Via AV PRESS:
The Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) will announce the 2026 Navigating Change Award recipient during this year’s Spring Business Summit, taking place March 19 at the Antelope Valley Fair and Event Center.
The annual award honors individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership through their community service, significantly improving the quality of life for individuals and/or significantly helping organizations or local governments while meeting the changing circumstances and challenges in the Antelope Valley region.
“ ‘Navigating Change’ Honorees are innovative individuals who challenge the status quo with determination and creativity, overcoming obstacles,” AV EDGE Executive Director Drew Mercy said in a statement. “Our selection committees have had their work cut out for them this year, with so many deserving nominations.”
A record number of impressive nominations were submitted this year for consideration. Nominees include: Matthew Blackwood, Billionaire Leadership Club; State Assemblyman Juan Carrillo; Alejandro Castillo of Boots On the Ground Alliance; Nana Deeb from the Palmdale Regional Medical Center; Mitch Klein from IBEW Local 11; Trolis Niebla from City of Lancaster; Brotha Perry of Antelope Valley Outreach; Michelle Royal from DP Commercial Brokage Inc.; Jorge Ventura of Ventura Graphics; and Amy Wiese from Kaiser Permanente.
The AV EDGE executive board members have narrowed the field to the top five finalists: Steven Derryberry and Shawne Chamberlin of Philanthropic Efforts; Ben Gocke from Palmdale Regional Medical Center; Jeremy and Sharon Johnson of Grace Resources; John Smelzer from AV Alta FC; and Aaron Valencia of the Lost Angels Career Center.
“This year’s record number of qualified nominations and the high-level engagement from the business community reflect a deep passion and commitment to making the Antelope Valley region a strong, sustainable community,” AV EDGE board President Suzy Ghazarossian said in a statement. “Every one of these nominations embodies leadership values that are essential to building a vibrant and prosperous future. I commend each nominee for their tireless efforts to go above and beyond. Their contributions are making a significant positive impact on our community, and it is an honor to recognize such dedication.”
In addition to announcing the 2026 Navigating Change recipient, this year’s Spring Business Summit will provide insights, practical resources and data on the current and future regional economic climate, along with an in-depth analysis of current economic challenges and opportunities.
The event’s keynote speaker is renowned author and motivational speaker Peter Sheahan. Making an encore presentation to the summit is acclaimed economist Mark Schniepp. Additional economic presentations will include speakers from the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale and Los Angeles County, as well as critical highlights and comprehensive commercial real estate market overviews.
Individual event tickets start at $125 for AV EDGE members and $150 for nonmembers. Interested 2026 summit attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as seating is limited.
For event details, including sponsorship opportunities and detailed ticket information, visit avedgeca.org.
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