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Each year, the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce organizes a Community Leadership Visit (CLV), bringing together local leaders to explore how other cities tackle challenges similar to those in the Santa Cruz Area. These visits serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, discovering innovative solutions, and strengthening relationships among local decision-makers. By meeting with business leaders, government officials, and educational institutions in communities facing comparable issues, these visits provide valuable takeaways that can help shape policies and initiatives in Santa Cruz. Over the years, the program has inspired local leaders and contributed to meaningful change in our region. Personally, joining the CLV in my first three days as Executive Director was an incredible opportunity to connect with Chamber and Board members, immerse myself in the role, and bring fresh ideas back home. This year’s CLV took participants to San Luis Obispo, a city known for its thriving economy, university influence, and creative approaches to housing and economic development. The visit featured a diverse range of site tours, discussions, and networking opportunities designed to highlight best practices that could be adapted for Santa Cruz. We began our trip with a lunch and tour at Paso Robles’ Tin City, an innovative business district showcasing small-scale wineries, breweries, and artisan enterprises that drive local economic success. At Trust Automation, we explored how advanced control and power management systems are shaping industries such as defense, semiconductors, industrial automation, and medical technology. A guided city tour of downtown San Luis Obispo then provided insight into development projects and infrastructure improvements, as well as a visit to the interesting and unusual Bubblegum Alley. Our group also visited Cal Poly’s Innovation Hub and Tech Park, where we learned how partnerships between higher education and businesses foster entrepreneurship and regional growth. At PG&E’s Diablo Canyon Energy Education Center, discussions focused on energy policy, sustainability, and future power solutions. A visit to People’s Self-Help Housing highlighted affordable housing projects and strategies for community-driven development. Throughout the trip, networking opportunities, including a reception with SLO Chamber members and public officials, allowed for meaningful connections and idea-sharing. Meals at the Madonna Inn, NoVo Restaurant & Lounge, and Spirit of San Luis offered additional opportunities for discussion and reflection. During this trip, I learned that participants have consistently found the experience to be a valuable opportunity offered by the Chamber. The combination of site visits, direct conversations with community leaders, and the chance to collaborate with fellow Santa Cruz decision-makers provides a unique environment for learning and growth. Many attendees return year after year, finding fresh inspiration and making lasting connections. Previous CLVs have taken participants to Santa Cruz (2023), Monterey (2022), Ventura/Oxnard/Santa Barbara (2019), Tahoe (2018), Seattle/Victoria, Canada (2015), Santa Barbara (2014), Fort Collins/Boulder, Colorado (2013), and San Luis Obispo (2012). Each destination has offered valuable insights and best practices that have helped shape initiatives here in our community. As we reflect on the lessons gained from this year’s trip, the experiences and ideas shared will help inform future discussions and initiatives in Santa Cruz. The Chamber looks forward to continuing this valuable tradition and encourages local leaders to join next year’s Community Leadership Visit for another opportunity to learn, collaborate, and inspire meaningful change.
Each year, the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce organizes a Community Leadership Visit (CLV), bringing together local leaders to explore how other cities tackle challenges similar to those in the Santa Cruz Area. These visits serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, discovering innovative solutions, and strengthening relationships among local decision-makers. By meeting with business leaders, government officials, and educational institutions in communities facing comparable issues, these visits provide valuable takeaways that can help shape policies and initiatives in Santa Cruz. Over the years, the program has inspired local leaders and contributed to meaningful change in our region. Personally, joining the CLV in my first three days as Executive Director was an incredible opportunity to connect with Chamber and Board members, immerse myself in the role, and bring fresh ideas back home.
This year’s CLV took participants to San Luis Obispo, a city known for its thriving economy, university influence, and creative approaches to housing and economic development. The visit featured a diverse range of site tours, discussions, and networking opportunities designed to highlight best practices that could be adapted for Santa Cruz. We began our trip with a lunch and tour at Paso Robles’ Tin City, an innovative business district showcasing small-scale wineries, breweries, and artisan enterprises that drive local economic success. At Trust Automation, we explored how advanced control and power management systems are shaping industries such as defense, semiconductors, industrial automation, and medical technology. A guided city tour of downtown San Luis Obispo then provided insight into development projects and infrastructure improvements, as well as a visit to the interesting and unusual Bubblegum Alley.
Our group also visited Cal Poly’s Innovation Hub and Tech Park, where we learned how partnerships between higher education and businesses foster entrepreneurship and regional growth. At PG&E’s Diablo Canyon Energy Education Center, discussions focused on energy policy, sustainability, and future power solutions. A visit to People’s Self-Help Housing highlighted affordable housing projects and strategies for community-driven development. Throughout the trip, networking opportunities, including a reception with SLO Chamber members and public officials, allowed for meaningful connections and idea-sharing. Meals at the Madonna Inn, NoVo Restaurant & Lounge, and Spirit of San Luis offered additional opportunities for discussion and reflection.
During this trip, I learned that participants have consistently found the experience to be a valuable opportunity offered by the Chamber. The combination of site visits, direct conversations with community leaders, and the chance to collaborate with fellow Santa Cruz decision-makers provides a unique environment for learning and growth. Many attendees return year after year, finding fresh inspiration and making lasting connections.
Previous CLVs have taken participants to Santa Cruz (2023), Monterey (2022), Ventura/Oxnard/Santa Barbara (2019), Tahoe (2018), Seattle/Victoria, Canada (2015), Santa Barbara (2014), Fort Collins/Boulder, Colorado (2013), and San Luis Obispo (2012). Each destination has offered valuable insights and best practices that have helped shape initiatives here in our community.
As we reflect on the lessons gained from this year’s trip, the experiences and ideas shared will help inform future discussions and initiatives in Santa Cruz. The Chamber looks forward to continuing this valuable tradition and encourages local leaders to join next year’s Community Leadership Visit for another opportunity to learn, collaborate, and inspire meaningful change.