Wednesday March 27, 2019

10:00am-5:30pm, El Prado Foyer

(All Board Meetings are Open to the Public)

The California Economic Development Authority Board Meeting

10:30am-11:00am, Garden A-B

The California Association for Local Economic Development Board Meeting

11:00am-1:00pm, Garden A-B
Lunch will be available for CALED Board Members and Guests

The California Academy for Economic Development Board Meeting

1:00pm-1:30pm, Garden A-B

2:00pm-3:30pm, Park Plaza Ballroom

The 39th Annual CALED conference will start off with a bang as we hear about the work being done in Anaheim to make sure businesses and residents alike can prosper. Then, keynote speaker Christopher Thornberg from Beacon Economics will discuss trends impacting local economies and economic developers in California.

Master of Ceremony:

  • Jason Crawford, Manager of Planning & Economic Development, City of Santa Clarita, CALED Chair

Speakers:

  • Mike Daniel, CALED Conference Co-Chair, Regional Director, Orange County/Inland Empire SBDC Network
  • Jessica Gonzales, CALED Conference Co-Chair, Economic Development Manager, City of Anaheim
  • Harry Sidhu, Mayor, City of Anaheim
  • Christopher Thornberg, PhD, Founding Partner, Beacon Economics

Maximize Efficiency in your Development Services Processes

4:00pm – 5:00pm, Garden A-B

This session provides valuable insight into how to facilitate investment through development services innovation, obtaining customer “buy-in” and collaboration from staff, among other key takeaways. Hear about examples “Streamline Riverside” and “Blueprint for Success” in Walnut Creek—two city programs focused on process improvements to create a positive customer experience.

Speakers:

  • Wes Ervin, Owner & Consultant, Wes Ervin & Associates, Moderator
  • Chris Christopoulos, Building Official, City of Riverside
  • Jessica Cole, Head of Innovation and Economic Development, City of Walnut Creek
  • Rafael Guzman, Assistant City Manager, City of Riverside

Rural Leadership Networking, sponsored by the Academy

4:00pm – 5:00pm, Tiffany Terrace

Take this opportunity to connect with other rural leaders working on the key issues impacting their communities. This session will include those that have been involved in CALED’s Rural Economic Development Exchange as well as other rural champions.

Data & the Internet: Defining the Winners and Losers

4:00pm – 5:00pm, Palm West

Much of what worked in economic development has been disrupted, transformed, and demolished by the Internet. Learn why change has happened, what is coming in the future, how to succeed in a competitive environment, and when is the best time to innovate for your organization.

Speakers:

  • Anatalio Ubalde, Managing Director, GIS Planning, Moderator
  • Aaron Brossoit, CEO, Golden Shovel Agency
  • Danielle Casey, Executive Vice President, Greater Sacramento Economic Council
  • Mark Hays, Director, SizeUp
  • Chris Knight, Global Commercial Director, fDi Intelligence/Financial Times

Clean up Your Downtown’s Gap-Toothed Smile

4:00pm – 5:00pm, Palm East

Rather than let vacant and underused buildings plague your community or see your small businesses struggle with absentee landlords on your Main Street, find out what government and local organizations can do to compel owners to clean up or sell properties. This session will focus on specific tools to use and highlight successful examples from around the state, including Los Angeles, Lynwood, and other communities.

Speakers:

  • Lynn Hutchins, Partner, Goldfarb & Lipman LLP
  • Bruno Naulls, Senior Project Manager, City of Lynwood
  • Helen Leung, Co-Executive Director, LA-Más

5:00pm-6:30pm, Tiffany Terrace/Patio

Reconnect with peers and kick off the 39th Annual CALED Conference by joining us at the Welcome Reception to see just what California’s economic developers are doing to make it happen in their communities in 2019 and beyond.

Thank You to our Welcome Reception Sponsor RSG, Inc.  

Thursday March 28, 2019

7:30am-4:30pm, El Prado Foyer

7:30am, Park Plaza Ballroom

8:00am-9:00am, Park Plaza Ballroom

Grab your breakfast and join us for an in-depth look at Federal Economic Development tools including Opportunity Zones. We are pleased to have Brian Lenihan, Executive Director of SelectUSA in attendance to talk about how the Federal government is supporting economic development. After Mr. Lenihan speaks, we will engage in a deep dive into Opportunity Zones and their impact on California’s economic developers.

