Via AV PRESS:
LANCASTER — The Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise is accepting 2026 Navigating Change Award nominations.
The annual 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.
“Our region continues to experience significant economic growth, due in large part to innovative leadership across all business sectors,” AV EDGE Executive Director Drew Mercy said. “This positive trajectory is only made possible by exemplary leadership. The Navigating Change program is a terrific opportunity to honor individuals who contribute their time, resources, and abilities to the community’s economic development and growth. I strongly encourage our local community members to nominate individuals who influence positive change in our area.”
Nominations can be made online at https://shorturl.at/Cajd5; submitted via email at administration@avedgeca.org; or mailed to the AV EDGE office at 824 West Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA 93534. All nominations must be submitted by midnight on Jan. 31.
The 2026 Navigating Change recipient will be announced the week before the 2026 AV EDGE Spring Summit, scheduled for March 19.
“The positive growth we are seeing throughout our region is only possible with the collaboration, innovation, ingenuity, and vision of community leadership,” said Suzy Ghazarossian, president of the Board of Directors. “There are so many talented individuals who are making the Antelope Valley Region one of the most dynamic areas to conduct business, and it is an honor to make this program available to everyone. I encourage folks to submit nominations of people who have made or are making a positive impact on the Antelope Valley on or before Jan. 31.”
Last year’s Navigating Change award recipient was Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez, who was nominated along with her husband Dave, who died in November 2024. Mac Laren-Gomez serves on the Palmdale Water District Board of Directors.
In addition to announcing the 2026 Navigating Change recipient, this year’s 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. Details regarding the 2026 Spring Summit will be announced in the upcoming weeks. Visit avedgeca.org for event details, including sponsorship opportunities.
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