emy, 15 were women, 40 percent were bilingual and many were from a varietyof minority groups. The Mayor said she hopes future applicants will have gonethrough a training program offered at Merritt College. In this way she hopes tosave the city money (the Academy could be shortened because Academy atten-dees would have a similar base of knowledge), and she hoped it would also in-crease the number of recruits coming from Oakland.!

Paul Junge is the Chamber’s vice president and director of publicpolicy.

> A city on the rise

# At the Inside Oakland break-fast (left to right): members ofthe Chamber’s Public Policy Coun-cil Dan Cohen, Full Court Press; JillBroadhurst, East Bay Rental Hous-ing Association; John Gooding,Quadric Group; Mayor Quan;Chamber Vice President and Pub-lic Policy Director Paul Junge (be-hind); and Public Policy Councilmembers Bielle Moore, RepublicServices; Barbara Leslie, AT&T;and David Tucker, Waste Manage-ment of Alameda County.

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland Raiders

September 2012 | 11

No longer must every key organizational decision runthrough one autocratic – some would say eccentric –person. Like most National Football League clubs, theRaiders now possess a defined structure of authority, andthe lines are no longer blurred between the football andbusiness sides of the franchise.

While still doing much to ensure that the legacy ofhis father is never forgotten, new 57-year-old ownerMark Davis has charted his own distinct course in lessthan a year by taking a step back and delegatingdecision-making to individuals in their own specificareas of expertise.

On the football side, in particular, the change hasbeen wholesale. With the hiring of Green Bay Packersimport Reggie McKenzie, there is a general manager inplace for the first time in a generation.

McKenzie promptly fired coach Hue Jackson at theend of the 2011 season and not only brought in his ownman, he went against the Al Davis notion that offensiveminds make the best head coaches. He hired a youngdefensive wizard in Dennis Allen (along with six newassistants), and even more surprising, brought him infrom the rival Denver Broncos.

McKenzie overhauled the scouting department aswell, replacing several Al loyalists who’d been in theorganization for more than three decades. Then he

went to work on the roster, paring away expensive mistakes made by the elderDavis in the last years of his reign.

But beyond the wholesale physical changes, the Raiders also changed themood. Once secretive and distrustful of the media, the new administration hasundertaken a whole new spirit of openness and cooperation, or at least as openand cooperative as an NFL club can be. The club has even expressed interest, ifnot excitement, about making a long-term commitment to Oakland, the onlycurrent Coliseum tenant to do so.

So, with all this dramatic change, will it translate onto the football field for afranchise that has not had a winning record or even made the playoffs since2002? Probably not, at least not right away. The Raiders, who faded to 8-8 in 2011after looking early on like they’d turned the competitive corner, were already ayoung team that’s been made younger through McKenzie’s eye to the future. Andwhile there is certainly talent on the roster, there is not a whole lot of overalldepth at present.

If nothing else, the Raiders do have a smart, experienced quarterback in 32-year-old former No. 1 pick Carson Palmer. Acquired by the deposed Jackson inmid-season last year for a costly cache of draft choices and restructured salary,the new regime had no choice but to commit to Palmer but seems good with it.

When healthy and motivated, Palmer is one of the best in the business, andunlike last year, when he came to the Raiders out of shape and unprepared andwas forced into action by Jackson before he was probably ready to play, he’s ingood condition now and he’s had a full training camp under his belt. He also hasa fresh ally on the sidelines in new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp.

But to have a better season than what many expect, the Raiders also need arejuvenated season from fifth-year running back Darren McFadden, who hasshown the capability to be an elite NFL performer but hasn’t been able to stayhealthy enough to sustain it. He missed ten games in his first three seasons witha myriad of injuries, and nine more last year with a severe foot sprain aftergetting off to a sensational start. With Michael Bush having signed with Chicagoin free agency, McFadden’s support now falls to explosive but inexperiencedrunners Mike Goodson and Taiwan Jones.

> A totally revamped franchisetries to win on the field by Carl Steward

Similarly, the young receivingcorps of Denarius Moore, DarriusHeyward-Bey and Jacoby Ford showsgreat promise, but health has been aconcern. Both Moore and Ford have already suffered pre-season injuries thatmay delay or limit their progress early in the season.

Defensively, the Raiders will be nothing if not intriguing. Long shackled byDavis’ strict demands for a man-to-man coverage ideology, Allen and newdefensive coordinator Jason Tarver figure to employ far more modern zonetechniques and multiple schemes in rebuilding a unit that has been whollyinefficient, particularly against the run, in recent seasons.

The question is whether there is enough quality personnel to meet the newstandards. Up front, highly paid mainstays Richard Seymour (age 32) andTommy Kelly (age 31) aren’t getting any younger, although end LaMarr Houstonis a potential budding star.

The projected starting cornerbacks, Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer, arejourneymen. There is depth and dynamism at safety with the trio of TyvonBranch, Michael Huff and Mike Mitchell, but the linebacking corps is unsettledand undistinguished around middle man Rolando McClain.

But while the changes inside the Oakland organization have been swift andsweeping, change on the field almost certainly will take longer. The best hopemay be that the Raiders, under McKenzie and Allen, build a firm foundationthat will serve as a springboard to future success.

That would certainly be in line with the concerted goals of a whollyrevamped franchise. !

Carl Steward is a sports columnist for the Oakland Tribune and Bay AreaNews Group.

In the 11 monthssince legendary owner

Al Davis’ death, theOakland Raiders haveundergone their most

dramatic internaltransformation in 50

years. In short,they’ve ditched themaverick approach

and embraced amodel that’s far more

modern and main-stream.

Carl Steward

# The defensive line is imposing,led by Richard Seymour (left) andTommy Kelly (right).

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland Raiders

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com12

Here’s how a good friend describes the Raiders’experience. It describes why the Raiders areone of Oakland’s leading economic develop-ment lights and why we as a business commu-

nity should do everything we can to keep them."The three-hour drive to Oakland is worth every minute just to be a

part of one of the most unique cultural celebrations in North America –a Raiders home game. Since the last game, a day has not gone bywithout a laughter-filled conversation about going to a Raiders gameas a family. The Raider Nation is alive and well and the experience livesup to the all the hype." – Josh Cook, Chico, CA.

The Raider Nation in Oakland is arguably the most passionate andloyal group of fans in the history of American sports. The team owns astoried history in Oakland, with championships in 1976 and 1980.

Last season, nearly a half-million people came through theturnstiles, many from far beyond the I-880 corridor. Raider fans spendmoney in Oakland. Raider fans drive national visibility for Oakland.Raider fans hella love Oakland.

The legacy of Al Davis looms large over the franchise, its fans andour city. Young fans are indoctrinated into the Raider Nation bylearning some of Al Davis's (literally) trademarked slogans: "Pride andPoise," "Commitment to Excellence," and "Just Win, Baby." Photos offamed players hang in the lobby of the Tribune Tower.

But Raider Nation is far more valuable than just slogans. The mostrecent Forbes NFL franchise valuations show 19 of 32 clubs beingworth at least $1 billion. In Major League Baseball, only the Yankees

> Just stay, babyby Dan Cohen

have a valuation of over $1 billion, as ranked by Forbes.And the economic importance of the Raiders makes it to the

grassroots as well. During last year’s lockout, the NFL PlayersAssociation estimated that shutting down the league would costeach city $140 million in revenue. The NFL supports about 110,000jobs in NFL cities and adds about $5 billion to the economies of thosecities (according to Edgeworth Economics).

