Economic Development News from the East Bay | May 2021

The nomination period for the 2021 East Bay Innovation Awards virtual ceremony is now open! Often referred to as the “Academy Awards of the East Bay,” the East Bay Innovation Awards is the premier program of its kind that celebrates and honors the extraordinary companies and organizations that contribute to the region’s legacy of innovation. Please take a moment to nominate companies, organizations and individuals that should be recognized for their innovative work! Here are a few helpful tips:

  • We have moved to a new platform and registration is required.
  • Nominations are accepted for any entity or individual with an HQ or operations in the East Bay (Alameda or Contra Costa County).
  • You can preview application questions in advance of your online submission.
  • Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.
  • Visit our FAQ for additional information.

The nomination period will close on Friday, May 28 at 5:00 PM. Submit your nominations today!

East Bay EDA's 2021 Spring Membership Meeting, The Future of Food will be broadcast live on Thursday, May 20 at 9:00 AM. Renowned Chef Martin Yan will kick off our program featuring East Bay food innovators. Join us to learn more about our region’s deep history leading food movements and some of the latest innovations that are creating a more resilient and sustainable food ecosystem! We have a packed agenda with a great panel, including:

• Tyler Jameson, VP of Government Relations, Impossible Foods
• Betty Kaufman, Director of Product Development, CCD Innovation
• Kimberlie Le, Co-Founder & CEO, Prime Roots
• Rob Leibowitz, CEO & Board Chairman, Kite Hill

Our discussion will be moderated by Glenda Humiston, VP of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources at University of California, Office of the President.

Make sure to submit your questions for the Q & A in the registration form. This event is open to both members and non-members
NEWS

Join East Bay EDA for The New Normal, a speaker series webinar exploring public health during pandemic recovery and implications for economic development. We're pleased to welcome panelists from organizations that have played a pivotal role in the East Bay's recovery process, planning, and public health. Register!

East Bay EDA is partnering with the Bay Area Council (BAC) on their Return to Work and Transit project and we invite you to join the BAC's Employer Network. The purpose is to help inform transit agencies of employers’ reopening plans and anticipate demand. Companies will receive monthly requests through the fall to share their latest workplace plans. Join today!

With some encouraging signs that the COVID-19 pandemic is getting under control, East Bay EDA continues to update its resource pages for manufacturing companies and small businesses in our region that need additional support with financial recovery and reopening. Access our COVID-19 Resources and Manufacturing Resources pages.

State of the Economy has moved to June 23. Join East Bay EDA and the Industrial Association of Contra Costa County for a special presentation on economic impacts, resiliency, and recovery in a post COVID-19 world. We're excited to feature Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics. If you previously signed up you are still registered.
Economy

East Bay EDA recently participated in Greenlining Institute's annual economic summit, Momentum: A Virtual Summit on Racial Equity. In addition to being unique gathering where innovation, art and activism aligned, the event provided an opportunity to learn more about Greenlining's unique research and resources, including the Greenlined Economy Guidebook 2020. We are encouraging our members and community to download the guidebook and consider its policy recommendations as the economy begins to open across our region and beyond. Download the guidebook today!