The 13th Annual Southern California Economic Summit

Resourcing the Region

Economic Summit 2022 Artwork

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022
Sheraton Grand Los Angeles

On Thursday, Dec. 1, SCAG hosted the 13th edition of our celebrated annual Southern California Economic Summit series.

The theme of this year’s summit is “Resourcing the Region.” Southern California is uniquely rich in both natural and economic resources. We are also leading the way financially, with a major influx of federal and state funding slated to come to the region. Still, there is a growing need for improvement in workforce development and education.

Leading voices in business industry, planning, public policy, housing, and academia will come together to assess the status of the region’s economy and define strategies for harnessing Southern California’s unique resources to maintain our status as a national and international economic powerhouse.

Resources

View the Program Booklet
View the SCAG Regional Briefing Book (2022)
Southern California Economic Outlook Presentation

SoCal Economic Trends Tool [Beta]

    Photos

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    Agenda

    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

    Keynote Speaker

    Calvin Gladney
    President and CEO, Smart Growth America

    Mr. Gladney is a nationally recognized thought leader on the equitable and sustainable revitalization of communities. His talk will address the nexus between sustainability and economic opportunity, and how cities can harness them to implement effective solutions to our biggest challenges.

    Additionally, panel sessions featuring a distinguished roster of industry leaders and economic experts will include:

    • 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.
    • Resources that Set Southern California Apart – Southern California is uniquely rich in both natural and economic resources. This panel will define strategies for best harnessing these resources, spotlighting key industries and opportunity areas.
    • 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.