Redwood Coast Region
Economic Summit
Harvesting Growth: Transforming Rural Economies
The Redwood Coast Region Economic Development Summit is a two-day gathering happening on November 6-7, 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, will spark 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 will be 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 marks a new chapter—and a unique opportunity to highlight Lake County’s leadership in rural innovation and economic transformation.
Join us at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lake County this November for an opportunity to gather, network, and connect under one roof to help co-create a thriving economic future for our region.
Summit Reception
Farm to Table Dinner
Thursday, November 6
Doors Open 5:30 PM | Dinner at 6:00 PM
THAT Ranch | 4405 Thomas Dr, Lakeport, CA
Join us for a family-style meal prepared by chefs Olan Cox and Caroline Radice, featuring ingredients from farms across Lake, Mendocino, and the Redwood Region. This event benefits the Good Farm Fund, supporting local farmers and food access.​
Come hungry. Leave inspired.​​
MUST Register by November 1st:
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$40 for Summit Participants/Farmers
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$75 General Admission​
Held as part of the 2025 Redwood Coast Region Economic Summit.
2025 Schedule Overview
Wednesday, November 5th
Redwood Region RISE
Thursday, November 6th
Day 1
On Wednesday, November 5, join us at Skylark Shores Resort for a special evening reception that brings together the Redwood Region RISE convening group and Summit participants. Enjoy an outdoor setting with a Grazing Table by Santana’s Cottage Café and Catering and wine provided by the Lake County Winery Association. This event will be held outdoors—please dress accordingly!
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Day 1 sets the stage for statewide and regional economic transformation, with insights from Senator Mike McGuire and local project leaders. Attendees will explore entrepreneurial success stories, dive into the opportunities of agritourism, and get a firsthand look at Lakeport’s downtown revitalization through a guided walking tour.
Friday, November 7th
Day 2
Day 2 continues the momentum with a focus on rural innovation, outdoor recreation, and sector-based transformation. From expert analysis by economist Robert Eyler to panels on the blue economy, cannatourism, and regionalism, the day will highlight strategies shaping the future of rural Northern California.
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
Using Local Technical Assistance Resources. Featuring success stories from Hands Up Lake County and Start Up Mendo.
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 historic Carnegie Library and
discover how CLERC is transforming the space.
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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
(Cannabis & Hemp Tourism at JNS Next), Adrian Keyes
(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
Using regionalism to overcome impending changes in our rural region.
3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Thank You To Our 2025 Summit 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.
