2026 Awards Gala and Economic Development Initiative
Small Business, Big Impact: Celebrating Black & African American Economic Power
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT WEEKEND
FEBRUARY 6 AND 7, 2026
CCMERA Economic Empowerment Weekend (EEW) Events Plan
Building Economic Legacy for Our Posterity
Economic Development Summit and Business and Leadership Awards Gala
Address: 2055 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
Central Coast Minority Enterprise Resource Affilaites (CCMERA) is launching a unified partnership, sponsorship, support, and fundraising strategy to sustain its core programs and operations through 2026. This includes the 2026 Gala, 2026 Economic Development Summit (EDS), Building Clean Green Community Bridges (BCGCB) Cohort, and operational infrastructure. Our total fundraising goal is just under $300,000.
Our Partnership Program offers year-round engagement and visibility across all CCMERA initiatives. Sponsors receive recognition, impact reporting, and priority access to event sponsorships.
Join us in celebrating our 2025 CCMERA Business & Leadership Awardees!
Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District
EXEMPLARY COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD
Dr. Irene Pinkard
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Jeffrey McKenzie
TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNITY SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Joe Black
CONTRACTOR EXCELLENCE AWARD
Rev. Dirrick Williams
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Doreen Wright
MISTRESS OF CEREMONY
Nesta Campbell
CEO’s CHOICE AWARD
Shenee Randolph
RISING STAR COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD
Advantages for Partners
Learn MoreGallery and Media
View GalleryBECOME A GALA SPONSOR
- Brand Exposure: Your brand will be featured prominently at the Gala, including stage mentions, logo placements on event materials, and digital displays.
- VIP Access: Sponsors receive premier seating, and exclusive networking opportunities with honorees, special guests, and community leaders.
- Social Media Spotlight: We will highlight your sponsorship through our active social media channels before, during, and after the event, amplifying your reach.
- Press Coverage: Benefit from the press coverage of the event, with mentions in press releases and potential features in interviews and articles.
- Custom Engagement: Engage attendees with an option to host a branded booth or special activity, depending on the level of sponsorship.
- Ad Space: Based on your sponsorship tier, receive ad space in the event booklet, on our website, and within our event app.
- Post-Event Recognition: After the Gala, sponsors will be recognized in a special thank you announcement distributed to all attendees and CCMERA members.
- Sponsorship Tiers: We offer various tiers of sponsorship, each with its own set of privileges and recognition opportunities. From Title Sponsor to support levels, we can tailor your sponsorship package to meet your marketing objectives and budget.
- Partnership Program: Ask us about our Partnership Program and how it works for the Awards Gala.
- Our Gala Audience: The CCMERA Gala Event draws in a diverse group of attendees, including business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, community leaders, and local policymakers. As a sponsor, you’ll gain exposure to a wide and influential audience, showcasing your commitment to economic development and community empowerment.
- Join Us: As a sponsor of the CCMERA Gala Event, you are not just supporting an event but becoming a part of a larger story of community growth and entrepreneurial success. Your brand will be associated with a celebration of the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines our region.
GALA SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
2026 Gala Sponsorship Tiers:
• Title Sponsor ($3,500)
• Presenting Sponsor ($2,000)
• Contributing Sponsor ($1,000)
• Patron Sponsor ($500)
• Supporter ($150)
2026 EDS Sponsorship Tiers:
• Platinum Sponsor ($5,000)
• Gold Sponsor ($3,000)
• Silver Sponsor ($1,500)
• Bronze Sponsor ($500)
2026 BCGCB Cohort Sponsorship Tiers:
• Platinum Cohort Sponsor ($5,000)
• Gold Cohort Sponsor ($2,500) 2
• Silver Cohort Sponsor ($1,000)
Disclaimer: CCMERA is a for-profit entity. However, if you contribution must be tax-deductible you can give it via our non-profit fiscal agent.
Please note that some of the advantages and benefits outlined are currently under development. CCMERA is committed to providing equivalent value and services where necessary. We reserve the right to substitute any in-development benefits with alternatives of equal or greater value to ensure our partners and sponsors receive the recognition and exposure they deserve.
BECOME A GALA SPONSOR
CCMERA’s mission is to bridge the gaps between entrepreneurs, innovators, small and micro businesses and key stakeholders including agencies, corporations, funders, governmental bodies, institutions, and other vital resources.