Let’s be very clear, the Raiders are a nearly billion-dollar enterprisein the midst of our city. Shouldn’t we do everything we can to findthem a new home in the city and grow jobs and the economy at thesame time?

Oakland is the epicenter of Bay Area sports. We host to theRaiders, the A’s and the Warriors. While two of the teams are makingnoises about leaving, the Raiders, by way of Amy Trask and MarkDavis, Al’s son, have consistently said that the city, the community,and the fans make this their number one choice for a home forgenerations to come. Our job as East Bay business leaders is to ensureit stays that way. Let’s win baby.

P.S. – As an aside, if you have read this far, you know the value thatthe Oakland Business Review has to you, your business and yourcustomers. Please take a moment to consider advertising in some ofour upcoming editions and in our on-line properties. You’ll get hugebang for your marketing buck. !

Dan Cohen, a principal at Full Court Press, a full-service publicrelations, public affairs and crisis communications agency indowntown Oakland, is a member of the Chamber’s Board ofDirectors and is chair of the Communications Department.

Just stay. It’s asimple way tosum it all up.

Just win,Raiders!

Full Court PressCommunications“Shouldn’t we do everything we can to find (the Raiders) a new home in

the city and grow jobs and the economy at the same time?” – Dan Cohen

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland Raiders

September 2012 | 13

> Raiders fans must follow ‘Code of Conduct’

The Oakland Raiders are asking all fans to create themost fan-friendly environment in the NFL.

To ensure that all fans enjoy a safe environment,all who enter O.co Coliseum and surroundingparking lots must obey a Code of Conduct. Failureto do so may result inejection, revocation ofticket privileges,and/or arrest. Seasonticket holders areresponsible for theactions of those usingtheir tickets.

The lists belowshow the Raiders’intent on having anenvironment in whichall fans have a safe andenjoyable experience.

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com14

Building OaklandTogether

Pipelines, Grading, Paving, Concrete,Landscape, Mechanical, Materials

In Oakland since 1926Phone: (510) 632-7676

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SPECIAL SECTION Oakland Raiders> What’s at stake if the Raiders go?

The only team that expresses a desire to stay is the Raiders. Their lease expires

after the 2013 season and they could be enticed away if it meant getting a new

stadium elsewhere. Sadly, Oakland fans could have no pro teams left by 2017.

What is at stake if the Raiders go? The Raiders are part of the fabric of

Oakland and are part of the city’s identity. If you have ever attended a Raiders

game you know there is nothing like it. Raiders fans are well costumed, loud,

have an incredible camaraderie and a team spirit that is infectious. There

would be the loss of jobs and revenue, but there is more at stake. Every year,

professional sports organizations and athletes quietly contribute to local

charities and events and sponsor community growth projects.

Last year the Raiders teamed up with Tackling the Odds (TTO) in their

by Catherine Arlin 2011 Fundraiser (pictured

left). TTO is a nonprofit

organization that is com-

mitted to the enrichment

of youth and provides re-

sources to help build

strength into young peo-

ple’s lives. This year the

Raiders are getting be-

hind our schools. Ten

percent of every season

ticket purchased and paid

in full between May 1 and

June 30 was donated to

the our public schools.

The NFL is dedicated to giving back to its communities, but few teams have

shown such a bold commitment to their community as the Raiders.

The city is doing all it can to keep the teams and has proposed Coliseum

City, a 1,000-acre endeavor in East Oakland that would include venues for one,

two or three of the teams, as well as a convention center, hotels and stores.

The City Council approved spending $3.5 million last March for design work

and an environmental review and has selected JRDV Urban International of

Oakland to manage the plan. Mayor Quan is also exploring the idea of building

a domed football stadium that would accommodate very large conventions.

In the meantime, Save Oakland Sports, a grassroots organization, is pursu-

ing nonprofit status to help raise funds and support for Coliseum City and

hopes neighboring cities will step forward to help keep the teams. Former

Raiders receiver Kenny Shedd, now an Oakland police officer, is on the group’s

board of directors. He promises the community will come out to keep the

teams in the city.

Those of us at Colliers International invite other local businesses to partner

with professional sports teams because they foster cohesiveness among

community members. And, sports encourages persistence and hard work –

ethics that are valued in the business world as well.

Colliers International is a global leader in real estate services with more

than 15,000 professionals operating out of 480 offices in 61 countries. Colliers

provides a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors

worldwide including global corporate solutions, sales and lease brokerage,

property and asset management, project management, hotel investment sales

and consulting, property valuation and appraisal services, mortgage banking

and insightful research. Colliers Parrish International, Inc., dba Colliers

International, is headquartered in San Jose and has 11 offices in California and

Nevada. For additional information visit www.colliers.com. !

Catherine Arlin is the operations manager at Colliers International Oakland.

The clock is tickingdown when it comesto Oakland and theEast Bay keeping itsprofessional sportsteams. The Warriorsrecently announcedtheir plans to move toa new San Franciscobasketball arena in2017 and the A’s havenever made it a secretthat they want to takethe team to San Jose.

A Whole NewBall GameGo Raiders

(510 452-4565233 Broadway, Oakland CA 94607

www.innatthesquare.com

September 2012 | 15

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland Raiders> The Raiders – ‘We need tosupport them in any way we can’

The city of Oakland and the Oakland Raiders are much alike – tough,scrappy, feared, disrespected, victorious over tough odds and committedto excellence. And that may explain the up and down relationship be-tween the city and the Raiders – we are too much alike. Today, of all threeathletic teams in Oakland, the Raiders are the one team that has demon-strated and is demonstrating that it wants to stay in Oakland. And yet wekeep pursuing the teams that are running away from us more activelythan we pursue the Raiders.

Oakland is a little bit like the lost high school senior who keeps askinggirls to the prom who say no, instead of asking the one beautiful girl whois saying yes. We, as a city and as a business community, need to say aloud “Yes – come to the Prom – the Promise of our City.”

I think it is worth noting that Amy Trask is the only woman chief exec-utive officer in the NFL – indeed the only woman CEO in major leaguesports. It is also worth noting that Al Davis was a major proponent of pro-moting women and minorities in sports. In the 1960s he refused to allowthe Raiders to play in a preseason game in Mobile and an All Star Game inNew Orleans because of the racial barriers in those cities. And in each in-stance the game was moved to a more progressive and tolerant city. In1997 – 15 years ago – he made Amy Trask the Raiders CE0. The Raidersstand up to what they and we believe.

Before I talk about how we say “Yes” to the Raiders, I want to addressthe benefits the Raiders bring to Oakland. Many of us have had the expe-

by Zack Wasserman

rience of being in distant places – both within and outside the UnitedStates – when we say we are from Oakland and the response – “Oh, theRaiders” – is always positive. There is a brand recognition that this teamtries harder that resonates and echoes what we are doing in Oakland.

The Raider Nation does reflect Oakland and the Raiders have beenworking very hard to make sure that they reflect all of Oakland. TheRaider Code of Conduct, which emphasizes enthusiastic and peacefulsupport, is being enforced. The Raiders have reached out at their games,on their website, and in our community to make Raider games a familyand kid friendly place, and in my experience at recent games they havesucceeded. Painted faces are still there – and kids like painted faces.

