Event Program

Post

TIME

AGENDA

8:00 a.m.

REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

9:30 a.m.

WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS

  • Hon. Jan C. Harnik
    SCAG President and Mayor, City of Palm Desert

9:50 a.m.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC UPDATE

This session will debut original research and analysis of the current state of the regional economy, offering insights on the changing landscape and highlighting opportunities for growth.

  • Gigi Moreno, Ph.D.
    Senior Economist, SCAG

10:15 a.m.

MORNING PANEL: RESOURCES THAT SET SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA APART

  • Shane Blanchette
    Vice President of Continuous Improvement, QCD, a Golden State Foods company
  • Michael Krouse
    President/CEO, Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Rodney Smith
    President, Stratecon, Inc.

MODERATOR:

  • Lucy Dunn
    President and CEO Emeritus, Orange County Business Council (retired)

11:30 a.m.

LUNCH

12:15 p.m.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

  • Calvin Gladney
    President & CEO, Smart Growth America

12:45 p.m.

AFTERNOON PANEL: RESOURCES TO DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH

In order to maintain our status as a national and international economic powerhouse, strong financial and human resources are essential. This panel will cover the major influx of federal and state funding for the region, as well as our workforce development needs.

  • Maria Cabildo
    Director of Housing and Economic Opportunity, California Community Foundation
  • Carolyn Hull
    General Manager, Department of Economic & Workforce Development, City of Los Angeles
  • Jackie Melendez
    Executive Director, Inland Economic Growth and Opportunity (IEGO)
  • Leslie Pollner
    Co-Chair, Local Government Group, Holland & Knight

MODERATOR:

  • Stephen Cheung
    Chief Operating Officer, Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation

2:00 p.m.

ADJOURN