California readies $1.6B high-speed rail design contract

California officials on Tuesday moved toward awarding a $1.65 billion contract to design and construct the tracks and system for the first segment of its beleaguered high-speed rail project.

The action taken by the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s board of directors was a first step in moving ahead with a contract they hope to award by next summer. It’s part of the authorities plan to get track up and running in the state’s Central Valley ahead of a 2022 deadline to meet the requirements of federal grants the Trump administration is now trying to take back.

U.S. and international businesses can apply for the contract, and whoever wins it would be responsible for designing and building rail infrastructure along 119 miles (192 kilometers) in the Central Valley as well as maintaining it for a period that could be as long as 30 years. A U.S. subsidiary of German rail giant Deutsche Bahn AG has already been awarded a $30 million contract for early operation of the trains.

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Jorge Mora - KTime HR Solutions for Employers

“What a great networking event put on by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce today. It was my first Business Luncheon I attend since becoming a member this past December. The speaker was very engaging and thought-provoking, and the topic was right on point. I definitely had a few takeaways from the presentation that I will implement as part of my sales strategy going forward. I also met some great people and made some key connections that could help me grow my business. I am really looking forward to next month’s Business Luncheon. Thank you for having me and keep up the good work.” - KTime HR Solutions for Employers

Ross Elgart - Owner of Elevaso Tequila

“This is my first time being a part of a chamber of commerce and I’ve been very pleased. The NBCC is an amazing organization truly committed to its members; their staff is incredibly helpful and supportive. I look forward to being involved in the many opportunities and events available to me as a member.” – Ross Elgart, Owner of Elevaso Tequila

Cory Marie, Owner - "Rockstars of Art"

I attended the “In-Spire” women in business luncheon on Tuesday, March 13th, 2018. I gained very valuable insights and information from my fellow business women/chamber members that will help me personally and help grow my new business as well, “Rockstars of Art gallery". We had a round table discussion where thoughts and ideas were shared and I loved hearing the other ladies share how they balance owning and operating a business with family life and nurturing relationships, it can be challenging and rewarding all at the same time. The camaraderie was inspiring. I can’t wait to attend the next one.

Donna Wright, Owner, The Boat Tenders

I continue to be in awe of how the NBCC is run. I have never seen or experienced anything like it. It's professional, yet friendly, productive, yet fun. I have met so many incredible people in such a short time. As a small business owner, it is a great feeling to know that so many people are in my corner and would do all they could to help me succeed. I look forward to future events and connecting with other Chamber members.

Kay Walker, Law Office of G. Kay Walker

The Newport Beach Chamber is a professional group of like minded business professionals that care about one another. They offer a wide variety of opportunities and events to connect with potential business partners. As Co-Chairman and member of the Ambassador Committee I have had the opportunity to connect and mentor new members while also establishing lasting relationships. My focus has been on obtaining business by first building relationships. The key is to get involved and enjoy the many opportunities open to you by being a member. Trust me, it works.

Dr. Sung Lydon, Lydon Dentistry

About 20% of my patients have come to my office through the Chamber of Commerce, and they just keep coming! Thanks for all the support!I have been in the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce for over five years and the experience has been truly rewarding. I have learned more about how to employ different marketing methods by listening to others at Chamber events I attend. As a Chamber Ambassador, I have met wonderful people who have become great friends.

Kristy Szamocki, ZO Skin Centre

Becoming part of the Newport Chamber is one of the best things I have done both professionally and personally. The people are wonderful and inspiring. As a Chamber Ambassador, I look forward to my time working with this incredible group every week and mentoring new members with my fellow Ambassadors.

