CSN Members and Morgan Fellows at the conclusion of the Exchange on Wednesday, May 13 in downtown Fresno.
Members of the California Stewardship Network (CSN) gathered in downtown Fresno on May 13-15 to learn more about initiatives in the central San Joaquin Valley and exchange ideas and information around mutual priorities. The Exchange was co-hosted and co-sponsored by CSN Members Central Valley Community Foundation and Fresno Business Council. Invited to participate in the multi-day Exchange were members of Cohort 5 of the Becky Morgan Steward Leadership Program (Morgan Fellows) who were also in town for the latest session of their year-long program.
“One of the best parts of hosting the CSN Exchange was the opportunity to share a piece of Fresno through the lens of the people and partnerships doing the work every day. Our region has a powerful story of collaboration, resilience, and innovation, but what made this experience especially meaningful was the time spent building genuine connections with leaders from across California. Getting to know people beyond the agenda and hearing the challenges and ideas shaping their own communities reminded me why this network matters so much. We’re all trying to build stronger regions, and there’s something special about doing that work while breaking bread together in my hometown.” – Genelle Taylor Kumpe, CEO, Fresno Business Council
“We were honored to host the CSN Exchange in Fresno and welcome colleagues from across the state to the Central Valley. The gathering provided an opportunity to showcase what makes this region so special – its people, industries, culture, and innovative community spirit. Through shared learning and meaningful conversations, we strengthened connections and reinforced our collective commitment to creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for communities throughout California.” – Ashley Swearengin, CEO, Central Valley Community Foundation
Several CSN Members began their time in Fresno by participating in the second Regions Up regional convening hosted by CA FWD. Among others, the session convened civic leaders from across the central San Joaquin Valley and engaged them in a series of conversations meant to help refine recommendations being elevated by CA FWD, CSN and other partners to inform the next gubernatorial administration’s thinking around durable, regions-up economic development planning and implementation in California.
CSN Members and Morgan Fellows listen to a presentation by John Gonzalez, Business Service Manager, Tulare County Workforce Investment Board regard the Tulare-Kings Industrial Partnership.
Guest presenters from the region were welcomed to the Exchange to share current information on their respective initiative while engaging with CSN Members and Morgan Fellows on questions and discussion. The two regional sessions focused on the Farms Food Future (F3) and Central San Joaquin Valley K-16 Collaborative initiatives. F3 presentations were delivered by: Karen Aceves who, along with her guest speaker Allen Vizcarra, provided information and preliminary outcomes related to F3’s AgTEC Workforce program; Priscilla Koepke who shared successes and challenges related to F3 Innovate; and Helle Peterson who provided information related to the F3 Local Farms and Food Innovation program. Karri Hammerstrom, John Gonzalez and Natalie Dodson each took time to articulate how the Central San Joaquin Valley K-16 Collaborative is supporting the alignment of career pathway programs in Fresno, Madera, Kings and Tulare Counties toward the benefit of public and private employers in various industries, particularly education, agriculture and manufacturing.
Morgan Fellows (L to R) Caitlin Blockus, Tyson Jue and David Palter concluding their guided tour of the Lyons Magnus manufacturing facility with a representative of the company.
Content learned in the Exchange “classroom” was complimented with immersive tour experiences that connected guest presentations with first-hand site visits. CSN Members and Morgan Fellows took part in a tour of Lyons Magnus manufacturing facilities in Fresno and witnessed the breadth of operations that make the company a leader in the beverage and food ingredient industry. A bus tour of downtown Fresno, facilitated by a representative from the Mayor’s Office in Fresno, followed. With bookend stops at downtown small businesses, Exchange participants learned about the various housing, public infrastructure and transportation projects being implemented in downtown Fresno, including improvements related to the state’s high speed rail project.
CSN Members and Morgan Fellows hearing the flavor options from Stacy Williams, Owner of BB’s Gelateria in downtown Fresno.
“This was my first visit to Fresno, and the combination of the morning presentations, high-quality afternoon tours, and engagement of local leaders throughout the week gave me a real sense a place – what the region values, what is the vision for the future, and how local champions are working together to make it happen.” – Emily Blackmer, Director of Government and Community Affairs, Sierra Business Council (Morgan Fellow – Cohort 5)
Exchange peer-to-peer sessions provided space for two timely conversations that support CSN Members’ ongoing participation in collective action and regional leadership. An engaging advocacy training session was facilitated by Toni Symonds of Policy Works California and provided Exchange participants with a better understanding of the State’s legislative process and how to effectively engage with it. CSN Member Steve Frisch also led a vibrant discussion related to roles and best practices of a regional intermediary organization.
The next CSN Exchange is scheduled for August 3-5 in Sacramento and will include a Legislative Luncheon being organized by the CSN Policy Committee and the annual California Steward Leader Awards ceremony.