Beyond economics, beyond statistics, there is an issue of pride thatcan have a deep effect on how cities and the residents of cities seethemselves. The presence of effective and aggressive athletic teams isan integral part of how we identify as a vital city. This is true for us withthe Oakland A’s and the Warriors – but the team that best representspride of place and perseverance in the face adversity is the Raiders. Weneed to support them in every way we can.

So how can we – how should we - support the Raiders? The answeris simple. Buy tickets, buy season tickets, buy suites. As you evaluateyour marketing, civic, and employee morale budgets, think about theRaiders. Taking employees, clients and potential clients to Raiders gamesis a great way to help your business and help our city stay vital, strongand committed to excellence. !

Zack Wasserman, a partner at the Oakland-based law firm of Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP, is the ex-officio legal counsel of the Oakland MetropolitanChamber of Commerce.

“So how can we – how should we – support the Raiders? Buy tickets, buy season tickets, buy suites.” – Zack Wasserman

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com16

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland Raiders> Raiders partner with Food Bank to feed the hungry

Working with the Food Bank hadspecial importance for Curry and wasone of the reasons he chose to workwith the organization. “Well, the ideais to be able to raise food and moneyfor the Alameda County Food Bank,”explained Curry, “and it’s special to me because when I was growing up, when wedidn’t have any food, we used the food bank. I realize how important they are to thecommunity so we just came up with this great idea that we could raise food andmoney for the community of Alameda and Oakland so that people can eat whenthey’re starving.”

Michael Altfest, communications manager for the ACCFB, explained the impactCurry is making by coming forward about using a food bank when he was a child.“The fact that a player is willing to come forward and talk about the issues that theirfamily had faced back when they were younger, that does a lot for us, a lot for thecommunity,” said Altfest. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. There are a lot of peoplewho face these struggles and the best thing anybody can do is come forward – andwe’re here to help.”

Curry wanted to share his idea with one of his teammates to help make a differ-ence. “Mitchy was one of the first people I approached because I knew that this typeof stuff is right down his alley,” said Curry. “He’s a great guy and he’s one of the guysthat I kind of attached to since I’ve been here. As soon as I asked him whether he’d doit or not, he was like, ‘Yes, I’m there,’ right away. This is before he even checked hisschedule or anything so I’m just excited that he’s here with me.”

ACCFB was thrilled to have the players offer to help. “It’s awesome having Raidersplayers come support us,” said Altfest. “The Raiders have been such tremendouspartners of our work. Hunger is a very prevalent problem in our community. But notenough people know about the issue, so to have players like Aaron and Mike comehere and raise awareness for us, it’s awesome. !

Oakland Raiders linebacker Aaron Curry and defensive back Mike Mitchellrecently teamed up with the Alameda County Community Food Bank(ACCFB) to raise food and funds. In exchange for a donation of 20 cans or$20, visitors and fans were treated to photos and autographs at the RaiderImage on Hegenberger Road in Oakland.

# Raiders linebacker Aaron Curry (farright) and defensive back Mike Mitchell(uniform number 34) joined Raiderettesand the Food Bank staff to help raisemoney and food for the hungry.

77 Hegenberger Rd. • Oakland, CA 94621 • (510) 638-7777www.hioaklandairport.com

RELAX, it’s RAIDER TERRITORY

> Show your support – ‘Spirit Week’ set for Sept. 10-14Mayor Jean Quan – joined by local and regional elected officials,business leaders and sports fans – shared details on “Oakland LovesIts Sports Teams” Spirit Week at a recent press conference and rally.Running Sept. 10-14, the civic pride campaign will salute theOakland A’s and Oakland Raiders, both of which have home gamesthat week, for being irreplaceable civic treasures that add significantlyto the economy, identity, pride and culture of Oakland, AlamedaCounty and the entire East Bay region.

“We want to show the world the love we have for our sports teams,”said Mayor Jean Quan. “Oakland has the best fans, a supportive corpo-rate and business community, and the most desirable, central locationin the entire Bay Area. The teams are woven into the very fabric of ourcommunity and this campaign underscores how much they mean to us.”

During the press conference and rally, which attracted scores of loyalsports fans, Mayor Quan was joined by City Administrator DeannaSantana, City Councilmembers Rebecca Kaplan and Libby Schaaf, SanRamon Vice Mayor Jim Livingstone, BART District 4 Director RobertRaburn, other civic and business leaders, former Raiders players, andothers.

“Our professional sports teams are crucial to the local economy,”said Santana. “Visitors traveling to Oakland for a game spend moneyat restaurants, hotels, car rental agencies, retailers and other local busi-nesses. This contributes to an estimated $200 million spent annuallyby visitors to Alameda County and supports jobs for Oakland residents.”

U.S. Representative Barbara Lee also added her support. “Fordecades our beloved Oakland A’s and Raiders have brought countlesshours of joy and excitement to Bay Area families,” she said. “I commendthe A’s and the Raiders for personifying teamwork, passion, persever-ance and a commitment to excellence week after week. Acknowledgingthe A’s and Raiders contribution to the burgeoning Oakland economy,I remain committed to ensuring that this public-private partnershipcontinues to flourish and bring Bay Area fans thrills and enjoyment foryears to come.”

The fan group “SaveOaklandSports” also announced that it is closeto obtaining nonprofit status, enabling the grass-roots organization toraise funds for a stadium campaign. On Sept. 13 the group will hold itsinaugural fundraising event at the legendary Ricky's Sports Theatre &Grill in San Leandro. For more information, please visit www.saveoaklandsports.org.

“SaveOaklandSports is committed to helping create a game plan toconvince the Raiders, A's and Warriors that Oakland offers the nation’sbest stadium location and opportunity, individual and corporate fansupport and long-term economic stability for these iconic franchises,"said Jim Zelinski, Raiders season ticket holder and co-founder ofSaveOaklandSports. "We’re more than a cheerleading organization andare developing concrete approaches to increase ticket sales and revenueto build stadiums," Zelinski added.

To ensure that the teams see and hear the message that “OaklandLoves Its Sports Teams,” the city of Oakland is leading the charge togalvanize public support. During Spirit Week, fans are encouraged todress in their favorite Oakland team colors, pose with friends, familyand co-workers at various Oakland locations and share their images onthe city’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityofOakland.

Thanks to the support of sponsors, the city of Oakland has produceda colorful rally card for fans to display at home or work and will teamup with local business and merchant groups to circulate to shops,businesses and public venues all over town. Some 30,000 pre-printedcards will be handed out and a downloadable version will also beavailable online from both the city’s website (www.oaklandnet.com)and SaveOaklandSports (www.saveoaklandsports.org). !

September 2012 | 17

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland Raiders> Some ‘words of wisdom’ for high school student-athletesOakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor, offensive lineman StefenWisniewski and running back Taiwan Jones recently worked withyoung, promising football players during NFL High School PlayerDevelopment (H.S.P.D.) programs. Pryor and Wisniewski spent timewith players from several different high schools at Laney College inOakland, while Jones worked with students at Freedom High Schoolin Oakley, California.

“The NFL and the High School Player Development program is very bigon NFL players and the development and the fundamentals they can bringto the table,” said NFL H.S.P.D. Regional Director Ryan Myers. “So when youhave the Raiders and all these high schools right in the Raiders backyard,the ability to bring Raiders players out and be able to work with the kidsdirectly, it just makes it that much better. And the kids, this is something theywill never forget.”

Pryor worked with quarterbacks and Wisniewski worked with offensivelinemen. “It was a lot of fun,” said Wisniewski. “The O-line I was workingwith, they were real eager to learn. They were all paying attention, ‘yes sir,no sir.’ If I told them to say something, they said it. They were working realhard and you can see there’s a lot of talent out here, a lot of good kids.”

