Building a Better Neighborhood is Topic of Hollywood Economic Development Summit

"Emerging Hollywood: Building a Better Neighborhood” will be the theme of the 2016 Hollywood Economic Development Summit. Presenting sponsor for the summit will be Townscape Partners, developers of the planned 8150 Sunset Blvd. project.

The conference will take place on Thursday, June 23rd, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the ArcLight Cinemas, 6360 Sunset Blvd. Admission for advance registrants is $50 per person and includes a continental breakfast. Registration can be done online: www.hollywoodchamber.net/events.

Co-chairs Dwayne Gathers (Gathers Strategies) and Timothy Grubbs promise another outstanding program that will discuss how Hollywood is evolving into a positive case study for urban development in Southern California. They hope to discuss not just real estate projects but some of the key issues that must be addressed as Hollywood moves forward.

Keynote speaker at the conference will be Christopher Hawthorne, the Los Angeles Times Architecture Critic. With substantial experience and engagement on issues around architecture, urban planning, mobility and sustainability, Hawthorne brings a rich focus to the very issues with which Hollywood is dealing.

In addition, Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell (CD13), who represents Hollywood’s business district will welcome attendees and Councilmember David Ryu (CD4) has agreed to participate.

Of special interest this year will be two panels: one titled “Designs on Hollywood” that will discuss how good design can improve the quality of life in Hollywood, and a second on Tourism’s Impact on Jobs and the Economy. Participants in the Designs on Hollywood panel will include Denise Zacky-Popoch of Gensler Architects, Eric Olsen of TCA Architects, Scott Epstein, Mid City West Community Council, and Robert Herscu of HQ Creative. Grant King of the Hollywood International Regional Center, Chris Nelson of Universal Studios Hollywood, Robert Green, Jr. of The Robert Green Co., and Adriene Davis of L.A. City College will participate on the second panel.

Attendees at the Summit will also receive a complimentary copy of the Chamber’s popular annual Economic Development Update for 2016 as well as a copy of the 2016 Hollywood Business and Community Profile.

As of press time, the following sponsors have signed up: Presenting Sponsor is 8150 Sunset. Diamond-Level sponsors include Crescent Heights, Harridge Development Group, Hollywood International Regional Center, Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., Kilroy Realty Corporation, and Los Angeles City College.

Gold-Level sponsors include Avison Young, Champion Real Estate Company, CIM Group, Gensler, Gonzales Law Group, Iron Mountain Entertainment Services, J.H. Snyder Co., Latham & Watkins, JLL, Paramount Contractors & Developers, Related California, The Robert Green Company, Robertson Properties Group, and Wilcon.

Silver-Level sponsors include: Ametron Audio/Video, Archway Holdings, Birch Tree Properties LLC, Discover Hollywood Magazine, East Hollywood BID, Emerson College Los Angeles, Gathers Strategies, Handelman Consulting, Inc., Hollywood Entertainment District, HQ Creative Office, LeFrak, NAI Capital Commercial, The Original Farmers Market, Park & Velayos LLP, Park Plus, Inc., Proper Parking Company, Selbert Perkins Design, Sunset & Vine BID, and Wood Partners.