Joanna Ganz, Realtor - Surterre Properties

Becoming a member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable experience. It has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. I have met so many amazing members, learned about their businesses, as well as learning about them as people too. The Chamber really promotes getting involved with your fellow members and within the community. When you do this, the benefits are truly priceless. I have become involved with the Boat Parade Awards Dinner, as well as the Membership Committee and I graduated from The Leadership Tomorrow Program in 2014. You never really know how much the city that you work or live in has to offer until you become involved. You will find people that you truly want to do business with and who can help each other in so many ways. The Chamber hosts networking events, educational events and monthly Wake Up Newport meetings that have featured speakers with incredible knowledge that they are willing to share with us. Every single month I learn something new from an insider’s perspective. Joining the Newport Beach Chamber was one of the best career decisions that I have made. I am truly blessed to be able to surround myself with so many members that are not only colleagues and friends but like family.

Dorothy Larson, Larson and Associates, CPAs

I have been involved in the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce for many years, serving in many capacities including Chairman of the Board of Directors. I have found it to be a great way to keep in tune with what is going on in the community, develop personal relationships with others involved in the community and to grow my tax practice.

Bruce A. Lazenby, Executive Director of Business Development Rose Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary

The Newport Beach Chamber is a great value for any business. The entire staff is supportive and is genuinely interested in assisting the business community. The Ambassador Committee a very warm and friendly group of business professionals. For any member or potential member, get involved and maximize your chamber benefit.'

Lauren Venuto, Merchant Advocate - TSYS Merchant Solutions

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce has guided me in the direction of growing my business within my local community. I appreciate that it is an active chamber with many opportunities and becoming a member was one of the best business decisions I have made!

Susan Arduengo, Attorney, Friedman Stroffe & Gerard, P.C.

Joining the Newport Chamber and becoming an Ambassador has been the best business decision that I have made in the last several years. The Newport Chamber is the right place for your business if you want to make connections across a wide range of industries, develop business, and support the Newport Beach community. The business professionals that make up the Newport Chamber are exceedingly enthusiastic, helpful, and motivated. I encourage all members to attend as many events as possible – you will leave each event with new connections, new opportunities, new ideas, and most importantly – you will have had a great time.

Trisha Marshall, "The Marshall Team", Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, California Properties

It is my honor to be a proud Member of the Newport Chamber and to share the experience as a "Chamber Ambassador" with all I meet. Our Chamber leaders are people and business driven and I can't say enough as to the "Passion" of our Chamber Team headed by our "engine", Steve Rosansky and fueled by the amazing efforts of people like Pam Smith, our Membership Services Director and the ever engaging Jim Villers, whose dedication is evidenced by the size and the scope of our Newport Chamber's outreach to our Community. I would encourage all business entrepreneurs to take the time to attend our numerous networking opportunities. The time will be worth your efforts. Trisha Marshall, "The Marshall Team", Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, California Properties, 26 years in the business of making Real Estate ownership a "Reality"

Jim Haley, Jim Haley Unlimited

I recently joined the Newport Beach Chamber, and I’m writing to let you know how happy I am with the organization and what it’s doing for my business. My new member orientation, the “toolkit,” web site, and social media, have far exceeded my expectations. All of the events I’ve gone to have been very organized and well attended. The Ambassadors have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and to strategically introduce me to fellow Chamber Members who could benefit from my services. As a result, I have made many new friends and added clients to my schedule. And that’s why I joined the Chamber; to make new friends, make a contribution, and increase my business. So far, my only regret is that I didn’t join sooner. Please let your Co-workers, Volunteers, Ambassadors, and your Board know how much I appreciate their efforts. What a great organization!'

Sabrina Little - First Team Estates

The Newport Beach Chamber is the place to meet business owners and support the Newport Beach community. Members are truly motivated to offer the best products and services and diligently work to provide events encouraging dialogue to improve our City. Enjoy the Sand Castle Contest, support the Boat Parade, and honor our City service members with dinner on the beach. Looking for a great place to connect and give back? This is it.

Sonia Richardson, Leasing & Property Manager Fritz Duda Company

Thank you, as always, great presentation this morning. Speakers were very knowledgeable and I was very satisfied with the information shared. I found my morning to be very productive!"

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