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MBEP Announces Agenda and Speakers for 4th Annual State of the Region
(Contributed)
November 8, 2018 — Marina, CA
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is hosting its 4th Annual State of the Region conference on November 30 at the Embassy Suites in Seaside.
This year’s event will be another compelling gathering of over 400 leaders from across the region and the state with topics to inspire collaboration and action in important areas like housing, workforce and education, transportation, health, and technology.
Morning Sessions. Our morning keynote address, “Designing your Region,” will be presented by Dave Evans, one of the most innovative thinkers of our time and co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Designing your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life.
Mr. Evans will be followed by panel discussions with regional and statewide experts who will explore of the right kind of housing we need to be creating to meet the needs of our region. Another panel of local employers and transportation experts will focus on re-thinking transportation, discussing strategies organizations can implement to leverage talent and existing infrastructure.
Community Impact Award. Jacob Martinez, Founder and Executive Director of Digital NEST, will receive MBEP’s annual Community Impact Award. Jacob conceptualized and then brought to life an organization in Watsonville dedicated to providing equal access to technology and resources for young people in underserved communities. Digital NEST not only connects youth to the internet and workforce training but also to a broad network of local businesses, elected leaders, community organizations and neighbors who experience the ripple effects of opportunity and optimism seeded at the NEST. In 2017, Digital NEST expanded its footprint to Salinas and has received support from local businesses, philanthropic leaders, foundations, local government and education. Digital NEST is an excellent example of a unique idea, nurtured by a local entrepreneur, supported by the community that is now expanding its influence to other cities in the region and state.
Afternoon Keynote. Following lunch the afternoon keynote, “The Election is Over — How Did Housing Do and Where Do We Go From Here?” will be presented by California State Senator Scott Wiener, a longtime advocate for affordable housing solutions. Senator Wiener has repeatedly shown a commitment to making housing more affordable and confronting California’s severe housing shortage. He will update us on the midterm election outcomes and implications for continuing to work toward housing solutions.
Afternoon Roundtables. After Senator Wiener’s keynote, attendees will choose from eight different roundtable discussion topics, ranging from the emerging drone field, housing and water, innovations in the sport tech manufacturing sector, expansion of regional broadband coverage, Blue Zones and more. These are working sessions with the goal of engaging participants in defining specific next steps and what role they can play in supporting the success of each effort.
Marketplace. During the morning registration, breaks and the closing wine reception, attendees can visit the Marketplace, where community organizations will be sharing projects aligned with MBEP’s mission.
Tickets and Sponsors. Due to limited seating, this event will sell out in advance. MBEP would like to thank our sponsors: Kaiser Permanente, Ow Family Properties, San Benito Health Foundation, South Swell Ventures, CSUMB, City of Gonzales, City of Salinas, Dominican Hospital, Harbourton Foundation, Mann Packing, Montage Health, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, UC Santa Cruz, Bay Federal Credit Union, Hospital Council of Northern and Central California, Monterey Bay Community Power, Plantronics, Santa Cruz County Bank, Stanford Children’s Hospital, and Voler Strategic Advisors. For registration and sponsorship information please visit our event webpage.
The complete agenda can be found on MBEP’s website where you may also purchase tickets.
About MBEP
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional nonprofit, membership organization consisting of public, private and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz. MBEP’s mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region. www.mbep.biz
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