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HomeMy WebLinkAbout13 - Economic Development Committee to Fill EDCCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Agenda Item No. 1 -1_ July 10, 2007 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Community & Economic Development, Planning Department George A. Berger, AICP, Program Manager 949/644 -3207. gaberger @city.newport- beach.ca.us SUBJECT: Recommendation from Economic Development Committee to fill EDC vacancies. ISSUE: Fill two current vacancies on Economic Development Committee. RECOMMENDATION: Fill current Economic Development Committee vacancy by appointing Ms. Jennifer A. Gonzalez as the Public Utilities representative; and Fill current Economic Development Committee vacancy by appointing Mr. Scott Palmer as the representative from Corona del Mar. DISCUSSION: At their regular meeting of June 20, 2007, the Economic Development Committee recommended that Ms. Jennifer Gonzalez be appointed to the EDC as the Public Utilities representative. A Public Affairs Manager for the Southern California Gas Company since 2003, Ms. Gonzalez will fill a long - vacant position last filled by a series of governmental affairs representatives from Southern California Edison. At the same meeting, the EDC recommended that Mr. C. (Scott) Palmer be appointed as the representative of Corona del Mar, replacing Mr. John Blom, who has recently resigned. Mr. Palmer is the president of Business Information Data Systems, Inc., and has worked in CdM since 1982. For additional information, please note the attached brief biographies for each person recommended. Submitted by: Prepared by: xt, I ��2A� J OA SHARON Z. WOO BERG AIC Assistant City Ma ger C D am Manager Attachments: Bios — Gonzalez & Palmer Jennifer Gonzalez has worked for Southern California Gas Company since February 2002. As Public Affairs Manager, she is responsible for representing the Gas Company to twelve Orange County cities such as Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove and Westminster, Newport Beach, Seal Beach and Cypress. Jennifer currently serves on a variety of Chamber of Commerce boards including Westminster, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa and Buena Park. Jennifer also serves on the boards for Coastline Community College Foundation and Cypress College Foundation. She also plays an advisory role on the Asian Business Association of Orange County and the Groundwater Replenishment Program. Prior to coming to the Gas Company, Jennifer garnered city government experience with both the City of Anaheim as well as the City of Pasadena. Jennifer managed public relations efforts for the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau during the $4.2 billion renovation of the Anaheim resort. She also served as Marketing and Communications manager for a small economic development firm that promoted the Alsace region of France. Jennifer earned both her Bachelors Degree in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Communication from San Diego State University where she also taught public speaking. L JENNIFER A. GONZALEZ' ` 450 Newport Ave. ♦ Long Beach, CA 90814 * (310) 42 8-1614 WORK EXPERIENCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY, Anaheim, California (2103 - present) • Represent Southern California Gas Company in twelve Orange County cities and serve as liaison to two members of Congress, a State Senator and two Assembly Members • Negotiate permit and paving standards to save hundreds of thousands of dollars to the company • Serve on the board of directors for various chambers of commerce and community organizations to promote favorable legislation and establish key contacts • Collaborate with neighboring utilities to garner support on local, regional and federal issues • Partner with Media Relations and Field personnel during damage incidents to provide a safe working environment • Develop community relations with non - profit organizations throughout the territory to establish the company's commitment to pertinent causes and needs • Present the company's position at various public meetings to gain approval or educate various elected officials • Protect the company's rights contained within the multiple franchise agreements held throughout the region • Participate as a team with members of the various departments to maximize the Gas Company's exposure in the diverse communities MANAGEMENT ANALYST - CITY OF PASADENA, Pasadena, California (3102 -1103) • Coordinated the Planning and Development department's relations with the Mayor, City Council, and Executive Committee • Researched and analyzed various legislative and administrative issues pertinent to the department ranging from zoning and building permits to demolition of single family homes • Managed the logistics, planning and media inquiries regarding the Housing Affordability Task Force • Prepared staff reports to update the City Council on various departmental programs • Submitted application for Sustainable Communities Grant offered by the California Pollution Control Financing Authority • Led inter- department team to establish an employee communication plan to be administered in the Planning and Development department • Implemented and oversaw all recommendations set forth in the employee communication plan including department -wide meetings, formalized orientation, and improved intranet site • Worked jointly with Fire and Police department to draft disaster plan on behalf of the Planning and Development department to be utilized under the threat of terrorism MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - ALSACE DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL, Los Angeles, California (11199 - II02) • Promoted the Alsace region of France as a viable investment option to North American businesses interested in European expansion via networking conferences, participation at international tradeshows, and cold calling • Worked closely with international team members to provide proposals for prospective clients • Established rapport with various economic development agencies to promote our services • Managed the tri- lingual website content for accuracy and improvement • Wrote, edited and assisted in designing promotional materials (print and electronic newsletter, annual report, industry brochures, tradeshow displays) • Developed training manual for administration of the website, as well as the Goldmine database Page 1 of 2 3 