Five Chambers Come Together for Fall Excellence Summit in Long Beach |
Five regional leaders will take the stage September 10 for a conversation about what businesses should be doing now to prepare for 2027 and beyond. |
Five business and community leaders representing entrepreneurship, government, banking, innovation and small business development will headline the inaugural Fall Excellence Summit on Thursday, September 10, at The Grand in Long Beach.
Hosted by the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce, the evening will bring together members of five chambers for a combination of leadership discussion, networking and member appreciation. The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce and Cypress Chamber of Commerce are partnering with Signal Hill for the event, with the Port of Long Beach serving as sponsor.
The summit runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow Street in Long Beach.
Fall Excellence Summit Leaders Look Toward 2027
At the center of the evening is a leadership forum titled “Business Outlook 2027 and Beyond.”
The discussion is built around a straightforward question: What should businesses be doing today to prepare for tomorrow?
Organizers have assembled panelists from very different corners of the regional economy, giving business owners an opportunity to hear perspectives on entrepreneurship, local government, artificial intelligence and innovation, banking and finance, and resources available to small businesses.
Ben Anderson, president and co founder of Encore Gas & Supply, brings the perspective of someone who has spent decades in the industrial gas and welding supply industry. Anderson helped launch Encore in 2014, and the Signal Hill based company has expanded its operations and services substantially since its early years.
Charlie Honeycutt, vice mayor of Signal Hill, brings both government and economic development experience to the panel. Before being elected to the City Council in 2024, Honeycutt spent more than 30 years serving Signal Hill, including positions as city manager, deputy city manager and director of public works.
Angelica Wheaton, founder and CEO of Pacific Business Partners, will provide the entrepreneurship and innovation perspective. Wheaton works with business owners on operations, growth, strategy and technology, and is also the founder of the community organization Long Beach Moms.
Phillip J. Bond, executive vice president and chief credit officer at Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach, brings decades of banking and commercial lending experience. His background gives the panel a financial perspective at a time when access to capital, borrowing costs and business expansion remain important considerations for local companies.
Ted Hiatt, associate regional director of the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network, rounds out the panel. Hiatt has spent more than a decade with the Small Business Development Center network helping entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow and gain access to resources and capital.
The discussion will be moderated by Signal Hill Chamber President Paul Forchione and second vice president Greg Ernst.
Five Chambers Under One Roof in Long Beach
The summit also creates an unusual networking opportunity by bringing together professionals who might normally attend events within their own individual chambers.
Business owners and professionals from Signal Hill, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Los Alamitos and Cypress will have the chance to make connections across city boundaries while sharing ideas about the economic issues facing businesses throughout the region.
The evening will also include a member appreciation component recognizing chamber members and community partners. Guests can expect hors d'oeuvres prepared by The Grand's culinary team, a cash bar and raffle prizes. Organizers are encouraging guests to dress for the occasion, with navy blue and white designated as the colors of the evening.
Registration is currently open through the Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce. Admission is $45 for non members, with additional member ticket options available through the chamber registration page.
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Event Details
Fall Excellence Summit |
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