Pryor, the second-year quarterback out of Ohio State, remembers his highschool football days. “I think it’s important because I think the main thing is,and the most important thing is, I was them a long time ago,” said Pryor. “Iwas them years ago and so much information and knowledge that I knownow, [I want to] show them the little that I know. It’s just great to get out hereand see all the kids work and just get back with the kids.”

Jones visited H.S.P.D. at Freedom High School on a field he is very familiarwith. “I grew up in the Bay Area. I went to high school at Deer Valley High, soI’m very familiar with this area. I played against Freedom for the playoffs formy last year in ’07,” he said. “Today I just came back to my old stompinggrounds, talking to a couple of teams about fundamentals, about respect,and some of the things it will take to get to where I am today.”

The Eastern Washington product worked with the running backs and thenspoke to the kids about the importance of respect. “I feel like respect, it’ll takeyou a long way in life,” said Jones. “Just as much as my talent, I feel like theway I carry myself and as much respect as I have for my elders, it got to where

I am today. You never know who’swatching you, who’s listening to you,so you always want to carry yourself ina respectful manner.”

Wisniewski spoke to his group ofstudent-athletes about character. “Ifeel like our culture today, there are a lot of bad influences on what we’resupposed to do and there are a lot of messages about doing the right thingthat kids this age need to hear,” he said.

Pryor added on to Wisniewski’s message by emphasizing time manage-ment. “My biggest thing was time management, doing the right thing,” hesaid. “I just think being on time, being early, I think if they start now andthey’re five minutes early, two minutes early, as long as you’re early, as youget older, whether you’re in the NFL or doing anything in business, it’sgoing to set the tone.”

The three second-year players felt honored to have had a chance toinspire students. “I think it’s very important; the community is everything,”said Jones. “A lot of these kids need role models and words of wisdom canhelp them through their days. I’m glad I got the opportunity to be thatguy today.” !

Wells Fargo wishes the Raiders a great 2012 season!

We celebrate the ‘Raiders’spirit in all of us.

USA Football has selectedOakland Raiders punter ShaneLechler to its third annual USAFootball All-Fundamentals Team,which honors 26 NFL players –11 offense, 11 defense, four specialteams – who exhibit exemplaryfootball techniques for youthplayers to emulate.

Employing proper technique,particularly when blocking andtackling, fosters better on-fieldperformance and inherent safetybenefits.

Lechler’s extraordinarypunting mechanics and leg actionmake him an important contribu-tor to the Raiders’ success. !

# Said Pryor, “I think it’simportant because I think themain thing is, and the mostimportant thing is, I was thema long time ago.”

> Lechler honored

(510) [email protected]

www.paychex.com

Wishes theRaiders a

great 2012 season!

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com18

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland Raiders> Palmer – ‘We have a lot to prove’

Q: Why are you so excited this yearto get things going with this team,with this organization, this new era?

Palmer: “For a ton of reasons.Like you said it’s a new regime, top to bottom, there’s been a ton of changes. Thenew offense is so exciting to be a quarterback in with the guys we have around my-self, just with the way last year ended with the bitter taste in our mouths. Just a tonof reasons, there’s not just one or two reasons we’re excited. We have a lot to prove,we have a lot of guys that are hungry, a lot of guys that want to make their mark inthis league and excited about the opportunities they have in front of them.”

Q: You didn’t get to play with Darren McFadden at all last year and you’ve had acouple of months of practice and the off-season. What have you learned about him?

Palmer: “I never had the chance to work with him at all last year, but everybodyknows he’s fast and explosive…but the thing that’s impressed me the most is theleader he is. There are a lot of running backs (that) are kind of quiet and just sit backand get the ball and go, but Darren is the first guy in every line. He’s working hard,he’s encouraging guys; he’s a tremendous leader.”

Q: Coming into the middle of the season last year was an adjustment period foryou with the offense and getting to know the guys. Talk about the strides you’vetaken to get on the same page with the guys and are you seeing that they’re improv-ing?

Palmer: “Yes, but we have a really long way to go. There’s been things we reallyconnected well on; there’ve been a couple of different routes we have ‘repped’ somany times that I’m starting to feel comfortable. I’m not completely comfortableuntil I do a certain route with a certain guy 50, 60, 70 times.”

Q: When you look back at what you had to do, how difficult was it in retrospectnow that you’ve had a chance to really see what you were able to accomplish?

Palmer: “I really don’t take a whole lot of time to reflect on that. I’ve really justbeen so focused on the future and so focused on the new offense – studying, get-ting in shape, getting ready for training camp, and getting as far ahead of the curveas I could with a new playbook and a new offense in front of us.”

Q: You have talked about how excited you are to get back and do some thingsyou have done in the past – the bootlegs, and the things that go with this offense.

Palmer: “Yeah, I did that a ton. Four days a week, I would do my conditioning run-ning plays. I worked on that a lot, but until you get in a game situation and you havea tailback behind you and a receiver running the route, there’s no way to replicatethat other than running it in practice. I’ve worked tremendously hard on it.”

Q: How did you feeling about Napa and your first training camp with theRaiders?

Palmer: “Loved it. I heard that this is the best training camp in the NFL and I hadheard great things, and it is drastically exceeding my expectations. It has been topnotch from everything. You stay in a nice hotel, you have a comfortable bed, you’renot in a dorm room, the practice fields are awesome, the food is awesome, theweight room is awesome. Everything has been great and it has really allowed us tofocus on football. From a player’s standpoint, you can’t ask for more.” !

The following is a recent conversation with quarterback Carson Palmer,who is entering his first full season with the Oakland Raiders.

# Much of the Raiders success restson the arm of quarterback CarsonPalmer.

> Did you know?

Let’Let’s s GGoo Raiders!Raiders!

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• Defensive lineman Matt Shaughnessy played his senior year at theUniversity of Wisconsin with a fractured leg and overcame a torn ACL at theend of his freshman season to start his final 39 games in succession.

• Stefen Wisniewski, a 2011 second round draft choice and offensivelineman from Penn State, became the university’s first three-time AcademicAll-American. As a senior, he earned first team All-American honors from theNFL Draft Report and the American Football Coaches Association.

• Running back Darren McFadden won back-to-back Doak WalkerAwards at Arkansas (honoring the nation’s top running back), and became theonly player in history to finish runner-up for the Heisman Trophy twice (toTroy Smith in 2006 and Tim Tebow in 2007).

• Defensive back Michael Huff was the first player in University of Texashistory to win the Thorpe Award, presented to the nation’s top defensiveback.

• Prior to joining Florida State and becoming its highly-touted track star,Raiders wide receiver and kick returner Jacoby Ford (below) clocked anincredible 4.126 in the 40-yard dash at the Fork Union College CoachesCombine, the fastest time of any player in a program that produced 87 NFLplayers and two Heisman Trophy winners.

• At USC, quarterback Matt Leinart won the Heisman Trophy in 2004 inaddition to three All-America awards, and went 37-2 as a three-year starter,including a 2-1 record with national championships on the line.

• Linebacker Rolando McClain was named to the NFL All-Rookie teamtwo years ago by The Sporting News last year. As a junior at the Universityof Alameda just four years ago, he was honored as the Butkus Award winneras the top linebacker in the nation and led the Crimson Tide to theBCA National Championship. !