In April 2018, the Feds and State approved 879 new Opportunity Zone Areas in California. These zones allow investors/developers to exchange and shield their capital gains tax from prior investments (real estate) in designated census tracts. California is more than 10% of the OPPORTUNITY ZONES marketplace and already hundreds of private funds are circling the state looking for investment opportunities in and out of OZs.

Governor Newsom has already staked out the potential for EIFDs to work in tandem with OZ projects, generating early money thus improving cash flow issues for tax increment districts. This means that cities with or without OZs, can work in tandem with counties and cities to create EIFDs that have OZs to collaboratively pursue regional infrastructure, transportation, and housing projects. Learn what the state is doing to promote OZs and EIFDs and the world of community impact investing.

Speakers:

  • Joseph C. Hensley, Chair Elect, Orange County Business Council & Market President – Orange County, US Bank
  • Larry Kosmont, Chairman & CEO, Kosmont Companies
  • Brian Lenihan, Executive Director, SelectUSA
  • Kaina Pereira, Assistant Deputy Director, Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development
  • Ian Ross, CEO & Co-Founder, OppSites

Housing as an Economic Development Tool

9:15am – 10:15am, Garden A-B

Many businesses choose locations in communities providing affordable housing options for their workforce. This session will demonstrate how new housing construction is increasingly seen as contributing to economic growth; it’s a major employer with significant multiplier effects, revitalizes neighborhoods and stimulates connections between residents, employers and businesses.

Speakers:

  • Kathe Head, Managing Principal, Keyser Marston Associates, Inc.
  • Aaron Hirschi, Sr. Vice President, Acquisitions, The Olson Company
  • Mark Trinidad, Supervisor, County of Los Angeles, Housing Bonds & Asset Management Unit

Do You Have What it Takes to be an ACE? sponsored by the Academy

9:15am – 10:15am, Tiffany Terrace

Learn what the Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) certification is, how long it will take to complete, and how to obtain this certificate. Becoming a certified economic developer makes you more marketable by either helping you learn or freshen up on key economic development tools. It not only shows that you have the breadth of knowledge in economic development, it enhances your visibility within your organization and the visibility of your organization within the profession.

Speakers:

  • Roger Dale, Principal, The Natelson Dale Group, Inc.
  • Kevin Ham, CEcD, Director of Economic Development, City of Vista
  • Judie Scalise, CEcD, Principal, ESI Corporation

Enhanced Mobility Solutions as Economic Drivers

9:15am – 10:15am, Palm West

Alternative transit options can expand the reach of local businesses and foster growth in an area by creating convenience and new experiences. Learn how municipalities can create synergies for a thriving community by leveraging partnerships with the local business community and transportation partners to increase access to business districts and other areas.

Speakers:

  • Kevin Clausen, Project Manager, City of Anaheim, Community & Economic Development Dept.
  • Diana Kotler, Executive Director, Anaheim Resort Transportation
  • Hilary Norton, Executive Director, FAST (Fixing Angelenos Stuck in Traffic)
  • Keith Simon, Vice President, Polaris Commercial, Polaris

Current TIF Tools for Your Community

9:15am – 10:15am, Palm East

Learn the latest trends in tax increment financing (TIF) and how cities can take advantage of this economic development financing tool. We will talk with different communities throughout the state that are using TIF and see how they made it work and how they have encouraged participation from their county counterparts.

Speakers:

  • Joseph Dieguez, Senior Vice President, Kosmont Companies
  • Debbie Kern, Senior Principal, Keyser Marston Associates, Inc.
  • Bob Moran, Principal Analyst, County of Los Angeles Chief Executive Office

Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

10:45am – 11:45am, Garden A-B

The Federal Reserve Bank estimates that 36% of the U.S. labor force, or 70 million Americans, do some type of independent work and 88% of all businesses are microbusinesses. How does the economic development community best serve this growing population? See how California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity’s (CAMEO) toolkit is being used to promote entrepreneurship and create a healthy local entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Speakers:

