Last week, from Oct. 21-23, Stockton and the Northern San Joaquin Valley proudly took center stage as we co-hosted California Forward’s Economic Summit — a statewide gathering of more than 800 civic, business, and philanthropic leaders focused on advancing inclusive growth and regional prosperity.
Together, with North Valley Thrive and Opportunity Stanislaus, the San Joaquin Partnership welcomed leaders from across California to experience, first-hand, the innovation, collaboration, and economic potential that define our region.
The summit opened with three regional tours designed to showcase local strengths and innovations in clean energy, local restoration efforts, the bioeconomy, and advanced manufacturing — including an Aviation C Innovation Tour that highlighted the exciting industries shaping the Valley’s economic future. These experiences set the tone for a conference that celebrated progress rooted in partnership and regional leadership.
Among the highlights of the week were remarks from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who underscored California’s commitment to regional economic collaboration and inclusive growth, and a governor’s candidate forum featuring four candidates discussing their visions for the state’s future. These sessions reinforced the importance of sustained investment and engagement in California’s diverse regions.
… we delivered a powerful message:
Our region is open for business, full of talent,
and ready to lead.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Mayor Christina Fugazi for her leadership and hospitality throughout the summit. Her presence and engagement underscored Stockton’s commitment to collaboration and growth. Appreciation is also due to Vice Mayor Jason Lee, the Stockton City Council, and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom for their continued partnership and advocacy on behalf of our region.
A special thank-you to Chief Stanley McFadden and Officer Richard Buckley of the Stockton Police Department Air Unit for the national anthem helicopter flyover at the regional reception — a moment that captured our community’s pride and professionalism. Appreciation also goes to Chief Bryan Carr and the Stockton Fire Department for their support in helping us close the event with a spectacular fireworks display at Banner Island Ballpark.
The summit was far more than a three-day conference. It was an opportunity to highlight the North San Joaquin Valley’s growing role in shaping California’s economic future. Thanks to the hard work of the San Joaquin Partnership team, iHub San Joaquin, and the San Joaquin Community Foundation, along with our sponsors — Valley Strong Credit Union, A.G. Spanos Companies, American Medical Response (AMR), California Strawberry Commission, Collins Electric, CSU Stanislaus, the Reinvent Stockton Foundation, and California Water Service — we delivered a powerful message: Our region is open for business, full of talent, and ready to lead.
Not often do we have the chance to tell our story on such a large stage. This milestone event marked a proud moment, not just for Stockton, but for the entire North San Joaquin Valley. It showcased our capacity to lead, to partner, and reminded everyone that our region is resilient and full of promise.
As we look ahead, the San Joaquin Partnership remains focused on building on this momentum and attracting investment, fostering innovation, and creating pathways for shared prosperity.
To all who contributed to this success, thank you for representing our community with pride. Together, we showed that when Stockton shows up, we shine.
Bob Gutierrez is president and CEO of San Joaquin Partnership, a private, non-profit economic development corporation,driven to position companies for economic success throughout the region.
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