Laura Bucio
Staff Writer

Rep. Joe Baca, D-San Bernardino delivered an inspiring speech on April 20 at the Avalon restaurant at the Fairplex in Pomona, encouraging local businesses to support education in the Inland Empire.

Baca was the featured speaker at this year’s University of La Verne’s Corporate Associates Luncheon where an audience of approximately 200 people including ULV alumni, students, faculty and leaders of local businesses, gathered to hear Baca’s point of view.

“The Inland Empire continues to grow and we can’t afford to leave workers behind,” Baca said. “We must train our students for the 21st century.”

Baca began the speech by breaking the ice with a story about playing golf with former President Clinton.

“I didn’t know you had to let the president of the U.S. beat you,” Baca, said half jokingly.

Baca spoke about benefits of owning businesses in the Inland Empire, and the responsibility of the local businesses to help students.

“We need to provide job opportunities for students to stay in the region,” Baca said.

Baca assured the audience that the Inland Empire is the second best place for small businesses, and that it plays a very important role in improving the economy in the United States.

“We are the engine that is going to fuel the economy in the state of California,” Baca said. “California is the engine that is going to drive the rest of the U.S.”

Baca also addressed the role of the University.

“You are the institution that is going to provide the work force that is going to be in demand for the future,” Baca said.

The congressman finished the speech reminding everyone the potential of the Inland Empire.

“Together the Inland Empire can do better and will do better.”
Baca is congressman for the 43rd district which includes the cities of Colton, Ontario, San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Bloomington and Muscoy. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, and has served seven years in the state legislature. Baca is currently active in several committees including House Financial Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee.

ULV’s Corporate Associates is an organization whose main focus is to increase funding for the University by seeking the membership of local businesses. The membership includes a two-part lecture series, breakfasts, several networking events and a dinner at the end of the year.

The money raised helps fund scholarships for students at ULV. Corporate Associates have raised more than a million dollars since the organization was founded. Often times businesses involved can also provide internship opportunities for students.

The luncheons are provided twice a year as a way to thank members for their support as well as a way for students to meet some of the local
business leaders.

“It’s another great event for some great dialogue, and some great networking,” said Mario Perez, director of development and corporate relations at ULV. “The introductions are priceless.”

Every year the luncheon includes a guest speaker. Guest speakers in the past have included Bob Foster, president of Edison International.

“Most of the individuals who have come can offer a different perspective to the growth of the region and what the future might look like,” Perez said.

Several ULV students found the Baca to be very inspiring.

“It gives me hope and pride to see that they are making a positive impact in the community since I too want to give back what I get from La Verne,” said Evelyn Frias, a junior psychology major and child development minor, who has attended the luncheon since she was a freshman.

The luncheon brings together several business leaders and professionals who help The University of La Verne in several ways. “It is an important support group not only the funding they give, but the networking they provide,” President Stephen Morgan said.

Laura Bucio can be reached at lbucio@ulv.edu.