Reprinted with the permission of raiders.com.

September 2012 | 19

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland Raiders

Yeda Altes

Oakland Fire Department - WildfirePrevention & AssessmentDistrictwww.OaklandWPD.org

Fire safety: www.oaklandwpd.org

Graig Brooks

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Marvin A. Clark

First Building Maintenance Co.(510) 482-8900

Sigma Beta Club(510) 867-8436

Victor O. Dominguez

Surf CleanCarpet & upholstery cleaning

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Kristina Owyoung

Charles Pankow Builders(510) 379-1671

[email protected]

Andrew Thompson

Merrill Lynch(510) 208-3849

[email protected]

Ron White

LegalShield(510) 472-3200

Good luck in the 2012 season!

ABC Security Service, Inc.

The Oakland MarriottCity Center

Wishes the Raidersa great

2012 season!

Go Raiders!

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www.recology.com510.267.0852

Here’s to a Winning

Season

The following members of the Chamber’s Ambassador Committeewish the Oakland Raiders a winning season.

> Oakland – The perfect vacationspot for Raiders fans (and foes)

Oakland Raiders fans – and their foes– travel to Oakland from across thecountry to see the Silver & Black playat the O.co Coliseum. But football isonly one of the many things thereare to see and do in Oakland.

HotelsMore than a dozen hotels and motelsare located in the Coliseum area, andthey range from full-service hotels toaffordable motels. Many of theseproperties have undergone extensiverenovations in the past few years,and many offer a range of special amenities such as free breakfast, a pooland free wifi. Several properties also offer free shuttles to Oakland Interna-tional Airport, the O.co Coliseum/Oracle Arena, and the local BART station.By BART, visitors can easily visit other Oakland neighborhoods as well asBerkeley and San Francisco.

AttractionsBefore or after the game, visitors can check out some of Oakland’s excitingattractions:

• Chabot Space & Science Center houses the largest public telescope inthe western United States. The 86,000-square-foot center includes a 240-seat planetarium and the large screen Tien MegaDome Theater.

• Recently renovated and reimagined, the Oakland Museum of Californiais devoted to the arts, environment and history of California. Now throughNov. 25, visitors can enjoy "The 1968 Exhibit," highlighting the social, politi-

by Lindsay Wright

cal and economic events that occurred during that controversial year. • The Oakland Zoo houses more than 440 native and exotic animals, and

is the only zoo in Northern California to feature sun bears, the inspiration forWinnie the Pooh.

• Dubbed the “Floating White House” anddocked at Jack London Square, Franklin DelanoRoosevelt’s presidential yacht “Potomac” is oneof the few floating museums in the country.

• Located in a vintage hangar at Oakland In-ternational Airport, the Oakland Aviation Mu-seum displays artifacts, a flying boat and anElectra once flown by Amelia Earhart.

• Children of all ages love Children’s Fairy-land, a three-dimensional fantasy world wherepopular nursery rhymes come to life.

EntertainmentOakland loves music, and Oracle Arena hasbeen home to such popular artists as LadyGaga, Prince and Justin Bieber.

Virtually every night of the year there’s anact on stage at Yoshi’s Jazz Club at Jack LondonSquare. This year, the legendary club celebratesits 40th anniversary.

In the new Uptown District, indie acts packthe Fox Theater while the Paramount shows range from classic movies to theOakland East Bay Symphony.

Oakland's burgeoning music scene includes some of the best local musicin the country. You'll find great performances at smaller venues such as TheNew Parish, The Uptown Nightclub, Cafe Van Kleef and the Stork Club.

High up in the hills, Woodminster Amphitheater hosts musicals and al-fresco concerts, while CATS is on stage from Sept. 7-16. !

Lindsay Wright is public relations and communications manager atVisit Oakland.

# Children’s Fairylandis a three-dimensionalfantasy world wherepopular nurseryrhymes come to life.

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com20

> Leadership Oakland 2012-2013session calendar*Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Leadership Development OrientationIntroduction to Leadership Oakland

• Meet fellow participants, learn about different communication styles, worktogether, and use outcome-based leadership practices.

• Skill-based leadership training including the following competencies:Interpersonal communication styles and public speaking skills.

Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. City Neighborhoods Tour & Business Day

• The day begins with a bus tour of th city’s diverse neighborhoods. Communityleaders hop on board to give valuable insights along the way.

• You have the opportunity to ask some of Oakland’s top business leaders whyOakland is both an attractive and challenging place to do business.

• Discover business leaders’ philosophies for “doing business” in Oakland.

Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Public SafetyLearn about the Police Department’s community policing program, personal safety tips,and take a tour of the Office of Emergency Services while learning what the Oakland FireDepartment is doing to prepare our citizens for the next major emergency.

Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Health & Human ServicesLearn about the current state of health care from health and medical representatives.

Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Arts & Education Day

• Education will continue to be Oakland’s top issue. Learn why Oakland’s schoolshave suffered and who’s working to repairthe damage. In addition, discover the manypositive things happening in Oakland’seducation system that the media doesn’ttell you.

• Hear from a panel of artsprofessionals about the richness ofOakland’s art scene and why Oakland is adestination for arts, artisans, and art lovers.

Weds., Feb. 13, 2013, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Boards & CommissionsA presentation regarding how to get involved in government and nonprofit boards andcommissions, and various Chamber committees.

Friday, March 8, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Transportation & Environment

• Learn the future of transportation as California’s population reaches an all-timehigh and the Bay Area’s population reaches that of present day Los Angeles. Discoverwhy Oakland is an international trade center and the challenges of the hipping andaviation industries.

• In addition, learn about the latest in environmental studies and stewardship inOakland.

Friday, April 12, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Government Day

• Meet elected officials and administrators from the City and County. • Learn about the city’s budget and legislative priorities.

Friday, May 10, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Media & CommunicationsLearn tips on communication with the media and find out how to get your story in print oron television. Understand how editors of major news publications in and around Oaklanddetermine which stores make the news and which ones don’t. Includes tour of KTVU studios.

Friday, May 10, 2013, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Leadership Oakland graduationLeadership Oakland participants will be recognized for their achievements, take part in agraduation ceremony and have the opportunity to network with program sponsors, alumni,friends and family!

Weds. June 16, 2013, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.Leadership Oakland program debriefingThe graduating class of 2012 Leadership Oakland participants are asked to attend adebriefing session to provide their ideas on the programs strengths and offer areas forimprovement on future program sessions.

Weds. June 16, 2013, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Chamber Annual Meeting LuncheonLeadership graduates will attend the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, where they will berecognized and congratulated.

*Schedule may be revised at director’s discretion.

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the city in which you live or work,specifically Oakland? Have you ever wanted to feel more connected to what’sgoing on in your community and meet like-minded people? Do you have adesire to make positive change in your community but aren’t sure how to goabout doing it?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might be inter-ested in a Chamber of Commerce program called Leadership Oakland thatfocuses on knowledge, network, and know-how. Through the program,participants gain a better understanding of the city of Oakland, participatein valuable networking, and acquire the know-how to make change inyour community.

In order to know how to make Oakland a better city, one has to haveknowledge of the various aspects of it. Participants of LeadershipOakland gain a working knowledge of the city and community byengaging in a nine-month program that pays particular attention to thefollowing topics: Government, Education & Cultural Arts, Health &Human Services, Transportation & Environment, Business, Media &Communications and Public Safety. Key businesspeople, city officials,and top CEOs discuss and explain various issues specific to Oaklandduring each session, including a session devoted to exploring how tojoin a city Board or Commission or a Board of an active nonprofit.

