LBEP remains unwavering in its commitment to the 2023 Pillar Initiatives, while recognizing the indispensable value of the board member-led task force committees known as the LBEP Core Commitments. These fundamental areas of focus are deeply embedded in the organization’s fabric and serve as guiding principles for all endeavors. By intertwining the Core Commitments into the fabric of projects, events, and activities, LBEP ensures a seamless integration of its mission and vision, maximizing its positive impact on the community and furthering its dedication to driving meaningful change and sustainable growth. Through this cohesive approach, LBEP continues to elevate its contributions, foster strategic partnerships, and steer the City of Long Beach towards a prosperous future.

True to our mission to promote Long Beach as a great place to invest, we also held several economic forums highlighting industries such as: Trade & Transportation, Health Care, Real Estate Development, and Aerospace and Space Beach. These quarterly economic forums have drawn national and international audiences with participants from three countries, six states, with over 650 attendees at each forum. The result – 15 new leases signed by companies now investing in the Long Beach economy.

Closing the Digital Divide – With seed funding from the Long Beach Community Foundation, LBEP is providing technology training and 1-on-1 coaching to local small businesses, as well as grant funding to help owners pay for the tools they really need. Whether that’s a new POS system for contactless payments, paid social media ads, or accounting software subscriptions – we’ll help local businesses get the training and capital they need.

Through the ongoing support of Wells Fargo, Union Bank, the Long Beach Community Foundation and the City, we provided ongoing assistance and financial grants to many small businesses to help them endure through the pandemic.

Additionally, thanks to a grant from Prologis, LBEP collaborated with the community in the Santa Fe Corridor to make it safer, more beautiful, and easier for small businesses to attract customers by providing direct grants for storefront improvements, public art, community clean up days, and a neighborhood garden.

LBEP works with business and industry to understand the emerging workforce needs and in-demand skills associated across industries. These include future facing industries, such as clean tech transportation and outer space. In partnership with our educational institutions and free standing workforce centers, training labs and alternative educational solutions – LBEP assists in connecting Long Beach residents to skills needed to secure well paying employment.

Members:
Todd Bauer, Deloitte
Allan Pullman, Studio One Eleven
Tala Baltazar, Laserfiche
Herlinda Chico, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn
John Bishop, Memorial Care
Bradley Pollak, Long Beach City College
Meliana Prado, Cal State University, Long Beach
Simon Kim, Cal State University, Long Beach