Redwood Coast Region
Economic Summit
Together Towards Tomorrow
The Redwood Coast Region Economic Summit is a 2-day summit, October 10-11, designed to foster a future-ready economy that appeals to and supports the dreams of young employees and entrepreneurs. 'Together Towards Tomorrow' reflects our shared vision for a rural region that is not just a place to live, but a place where the next generation can thrive, innovate, and shape the future.
This year's summit offers a unique opportunity to gather, network, and connect under one roof to help co-create a thriving economic future for our region. Join us at the Sequoia Conference Center in Eureka this October for a rare opportunity to connect and network with your fellow community leaders making an impact in our Redwood Coast Region. Follow the event page on Facebook here!
Schedule Overview
Wednesday, October 9th
Industry Leader Mixer
For the first time, The Redwood Coast Region Economic Development Summit will include a local business event for Humboldt County. This year, the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce is hosting the "2024 Economic Forecast for Businesses." This event is being held the day before the Summit to inform the Humboldt business community about our current reality and expected future trends in Humboldt County. Speakers will address emerging and expanding industries including offshore wind, port development, fish farming, and more.
Thursday, October 10th
Keynotes and Evening Reception
Featuring Keynotes​
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Robert Eyler, Professor of Economics, Sonoma State University.
Dr. Eyler has been a favorite speaker at the last two Summits. He always brings a good presentation about the economic foundation of the region.
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Anthony Pipa, Brookings Institute
Tony Pipa is a senior fellow in the Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution. Tony launched and leads the Reimagining Rural Policy initiative, which seeks to modernize and transform U.S. policy to better enable equitable and sustainable development across rural America. He also launched and leads the Local Leadership on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative, which explores the approach cities and local institutions are taking to solve local problems while driving progress on global policy and transnational issues.
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Florence Parks, the Executive Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters
Florence Parks has over 30 years of experience in youth development to design and support mentoring initiatives across the state. She will inspire the room by talking about Big Futures and the long-term impact of mentoring. ​
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Evening Reception
Join us for our evening networking event that will be held at the Sequoia Park Zoo featuring the Redwood Skywalk. Enjoy the oldest and smallest accredited zoo in California while networking with other attendees.
Friday, October 11th
Leadership Breakfast
Join us for a breakfast presentation by Bode Gower, a Senior at Ukiah High School who founded the Northern California Youth Policy Council. We'll follow his inspiring presentation with discussion among conference participants and students about what policies our youth see as important for their future in our region.
Summit Timeline
Thursday, October 10th
Friday, October 11th
8:30 am
Doors Open & Registration (Continental Breakfast available)​
9:30 am
Welcome​
10:00 am
Florence Parks: Mentoring our Youth for a Stronger Future
10:30 am
Robert Eyler: Insights into the Economic Foundation of our Region
11:45 am
Lunch
12:30 pm
Redwood Coast K-16 Initiative
1:15 pm
Break
1:30 pm
Breakout Sessions: Innovative Workforce Panels
2:30 pm
Redwood Region RISE Presentation
4:30 pm
Reception Sequoia Park Zoo
6:00 pm
End of Reception
8:00 am
Doors Open
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9:00 am
Bode Gower Leadership Breakfast: Including Youth in Policy Making
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10:00 am
Break
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10:15 am
Anthony Pipa: Reimagining Rural Policy
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11:30 am
Lunch
12:30 pm
Breakout Sessions: Innovative Workforce Panels
1:15 pm
Break
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1:30 pm
Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire
2:15 pm
Breakout Sessions: Innovative Workforce Panels
3:00 pm
Closing Session: Using Our Voice to Advocate for Our Region
3:30 pm
End of Event​
Presenting Sponsors
Thank You to 2024's Sponsors
Interested in sponsoring this 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.