Sacramento is experiencing one of its most challenging moments in recent memory. As our communities face the realities of the pandemic, we've seen our region respond by leaning on two of its biggest strengths -- its ability to work together and its diversity.

During the two-day virtual Internal Study Mission, you will hear about community-led response efforts and the work that needs to be done to ensure an inclusive economic recovery.

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PROGRAM

Day 1 - Thursday, November 5th

Explore how the pandemic has impacted our community, ways the region quickly mobilized support and resources, and the state of our region today.

Conversation: The Regions United Response to Crisis

In a time where division and discord are all too commonplace, Sacramento leaders exemplify the strength of solidarity. Recognizing that no single player would sufficiently provide for the barrage of unique needs as we fought to protect public safety; our regional chambers, small business community and our healthcare providers banded together, pooling resources to best support our community. In this panel, we’ll discuss a few of the partnerships that formed to efficiently provide business resources, deliver quality patient care, and ensure safe access to food for the high-risk population.

Discussion Leader: Jen Ablog, Community and Government Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente

Panelists:

• Brad Cecchi, Chef, Canon East Sacramento
• Brian Jensen, Regional Vice President, Hospital Council
• Pat Fong Kushida, President and CEO, Sacramento Asian Pacific Chambers of Commerce

Breakout Sessions/Trivia

Day 2 - Friday, November 6th

Looking ahead, discover how we are ensuring equitable economic recovery and growth as well as the future of arts, culture and tourism.

Conversation: Our Path Forward: A Prosperity Partner Initiative

An opportunity for an inside peak at the six strategies and how they can build a future for inclusive job growth for well-paying jobs and speed recovery from this painful recession.

Panelists:

• Amanda Blackwood, President & CEO, Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Pat Fong Kushida, President and CEO, Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce
• Bill Mueller, Partner, Integrated Communications Strategies

Conversation: Ensuring an Equitable Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the socio-economic inequities that still exist in Sacramento. Not only that, it’s threatened to widen those disparities even further as access to healthcare, reliable WiFi and business resources are increasingly prominent needs. Join us for a discussion on what programming is in place to champion an equitable approach to workforce development, local government investments, and business support.

Discussion Leader: Orville Thomas, Government Affairs Director, California Immigrant Center

Panelists:

• Bernadette Austin, Director, Center for Regional Health
• Gina Lujan, CEO, Hacker Lab
• Jonathon Burgess, Owner, Burgess Brothers BBQ & Burgers

Local Artist Performance

• Consci8us

Conversation: The Future of Arts, Culture, and Tourism

Sacramento has worked hard to cultivate a vibrant array of recreational amenities and arts experiences, recognizing their contribution to placemaking and enticing a skilled workforce. As we navigate recovery in the year to come, preserving those enrichments – sometimes in new formats – will be essential to retaining local economic success and determining what the future of tourism will look like for Sacramento. We’ll hear from industry experts what to expect as the new normal, and how the vitality of our arts and culture scene remains relevant.

Discussion Leader: Sonya Sorich, Digital Editor, Sacramento Business Journal

Panelists

• Raphael Delgado, Artist
• Shira Lane, Founder and CEO, Atrium 916
• Mike Testa, President and CEO, Visit Sacramento
• Maya Wallace, Vice Chair, Sacramento Arts, Culture, & Creative Economy Commission

* A portion of your ticket fees will go toward helping local small businesses