JENNIFER A. GONZALEZ WORK EXPERIENCE (continued) COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER — ANAHEIM /ORANGE COUNTY WSITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU, Anaheim, California (7197 —20199) • Educated City and County officials about the economic contributions of the visitor industry • Participated in a joint effort to promote the construction and renovation of the "Anaheim Resort" with CalTrans, City of Anaheim, and various public relations organizations • Marketed Orange County to press, travel agents, wholesalers and meeting planners at industry tradeshows and conferences as well as press tours • Supervised the initiation of "Orange County Beach Clean -Up Day" with all visitor bureaus in the county and organized a team of volunteers • Coordinated the development and printing of several publications designed for diverse audiences • Assisted film- makers and photographers with acquiring film permits throughout the county • Created employee manual to address the various requirements of the position COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR - SPRINT PCS, Irvine, California (3197 -7197) • Served as media relations coordinator, writing press releases and developing uniform responses for employees that interact with the press • Developed and led the inter - departmental team for the production of the company newsletter • Wrote speeches on behalf of the vice president and general manager of the company • Provided project management and event coordination on various public affairs events • Assessed the needs of each region's markets and implemented an internal communication plan • Participated in on -going media training and project management workshops MANAGEMENT INTERN - CITY OF ANAHEIM, Anaheim, California (2196 —2197) Finance Department, Budget Division • Analyzed and provided recommendations to the City Manager on budget submittals from several city departments • Researched and presented staffing and budget requirements for the city s resort area renovation • Assisted five departments (treasurer, city clerk, human resources, facilities, city attorney) with the preparation and presentation of their annual budgets Community Development Department, Economic Development Division • Implemented all components of the City's Small Business Assistance Program including publication of a quarterly newsletter and coordination and promotion of educational seminars • Developed training manual for procedures conducted in the Economic Development Division • Researched and proposed a revolving loan program for small businesses interested in relocating to the City of Anaheim Public Utilities Department, Water Division • Audited the budget, staffing requirements and programs of the Resource Efficiency Section for the Assistant General Manager and suggested strategies for improvement • Surveyed current maintenance standards and recommended plan for future programs • Prepared staff report and slide presentation to the Public Utilities Board on critical legislation EDUCATION MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION - San Diego State University, San Diego, California (1996) BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE - San Diego State University, San Diego, California (1993) PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST Page 2 of 2 4 C. Scott Palmer 2816 East Coast Highway, Suite A Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949 929 7995 scott.bidsys @mac.com Personal Profile Scott Palmer has lived and worked in Newport Beach since 1963. He moved from the Midwest at that time and settled with his family in Harbor View Homes. He graduated from Corona del Mar High School in 1968 after having been a water polo player and swimmer. He worked during summers as a Laguna Beach Lifeguard, and has a B.A. in industrial, shelter, and graphic design from U.C.L.A. As President of Business Information Data (BID) Systems, Inc., Scott has the responsibility for administering the four Business Improvement Districts within the City and works closely with all BID Directors and City staff. He also provides systems analysis and accounting services to local law firms, financial planning firms, and a franchise organization. Previously to starting BID Systems, Scott was a principal in another company Cathimarie's Inc., located in Corona del Mar since 1988. He was previously self - employed as an OEM representative, and prior to that, worked for the Jack Raub Company, the advance planning consultant to the Mission Viejo Company. During that time, Scott was responsible for writing environmental impact statements, creating community presentations, and other urban planning duties for over 27,000 acres of land in Aliso Viejo, California and Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Scott is a registered tax preparer and a licensed life agent. On a final note, his family has rented office space in Corona del Mar, in one form or another, for thirty-five years. Scott is an avid hiker, naturalist, scuba diver, and cook. His interests include art, popular culture, collecting first edition books, writing, and adventure travel. He has two daughters and two grandchildren. 5 C. Scott Palmer 2816 East Coast Highway, Suite A Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949 929 7995 scott.bidsys @mac.com 2005- Present Business Information Data Systems, Inc. Corona del Mar, CA President Information processing services, including bookkeeping, lockbox services, data systems management, and reporting to governmental agencies, law firms, franchises and financial planning firms. Cathimarie's, Inc. Corona del Mar, CA Chief Financial Officer Full tax and bookkeeping services to over 650 corporate and individual clients 1982-1988 Palmer Marketing Group...... Corona del Mar, CA President Independent sales representative for over 25 original equipment manufacturers, including aerospace, medical and computer component producers. 1976-1982 Jack Raub Co. / Mission Viejo Company Highlands Ranch, CO Urban Planner Environmental impact reports, public and private land planning presentations, preliminary site evaluations for development. 1972 -1976 University of California, Los Angeles BFA, Design 1968 -1972 Corona del Mar High School Honors Student, Water Polo, Swimming Registered Tax Preparer, California Tax Education Council Licensed Life and Medical Insurance Agent CFO, Corona del Mar Centennial Foundation Director, Weight Watchers SW Counties a