We invite you to attend the Goods Movement Conference featuring in-depth analysis of transportation issues we face in the Inland Empire.  A breakfast buffet will be served from 7:30 to 8 a.m., followed by presentations and panel interaction from 8 to 11:30 a.m.  The cost is only $95 to attend all three sessions of the Goods Movement conference (the cost for attending one session only is $50; all three sessions are free for Business Alliance members who make advance reservations). Session I  – “Retail, Truck, Air, Rail and Ports: The Issues” is on Friday, March 18.  Session II – “Political and Development: Part of the Solution” is Friday, May 6. That session will have federal, state and local government officials discuss topics pertaining to the movement of goods in and through the Inland Empire. The impact of government policies and their effect on development will be explored. Finally, Session III – “Quality of Life: Impact on Jobs, Air, Water and Congestion” is Friday, June 3. The positive effects of the creation of new jobs market place will be presented. But, how can the growth in the goods movement industry throughout the Inland Empire be cost-effective, timely and minimize impacts on air and water quality?

The first session on March 18 features the following speakers:  Bob Brendza, director of facility development for Burlington-Northern Santa Fe Railway, Phil Rizzo, executive director of the March Joint Powers Authority at March Air Field; Joseph Levy, chairman of Gottschalks, Inc.; Mark Coleman, vice president of sales Southwest Region, Schneider National, and Jill Morgan, Manager Maritime Services, Port of Long Beach.  For more information on signing up for this conference or joining the Business Alliance (to support the College and for free attendance at conferences such as this), call 909 880-7295.  You may also download the full program to mail in your conference registration.

Janet Courts of the Department of Accounting and Finance has signed up 100 Cal State students to give free income tax assistance, including electronic filing, to an estimated 1600 low income families (<$35,000 or elderly) throughout the Inland Empire.  The program is known as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA.  If you wish to refer families for this assistance, instruct them to bring social security cards for the taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents, as well as W-2s, 1099s and other tax documents.  VITA student volunteers are not authorized to prepare tax returns for nonresidents and certain other groups.  Questions may be directed to Janet Courts in the College at (909) 880-5714.  No appointment is needed at the following sites:

WHEN:   Saturdays (1/29 through 4/9, closed 2/19)  10 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: Feldheym Library: 555 West 6^th Street, San Bernardino

WHEN:    Every Friday (2/4 through 4/15)   10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE:  Arrowhead Credit Union: Victorville Branch

WHEN:    Fridays (2/4, 2/18, 3/4, 3/18, 4/1, & 4/15 only)   10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE:  Arrowhead Credit Union:  Rancho Cucamonga, Norco & Sierra Way

WHEN:    Saturdays (2/5, 2/19, 3/5, 3/19 & 4/2 only)  9:30 a.m.-- 12:30 p.m.
WHERE:  Arrowhead Credit Union Branches:  Rancho Cucamonga and Sierra Way

WHEN:   Mondays & Wednesdays (2/2 through 3/21)    2 -- 5 p.m. 
WHERE: 4^th floor, Jack Brown Hall, CSUSB campus

"I am particularly enthusiastic in supporting the University by providing quality internship opportunities to your students. Interns at our office are exposed to a full circle of international business issues and obtain practical skills that help them get desirable jobs after college.  Most recently,  we accepted Ms. [x] majoring in Business Admin. into our International Trade Internship Program. In mid-February, Ms. [x] (International Business major, French minor) will also start the program. Last year, CSUSB alumnus Mr. [x]  was hired as an Executive Director of the Inland Empire International Business Association  - our MOU partner.  My colleagues and I thank you and your office for referring all these individuals to us."

The Business Alliance is forming, and we invite you or your organization to join.  The benefits are many (such as free participation in networking opportunities with peers and faculty, or at conferences such as the Goods Movement Conference discussed above).  Your involvement with the College is invaluable.   Founding Members who join now will have their membership "year" extended to June 30, 2006.  To receive a brochure or to sign up, please call (909) 880-7295.