  • Heather Gurewitz, Executive Director, Economic Development & Financing Corporation
  • Mary Anne Petrillo, CEO, West Business Development Center
  • Heidi Pickman, Associate Director, CAMEO

Don’t Be Afraid to Fail: Leadership Strategies & Practical Advice for Economic Development, sponsored by the Academy

10:45am – 11:45am, Tiffany Terrace

In economic development, chances for success are enhanced by strong leadership that empowers employees to take risks within the confines of a unique public workplace. In this session, the City of Glendale’s Director of Community Development and the City of Elk Grove’s Economic Development Director will discuss leadership styles that promote and encourage innovation, and present strategies for navigating the daily complexities and pitfalls for economic development professionals.

Speakers:

  • Darrell Doan, Economic Development Director, City of Elk Grove
  • Philip Lanzafame, Director, Community Development Department, City of Glendale

Business Improvement Districts—What’s New?

10:45am – 11:45am, Palm West

Business Improvement Districts offer alternative funding sources to help local areas maintain and attract business. In this session, you will learn practical tools on how to establish, expand, and maintain these districts, as well as tips and tricks on what’s trending.

Speakers:

  • Jacqueline Sales, Economic Development Coordinator, City of Glendale
  • John Lambeth, President & CEO, Civitas
  • Kelly Miller, President & CEO, Surf City USA–Visit Huntington Beach

What Your ED Board Needs to Know About That Cost-Benefit Report

10:45am – 11:45am, Palm East

Cost-benefit reports are ubiquitous in economic development, but their quality and relevance vary significantly. The lack of standard terminology and presentation contribute to confusion and misinterpretation. This session is intended to help economic developers and other stakeholders cut through the jargon, identify the hallmarks of a high-quality cost-benefit report, and use it to its fullest potential.

Speakers:

  • Paul Scheuren, Principal, Economist, Impact DataSource
  • Larry Westerlund, Director of Economic Development, City of Fresno

12:00pm-2:00pm, Park Plaza Ballroom
(Doors Open and Food Service begins at 12:00pm; Program begins at 12:30pm; lunch included with conference registration)

This luncheon will celebrate the many successes that CALED and its members have achieved over the past year. This session will begin with a report to the membership on the activities and successes that CALED and its affiliates, CEDA and the Academy, have accomplished in the last year. We will also hear from the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development.

We will then learn about the best of the best in California Economic Development with the announcement of the 2018 Award of Excellence Program winners. This session will also include the presentation of the prestigious Golden Bear Lifetime Achievement award.

Thank You to our Celebrating Success Luncheon Sponsor, the California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 

Masters of Ceremony:

  • Steve Dukett, Managing Partner, Urban Futures, Inc.
  • Mario Giuliani, Economic Development Manager, City of Benicia

Speakers:

  • Mike Daniel, Regional Director, Orange County/Inland Empire SBDC Network
  • James Rabe, Senior Principal, Keyser Marston Associates, Inc.
  • Gurbax Sahota, President & CEO, CALED
  • Representative, Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development

Mobile Session—Affordable Housing Supporting Economic Development in Anaheim

2:05pm – 4:30pm, Meet in Hotel Lobby at 2:05; Return to Hotel Lobby at 4:30
Advanced Registration Required (See Below)—Limited Seating Available

The City of Anaheim, Community Development and Economic Development is uniquely positioned to discuss the nexus between business attraction, workforce development programs, and affordable housing programs. Anaheim is involved in the development of several affordable housing communities to address populations ranging from homeless families and individuals to working families. In this mobile/tour session, city staff will share the results of their approach and why investment in these populations benefits everyone, including local business.

Speakers:

  • Andy Nogal, Community Investment Manager, City of Anaheim, Housing Development Division
  • Grace Stepter, Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development, City of Anaheim, Community & Economic Development

If you wish to attend the Mobile Session—Affordable Housing Supporting Economic Development in Anaheim, you will need to register for that session separately (no cost) by using this link.

