As announced in early April, the Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) will be hosting an "in-person" 2022 Spring Business Summit - "Bridging the Gaps," on May 25 at the AV Fair & Event Center from 7 a.m. to noon. This year's keynote speaker is business entrepreneur, bestselling author, and cast member of ABC's "Shark Tank," Daymond John.

Joining the event's speaker line-up is acclaimed economist and author Dr. Robert Eyler. Dr. Eyler is the president of Economic Forensics and Analytics, specializing in public policy analysis for private business firms and governments. He is also Professor of Economics at Sonoma State University and has been a visiting scholar at both the University of Bologna and Stanford University.

Having earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, and B.A. in Economics at CSU, Chico, Dr. Eyler is a respected expert witness and forensic economist, who is often called upon by national media for his insights, financial forecasting expertise and to provide economic impact analyses for both private firms and public entities to help guide public policy. Adding to an impressive list of accomplishments, he has authored two books, including one on international economic sanctions. Dr. Eyler is a California native, whose family have been sheep and cattle ranchers in Marin and Sonoma counties since 1910, which uniquely qualifies him to address the unique financial challenges at the state, regional and local levels.

Jeff Michael, award winning, veteran television journalist and businessman, will be this year's emcee. Michael has been reporting in Los Angeles for three decades. Most recently he co-anchored the CBS2 News at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. while also appearing on KCAL9 evening newscasts. Prior to that, for 18 years, Michael anchored and reported for KTTV, Fox11 News. He co-created and launched Fox11's 5 p.m. news-interview show and was the Co-Anchor of the Fox11 10 O'clock News. After an accomplished career in journalism, Michael has embarked on a new professional journey. From the time when he became a pilot as a teenager, he has loved aviation and aerospace. Now he is combining his communication skills with that love as a Communications Specialist with Virgin Galactic, the pioneering space company dedicated to opening space to as many people as possible.

"Bridging the Gaps" Business Summit will provide valuable insights, practical resources and data on the current and future regional economic climate, and the continued recalibration of post-COVID-19 challenges that all businesses, industries and entrepreneurs continue to face. Key topics will include a regional economic forecast, as well as updates from Kern and LA County, the Cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, our state and federal representatives and Edward Air Force Base.

Individual tickets are $80 for AV EDGE members and $100 for non-members. Interested attendees of the "Bridging the Gaps" Business Summit are encouraged to purchase tickets early as seating is limited. For event details including sponsorship opportunities and detailed ticket information visit http://www.avedgeca.org.

The AV EDGE exists to ensure thoughtful, diverse economic growth and development of the entire Antelope Valley. Through partnerships, legislative advocacy and education, we work to inspire all businesses and industries to engage, leverage and cultivate the countless opportunities the Antelope Valley Region offers businesses locally, regionally and globally.

The AV EDGE attracts, retains and fosters diverse business growth, cultivates regional and local partnerships, engages in workforce development and education initiatives, and creates sustainable quality infrastructures, while championing diversity, inclusion and a robust legislative voice that significantly contributes to the success and prosperity of the greater Antelope Valley.