Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)

✨ HERstory in Motion: What Happens When Women Lead Trade, Logistics, and Regional Growth ✨ LAEDC’s Board of Governors gathered at the stunning Mount Saint Mary’s University — and let’s just say, you had to be there. From powerhouse women running ports, airports, and railroads to a data-packed preview of SoCal’s logistics future… this wasn’t just a meeting — it was a moment. 🔥 Here’s a look at what made today unforgettable 👇 🚢 Our economy moves because women do. Bonnie Lowenthal (Port of Long Beach), Marla Bleavins (LAWA), and Lupe Valdez (Union Pacific) dropped serious knowledge on how LA’s goods movement powers 2.6 million jobs across the U.S. But they didn’t just talk shop — they talked impact: 📦 How freight shapes local opportunity 🛫 Why regional coordination isn’t optional 🛠️ What it takes to build a workforce that looks like LA 📊 Trade isn’t just a sector — it’s our superpower. Dr. Dan Wei of LAEDC previewed new research showing our trade & logistics sector drove $500B in economic output in 2022. The kicker? We’re launching an interactive tool to track industry performance, workforce needs, and infrastructure investment in real time. That’s smart data, with heart. 🌎 California’s trade strategy = optimistic, strategic, values-driven. Emily Desai from GO-Biz reminded us that while the world may be volatile, California is steady. We’re: ✔️ Investing in semiconductors ✔️ Empowering small exporters ✔️ Going global at the Paris Air Show Her message: “We may not control federal policy, but we absolutely shape the response.” 🎓 And the future workforce? They were right there with us. Mount Saint Mary’s serves 65% first-gen students — 68% from low-income households — and they’re not waiting for permission. They’re preparing to lead. 💡 Final takeaway? If you care about equity, economic development, and real cross-sector action, LAEDC is the room to be in. Today was powerful. The next one will be too. 📅 Save these dates:👉 June 25 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 👉 September 17 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 👉 December 3 | Board Meeting & Holiday Mixer | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM Let’s keep the momentum going. 💬 What’s one bold idea YOU have for making LA’s economy more inclusive and future-ready? #LAEDC #WomensHistoryMonth #TradeAndLogistics #CaliforniaEconomy #FutureOfWork #InclusiveLeadership #SupplyChain #EquityInAction #PublicPrivatePartnerships #GOCalifornians #MountSaintMarys #PortsAirportsRails  

Speaker Panel Announcement for Future Forum 🎤 Be part of this timely conversation as we lay the foundation for: Recovery, Rebuilding, Resilience & the Future of Infrastructure. Tickets Available For Purchase: https://lnkd.in/gY7CzcnE

📢 Registration is NOW LIVE for the 10th ANNIVERSARY Select LA Investment Summit! 🌎✨ Join us on May 8, 2025, at the InterContinental Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles for California’s largest international investment gathering. This milestone event will bring together global investors, business leaders, and government officials to explore high-growth industries in LA, including clean energy, trade & logistics, bioscience, sports & entertainment, and manufacturing. KEY SESSIONS INCLUDE: 💡 LA in 2025: Celebrating a Decade of Impact, Designing a Decade of Opportunity 📊 World Trade in 2025: Navigating Uncertainty, Seizing Opportunity 📑 Launch of the 2025 California Foreign Investment Report 🎟️ SPECIAL OFFER: If you're traveling from outside the U.S., you get a FREE ticket! 📍 Secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/g8bJ345z 📩 Showcase your organization to LA’s key decisionmakers: for sponsorship opportunities contact olivia.zhang@laedc.org #fdi #trade #selectLA #LAadvantage #business #cleanenergy #logistics #bioscience #sports&entertainment #manufacturing

🌟Welcome new member Debra Gentz to LAEDC!🌟 We’re thrilled to welcome Debra Gentz, Senior Vice President/Group Director of Corporate & Specialty Banking at Customers Bank to the LAEDC community! When asked what inspired her to join LAEDC, Debra shared this insightful response. Join us in welcoming Debra! 🎉 👉 Learn how you can support economic growth in LA County: Become a Member – laedc.org/become-a-member/

Join us for the next LAEDC Future Forum, where we reimagine the future of construction and infrastructure through the lens of resilience, innovation, and sustainable rebuilding - ensuring that all communities, especially those historically impacted and disinvested, have equitable access to economic and workforce opportunities. Date: April 15th Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM Location: CSULA, Golden Eagle Ballroom PURCHASE TICKETS: https://bit.ly/4iOGn9X

