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The Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC) invites business and community members, along with the press and media, to a Sponsor Appreciation BBQ and press conference on June 12th, marking the start of the 2024 Imperial Valley Economic & Energy Summit. This annual event, co-hosted by the Imperial Regional Alliance (IRA) and the Imperial Valley Business Resource Center (IVBRC), will be held at Imperial Valley College.
Over three days, the Summit aims to bring together local leaders and industry experts to deliberate on economic growth and industry developments in the Imperial Valley. Participants will have the chance to engage in various conversations that are set to shape the region’s future.
SoCal Gas and the University of California, Riverside, are the key sponsors for this year’s Summit. The agenda includes extensive coverage of vital industry clusters such as solar, geothermal, Lithium Valley, transmission, and clean transportation. Key topics will also delve into the electric vehicle battery supply chain, green hydrogen, and renewable natural gas and fuels.
The Summit kicks off on June 12th with an Economic Forum beginning at 3:00 PM at the Brawley Elks Lodge. This forum will cover various project topics relevant to the economic landscape of the Imperial Valley. Following the forum, there will be a reception at 5:30 PM, offering attendees the opportunity to network and discuss the day’s insights in a more relaxed setting.
The second day of the Summit, June 13th, begins with registration and breakfast at 7:30 AM at Imperial Valley College. The day’s program officially starts at 8:30 AM with a welcome speaker, followed by the opening speaker at 9:00 AM. At 9:30 AM, attendees can engage in panel discussions focusing on Energy and Water.
A special presentation on the Lithium Valley Specific Plan Area Formation is scheduled for 10:45 AM, providing a deep dive into this important project. The morning sessions will conclude with panel discussions on Lithium and Geothermal starting at 11:30 AM. After a lunch break at 12:30 PM, the afternoon sessions will resume at 2:00 PM with panel discussions on Green Fleets, Policy, and Compliance, followed by discussions on Zero and Near Zero Emission Vehicles at 2:45 PM. The day will wrap up with a Listening Session on Lithium Valley at 3:30 PM and a reception at 4:30 PM.
The final day of the Summit, June 14th, also begins with registration and breakfast at 8:00 AM. The morning’s discussions start at 8:30 AM, focusing on Imperial Valley’s New Economy. This is followed by topic discussions on the Recompete Pilot Program at 9:00 AM and the K-16 Collaborative at 9:30 AM.
Panel discussions on the Lithium Valley Workforce Study will take place at 10:00 AM, examining the employment implications and opportunities within this emerging industry. The Summit will conclude with panel discussions on California Jobs First at 10:30 AM, aiming to provide insights into job creation and economic strategies for the region.
For more information about the Summit and its agenda, please visit [IVEDC’s Summit page](https://www.ivedc.com/events/economicsummit).
