October 26, 2006

Governor Schwarzenegger came to California State University, Fresno Thursday morning to attend the final board meeting this year of the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley. Board members are meeting from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Satellite Student Union. The governor met with the members from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The partnership, created by Schwarzenegger in June 2005, brings state agency secretaries and San Joaquin Valley representatives together to recommend to the governor changes that would improve the economic well-being and quality of life for the region and its residents.

Hundreds of business, community, government and education leaders from throughout the eight-county region have worked to address the many interconnected issues that contribute to economic vitality and quality of life in the San Joaquin Valley. 

The board will present a 10-year strategic action proposal to Schwarzenegger at the meeting. 

“Through the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, we've got a real opportunity to improve the region,” said Ashley Swearengin, director of Fresno State’s Office of Community and Economic Development. “And, Fresno State has a significant role to play in implementing the partnership's 10-year plan.

“From leading the way on air quality, public health and social services research to putting plans in place for improving the competitiveness of Valley businesses, Fresno State will be at the table to help make these changes possible,” Swearengin said.

The 31-member board is led by the Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, Sunne Wright McPeak. On the board are eight state government members, eight local government members nominated by their County Council of Governments, eight private sector members, five liaisons to major agencies and the Valley’s congressional delegation, along with two deputy chairs.

For more information on the partnership, please visit the following Web site: www.bth.ca.gov/capartnership/sanjoaquinvalley.asp.