Lancaster – The Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) is now accepting 2025 Navigating Change Award nominations. The annual Navigating Change Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout the community, improving the quality of life for individuals and significantly helping organizations or local governments while meeting the changing circumstances or challenges in the Antelope Valley region.
AV EDGE Executive Director Drew Mercy commented, “The Antelope Valley continues to hold incredible economic opportunity. From significant industry growth, housing, and business real estate to smaller retail opportunities, the Antelope Valley’s economy is expanding in positive ways for everyone who does business here or calls the Antelope Valley home. This positive trajectory is only made possible by exemplary leadership. Honoring individuals who contribute their time, resources, and abilities to help achieve our economic and community goals is always a privilege.”
2025 Navigating Change nominations can be made online at https://forms.gle/JNk39PQDEPdJaGucA, submitted via email at [email protected], or delivered to the AV EDGE office at 824 W. Lancaster Blvd. Lancaster, CA 93534. All nominations must be submitted by midnight on Friday, January 31, 2025. The 2025 Navigating Change recipient will be announced the week before the 2025 AV EDGE Spring Summit, scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Martin Tompkins, president of the Board of Directors, stated, “The positive growth we are seeing throughout our region is only possible with the collaboration, ingenuity, and vision of community leadership. It’s an honor to carve out time during our annual economic Spring Summit to recognize individuals who make a difference in the quality of life for our communities. On behalf of our selection committee, I encourage folks to submit nominations of people who have made or are making a positive impact to the Antelope Valley on or before January 31st.”
Past Navigating Change Award honorees include Regina Rossall, Westside Union School District Superintendent; Marvin Crist, Vice Mayor and Antelope Valley Community Advocate; Dante Simi, founder and past CEO of Learn 4 Life; Ed Knudsen, former Superintendent/President of Antelope Valley College; Diane Walker, Educator and community advocate; Pauline East, Antelope Valley Film Commission; and Scott Ehrlich, Developer.
In addition to announcing the 2025 Navigating Change recipient, this year’s 2025 Spring Business Summit will provide valuable insights, practical resources, and data on the current and future regional economic climate and an in-depth analysis of current economic challenges and opportunities. More details regarding the 2025 Spring Summit will be announced in the upcoming weeks. Be sure to visit avedgeca.org for all event details, including sponsorship opportunities
