Redwood Coast Region
Economic Summit
Harvesting Growth: Transforming Rural Economies
The Redwood Coast Region Economic Development Summit is an annual two-day gathering focused on fostering innovation and regional collaboration across Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, and Trinity counties, as well as neighboring tribal lands.
This year’s theme, Harvesting Growth: Transforming Rural Economies, sparked conversations around downtown revitalization, tourism, and innovative rural development, with a spotlight on agri-tourism and the blue economy.
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For the first time, the summit was hosted in Lake County. Located along the western shore of Clear Lake, California’s largest natural freshwater lake, Lakeport is a growing hub for rural innovation. The city has made significant investments in infrastructure, restored historic landmarks, and expanded support for small businesses and cultural programming. With a strong agricultural legacy and access to world-class outdoor recreation, Lakeport offers an ideal setting to spotlight rural resilience and economic opportunity. This marked a new chapter—and a unique opportunity to highlight Lake County’s leadership in rural innovation and economic transformation.
Watch the 2025 Summit - Day 1 & Day 2
Harvesting Growth 2025 Redwood Coast Region Economic Summit 2025 Morning Session day 1 11/06/25
Harvesting Growth 2025 Redwood Coast Region Economic Summit 2025 Morning Session day 1 11/06/25
Harvesting Growth Redwood Coast Region Economic Summit 2025 day1 Afternoon Session
Harvesting Growth Day2 Morning session
Summit Timeline
Thursday, November 6th
Friday, November 7th
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Registration + Coffee & Pastries
Check in, grab a bite, and connect with fellow attendees. Breakfast provided by Rosey Cooks.
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10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Housekeeping & Welcome
Susan Seaman and Nicole Flora, with a welcome from Mayor of Lakeport, Kim Costa
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​10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Setting the Stage for the State
Senator Mike McGuire
11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Six Sigma Panel
Kaj Ahlmann (Owner of Six Sigma Ranch & Winery), Katelyn Andersen (Hospitality Manager at Six Sigma Ranch & Winery), Emmanuelle Gardon (General Manager of Huttopia Wine Country), Kia Pratschner (Program Coordinator of NorCal Interscholastic Cycling), and Annie Tyner (Founding Director of Jack’s Lavender Farm).
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Noon
Lunch provided by Saw Shop Public House.
12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Kennewick Project Presentation
From junkyards to wine bars, learn about the redevelopment of Columbia Gardens Wine and Artisan Village from a champion for the project and the former Director of Operations for the port.
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1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
Entrepreneur Success Stories
Learn how these successful local entrepreneurs used technical assistance resources like Hands Up Lake County and Start Up Mendocino to get where they are.
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2:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Break
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Rachael Callahan
UC SAREP’s Statewide Agritourism Coordinator, explores how agritourism strengthens rural economies.
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3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Downtown Walking Tour
Explore Lakeport's waterfront walk and learn how some of the anchors along the way, like the CLERC, are transforming the space to create a more vibrant downtown.
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5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Evening Reception - Farm to Table Dinner
A benefit for the Good Farm Fund, proceeds from the event will provide direct support for local farms and food security in our communities.
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast provided by Rosey Cooks.
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast Session: Visit California
Lynn Carpenter, Visit CA’s Senior VP of Marketing,
shares how rural regions can tap into the state’s
$140B+ tourism economy.
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10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: Robert Eyler
Dr. Robert Eyler, economist and Sonoma State
professor, brings expert insights into the economic
forces shaping rural Northern California.
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11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Revitalizing a Community Through Outdoor Recreation
Explore how outdoor recreation is driving regional
economic growth in this panel featuring Genevieve
Marchand (Cal Poly), Ben Rickelman (Lake County),
and Elaine Hogan (Great Redwood Trail).
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12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch provided by Lake Event Design.
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
Cannatourism and Legacy Farmers
Featuring studies and insights from Brian Applegarth
(Owner/Founder of Applegarth Strategies), Adrien Keys
(Trinity County / SoHum), Dana Hauser (Hayfork
Chamber of Commerce), Laura Lasseter (Executive
Director, Southern Humboldt Business & Visitors
Bureau), Matt Kurth (Humboldt Cannabis Tours).
Facilitated by Ric Leutwyler (Trinity County Supervisor).
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2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Egon Terplan
Learn about Region's Up Implementation and how it will affect our region with attention to how our rural communities can identify our strengths and resources that will help us gain a larger voice at the state level.
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3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Thank You To Our 2025 Summit Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring next year's summit?
Reach out to Susan Seaman, Program Director for North Edge. To learn more, download the Sponsorship Levels Info Sheet (PDF)! Email susan@northedgefinancing.org with any questions.