In addition to learning about the city, participants gain a newcommunity with their classmates, creating a valuable network ofcontacts. Participants will build and foster relationships with up to 20other individuals from diverse backgrounds – both personally and profes-sionally – people they may not have met otherwise. These connectionsprove valuable for years to come, and increase after graduation by joiningthe LO Alumni Association, currently with more than 300 members.

Moreover, not only do participants make connections with theircohorts, they also meet key people in the Oakland metropolitan area.These connections prove valuable because when you have an idea forchange, you’ll know who to go to in the city to begin the process.

And while fostering these relationships, participants get practiceutilizing their leadership skills by facilitating sessions and exploringtheir own leadership styles in relation to others in a safe and respectfulenvironment.

After gaining knowledge and creating a network of associates,participants are equipped to make a difference because they acquire theknow-how to make change in their community. This know-how comesfrom gaining inside knowledge of the workings of the city of Oaklandby strengthening their own leadership style and skills and by fosteringconnections made with guest speakers and classmates.

The Chamber urges its members to decide if gaining knowledge ofthe city of Oakland, creating a network of contacts with other participantsand the key leaders in the city and community, and acquiring the know-how to make change in your area appeals to you. If so join LeadershipOakland today!

Space is still available for participants to join the 2012-2013program. !

Cat Brewer is the executive director of Leadership Oakland. Shecan be reached at [email protected] or at(510) 755-0627.

> Leadership – Leading the wayin your communityby Cat Brewer

September 2012 | 21

> Innovation: The key to total health

The East Bay Women in Business Roundtable (EBWIBR) recentlydelivered another rousing luncheon as part of its speaker series,“Women Defining the East Bay’s Future.” On Aug. 3, Kathy Lan-caster, executive vice president of strategic planning and chief fi-nancial officer at Kaiser Permanente, addressed a large crowd ofbusinesswomen and discussed how to achieve “Total Health.”

Kaiser has, over the past decade, refreshed its brand to be!erreflect its philosophy. As a consequence, its “Thrive” campaign, among

others, has been an enormous successat communicating Kaiser’s mission: Toprovide high-quality, a"ordable healthcare services and to improve the healthof its members and the communities itserves by making lives be!er. Toachieve its mission, Kaiser strives toenable all persons in its community toachieve “Total Health.”

Lancaster explained that TotalHealth is a state of complete physical,mental, and social well-being. As ahealth care provider, Kaiser does notmerely focus on caring for memberswho are sick. Rather, achievement ofTotal Health includes programs aimedat staying healthy, returning to healthfrom injury or illness, living well with chronic conditions and healthyaging. Lancaster emphasized that this is a total approach towell-being.

The key to individual and institutional Total Health, she said, isinnovation.

Kaiser’s model focuses on innovation through hiring and trainingthe right people, having up-to-date, accessible facilities, and being aleader in utilizing technology for health management. One examplethat Lancaster provided was Kaiser’s early adoption of electronicmedical records: innovation driven by its people so that its memberswould be able to visit any Kaiser facility and their records would be atany caregiver’s fingertips.

Although Kaiser’s innovative approach to health care for itsmembers was discussed as part of Lancaster’s presentation, her centralmessage was broader. Simply put, living a happy, active life is the keyto Total Health. She encouraged the audience to reach for more, not tostress over everything, and to keep learning and doing.

The next East Bay Women in Business Roundtable luncheon will beheld on Friday, Oct. 5 and will feature Jessica Steel, singer-songwriterand former vice-president of business and corporate development atPandora Internet Radio, speaking about “Start-Up Lessons Learned.” Itis sure to be a popular event. Register early. Networking begins at 11:15a.m. and the program begins at 11:45 a.m. The program concludes withadditional networking until 1:30 p.m. The cost is $35 for Chambermembers and $45 for non-members. Same day registration increasesthe price by $10. The event will be held at the Waterfront Hotel in JackLondon Square.

For questions or to register, visit www.oaklandchamber.com orcontact Amada Medina at (510) 874-4800, ext. 319 or [email protected]. !

Kim Y. Arnone is senior counsel at the law firm of Buchalter Nemerand is co-chair of the East Bay Women In Business Roundtable.

by Kim Y. Arnone

" A number of businessand civic leaders wereon hand for last month’sEast Bay Women inBusiness Roundtableluncheon, whichfeatured guest speakerKathy Lancaster (fifthfrom the left). Otherspictured includemembers of the Womenin Business SteeringCommittee, Aliza Gallo(fourth from the left,director of Oakland’sEconomic and WorkforceDevelopment), andMayor Jean Quan.

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> Former Pandora exec Jessica Steelto speak at Women in Business luncheon

The East Bay Women in Business Roundtable(EBWIBR) 2012 luncheon series, “Women Defining theEast Bay Future,” will focus on the business start-up onFriday, Oct. 5. EBWIBR welcomes the telling of PandoraInternet Radio’s start-up story by former Pandoraexecutive vice president of Business and CorporateDevelopment, Jessica Steel.

The luncheon will be held at the Waterfront Hotel in JackLondon Square and will begin at 11:15 a.m. It concludes withnetworking until 1:30 p.m.

The cost is $35 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members. Same day reservations increase the price by $10.

Pandora is an Oakland-based, game-changing business that is the most popularpersonalized internet radio service in the world with more than 150 million users wholisten through their computers, smart phones, TVs, and car dashboards.

Steel, in eight short years, helped build Pandora from an early-stage start-up to apublicly-traded company with a household brand. She played a key role in building outPandora’s strategic partnerships, including those with CE device manufacturers,automotive OEMs and suppliers, which were important in making Pandora available tolisteners while they're on the go, via consumer electronics devices, including in the carfor vehicle infotainment and in the home. Pandora's device deployments include all themajor smartphone platforms and select home electronics such as Blu-ray players, hometheater systems, connected TVs, and tabletop radios. Along the way she collected a listof "Start-up Lessons Learned" and "Career Guiding Principles.”

She will share her insights on company building and career management – anamazing story about a business that infused love of music and curiosity into their grandplan and scaled it up into a worldwide phenomenon.

Jessica Steel on success: “Every overnight success is seven years in the making.Things don’t happen in an instant. Great bands spend years playing for friends andfamily, perfecting their skills before they get their big break. It took over four years ofPandora working away on the music genome project before the company receivedsignificant funding to build a consumer product. During that time there was very littlerevenue, and no profits. Success is something that happens to you when you’re focusedon something else. If your goal is simply to become successful you probably won’t reachit. You’ve got to figure out where you want to go and start moving there methodicallyand with passion.”

Prior to joining Pandora, Steel ran business development for the international divisionof Overture Services (a $1.6B Yahoo-acquired company). Outside of work, she is a singer-songwriter, writing under the name "Jessica Stone," with two full-length CDs released –Seven Letters (2002) and Melting (2009).

In 2011 and 2012, Steel was named one of the Most Influential Women in Bay AreaBusiness by the San Francisco Business Times and was honored by Billboard magazinewith the 2011 Women In Music Award.

To register for the Oct. 5 East Bay Women in Business Roundtable luncheon, visitwww.oaklandchamber.com or contact Amanda Medina [email protected] or at (510) 874-4800, ext. 319. !

