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.
Key Themes
• Clean Energy and Infrastructure
• Entrepreneurship & Capital Access
• Tech, AI & Advanced Manufacturing
• Young Peoples Workforce Pathways
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GRGzhT7Sg6wJsCq86
2026 Economic Development Summit
Confirmed Speakers, Facilitators, and Panelists
Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios
Dr. Oscar Edwards
Panelist
President and CEO, Higher Growth Strategies, LLC (HGS
Dr. Darrell Gooden
Panelists
Senior Vice President, Aegir Systems
Joseph Cabral
Honorable Erica Stewart
Ross Fontes
Ahmad Holmes
Laura Martinez
Ramsey Jay, Jr.
Maleena Lawerence
Celina Zacarias
Byron K. Ward
Speaker
Host, President, CCMERA
Dr. Ray Bowman
Panelist
Director, EDC Small Business Development Center
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
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.
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
Learn culturally congruent strategies for leveraging collective economic development methodologies.
2
Build relationships with other Black business leaders and community members.
3
Help create a more equitable and prosperous future for Black entrepreneurs in our region.
Virtual Economic Development Summit
Register Today
Virtual Economic Development Summit
1
8:30 AM-9:00 AM
2
9:00 AM
3
9:15 AM
4
10:00 AM
5
11:00 AM
Sessions
6
11:15 AM
7
12:15 PM
8
1:30 PM
9
2:45 PM
10
3:00 PM
11
3:20
12
3:30 PM
13
4:00 PM
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
