The Valley Industrial Association hosts the second annual Regional Executive Summit offering executives a forum for developing solutions to critical issues facing Southern California-based industries. C-suite executives from the tri-county area of Los Angeles, Ventura and Kern counties will convene on Wednesday, October 24 at the Hyatt Valencia to discuss issues and address concerns common to businesses operating in the three county area.
Topics under discussion include the impacts related to workforce housing, transportation, and acquisition and retention of skilled employees. The tri-county area – where median home prices top over half a million dollars – is particularly at risk for attracting and retaining a skilled workforce.
“It’s a bad situation when employees can’t live in the community where they work,” said Gary Buterbaugh, co-chair of the event. “If employees are forced to commute long distances, then roads become clogged, productivity is impacted, and companies have a difficult time recruiting.” There’s a growing trend of companies leaving California for areas where housing is more affordable for their employee base.
Keynote speakers for the summit include Lynn Jacobs, director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development; Mike Chrisman, California Secretary for Resources; and Jack Stewart, California Manufacturing and Technology Association president.
A panel of speakers and representatives from the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, Antelope Valley Board of Trade, Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance, and Kern County Board of Trade will share experiences on what has worked in their respective communities during the one-day conference.
“We recognize what the issues are, but we’re focused on bringing solutions to attendees,” emphasized Buterbaugh in describing the nature of the conference. “The intent is to generate dialogue and the impetus necessary to lead us to developing other creative solutions.”
“The business summit is indicative of how important it is to establish collaborative efforts, bringing resources together and providing leadership with government, business and schools,” said Ernie Villegas, partner with Paladin Principle and VIA chairman. “By working together, we can create a strategic entity to accomplish our goals and objectives in the tri-county area.”
To register or receive additional information, visit www.via.org or call 661-294-8088.