The Greenlining Economic Summit

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Greenlining Celebrates 16th
Annual Economic Summit

Over 1,000 Business, Community, and Government Leaders Convene to Discuss California’s Economic Crisis and Opportunities for Change 

LOS ANGELES (April 03, 2009) — Over 1,000 business, community, and government leaders joined forces to discuss the current economic crisis and opportunities for change.  The day-long event took place during The Greenlining Institute’s 16^th Annual Economic Summit on Friday April 3 at the Our Lady of the Angels Center at Cathedral Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles. 

Phil Angelides, the Chairman of the Apollo Alliance and former California State Treasurer kicked off the morning panel with a passionate presentation, detailing the need for smart investments in the state’s emerging green economy.  Randall Stevenson, the Chairman, CEO and President of AT&T, the world’s largest telecommunications company addressed participants interested in boosting California’s sagging economy.  He was joined by Richard Davis, the CEO of US Bank.  Click here to read entire summit schedule.

These leaders were joined by legislators, grassroots community leaders,  small businesses advocates, victims of the foreclosure crisis, and the newly unemployed.   The day’s three panel discussions focused on the emerging green economy, the housing crisis, and health.   Panelists for these sessions included CPUC Commissioner Diane Grueneich, Dr. Robert Ross, President of The California Endowment, and California legislative leaders including Senator Alex Padilla, Assemblymember Felipe Fuentes, Assemblymember Manuel Perez and Assemblymember Ted Lieu.  

Other highlights of the day included recognition for the legacy of two of California’s unsung leaders, Robert Gnaizda and John Gamboa, founders of The Greenlining Institute.  They received Greenlining’s Lifetime Achievement Award for their dedication and hard work for improving the lives of California’s underserved communities for over 40 years. The evening’s special commemorative event included a screening of a tribute video on John and Bob's life work, produced by Greenlining's own Multimedia Academy.

In addition to recognizing the work of Bob Gnaizda and John Gamboa, Greenlining honored other community leaders including Assemblymember Ted Lieu, Martha Montoya, Board member of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, Keith Kelley, Executive Director of the Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development,  Earl Skip Cooper, President of the Black Business Association, and Erik Paulino, Founder of La Unidad Latina Foundation.