AV EDGE 2024 Navigating Change Nominations now open

The Antelope Valley Economic Development & Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) is now accepting 2024 Navigating Change Award nominations.

The 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.

The 2024 Navigating Change nominations can be made online at http://www.avedgeca.org/navigating-change/, submitted via email at [email protected] or delivered to the AV EDGE office at 824 W. Lancaster Blvd. in Lancaster. All nominations must be submitted by midnight on Friday, Feb. 16. The 2024 Navigating Change winner will be announced the week before the 2024 AV EDGE Spring Summit, scheduled for April 5.

"For generations, the Antelope Valley Region has been recognized locally, regionally, nationally and globally for exceptional leadership, where creativity, imagination, commitment and collaboration are boundless. The Navigating Change nominations always motivate and inspire. Making a single selection from the nominations can be challenging, and I suspect our selecting committee will be re-challenged this year," said AV EDGE Executive Director Drew Mercy.

Past Navigating Change Award honorees include Marvin Crist, Vice Mayor and Antelope Valley Community Advocate; Dante Simi, founder and past CEO of Learn 4 Life, for innovation and passion for alternative education; Ed Knudsen, with the Antelope Valley College, recognized for overseeing significant campus growth and meeting the needs of students' technical needs and during the pandemic; Diane Walker for her work with Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District for her innovative strategies in building collaboration to increase Talent to Workforce success to prepare local students for high-quality jobs in the Antelope Valley; Pauline East for her work in increasing and capitalizing on the Antelope Valley's filming potential; and Scott Ehrlich for his success in rejuvenating downtown Lancaster into "The BLVD."

In addition to announcing the 2024 Navigating Change recipient, this year's 2024 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 for the 2024 Spring Summit will be announced within the next few weeks. Be sure to visit http://www.avedgeca.org/upcoming-conferences/ for all event details, including sponsorship opportunities.

The AV EDGE exists to ensure thoughtful, diverse economic growth and development of the entire Antelope Valley. Through partnerships, legislative advocacy and education, we work to inspire all businesses and industries to engage, leverage and cultivate the countless opportunities the Antelope Valley Region offers businesses locally, regionally, and globally.

The AV EDGE attracts, retains, and fosters diverse business growth, cultivates regional and local partnerships, engages in workforce development and education initiatives and creates sustainable quality infrastructures while championing diversity, inclusion and a robust legislative voice that significantly contributes to the success and prosperity of the greater Antelope Valley.