Economic Development Summit

MARCH 13, 2026

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Building Economic Legacy for Our Posterity

Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach – River Ridge by IHG

450 E Harbor Blvd,
Ventura, CA 93001

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.

Individual Summit Ticket
Vendor Table

Key Themes

• Clean Energy and Infrastructure
• Entrepreneurship & Capital Access
• Tech, AI & Advanced Manufacturing
• Young Peoples Workforce Pathways

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GRGzhT7Sg6wJsCq86

Economic Legacy Builder Program

Economic Legacy Builder Upper Tiers support both events and include enhanced recognition.

Partnership Details
Become a Partner

Support the Mission

Make a General Donation

CCMERA and our regional partners, inviting young people, entrepreneurs, business and community leaders.

Our Partners and Sponsors

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:

1
Develop pathways to success
Learn culturally congruent strategies for leveraging collective economic development methodologies.
2
Connect with like-minded individuals
Build relationships with other Black business leaders and community members.
3
Contribute to a stronger community
Help create a more equitable and prosperous future for Black entrepreneurs in our region.

Virtual Economic Development Summit

Virtual Economic Development Summit Participants List

Dr. Richard Yao

Speaker

Welcome, President, CSU Channel Islands

Lance Triggs

Keynote Speaker

Operation Hope, President, Program Operations, Sr. Executive Vice President

Dr. Irene Pinkard

Speaker

Featured Speaker, CEO, Pinkard Institute

Angela Timmons

Speaker

Session Facilitator, Economic Development Roundtable, Healing Vibrations

Laura Martinez

Speaker

Session Facilitator, Scaling Up For Success, CEO, HR Force

Lisa Brown

Speaker

Session Facilitator, CEO, Platinum Technology Group

Byron K. Ward

Speaker

Host, President, CCMERA

Oscar Edwards

Panelist

President and CEO, Higher Growth Strategies, LLC (HGS

Morgan Clayton

Panelist

Chairman, Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc.

Gloria Martinez

Panelist

Economic Vitality Manager, County of Ventura

Anthony Mireles

Panelist

Business Manager, LiUNA Local 585

Saysha F Davis

Panelist

Business Banker, Mission Bank

Kristin Decas

Panelist

CEO, Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District

Marvin Boateng

Panelist

Director of Funding, EDC

Kelcey Newman

Panelist

Creative Director, Attain DMC

Dr. Ray Bowman

Panelist

Director, EDC Small Business Development Center

Dr. Darrell Gooden

Panelists

Senior Vice President, Aegir Systems

Jeff McKenzie

Panelist

CEO/President, McKenzie Systems Engineering Associates

Jeff Debrosse

Speaker

Event Moderator, Serial Entrepreneur & Small Business Advocate, The Decor Pros

Bruce Stenslie

Panelist

President and CEO, Economic Development Collaborative

Register Today

Virtual Economic Development Summit

1
Welcome & Registration
8:30 AM-9:00 AM
2
Welcome, Opening Remarks & Invocation
9:00 AM
3
Keynote Address
9:15 AM
4
Roundtable Discussion
10:00 AM
5
Energizing Break & Networking
11:00 AM

Sessions

6
Growing Your Bottom Line
11:15 AM
7
Networking Lunch & Guest Speaker
12:15 PM
8
Technology Focus – Cybersecurity and AI
1:30 PM
9
Energizing Stretch Break & Transition
2:45 PM
10
Call to Action
3:00 PM
11
Interactive Closing Remarks & Q&A
3:20
12
Networking Reception
3:30 PM
13
CLOSE
4:00 PM
Event Committee Notes
Join us at the EDS and be part of shaping the future of economic development for Black businesses in the tri-counties. By participating, you can:

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

$ 125.00
Personal Info

Billing Details

Donation Total: $125.00

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.

Contact Info

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