In a remarkable initiative aimed at fostering direct communication with top business executives in California, Governor Gavin Newsom has taken an innovative approach by mailing cellphones to the leaders of the state’s 100 largest companies. This move, which began in November, is designed to facilitate easier access and open channels of dialogue between the governor and the state’s key business figures.

A New Avenue for Engagement

Bob Salladay, a communications advisor to the governor, emphasized that this initiative creates an “alternative way to engage” with the essential business sector in California. “We’re constantly evolving as a state. We’re the innovation state and he wants to hear from business leaders if there are any roadblocks, if there’s anything California can do to continue that success,” Salladay noted.

Funding and Legal Protections

The cellphones provided to executives were funded by the California Protocol Foundation, a nonprofit organization that covers expenses for various governmental activities through donations, ensuring that taxpayer money was not utilized for this purpose. Moreover, despite the personal nature of these communications, they retain the usual protections against public records requests under California law.

Strengthening Relationships with CEOs

While many chief executives already possess the governor’s phone number, this gesture serves to reinforce his commitment to understanding their needs and priorities. The outreach is viewed as a signal of the governor’s interest in their experiences within the state.

Complementary Initiatives

This cellphone outreach coincides with Newsom’s “jobs first tour,” which is part of his broader strategy to engage with leaders across various sectors—including labor, education, and environmental justice— to create comprehensive economic development plans. Additionally, the governor is collaborating with the private sector to facilitate recovery efforts for wildfires in Los Angeles, tapping into the support of prominent figures like Magic Johnson and Dodgers Chairman Mark Walter.

Reactions from the Business Community

Responses from the CEOs have varied, with some expressing surprise at the initiative while others have already reached out to share their insights. Salladay stated, “It’s about information gathering about businesses in California and how they’re doing,” highlighting the initiative’s focus on understanding the current state of business in California.