Optimizing ED’s Role in Fostering and Supporting Entrepreneurial Ventures, sponsored by the Academy

2:30pm – 3:30pm, Tiffany Terrace

There a several platforms and programs ranging from Startup events, co-working and maker spaces, incubators and accelerators to stimulate and support entrepreneurial activities. However, the options are confusing and establishing a sustainable value offering can be challenging. In this session, you will work through an actual Mission/Business Model Canvas that resulted in the creation of a multi-faceted Minimal Viable product (MVP) consisting of physical and programmatic solutions to serve entrepreneurs and SMEs in an urban center and surrounding rural counties. During the session we will walk through the steps to identify your own Beneficiaries and Mission Achievement/Impact Factors and then see how those associated with the sample project were used to create a sustainable MVP through internal offerings and strategic partnerships.

Speakers:

  • Chuck Wolfe, President, Claggett Wolfe Associates

From Scenic Asset to Opportunity: the Outdoor Recreation Economy

2:30pm – 3:30pm, Palm West

A region’s scenic beauty draws outdoors enthusiasts to the area and enhances the outdoor recreation economy. Learn how best to support and work with such a diverse sector in order to create new business partnerships, industry connections, and increased media attention.

Speakers:

  • Lisa Boulton, Executive Director, Calaveras Visitors Bureau
  • Brad Day, Founder & Publisher, Weekend Sherpa
  • Christine Palmer, Program Manager, Sonoma County Economic Development Board

Incremental Steps at Land Revitalization: The Evolving Brownfield Finance and Legal Toolbox

2:30pm – 3:30pm, Palm East

Don’t let underused and dirty properties bring you down. Learn more about the tools available to economic developers to bring key properties in their community back to the fold. These properties can be catalyst projects to kickstart broader development and should not be left to drag down your communities.

Speakers:

  • Ignacio Dayrit, Director of Programs, Center for Creative Land Recycling
  • Benjamin Wickham, CPM, Affordable Housing Director, Sonoma County Community Development Commission
  • Rafael Yaquian, Partner, Goldfarb & Lipman LLP

3:30pm-5:00pm, Park Plaza Ballroom

Take some time to reach out and meet our generous sponsors. This is also a great opportunity to fill out your Sponsor Bingo card for an opportunity to win a 2020 CALED Conference Registration!

5:00pm, Leave from Make It Happen Expo in Park Plaza Ballroom (Separate Registration Required)

Join us as we crawl to four different venues in Anaheim’s Center City and taste all of the culinary delights the area has to offer. This event will include light bites or one drink at each venue.

Culinary Crawl participants will take buses to Anaheim Center City from the hotel. The buses will return participants to the conference hotel by 8:30pm. If you would like to leave earlier or later than that time, you will need to find your own transportation.

Thank You to our Culinary Crawl Sponsors, Site Selection, the City of Anaheim, and the Anaheim Transportation Network.

 

Friday March 29, 2019

6:30am, Meet and leave from the lobby of the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort. Join us as we walk/jog/run 3 miles next to the happiest place on Earth! (Separate Registration Required)

Thank You to our Fun Run Sponsor, Xenco Medical

8:00am-1:00pm, El Prado Foyer

8:00am, Park Plaza Ballroom

8:15am, Garden C

Grab your breakfast and join CALED CEO, Gurbax Sahota for a discussion about a CALED mentoring program that allows new and experienced members in the field of economic development to connect with each other and gain good advice. This is your chance to shape this program and share your ideas, whether you are new to economic development or seasoned and looking for ways to give back to the profession.

Workforce & Economic Development Trends and Collaboration

9:00am – 10:00am, Garden A-B

Discover the latest trends in workforce and economic development and ways both focus areas can work together. Experts will provide insight from national, statewide, local, and regional perspectives.

Speakers:

  • Francene Kennedy, Director, JFF (Jobs for the Future)
  • Reg Javier, Deputy Executive Officer of Workforce & Economic Development, San Bernardino County
  • Rebecca Ruan-O’Shaughnessy, Senior Project Manager, JFF (Jobs for the Future)
  • David White, Chief Executive Officer, Opportunity Stanislaus

Ag Innovation & the Rural Economy, sponsored by the Academy

9:00am – 10:00am, Tiffany Terrace

Learn about the latest in agricultural innovation and how your community can take advantage of emerging technology to grow and attract these unique businesses and to strengthen your economies.

