Message From the Chair Emeritus—Richard Johanson
I like to think in parallels. We all know folks who are facing personal situations, oftentimes beyond their capacity to remedy them.  There is nothing more appreciated and more comforting than expressions of understanding and encouragement by those who care about them. It seems to me that there is a parallel here with those who are deeply involved in trying to rectify some of our extended community’s problems. Many members of this Business Council and its valued associates are deeply involved in their concerns for the vitality of this region through their dedication to its improvement. As communal citizens, what if each of us told someone who is toiling so diligently how much we value his or her efforts? An “I am thankful for you” takes so little time and can mean so much.   

Celebration of Stewardship—Save the Date—November 12—Dinner at Pardini’s
This fall, the Fresno Business Council will be 15. To celebrate, we will invite our friends and partners to celebrate the impact of stewardship. The first Community Value is stewardship and pledges “we will lead and follow as stewards of our region, to care responsibly for our community assets, to work together to achieve the greatest, long-term benefit as a whole.” Please save the date. More information will follow.

All of the Above/Everything Below Approach to Human Development
Who creates great communities? We spend so much time deciding what a great community looks like (beautiful), feels like (safe and inspiring), is like (prosperous) and so little time thinking about who has the talent, discipline, knowledge and character to create the policies necessary, do the work involved and invest the resources needed to make it so. And, most importantly, how do we create the pipelines needed to develop people with the character and competence necessary to create a great community in a sustainable way. As the Human Investment Initiative (HII) continues its implementation phase, it is inspiring to see how many people are stepping up. Whether it’s signing up for the upcoming TED workshop on September 24 to learn more about empowerment strategies or taking part in collaborative efforts in one of the three spheres—Economic Development, Infrastructure Development or Human Development—more and more people are taking responsibility for the life long learning required to make their highest contribution. The HII is available on the FBC website. For TED info call Linda at 453-7162 (Fresno Pacific University)

Poverty is Everybody’s Business
As the headlines sound one alarm after another—jail and prison overcrowding, unprepared workforce, high drop out rates, overwhelmed foster care system, obesity crisis, depression and anxiety commonplace—denial does seem like the easier, softer way. There will never be enough money or talent to address the symptoms of poverty, child abuse and our human shortcomings. We need the talents of every discipline working together behind shared strategies to create healthy environments, ensure educational and economic opportunities and provide the mentoring relationships people need to thrive. As we build the connections between the RJI and HII in the neighborhoods, build trust between residents and “outsiders” and implement-customized strategies, we are taking responsibility for our part of the solution. Attend the Mayoral Forum detailed below to learn more about our mayoral candidates’ ideas for addressing poverty.

Worlds Apart, Futures Together Mayoral Forum on Poverty and Possibilities—September 11
The 2008 Worlds Apart, Futures Together Mayoral Forum on Poverty and Possibilities will be held September 11, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Convention Center’s New Exhibit Hall, on the second floor in rooms 2015-2018. The purpose of the forum is to help identify the candidate most able to lead the community and address issues of poverty.

The forum will be moderated by Dr. Manuel Pastor, author and professor at the University of Southern California, Dr. Pastor, author of numerous books and articles, directs the Program for Environmental and Regional Equity. The audience will have the opportunity to meet with the candidates from 5 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. A light dessert menu will be served. The debate will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Questions from the audience will be encouraged. The event is free. The Mayoral forum is sponsored by Fresno Works for Better Health and a broad assortment of other organizations.

The California Endowment—Lessons From First Decade as a Health Foundation
In a letter to its partners, the president of the California Endowment offered their lessons learned and new strategic vision. The gist is that addressing symptoms in isolation will not have high impact. Instead, they will focus on contextual, place based strategies and strategic investments. While demographics will help guide their efforts, they are also looking for “experience of local leadership, current and potential capacity of communities, and potential funding partners.” This sort of framework reflects the venture capital model private investors use when looking at business opportunities. Is the venture investment worthy, will there be an adequate return, are the leaders competent and do they have a track record of success? As the shift from charity alone (immediate needs) to philanthropy (underlying conditions) continues, other foundations, individuals and corporations are following the same path. The Endowment’s new strategic direction—Building Health Communities—is available at www.calendow.org/healthycommunities.