Byron K. Ward
BOOKLET ADVERTISING
Our gala souvenir program booklet provides attendees with enduring memories of an inspiring evening and an opportunity to make multiple impressions. We hope you will want to be included. The book is an easy way for your business, agency, or non-profit organization to be part of the Awards Gala, as well as, to congratulate honorees. CCMERA has kept pricing reasonable because we want all to be part of the evening
For questions or more information contact: Byron K. Ward 805-890-8998 Mobile bward@ccmera.org
There are advertising opportunities to fit your interests. All advertisements will be in color. Here is the pricing:
Full Page (8.5” x 11”) $500
Half Page (8.5” x 11”)) $300
Quarter Page $175
Name Listing $100
GENERAL SPECS
- Submit camera ready artwork to info@ccmera.org
- File resolution must be 300 dpi
- CMYK for color ads
- File format should be Quark, JPEG, PDF, Photoshop, or Illustrator
- Colors will be converted to CMYK
FULL PAGE BLEED
- Trim: 8.5×11”
- Bleed: 8.75” x 11.25”, Live Area: 8” x 10.5”
- Maximum Density is 240%, Line Screen 133
FULL PAGE – NON BLEED
- Build page to 8.5” x 11”
- Maximum Density is 240%, Line Screen 133
Virtual Economic Development Summit
Keynote Speaker
Lance Triggs, EVP, President,
HOPE Programs, Operation HOPE
Our Partners and Sponsors
Empower Black-owned businesses in the tri counties and foster a thriving economic ecosystem.
Event Objective:
Grand Salon, CSU Channel Islands
One University Dr.
Camarillo CA, 93012
8:30AM to 4:00PM
Join us at the Virtual EDS and be part of shaping the future of economic development for Black businesses in the tri-counties. By participating, you can:
Virtual Economic Development Summit
Virtual Economic Development Summit Participants List
Dr. Richard Yao
Welcome, President, CSU Channel Islands
Lance Triggs
Operation Hope, President, Program Operations, Sr. Executive Vice President
Dr. Irene Pinkard
Featured Speaker, CEO, Pinkard Institute
Angela Timmons
Session Facilitator, Economic Development Roundtable, Healing Vibrations
Laura Martinez
Session Facilitator, Scaling Up For Success, CEO, HR Force
Lisa Brown
Session Facilitator, CEO, Platinum Technology Group
Byron K. Ward
Host, President, CCMERA
Oscar Edwards
President and CEO, Higher Growth Strategies, LLC (HGS
Morgan Clayton
Chairman, Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc.
Gloria Martinez
Economic Vitality Manager, County of Ventura
Anthony Mireles
Business Manager, LiUNA Local 585
Saysha F Davis
Business Banker, Mission Bank
Kristin Decas
CEO, Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District
Marvin Boateng
Director of Funding, EDC
Kelcey Newman
Creative Director, Attain DMC
Dr. Ray Bowman
Director, EDC Small Business Development Center
Dr. Darrell Gooden
Senior Vice President, Aegir Systems
Jeff McKenzie
CEO/President, McKenzie Systems Engineering Associates
Jeff Debrosse
Event Moderator, Serial Entrepreneur & Small Business Advocate, The Decor Pros
Bruce Stenslie
President and CEO, Economic Development Collaborative
Agenda Highlights
• Interactive Discussions: Engage in roundtable discussions on pressing economic issues and share your ideas.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other Black business leaders and community members to build valuable relationships.
• Actionable Insights: Gain practical knowledge and strategies that you can implement in your business.
• Technology and Innovation: Explore how technology can help Black businesses grow and stay competitive.
Register Today
Virtual Economic Development Summit
Sessions
Commercial Vendor
- Six foot table
- Signage
- One (1) admission
- Meal
Donation $150.00
Non-Profit Vendor
- Six foot table
- Two Chairs
- One (1) admission
Donation $50.00
Bronze Sponsor
- Supporting sponsor
- Logo placement on event
- website and signage
- VIP swag
- One (1) complimentary registration
- Meal
- Exhibit booth or display space and recognition on registration platform
Donation $500
Silver Sponsor
- Supporting sponsor
- Logo placement on event website and signage
- VIP swag
- One (1) complimentary registration
- Meal.
- Exhibit booth or display space and recognition on registration platform
Donation $1,500
Gold Sponsor
- Major sponsor
- Logo placement on all event materials
- Speaking opportunity at event
- Print, SM, and website mentions
- VIP swag
- Two (2) complimentary registrations
- Two meals
- Exhibit booth or display space and recognition on registration platform
Donation $3,000
Platinum Sponsor
- Exclusive title sponsor
- Prominent logo placement on all event materials
- Speaking opportunity at event
- Print, SM, and website mentions
- VIP swag
- Exhibit booth or display space and recognition on registration platform
- Total of four (4) complimentary registrations
- Four meals.
Donation $5,000
Admission Ticket
- One (1) admission Meal Donation $150.00
- (Early Bird discount of $125.00 until November 4, 2024).
Donation $125.00