Speakers:

  • Eric Barger, President, BargerTech
  • Glenda Humiston, Vice President, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, Office of the President
  • Wes Jurey, President, Agriculture Technology Innovation Partnership Foundation

Urban and Rural Approaches to Cannabis Regulation and Economic Development

9:00am – 10:00am, Palm West

Many rural and urban communities are regulating cannabis and working with this emerging industry to fuel economic development. Learn how cannabis can help support traditional agriculture in rural communities and how permitting commercial cannabis can help revitalize outdated commercial and industrial buildings.

Speakers:

  • Dustin McDonald, VP Government Relations, WeedMaps
  • David McPherson, Cannabis Compliance Director, HdL Companies
  • Tim Ricard, Program Manager, Sonoma County Economic Development Board

Best Practices in Public Investment in Projects

9:00am – 10:00am, Palm East

Public investment in private projects can spur development that does not pencil under market conditions. But with increasing scrutiny, this investment must be made carefully and with a full understanding of the benefits that will be felt by the community and what the local government is prepared to bargain. This session will identify the ways that you can partner on projects in your community.

Speakers:

  • Larry Kosmont, Chairman & CEO, Kosmont Companies
  • Denise Malvetti, Sr. Development Project Manager, City of Sacramento

Railroads: Driving California’s Economy

10:30am – 11:30am, Garden A-B

This session provides insight in freight rail’s role in developing and redeveloping regions across California, its environmental benefits, and how to plug-in to a dynamic rail network that reaches markets across the globe.

Speakers:

  • Jennifer Fitzgerald, Regional Manager Economic Development – California, BNSF Railway Company
  • Nate Kaplan, West Coast State Director, GoRail

What Works in Rural Workforce Development, sponsored by the Academy

10:30am – 11:30am, Tiffany Terrace

Workforce development is a key issue that leaders in rural communities discuss frequently. This session will focus on what is working in these communities. Hear from Emsi on national best practices in rural workforce development. Attendees will also learn about successful programs in California such as “On the Right Track,” a program that helps graduating seniors prepare for the real world outside of high school and how Humboldt County is using an innovative new method to recruit employees with “Workforce Weekend.”

Speakers:

  • Staci Johnston, CEO, Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce
  • Alivia Metts, Economist, Director of Consulting, Community Insights, Emsi
  • Susan Seaman, Program Director, Arcata EDC

New Generation Investment Tactics and their Role in a City’s Startup Ecosystem

10:30am – 11:30am, Palm West

How does the new generation of investors view opportunities to infuse capital into startups and what role do they see cities playing in the startup ecosystem? Hear how San Diego has ramped up startup activity through new programs and collaborative efforts with economic developers. Learn strategies and practical tactics to effectively engage the new generation of investors to stimulate your local startup ecosystem.

Speakers:

  • Neal Bloom, Chairperson/President, Startup San Diego
  • Ashok Kamal, Executive Director, Tech Coast Angels-San Diego
  • Jennifer Schoeneck, Economic Development Specialist, City of Vista
  • Lolita Taub, Principal & Director of Strategic Initiatives, Backstage Capital

Economic Development & Homelessness

10:30am – 11:30am, Palm East

With housing prices increasing throughout California and uneven economic growth, homelessness is a topic that cannot be ignored. Learn how some communities are tacking this issue and how these efforts are a boon to larger economic development goals.

Speakers:

  • Stephen Maduli-Williams, Community Development Program Manager, City of San Diego
  • Sean Spear, Assistant General Manager, Housing Development Bureau, Los Angeles Housing & Community Investment Department
  • Carlo Tomaino, Economic Development Manager, City of Lake Forest

11:45am – 1:00pm, Park Plaza Ballroom
(Doors Open and Food Service Begins at 11:45; Program begins at 12:15. Lunch is included with conference registration)

Join Legislative Co-Chairs Robert Burris and Aaron Laurel and Matthew Hargrove from CBPA as they give a Legislative Update on CALED’s advocacy efforts and how they impact your economic development work.

  • Robert Burris, Co-Chair, CALED Legislative Committee, President & CEO, Solano EDC
  • Matthew Hargrove, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs, California Business Properties Association
  • Aaron Laurel, Co-Chair, CALED Legislative Committee, City Manager, City of West Sacramento