Infrastructure, Natural Resources Concerns Highlight Chamber Summit

Temecula, Calif. –Availability of critical natural resources, the business environment and transportation infrastructure are among the top concerns of businesses and residents of the Temecula Valley, according to a survey conducted by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC).

More than two-thirds of those responded felt strongly that the region needs to add and improve roads and freeways to help sustain the remarkable growth that is taking place in Southwest California, a region that runs from Temecula to Murrieta to Lake Elsinore and includes unincorporated areas of Riverside County.

Rather than develop a mass transit system, respondents overwhelmingly preferred that transportation funds be allocated for improvements to existing roadways.

Transportation along with energy issues and solutions will be key topics of the 2007 Southwest California Legislative Summit to be held at Pechanga Resort & Casino on Oct. 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

In this unique forum hosted by the TVCC for the fifth year, moderator Dan Walters with the Sacramento Bee leads a discussion with Sacramento and regional officials on the state of our roads, the future of water, electricity and
natural gas supplies and things that need to be done to ensure that business continues to flourish in Southwest California.

The speakers panel includes 66th District State Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries; Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for Cal Trans Richard Harmon; Randy Record, president of the Eastern Municipal Water District board of directors; David Crane, special advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger; and Amy Minniear, director of Pechanga Development Corp.

Along with transportation, panelists will talk about the future of our water supply. More than six out of 10 people were less concerned about drought and conservation than they were about the continued flow of water to region’s homes and businesses. About half those surveyed also were concerned about the quality of our water and how it comes to us.

Those responding to the survey also were worried about the rising cost of electricity and natural gas as well as future energy supplies.

Although roads were seen as a primary issue among those who responded to the survey, the movement of goods and services throughout the region were less of a concern than taxes and healthcare. More than half the respondents felt those two areas were more critical than increased regulation and laws, an educated workforce and workers’ compensation.

The legislative summit is one of several innovative and engaging events hosted each year by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber and its 1,370 members strive to promote area businesses while maintaining the region’s unmatched quality of life.

For more information about the 2007 Southwest California Legislative Summit or to purchase tickets, $40 per person or $450 per table, go to www.temecula.org or call (951) 676-5090.


Survey notes: Results were based on questionnaires completed by 159 of 1,171 respondents who were asked to participate.