Via AV PRESS:
PALMDALE — Workforce Development and Retention will be the main topic next week at the Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) 2025 Fall Forum, presented by the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster.
The event is scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Palmdale Playhouse, 38834 10th St. East.
Two panel discussions will feature a variety of subject-matter experts from academia and the business sector who will share observations, best practices and strategic planning, organizers said.
The first panel will be moderated by Ben Gocke, director, Provider Relations with Southwest Health Care, Palmdale Regional Medical Center, and feature industry and employee panelists, including Mojave Air and Space Port CEO David Smith; Donna Washington, vice president of Permit Operations, Film LA; and Gina Woullard, vice president of Manufacturing Affordability Palmdale Site Leader, Northrop Grumman.
The second panel, moderated by Teresa Howard, director of Career Technical Education at the Antelope Valley Union High School District, will spotlight educators, with Westside Union School District Superintendent Regina Rossall; Craig Beswick, vice president of Workforce Development and Educational Programs, Lifelong Learning Administration Corp.; Jo Morgan-Kim, director of College Career Preparation Adult Education, Antelope Valley Adult Education Regional Consortium; and Jennifer Zellet, superintendent/president of Antelope Valley Community College District.
“Hiring and retaining the best individuals for any organization has always been challenging, and in today’s world of ever-changing cultures, education, and technology, hiring and retaining team members has become even more difficult for organizations, businesses, and industries in all sectors,” AV EDGE Executive Director Drew Mercy said. “We all know that employee talent begins with education and training in both hard and soft skills. This year’s forum will cover every aspect of workforce development and retention.”
In addition to interactive panel discussions, the event will share success testimonials, provide networking opportunities, and recognize the 2025 Economic Developer of the Year Award recipient, John Smelzer, founder and president of AV Alta Football Club, the Antelope Valley’s United Soccer League One men’s professional soccer team, and United Soccer League W League women’s team. The inaugural season kicked off in 2025 at the Lancaster Municipal Stadium. Smelzer is a 30-year sports industry, having held legal and commercial roles with the World Cup USA 1994, the NFL NBC Olympics, and Fox Sports. Under his leadership, AV Alta FC made the Antelope Valley home in 2024.
AV EDGE Board of Directors President, Suzy Ghazarossian added: “Our goal for this year’s forum is to strengthen collaboration between employers, educators, and community leaders throughout the Antelope Valley. By bringing these key stakeholders together, AV EDGE aims to foster partnerships that will enhance educational pathways and workforce training for local residents. The forum is designed to create opportunities for employers to share their needs and expectations, while educators and community organizations can showcase programs that prepare individuals for jobs right here in the Antelope Valley. This collaborative approach ensures that residents are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue rewarding careers locally, supporting a vibrant regional economy and strengthening the community’s future”.
Individual tickets are $88 for AV EDGE members and $108 for non-members, with ticketing fees. The event reservation deadline is at 5 p.m. Monday.
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