"The Milken Institute State of the State Conference ought to be mandatory for all California lawmakers to attend before they take the oath of office. It offers the most straightforward, comprehensive and independent analysis of where this state is headed of any event I have ever attended. Now that I think about it, the conference should be mandatory for all California decision makers."
— Jack Stewart, President, California Manufacturers & Technology Association
"With California at an important crossroads, the State of the State Conference has never been more important. It offers a cogent, independent, in-depth look at the state's many challenges and opportunities. Anyone interested in the future of this state should not miss it."
— Stephen L. Baum, Chairman, President and CEO, Sempra Energy
"The cutting edge issues in California employment and unemployment are examined each year in this conference: the role of government in fostering strong private sector job growth, the "working poor" and skills upgrading strategies, and the informal networks that lead to job placements. This is the one conference for policymakers and others concerned with job creation to attend."
— Michael Bernick, Director, California Employment Development Department
"Most of us are so busy meeting the challenges of daily business that we don't take the time to study the big-picture issues affecting our future and the opportunities and pitfalls ahead. The State of the State Conference is one of the very few events where an investment of one day yields insight and knowledge that pays off handsomely throughout the year."
— Lewis Feldman, Managing Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop LLP
"This conference offers unique in-depth analysis, visionary thinking and broad perspective on the future of California from some of the brightest minds in the state."
— Philip Angelides, Treasurer, State of California
"The State of State Conference is a great opportunity to meet and listen to
some of California’s leading business people and public policy officials as they
discuss the critical issues that affect our future. I highly recommend
it."
— Lee Corwin, Executive Director - Investments, CIBC
Oppenheimer Corp.
"As an entrepreneur, I spend most of my time on running my own business and
not enough on the big issues facing the diverse and dynamic economy of
California. This is one event where I can gain broad and yet in-depth insight
about the opportunities and challenges facing our region and my business. It is
well worth my time and I would highly recommend it to other decision makers in
the business community."
— Charlie Woo, Chief Executive Officer,
Megatoys
"The Milken Institute's annual conference gives as good an understanding of
the complex issues facing Californians as you'll receive anywhere. It's one of
the more substantive events I've ever attended, with a wonderful group of
speakers offering thoughtful and imaginative solutions to the many challenges we
face."
— George David Kieffer, Partner, Manatt, Phelps and Phillips
"As a business executive, I have found the State of the State Conference to
be a valuable experience. It’s a rare chance to engage some of California’s
leading executives and public policy leaders in important discussions about the
state’s future."
— Robert Oehler, President, Far East National Bank
"The State of the State conference assembles great minds to address the
issues, challenges, and opportunities of our great state."
— Frank
Baxter, Chairman Emeritus, Jefferies Group, Inc.
"The conference is of immense value to help decision-makers and citizens gain
greater awareness about the vital issues impacting our economy, quality of life
and standard of living. I have found that by attending the conference and being
exposed to the best and the brightest, I come away much more knowledgeable and a
greater contributor to my organization in helping shape its strategic
direction."
— Gary Carmell, Chief Investment Officer, CWS Capital
Partners LLC
"Each year, this extraordinary event throws a revealing light on the state of
California and our dynamic economy. I have found the high quality of the
information disseminated at the conference to be its most important benefit.
However, the special opportunity to network comes in a close second."
—
James H. Zukin, Senior Managing Director, Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin
"If you want a great update on the status of the big issues in California,
this is the place."
— Bruce Karatz, Chairman and CEO, KB Home
