We want to thank everyone that participated in the 2026 summit. We hope you enjoyed the experience, and we can't wait to see you all again next year. Keep an eye out for updates on the 2027 summit on this page - more details to come!
The Redwood Coast Region Economic Summit was October 1–2, 2026, at the Arcata Community Center. The theme was 'Rural Innovation: Build, Connect, Grow.'
This annual two-day gathering brought together leaders, businesses, and community members from Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, and Trinity counties, along with neighboring tribal lands, all focused on fostering innovation and strengthening regional collaboration.
The summit highlighted manufacturing, networking, and collaboration, with conversations focused on how we can build on our region’s legacy and future—from niche production to food and beverage—while supporting emerging industries and strengthening connections across the Redwood Coast.
2026 Schedule
Thursday, October 1
Friday, October 2
8:30 - 10:00 AM
Registration/Coffee & Pastries
10:00 - 10:15 AM
Welcome
10:15 - 11:00 AM
Welcome from Elmy Bermejo, Director, California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) "Build, Connect, Grow: Putting State Resources to Work for Rural Businesses"
8:00 - 8:30 AM
SK Lee -- Ambition + Purpose: Doing Business in a Rural Community
8:30 - 9:15 AM
Companion Presentation Activity
9:30 - 9:50 AM
BREAK
11:00 - 11:10 AM
Artefex Art Panels Founder and CEO: "How to use Mentors to Scale your Business"
9:50 - 10:00 AM
Business Highlight #4: Hempcrete with Lisa Sundberg, Founder of Indigenous Habitat Institute (IHI)
11:10 - 11:20 AM
BREAK
11:20 - 11:50 AM
Julie Fulkerson, Philanthropist and Humboldt native: "From Seeds to Fruition"
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Robert Eyler: Ebbs and Flows, Forest and Trees: The National, State and North Coast Economies to 2030
11:00 - 11:10 AM
BREAK
11:50 - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 1:30 PM
Redwood Region Made
Presenter: Rosa Dixon, Executive Director, Humboldt Made
11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
From Ideas to Investment: Building the Capacity to Move Projects Forward: Regional Project Finance Council; TCDC; Business Investment Fund; Consultant Network
12:00 - 1:00 PM
1:30 - 1:40 PM
Busines Highlight: Crispin Cain, President & Co-Founder, and Tamar Kaye, Vice President of Mendocino Spirits
1:40 - 1:50 PM
BREAK
1:50 - 2:00 PM
Business Highlight: Evergreen Love, Founder & Chocolatier "To Journey with AhHome"
LUNCH
1:00 - 1:45 PM
Evan Van Auken: Scorch Marker -- Built in Humboldt, A Look Inside A Local Small Business
1:45 - 2:30 PM
Closing Remarks: State of the State Economy and How it Affects Our Region from Chris Rogers, California State Assembly, District 2
2:00 - 2:45 PM
"The Power of Collaboration" with Amy Bohner, owner Alchemy Distillery
Day 1 Presentations End
4:30 - 7:30 PM
Evening Reception: Farm-to-Table Dinner, Ridgefield Event Venue, 2242 Fickle Hill Rd, Arcata
*separate ticket required
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.
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
Harvesting Growth day2 afternoon session 11/07/25
