The Renewable Energy Industry

Solyndra’s demise has reignited efforts to sabotage success in the renewable energy industry- an industry that is growing jobs. Let’s focus on the facts. The United States is a net exporter of solar-energy products, and solar jobs have doubled in the U.S. — to 100,000 since 2009. Last year alone, U.S. solar-energy installations created a combined $6 billion in direct value, $4.4 billion of which we accrued.

We need not look far to see an example of a solar company creating manufacturing jobs in Silicon Valley. SunPower, headquartered in Silicon Valley has a manufacturing facility in Milpitas. The company’s customer, NRG Energy, received a $1.2 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy specifically for the project that will create 350 construction jobs, power approximately 100,000 homes and inject $315 million in to the San Luis Obispo, Calif. economy.

The answer is clear, supporting the renewable energy industry is the right thing to do for our state and nation.

Cherish Every Day

This past week, my wife and I had a rare fight right before I left for work. Rather than a heated exchange, we left each other to start our day in stony silence.

That same day, three workers at Lehigh Cement in Cupertino left their homes for what I am sure they believed would be a typical work-day - only to never return to their homes; irrationally gunned down by a crazed co-worker.

Later the same afternoon, Steve Jobs would lose his seven-year struggle with pancreatic cancer. Steve Jobs was an iconic figure that fueled the creativity of the world's innovation economy. Yet he was also a father, a husband and a friend to many people here in Silicon Valley and throughout the planet. He will be forever treasured and never forgotten.

The employees at Lehigh Cement will long be mourned; their memories cherished by their friends, families and co-workers.

Each day, as we leave our homes for work, for school, for errands, let's not forget that today is all we have. We have little control over how it will end, but we can control how it begins. Cherish the day you have - and those you love.

Role Models

Role models. Most of us have had one. Many of us have been one. All of us need one.

Positive role models are those people in life who - with both their words and deeds - have had an impact that has made an indelible difference.

On October 6, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group & Fry's Electronics are honoring two women role models with our second annual "Shattering the Glass Ceiling" Award. This year, we will recognize and celebrate former state senator Becky Morgan and former County Supervisor Susie Wilson.

Both Becky and Susie are strong, creative, successful women, who blazed a trail of public service in a way that has made the road easier for other women and girls to follow.

As a man, why do I care about trailblazing women who have made a mark in the valley? First and foremost, I'm a dad of two little girls. They've never met Becky Morgan or Susie Wilson, but their paths in Silicon Valley have been made better by the work of these two extraordinary leaders.

As an employer, the women on my team benefit daily by the policies and programs these two former public officials championed.

Today, as we go about our business, think about the mark you are making. In your actions and attitude, what behavior are you modeling to those around you? Anyone can make an impression. Let's do our best to make an impact.

Game Changers

Butkis, nada, zero, none, zilch.

That is the precise number of jobs created in the entire United States in the month of August.

This week, the President will lay out a "jobs plan."

In the past two weeks, we have heard "jobs plans" from Governor Brown and members of the state legislature.

Here's a suggestion - as elected officials lay out their "jobs plans," first consult those who create jobs . . . Entrepreneurs, CEOs and innovators who invest creativity and capital to actually hire people.

Without a single new job created in America in august, it is not time for the "same ole, same ole." What are the game changers in your jobs plan that are going to make a difference?

This is why the Silicon Valley Leadership Group is hosting our inaugural "Game Changers" summit the morning of September 13.

In the innovation capital of the world, we will interact directly in spirited discussions with the game changers who create and grow jobs with the specifics of what is needed to get America, California and Silicon Valley moving.

Join us at game changers on September 13. For more information, go to svlg.org.

Re-charge

Americans are awful about taking vacations. Compared to most industrialized nations, we work more hours per week, and take fewer weeks off per year.
And I’m the proverbial pot calling the kettle black, losing an average of three weeks of paid – yes paid – vacation time each of the past three years because I’m maxed out on how many days I can carry over from one year to the next.
As a CEO, I constantly call on my team to find “work/life balance,” yet I haven’t always practiced what I preach.
That’s all about to change. For KLIV and “CEO Show” listeners, you won’t hear my voice the entire month of august.
I’m taking a break – a vacation – a siesta. A long-overdue “gone fishing” sign will replace my welcome mat.
After 15 years as CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, I’m off for my first semi-sabbatical, putting the “do not disturb” sign on my door, voice mail and email.
My time away will include a Disney cruise with my two little girls, who deserve more time with their daddy; a long stay-cation to complete the “honey-do” list that Leslee has patiently constructed; and then off to British Columbia as I race Ironman Canada. More stressful than restful, but a dream come true.
To the rest of you in “Go-Go Silicon Valley,” follow my lead. Take time off. Smell the roses now, before pushing up daisies later.

1,000 Hearts for 1,000 Minds

California public school students rank 45th of 50 states in math, 48th in science and 49th in spending per student. Enter “1,000 Hearts for 1,000 Minds,” a new tutoring initiative being launched by San Jose City Councilman Sam Liccardo and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, to focus on reading and math skills for k-8 students in some of our poorest neighborhoods.

The goal is simple: engage 1,000 caring adult volunteers with 1,000 k-8 kids in Silicon Valley schools. You can volunteer as little as one hour per week for a duration as short as eight to ten weeks.

Make a difference – offer your time or treasure.
• Your time: just one hour per week.
• Your treasure: make a personal contribution or encourage your employer to make a company contribution.

Let’s help 1,000 kids right here in San Jose & Silicon Valley strengthen their reading and math skills, and succeed in a 21st century economy.
To get involved, click here. Reach out today. Change a life – tutor a student.

Repatriation

I can think of 1.2 trillion ways that President Obama and Congress can strengthen America’s economy and create jobs – without costing taxpayers a dime.
It’s called repatriation – a fancy “Washington, D.C.” word for allowing American companies to bring back the earnings they make from being successful when doing business in overseas markets.
You see – 95 percent of the world’s markets for Silicon Valley goods and services are outside of the U.S., yet when we successfully compete in those markets, we cannot bring the earnings back home without paying a 39.4 percent tax penalty on those profits. It doesn’t take a math genius to know that when a company can borrow money for as low as two percent, bringing money back with a 39.4 percent penalty makes absolutely no sense.
So Congress, allow companies to bring back their earnings at a reduced rate. Keep the reduced rate for the federal treasury. Allow employers to use the balance to stimulate the economy, strengthen their companies and create jobs.
It’s so simple – even Washington should get it right.