Walnut Creek Man Meets With White House Economic Advisors

A Walnut Creek man was one of a group of executives who talked with White House economic advisors about policies and strategies on Thursday afternoon.

Bryan Yeh, executive vice president of technology for Zeachem Inc., met with White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett and others in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C.

The four-hour forum was arranged by the group Business Forward. It allowed business executives from across the country to brief White House advisors on ways to create jobs and accelerate economic recovery.

Business Forward officials said budget priorities, infrastructure investment and workforce development were among the chief topics.

The business leaders in attendance praised the bipartisan budget deal approved this week. They said uncertainty over the federal budget hurts hiring and sales.

In a statement released by Business Forward, Yeh said:

“From my visit to the White House, it is very clear to me that the administration is sincerely seeking insight and feedback from community and business leaders, and has made it a priority for its senior leaders to take time to engage. Regardless of what your perspective may be, it is important for all of us to engage to help be part of the solution, rather than complaining about the problems."

Yeh told Patch he discussed the Affordable Care Act with White House officials. He told them the new laws could have the unintended consequence of placing financial pressures on health care providers such that the environment would discourage bright, talented people from entering the field.

"Ultimately, this may result in having affordable health care for everyone, but no doctors or nurses to provide care," said Yeh.

Nonetheless, Yeh said he came away from the meeting encouraged about the economy.

"There is a lot of good news," said Yeh. "While it may not be a good as we want it to be, there is much to be encouraged about."