CHINO, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2017) – Recognizing that quality education is the cornerstone of any thriving community, the Building Industry Association of Southern California, Baldy View Chapter (BIA) this week continued its regional dialogue with representatives of local school districts and institutions of higher learning, government and industry to discuss opportunities for collaboration to help raise the overall quality of life in the Inland Empire.

“Countless studies draw a clear association between homeownership, education and quality of life in a community. We are all here today to identify ways we can work together to provide better opportunities for students facing graduation in the next 5 to 10 years.” - BIA Baldy View President, Ali Sahabi of Optimum Group LLC,

“This summit creates a meaningful countywide dialogue to fuel collective impact initiatives that will improve academic achievement and economic prosperity for the region. Construction is a critical component of that emerging workforce. BIA is pleased to announce that in 2017 Upland Unified School District and Chaffey Joint High School District will start first year students on a career pathway into the homebuilding industry through BITA (Building Industry Technology Academy). BITA is a 4-year high school construction trades training program aimed at producing skilled professionals who will be qualified and confident to enter the workforce." - Carlos Rodriguez, BIA Baldy View CEO

State Housing Shortage Discussed

California’s chronic housing shortage was a main topic of conversation Thursday at a luncheon sponsored by the Baldy View chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California.

The event was the chapter’s second annual education summit, which is dedicated to discussing how schools in San Bernardino County are impacted by the housing industry, and vice versa.

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PROGRAM

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow & The Future of San Bernardino County

WELCOME

Ali Sahabi - President, BIA Baldy View Chapter
San Bernardino County Housing Market Activity Overview: Carlos Rodriguez - Chief Executive Officer, BIA Baldy View Chapter
Introductions - Master of Ceremonies: Lynne Kennedy - Ph.D, Director, Alliance for Education, San Bernardino County Schools

OPEN REMARKS

Dr. Henry Shannon - Ph.D., President, Chaffey College District
Robert Lovingood - Chairman, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, 1st District

CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE UPDATE (LUNCH SERVED)

Jill Herman - Program Director, Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA), California Homebuilders Foundation

HOMEOWNERSHIP EFFECT ON EDUCATION, HEALTH AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Moderator: Jose Acala - California Teachers Association

Daniel MacDonald - Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Economics, Cal State University, San Bernardino
Ted Alejandre, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
Acquanetta Warren, Mayor City of Fontana
Deputy Cheif Rod Torres, Office of San Bernardino County Sheriff

21st CENTURY SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION TRENDS

Joe Dixon - Chair, Californians for Quality Schools - Prop 51 Update
Gaylaird Christopher - Principle Architect, Architecture for Education
Tom Pace - Facility Director, San Bernardino City Unified School District

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

Bryan Willett – FBI Special Agent Cyber Security & Education

21st CENTURY CAREER PATHWAYS/TRENDS

Moderator: Beth Higbee - Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent Education Support Services, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

Stephen Monteros - ConvergeOne, Rancho Cucamonga
Kathleen Steele - Coordinator, SBCSS Regional Occupational Program
Tony Colson - Professor and Director of Cyber Security Center, Cal State University San Bernardino
Marissa Rivera - Economic Development Manager, San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency