ARTICLE
By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that registration is now open for our Spring Community Leadership Visit (CLV) to Napa and Sonoma Counties. This two-day, immersive experience brings together regional business and community leaders for meaningful learning, connection, and inspiration focused on economic development, housing, entrepreneurship, and downtown revitalization. Designed as a curated leadership experience, this visit offers behind-the-scenes access, peer networking, and practical insights that participants can bring back to strengthen their business and community. What to Expect Participants can look forward to a thoughtfully designed agenda that includes: > Engaging discussions on Napa’s tourism and economic ecosystem, including how the region positions itself for long-term vitality > Hosted group meals in downtown Napa, creating space to connect with fellow leaders and continue conversations outside the meeting room > Conversations with local economic development leaders focused on growth strategies, shared challenges, and cross-sector collaboration > A guided exploration of downtown Napa, highlighting placemaking, development, and the local business environment > Evening networking and dining experiences with peers from across the region > A regional dialogue on housing and workforce impacts, featuring insights from Sonoma County business and chamber leaders > Exposure to university-based entrepreneurship and innovation programs, including how higher education supports startups and workforce development Why Napa & Sonoma? Santa Cruz County shares many similarities with Napa and Sonoma, including vibrant downtowns, strong tourism economies, housing pressures, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to small businesses and quality of life. Learning how these regions navigate growth, collaboration, and long-term planning provides valuable perspective and ideas that can be adapted locally. Why These Visits Matter Community Leadership Visits are a powerful investment in professional growth and regional impact. Participants gain: > Fresh ideas and best practices to bring back to their organizations and our community > A broader regional perspective on shared economic and workforce challenges > Stronger relationships with fellow business and community leaders > Inspiration and practical tools to help shape Santa Cruz County’s future What’s Included Registration includes all travel, hosted meals, and an overnight stay at the beautiful River Terrace Inn, located along the Napa River in the heart of downtown Napa. Space is limited to 35 participants and this event is expected to sell out. Click here to secure your spot today! Sponsorship Opportunities Support the Community Leadership Visit to Napa and Sonoma Counties and position your organization as a champion of regional collaboration, economic development, and civic engagement. CLV sponsors receive valuable visibility with business and community leaders while helping make this high-impact experience accessible and impactful. For sponsorship details or questions about the visit, contact Executive Director Kristen Brown at kbrown@santacruzchamber.org. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring and informative leadership journey.
By Kristen Brown, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce
The Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that registration is now open for our Spring Community Leadership Visit (CLV) to Napa and Sonoma Counties. This two-day, immersive experience brings together regional business and community leaders for meaningful learning, connection, and inspiration focused on economic development, housing, entrepreneurship, and downtown revitalization.
Designed as a curated leadership experience, this visit offers behind-the-scenes access, peer networking, and practical insights that participants can bring back to strengthen their business and community.
What to Expect
Participants can look forward to a thoughtfully designed agenda that includes:
> Engaging discussions on Napa’s tourism and economic ecosystem, including how the region positions itself for long-term vitality
> Hosted group meals in downtown Napa, creating space to connect with fellow leaders and continue conversations outside the meeting room
> Conversations with local economic development leaders focused on growth strategies, shared challenges, and cross-sector collaboration
> A guided exploration of downtown Napa, highlighting placemaking, development, and the local business environment
> Evening networking and dining experiences with peers from across the region
> A regional dialogue on housing and workforce impacts, featuring insights from Sonoma County business and chamber leaders
> Exposure to university-based entrepreneurship and innovation programs, including how higher education supports startups and workforce development
Why Napa & Sonoma?
Santa Cruz County shares many similarities with Napa and Sonoma, including vibrant downtowns, strong tourism economies, housing pressures, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to small businesses and quality of life. Learning how these regions navigate growth, collaboration, and long-term planning provides valuable perspective and ideas that can be adapted locally.
Why These Visits Matter
Community Leadership Visits are a powerful investment in professional growth and regional impact. Participants gain:
> Fresh ideas and best practices to bring back to their organizations and our community
> A broader regional perspective on shared economic and workforce challenges
> Stronger relationships with fellow business and community leaders
> Inspiration and practical tools to help shape Santa Cruz County’s future
What’s Included
Registration includes all travel, hosted meals, and an overnight stay at the beautiful River Terrace Inn, located along the Napa River in the heart of downtown Napa.
Space is limited to 35 participants and this event is expected to sell out. Click here to secure your spot today!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support the Community Leadership Visit to Napa and Sonoma Counties and position your organization as a champion of regional collaboration, economic development, and civic engagement. CLV sponsors receive valuable visibility with business and community leaders while helping make this high-impact experience accessible and impactful.
For sponsorship details or questions about the visit, contact Executive Director Kristen Brown at kbrown@santacruzchamber.org. We hope you’ll join us for this inspiring and informative leadership journey.