An inside look at Sacramento, Washington & the People that Shape the Law - Mike Stoker

It is rare that we get an inside look at the "behind the scenes" of Sacramento & Washington DC and the people that shape and influence legislation that effects our industry and us.

Mike Stoker is an attorney whose practice emphasizes land use, government, and business law. Stoker served on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors from 1986-1994. In 1992 Governing Magazine named him "Most Valuable Public Official in County Government in America". Stoker was chosen out of 17,532 potential recipients. In 1993 Governor Wilson and Speaker Willie Brown asked Stoker to be one of two California County Supervisors to testify before the California Economic Summit where he provided testimony regarding what California should do streamline and cut waste in government. Mr. Stoker served as the Majority Counsel to the Republican Party in Congress where he was assigned to the Government Reform & Oversight Committee. In June of 1995 Stoker was appointed Chairman of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board where he served until 2000. Stoker also serves on the Agricultural Advisory Board to Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mr. Jack O'Connell. In 2000, California Secretary of State Bill Jones named Stoker Deputy Secretary of State where he served until January 2003. Stoker currently serves as the District Director for Santa Barbara County for State Senator Tom McClintock.

Stoker has also served as Chairman of the Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District, Chairman of the Santa Barbara Association of Governments, Chairman of the Santa Barbara County Water Agency and Flood Control District board. Mike has served on the Southern California Hazardous Waste Management Board.

Working closely with high-ranking government officials, I'm sure we can coax Mike into giving us some inside information on the upcoming elections during the Q&A portion of his talk.

You really don't want to miss this!

Good Medicine, Good Nutrition, and a Smarter Consumer - Dr. James Rouse

No matter what products we make, market or sell, the consumer we face today is smarter and enjoys a much broader choice of foods to eat. They are more informed and are much more aware of the importance of nutrition and the health benefits food can provide.

Dr. James Rouse has extensive credentials in the wellness field including a doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine, post-doctorate work in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, an undergraduate degree in transpersonal psychology and certification as a yoga teacher. He combines his knowledge of natural medicine, transformational psychology, yoga and therapeutic cooking to inspire people to improve the quality of their lives and to provide them with the tools they need to make positive lifestyle changes.

Dr. James Rouse has served as Director of Complementary and Preventative Medicine at the Phoenix Center for Health Excellence in Denver, Colorado since 1997. He is the creator of the Optimum Wellness television program, seen in Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix on NBC and CBS affiliates. His Living Well news segments are viewed by millions in several cities several times per week. Dr. Rouse speaks nationally and internationally to physicians, corporations, and the general public in the areas of medicine, health, wellness, and motivation.

Dr. Rouse is the author of several books (Nourish, Grow Your Life From Average to Amazing, Solutions for Stress, Solutions for Sleep, Solutions for Restored Energy, Solutions for Weight Loss) in addition to numerous articles that have appeared in popular magazines nationwide. Dr. James is a life coach and former sponsored Ironman triathlete. He is the frequent guest on radio and television programs across North America. He is the creator of the Health Solutions Series with Gaiam featuring DVD's, videos, books, and products (kits). He creates therapeutic recipes and diet plans for Penton Publishing (Delicious Living magazine) and writes a monthly column for Frontier Airlines In-Flight Magazine.

We know Dr. Rouse will be an exciting compliment to this year's speaker program especially when he follows up his talk answering questions you may have. Be sure to speak up, as you will be amazed at the nutritional solutions there are in lieu of many pharmaceutical remedies.

Because the menus he creates rely directly on the flavor and integrity of the ingredients used, Littlefield makes regular visits to the popular Santa Monica Farmers Market and other local markets, and searches statewide for the finest and freshest local products and organically grown fruits and vegetables.

"The menus we are developing are extensions of the comfortable, familiar feeling experienced in Huntington Beach. We use local and well-known seafood and pasta dishes as cornerstones of the menu," explains Littlefield.

In addition to the exquisite culinary experience, the Palm Court Restaurant located at the site of this year's California Cheese & Butter Association Convention is a relaxing atmosphere with one of the most panoramic views in Orange County. Be sure to not miss this!

Be looking for Executive Chef Jeff Littlefield to show off a little, as he whips up some exciting and tasty dishes he has become famous for.

A work in Progress . . .

Besides the already stellar lineup "headline speakers" already outlined and confirmed, we are currently in negotiation for the addition of an additional industry leader that further compliments what is shaping up as a truly "great convention!

Attire for the business sessions May 5 and May 6 is business casual. Friday night's dinner will include the exciting "Wheel of Fortune Game" with a twist, and attire for this evening will be casual chic.