The theme of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) 20th annual Greater Palm Springs Summit was Data. Opportunity. Growth., to highlight the regional economic opportunities and strategic goals for sustainable, diversified growth in the Coachella Valley. “We chose Data. Opportunity. Growth. as the theme as it aligns with the core goals of our updated economic development strategy, and reflects our vision for an inclusive and prosperous Coachella Valley economy,” said Laura James, CVEP’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Using a data-driven approach, the morning event demonstrated some of the Valley’s most significant changes over the past 30 years, and highlighted the unique opportunities for sustainably elevating the economy of the Coachella Valley.”
At the Summit, CVEP also honored Dick Oliphant for his outstanding contributions to CVEP and the Coachella Valley. As one of the founders of CVEP and an active investor and board member of CVEP for more than 30 years, in recognition of his visionary leadership and enduring impact, CVEP proudly presented him with a special award in gratitude for his remarkable service to our community.
Interim Superintendent/President of College of the Desert, Laura Hope, provided the report on the economic impact of College of the Desert. The event also included a “Born Here, Drawn to Here” panel of experts – those from the Coachella Valley, and those who have chosen to move here – with their own professional success stories. Moderated by Bansree Parikh, President, Bank of America Inland Empire, the panel included: Born Here – Armando Alvarado, Director of Engineering, Protecht and Grace Garner, Councilmember, City of Palm Springs; Drawn to Here – Marisa “Ritzy” Estrada Rivera, Consultant and Diversity in Emerging Tech Advocate.
The CVEP Summit is considered to be the premier business event of the year that traditionally draws more than 500 of the region’s business, civic, and education leaders. It’s an excellent and rare opportunity to hear from some of the area’s leaders, influencers, and decision-makers.
Hunter|Johnsen created and implemented a fully integrated, comprehensive campaign incorporating digital, television, radio, print, collateral materials, on-site signage, and materials. A Report featuring highlights was available to all attendees of The Summit, and a comprehensive 84-page Report was available online at https://cvep.com/intelligence/immediately following the event.
Sponsors of this year’s Summit included Presenting Sponsor College of the Desert, Platinum Sponsor Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Platinum Sponsor Hunter | Johnsen, and Gold Sponsor Bank of America.
The mission of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership is to incite a vision-driven economic transformation in the Greater Palm Springs region. Established in 1994, the nonprofit organization is a vital innovator of regional business development initiatives, fostering entrepreneurship and diversifying industry. CVEP is committed to promoting a diversified, year-round economy through business attraction, retention, and expansion. Visit www.cvep.com or call 760-340-1575.
