William Porter President , Porter Law Group President of Region Business in 2012
Mike Kimmel President , Kimmel Construction President of Region Business in 2013
How did Region Business first get started ? Before we became a formal independent organization , we were a more informal group . I was the leader of that earlier group . As our political successes mounted , we found that our efforts were increasingly undercut by the organizations with which we were associated at that time . Becoming an independent organization gave us the freedom to make effective decisions without obstructive outside interference . It was a necessary next step in the evolution of the organization . … We either had to fight to be independent or we would have ceased to exist .
Did the fight pay off ? … I think we all came out better for the fight . We all met a great group of leaders and fighters who can get things done . Walking through a little fire together tends to make a tighter group . I now have some really wonderful friends I never would have had if we had not put our necks out there .
What sets Region Business apart ? We move quickly , decisively and effectively . While other groups are still looking for their pencils , we have already made a decision , issued a press release and raised a hundred thousand dollars . We are often the first out of the gate on important political decisions . We get things done , fully realizing that others sometimes take credit for our successes . That ’ s fine with us . Others wait for our decisions and follow us . That is fine , too . It builds great alliances and helps us achieve our goals . All our goals are intended to benefit the entire region in sensible ways . We do not waste time with symbolism or virtue signaling . We work hard , move fast and get good things done . Nothing is ever done for personal gain . It ’ s in our rule book .
Why did you get involved in Region Business ? Having been born and raised in Sacramento , my love for the city and desire to see it grow and succeed has meant a commitment to serving the community . I have always had an interest in politics , especially local politics , and Region Business allows business owners like myself to have a voice and an influence on the decisions being made that affect us all who live in this area .
How has your involvement with Region Business helped you professionally ? We have done a lot of work in the region with streamlining building permit processes as well as advocating for reasonable and fair fee structures that have resulted in our clients completing their projects faster and at a lower cost . As a general contractor , this has had a positive impact on my business . Also , the group has given me the opportunity to establish relationships with a wide variety of businesses and business owners that has resulted in important business connections and resources as well as friendships .
What sets the organization apart ? Our professionalism , our fearlessness , our ethics and values . Our decisiveness and desire to take the lead and be in front of issues . Our relentless desire to see the region succeed .
110 comstocksmag . com | September 2022