🌆 That’s a wrap on the 88 Cities Summit! 🌆 On Wednesday, city leaders, businesses, and industry experts came together to exchange ideas, share solutions, and forge partnerships that will shape the future of Los Angeles County’s 88 cities. 💡 Key Takeaways: ✅ Collaboration is the foundation of economic success. Public-private partnerships, cross-city cooperation, and strategic investments drive growth. ✅ Strong infrastructure builds resilient communities. Broadband expansion, business-friendly policies, and workforce pipelines help cities remain competitive. ✅ Leadership makes the difference. Local officials who embrace innovation, streamline processes, and cut red tape empower businesses and residents to thrive. 👏 A huge thank you to our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making this event a success! Special appreciation to the City of Torrance for hosting us. 📅 Missed it? Visit the 88 Cities Summit recap page where you can watch the welcome remarks, keynote speech and main stage breakout sessions. Additionally, you can download slide decks and view the photo gallery. https://lnkd.in/g-Mhk4vQ Stay tuned for details on the next 88 Cities Summit on October 15, 2025! #88CitiesSummit #EconomicDevelopment #FutureOfLA #Leadership #Collaboration

⭐𝗟𝗼𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗳 ⭐ The 𝟴𝟴 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 convened local government leaders, economic development professionals, and businesses to share innovative strategies for addressing economic challenges across the county. With “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻” as this summit’s theme, the discussions emphasized the importance of 𝗳𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰-𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 and the need for regional collaboration in driving economic growth. ⬇️ Here are the 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 in case you missed this amazing summit: 1️⃣ 𝗔𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Attendees were treated to a day filled with captivating speakers, thought-provoking discussions, and collaborative activities that embodied the "Power of Collaboration." Click here to view the entire recap. https://bit.ly/4bVwGV6 2️⃣ 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 Dr. Gray fascinated the audience with her insights on strengthening communities to drive entrepreneurship and enhance the quality of life for small businesses. Click here to watch Dr. Gray’s keynote speech. https://rb.gy/38ed9e 3️⃣ 𝟴 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀  Participants were able to explore an array of exciting topics including infrastructure and broadband expansion, as well as climate sustainability and economic resilience. View at all the summit speakers in the virtual program here. https://bit.ly/41Iw2pb 4️⃣ 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗔 𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 In partnership with Microsoft Philanthropy, the Sustain LA Pitch Competition aims to empower early-stage startups focused on AI, the blue economy, and energy alternatives. Check out the registration page here. https://bit.ly/4iM0Kok 5️⃣ 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀-𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 LAEDC President and CEO Stephen Cheung announced that the application period for the Most Business-Friendly City Award are now open! Submit your city’s application here. https://bit.ly/4bT93wf Thank you to the City of Torrance for hosting our summit, as well as Southern California Edison (SCE),Microsoft, Latino Restaurant Association, and the Southern California Association of Governments for their generous sponsorships towards making our summit another success for LAEDC! The next 88 Cities Summit is on October 15, 2025, so make sure to save the date! In the meantime, make sure to buy your tickets for our Future Forum Event on 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱. Click here to buy your tickets NOW! https://rb.gy/izlvis

Ireland: ✅ 🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Yesterday, WTCLA & LAEDC celebrated LA’s close ties with Ireland by launching a new report analyzing Irish investments in our region. Ireland is LA County’s 9th largest investor, with 113 Irish-owned enterprises supporting 4,617 jobs for Angelenos across manufacturing, professional services, wholesale trade, and many other sectors.    Thank you to Consul General Marcella Smyth for hosting us and to Minister Darragh O'Brien TD for visiting us from Dublin! We were so pleased to have LA’s new Deputy Mayor of International Affairs Dilpreet Sidhu join us, alongside CEO of Kerry Group North America John Cahalane who this week is adding even more investment in LA County!    You can read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gh_MnKus   #SelectLA #Ireland #LosAngeles #StPatricksDay #FDI #jobs #manufacturing

🚨𝟴𝟴 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧!🚨 In addition to our great lineup of expert speakers and breakout sessions, we're excited to announce that we'll be hosting our Cities Solutions showcase! The City Solutions Showcase is an opportunity for contributors to exhibit their current work and initiatives to enhance the economic wellbeing in Los Angeles County. Showcase booths will be interactive, and will have exhibits from City of Monterey Park, City of Glendale, CA, City of Long Beach, City of Torrance, The Collidescope Foundation, Human-I-T, Linked Learning Alliance, Alliance for a Better Community, and Scout Climate. The City Solutions Showcase is also a great opportunity for participants to network with these contributors and and other like-minded professionals! Join us on 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 at the 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, as we bring together city leaders, economic developers, and community stakeholders from 88 of Los Angeles County’s cities to connect, collaborate, and build a stronger future. 🚨 Early Bird pricing ends tomorrow 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟰, click here to purchase your tickets 𝗡𝗢𝗪! https://bit.ly/3D93gWz 🚨

🚨𝟴𝟴 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧!🚨 We're only 𝟲 days away from our upcoming 88 Cities Summit! We are honored to have Dr. Tara Lynn Gray from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) as our Keynote Speaker! Join us on 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 at the 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, as we bring together city leaders, economic developers, and community stakeholders from 88 of Los Angeles County’s cities to connect, collaborate, and build a stronger future. 🚨 Early Bird pricing ends 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟰, click here to purchase your tickets 𝗡𝗢𝗪! https://bit.ly/3D93gWz 🚨