Chamber-Affiliated Foundation Will Conduct Impartial, Objective Research, Issue Reports and Sponsor Educational Programs

(January 24, 2006) The California Foundation for Commerce and Education (CFCE) today launched its new focus: filling the information void in California public policy about the effect of proposals on the California business and investment climate.

Loren Kaye

“The California Foundation for Commerce and Education is dedicated to ensuring accurate, objective study of public policy proposals that have an impact on California’s ability to create and retain jobs and to attract investment to our state,” said Loren Kaye, CFCE president. “It is essential that policy makers be armed with unbiased analysis that focuses specifically on the California jobs, economic base and investment climate. We aim to elevate the policy debate and improve policy decisions.”

The Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization whose board comprises members of the board of the California Chamber of Commerce. The CFCE is supported primarily by grants and contributions from foundations, corporations and individuals. The Foundation is strictly non-partisan and non-political and takes no positions on pending legislation, ballot measures or any other policy proposals. 

Appointed in this month, Foundation President Loren Kaye has devoted his career to developing, analyzing and implementing public policy issues in California, with a special emphasis on improving the state’s business and economic climate.

Kaye served in senior policy positions for Governors Pete Wilson and George Deukmejian, including Cabinet secretary and undersecretary of the California Trade and Commerce Agency. Kaye also has represented numerous private sector interests, managing issues that affect specific business sectors to promote an improved business climate or to resist further regulation or costs on business.

The Foundation is currently working on various research projects. The focus, subject and content of those projects will be released in the coming months.

“The need for the Foundation and the analysis it will produce is clear. There is no other entity in California that is charged with providing impartial, objective analysis of public policy proposals for their effects on California’s jobs and the economy,” said Chamber President Allan Zaremberg.

Foundation Staff Contact: Loren Kaye