Economic Empowerment Weekend
MARCH 13-14, 2026
Building Economic Legacy for Our Posterity
Economic Empowerment Weekend Overview
What is Economic Empowerment Weekend? The Economic Empowerment Weekend is CCMERA’s two-day regional platform focused on advancing economic and workforce mobility, clean/green innovation, business leadership, and community partnerships across the Tri-Counties.
Key Themes
• Clean Energy and Infrastructure
• Entrepreneurship & Capital Access
• Tech, AI & Advanced Manufacturing
• Young Peoples Workforce Pathways
Economic Development Summit
Register TodayMARCH 13, 2026
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach
450 E Harbor Blvd,
Ventura, CA 93001
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Business and Leadership Awards Gala
Register TodayMARCH 14, 2026
Staybridge Suites Oxnard
2101 W Vineyard Ave,
Oxnard, CA 93036
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Economic Legacy Builders Partnership Opportunities
Learn MoreTax-deductible support of Economic Empowerment Weekend advances the work of CCMERA.
Economic Legacy Builder Program
Economic Legacy Builder Upper Tiers support both events and include enhanced recognition.
Support the Mission
CCMERA and our regional partners, inviting young people, entrepreneurs, business and community leaders.
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
In addition to partnerships and sponsorships, CCMERA welcomes tax-deductible donations and recurring gifts to support our mission via the donation button on our website at ccmera.org. CCMERA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 99-2374742.Donations and sponsorships may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor. No goods or services were provided in exchange for donations. Sponsorship benefits are provided as outlined in this program.
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