Allison Rodman, Community Relations Director AgeSong at Lake Merritt,an independent senior community and steering committee member of EastBay Women in Business Roundtable

by Allison Rodman

Jessica Steel

Women in BusinessEAST BAY SPONSORED BY

> Oakland Schools Foundationtops $20 million in fundraising for schoolsWhile the start of a new school year is always full of promise,2012-13 presents even more reason for optimism in Oakland.The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is California’s mostimproved urban district over the last seven years, and its“Community Schools, Thriving Students” strategic plan is creatingpartnerships across the city in support of Oakland’s public schoolstudents and their families.

To help build on this momentum, the Oakland Schools Foundation (OSF)is committed to addressing the persistent resources gap facing OUSD andits schools in a state that spends nearly $3,000 less per student than thenational average. Since its founding in 2003, OSF has helped more than 40schools raise over $20 million in grants and individual giving, allowingOakland’s most under-resourced schools to pay for critical programs andstaff positions. The local education fund has raised money for literacyefforts, the arts, family engagement, experiential learning, and more.

"The work OSF has done in bringing resources to flatland schools is atremendous equity stance," says Life Academy of Health and BiosciencePrincipal Preston Thomas. "Our partnership with OSF comes from anauthentic place: It’s all about what’s going to work for your school."

A key piece of OSF's partnership with schools involves communityoutreach. As OUSD Superintendent Tony Smith shared in his keynotespeech at an OSF Community Education Forum, "This district is leading theway in so many different ways. We've got to pull together, though, and wehave to tell a different story." OSF helps schools do this by producing out-reach materials that showcase Oakland's inspiring stories, several of whichare celebrated in OSF's recent 2011-12 Yearbook. You can find it online atwww.oaklandschoolsfoundation.org.

The Oakland Schools Foundation is a local education fund that securesand manages resources for Oakland public schools in order to support itsvision of equity: that all students have the opportunity to achieve excel-lence. If you're interested in partnering with or supporting the OaklandSchools Foundation, contact OSF at (510) 842-3461 or make a donation byvisiting www.oaklandschoolsfoundation.org. If you're a business lookingto support Oakland schools, consider joining OSF's 100:100 Club:www.oaklandschoolsfoundation.org/100. OSF is an independent nonprofitwith 501(c)(3) status. !> Grant extends Broadway

Shuttle through 2014The city of Oakland’s popular Broadway Shuttle received a $723,000Lifeline Transportation Program grant from the MetropolitanTransportation Commission and Alameda County TransportationCommission, ensuring that the iconic green vehicles will continuecruising along Broadway through calendar year 2014.

Beginning in 2013, the shuttle will add three hours of evening serviceMonday through Thursday. That means downtown commuters working lateshifts can use transit to get home, and folks enjoying downtown’s bustlingnightlife and dining scenes will have this free transit option until 10 p.m. Inaddition to the new hours, the grant offsets the loss of redevelopment funds forthe shuttle’s existing Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. service. The shuttlewill also continue operating to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

“The shuttle is a big reason why we love Oakland and why we’ve been ableto grow our company and hire more employees,” said Susan Hollingshead, vicepresident of Sungevity People for Sungevity, Inc., which employs 260 people atJack London Square. “The expanded hours will make it easy for employeesworking late to get home or explore the hundreds of restaurants and nightspotsaround downtown.”

Launched in August 2010 as an economic development tool to attract majoremployers and provide a boost to local businesses, the shuttle provides “last-mile” connections to office buildings and local businesses from downtowntransit systems, including AC Transit, BART, Capitol Corridor Amtrak and theSan Francisco Bay Ferry. In less than two years, the “Free B” has served more thanone million passengers. !

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com22

The Chamber ventured out to neighboring San Leandro for the AugustAfter Five Reception hosted by The Marina Inn in San Leandro.

Located right on the water at 68 Monarch Bay Drive and just ten minutes fromOakland International Airport, the inn looks out on beautiful yachts and expansiveparks. The inn is situated on the bay alongside biking and hiking trails and is also closeto the Monarch Bay 27 Hole Golf Course.

Pictured at left at the mixer, which was shared with the San Leandro Chamber ofCommerce, are (left to right) Hank Sullivan, president of Strategic Solutions and pastchairman of the San Leandro Chamber; Janise Dawson, sales and marketing director ofThe Marina Inn; Cece Adams, membership director of the San Leandro Chamber; JoeHaraburda, president and chief executive officer of the Oakland MetropolitanChamber; Dr. Sally Scrutchin, a chiropractor, San Leandro Chamber Board memberand chair of its Ambassador Committee; and Dave Johnson, president and chiefexecutive officer of the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce. !

> On the shores of San Francisco Bay

September 2012 | 23

All events held at Chamber offices, 475 14th Street, unless otherwise noted. Call 874-4800 to confirm dates and times. Meetings are open to all Chamber members.

Keeping you connected and informed

> SEPTEMBER12| Ambassador Committeemeeting | noon - 1 p.m.

12| Economic Development Forum| 3 - 4:30 p.m.Complete Sheets with Iris Starr (City ofOakland) and “Greening Your Business”with representatives from the San FranciscoPublic Utilities Commission and PG&E

18 | “Pulse of Oakland” breakfast|8 - 9:30 a.m.release results of city-wide poll, Scott’sSeafood Grill & Bar at Jack London Square.$40 for members, $50 for non-members

18| Nonprofit RoundtableCommittee meeting| 2:30-4:30 p.m.

19| Young Professionals Mixer| 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.location to be announced

20| Breakfast at the Chamber| 7:30 - 9 a.m.sponsored by U.S. Bank, an update ofChamber activities for prospective, newand long-time members

Power BreakfastNov. 14 |Guest speaker Dr. Tony Smith

After Five ReceptionSept. 27 |Hosted by Sequoyah CountryClub

Sept. 27 After Five Reception

4550 Heafey Road in the Oakland hills

No charge for Chamber members.$15 for non-members.

Breakfast at the ChamberSept. 20 |hosted by U.S. Bank

10 | Economic DevelopmentForum | 3 - 4:30 p.m.with AC Transit General ManagerDavid Armijo

15| Annual Golf Classic &Clinic Sequoyah Country Club, 4550 HeafeyRoad in the Oakland hills, 19th HoleReception follows event

16| Nonprofit RoundtableCommittee meeting| 2:30-4:30 p.m.

17| Young Professionals Mixer| 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.location to be announced

18| Breakfast at the Chamber| 7:30 - 9 a.m.an update of Chamber activities forprospective, new and long-timemembers

25 | After Five Reception | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Uptown Body & Fender, 401 - 26th St.,just off Broadway, no charge forChamber members, $15 fornon-members

26 | Inside Oakland BreakfastForum | 8:30 - 10 a.m.no charge for Chamber members,$10 for non-members

> NOVEMBER2| Chamber Day at the Races

| First race begins at 12:45 p.m.Turf Club at Golden Gate Fields, $35includes valet parking, admission andreserved seating, racing program andbuffet.

14| Power Breakfast | 8 - 9:30 a.m.featuring Tony Smith, superintendentof the Oakland Unified School District,Waterfront Hotel in Jack LondonSquare

14| Ambassador Committeemeeting | noon - 1 p.m.

14| Economic DevelopmentForum | 3 - 4:30 p.m.

22| Happy Thanksgiving!

30| Pre-Holiday Paradecelebration and tree lighting| 5 - 7 p.m.Jack London Square

> DECEMBER1| 13th Annual America’s

Children’s Holiday Parade| Beginning at 2 p.m.downtown Oakland

25 | Chamber Seminar | 9 - 11 a.m.“Grow Your Business Through EmailMarketing” – build the relationships thatare the key to your business success witheasy, inexpensive and highly effective emailmarketing, free for members

27 | After Five Reception | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Sequoyah Country Club, 4550 Heafey Roadin the Oakland hills, no charge for Chambermembers, $15 for non-members

28 | Inside Oakland BreakfastForum | 8:30 - 10 a.m.no charge for Chamber members, $10 fornon-members

> OCTOBER5| East Bay Women in

Business luncheon|11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.featuring guest speaker Jessica Steel,executive vice president of Business &Corporate Development for Pandora,discussing “The New Era of Business:Technology Trends,” Waterfront Hotel inJack London Square, $35 for Chambermembers, $45 for non-members

10 | Ambassador Committeemeeting | noon - 1 p.m.

Women in Business Roundtable LuncheonOct. 5 |Guest speaker Jessica Steel

The purpose of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamberof Commerce is to promote commerce and industry,to advance economic growth and to enhance thequality of life in the city of Oakland.

OBR OAKLAND BUSINESS REVIEW (ISSN 1092-7220)is published monthly at $100.00 a year by the OaklandMetropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 475 14th Street,Oakland, CA 94612-1903. Membership dues includesubscription. Periodicals postage at Oakland, CA.Contents can’t be reproduced without permission.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to OAKLANDBUSINESS REVIEW, 475 14th Street, Oakland, CA 94612.

Editor

HANK MASLER, (510) 874-4808

[email protected] | www.oaklandchamber.com

Design/Production Editor

CARTER DESIGNS

The articles published in this publication do not necessarilyreflect the policies or opinions of the Oakland MetropolitanChamber of Commerce.

E X E C U T I V E CO M M I T T E EChair of the BoardSHANNON PEDDERBRAND: CREATIVE

Vice Chair MARIO CHIODOChiodo ArtDevelopment

DAN COHENFull Court Press

CHARISSA FRANKSwinerton Builders

ERIC KISSHAUERPankow Builders

DAVID TUCKERWaste Managementof Alameda County

ZACK WASSERMANEx Officio CorporateCounselWendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP

KEN WHITEFidelity Roof Company

MICHAEL ZIEMANNSummit Bank

Immediate Past ChairJOHN NELSONmurakami/Nelson

B O A R D O F D I R EC TO R S

HARMINDER BAINSSecuritas

ALICIA BERTPG&E

DAVE CANNONBarney & Barney LLC

KIM DELEVETTSouthwest Airlines

JOHN DOLBYCassidy Turley

SOLOMONETS-HOKINColliers International

MARK EVERTONWaterfront Hotel /Miss Pearl’s

RON FORESTMatson NavigationCo.

GARY FOSSRecology East Bay

JOHN GOODINGThe Quadric Group

STAN HEBERTCalifornia State University, East Bay

MICHAEL HESTERMcGuire & Hester

VICTORIA JONESThe Clorox Company

ISAAC KOS-REEDPort of Oakland

MICHAEL LEBLANCPicán

BARBARA LESLIEAT&T

KEN LOWNEYLowney Architecture

ART MARTINEZBank of America

KEN MAXEYComcast

IKE MMEJEAlta Bates SummitMedical Center

NATHAN NAYMANVisa

NATHANIELOUBRE, JR.Kaiser Permanente

MICKY RANDHAWAWells Fargo

ELÑORA TENA WEBB,PH.D.Laney College

RICHARD WHITEFitzgerald Abbott &Beardsley LLC

JOSEPH HARABURDAPresident and CEO

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com24

Olympic gold medalwinners Heather Petri,Melissa Seidemannand Jessica Steffensfrom the United Stateswater polo team andJulie Nichols from theU.S. women’s rowingteam will be honoredguests at America’sChildren’s HolidayParade in Oakland onSaturday, Dec. 1.

Petri, a native of Oak-land who now resides inOrinda, led the U.S.water polo team to itsfirst-ever gold medal atthe 2012 Olympics.

Steffens is a SanFrancisco native whoreturned to competitionafter not competing in2010 following shouldersurgery.

Seidemann, a centerand defender of thewater polo team knownas having a strong postgame, defense and abil-ity to hit outside shots,is a native of WalnutCreek.

Nichols, a Livermore resident and UC Berkeley graduate, led theU.S. rowing team to a gold medal victory over Spain in London lastmonth. Named U.S. Rowing’s 2011 Athlete of the Year, she’s currently aPhD student in mechanical engineering at UCLA. !

> Local gold medal Olympians to be honored at parade

SPECIAL SECTION 13th Annual Children’s Holiday Parade

> Tap Dancing Christmas Trees to appear at Macy’s ParadeThis holiday season, in the Macy’s 86th annual Thanksgiving DayParade, 45 tap dancing Christmas Trees from Alameda will hooftheir way to Herald Square.

The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, which are annual crowd favorites inAmerica’s Children’s Holiday Parade in Oakland, range in age from 15 to 74 andare directed by Pamm Drake.

The 2012 America’s Children’s Holiday Parade, which will once againfeature the “Trees,” will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1 beginning at 2 p.m.

The 20-year-old performance group includes Drake, other ex-professionaldancers, and students. The company began as a finale in its own Christmasshows and then found its niche performing for tree-lighting ceremonies in BayArea communities. Now, after 20 years, their impressive resume includes threeprevious appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2001, 2004and 2007), the Hollywood Parade in 2010, and numerous appearances in theOakland, Niles and Napa parades.

The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees are fundraising for their trip to New York.To contribute, or for further information, contact Drake at (510) 339-3345. !

Amber Lily, a 15-year-old Bay Area singer, songwriter, actress anddancer, will appear live at the 2012 America’s Children’s HolidayParade on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Just two years ago, Lily was one of five young artists from across thecountry chosen for the Radio Disney Season 3 N.B.T. (Next BIG Thing)showcase, and has had two singles debut nationwide on the Radio DisneyTop 30 Countdown. Her hit single “Turn it On” was chosen for the season 2premiere of the popular Disney Channel comedy “Shake It Up.” !

> Amber Lily to appear at 2012 parade

GPS Connections has been appointed by the Oakland MetropolitanChamber of Commerce to focus on parade outreach andsponsorships for the 2012 America's Children's Holiday Parade.

GPS Connections was founded by Margaret Baggerly and NormaKropelnicki, who have more than 20 years of combined sales and marketingexpertise. Both founders are active with numerous business, professional, andnonprofit organizations, and are well respected as resourceful contacts andstrategic partners. Their areas of expertise include fundraising, sponsorships,promotions, and event logistics. The company has established an exemplary

reputation, reflected in theirdiverse list of clients such asthe California Symphony, theCommonwealth Club, Bankof America/Merrill Lynch, TheHousing Industry Foundation,The Power of Two, andFenwick & West LLP.

Join us in welcomingMargaret & Norma to theparade team...and sendsponsorship referrals theirway! Margaret Baggerly canbe reached at (415) 269-5188and at [email protected]. NormaKropelnicki can be foundat (650) 291-4182 and [email protected]. !

> Joining the parade team

# Margaret Baggerly (left) andNorma Kropelnicki promoted theparade at the Chamber’s Businessand Procurement Fair.

# Gold Medal Olympians Heather Petri (left)Jessica Steffens, and Julie Nichols (below).