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COVID-19 Webinar Roundtable & Resource Update

In light of the COVID19 global pandemic, the Downtown Long Beach Alliance has adapted our operations to best serve and meet the needs of our community by connecting them to critical assistance resources. As part of our continued role as a clearinghouse for information, the DLBA is proud to announce a webinar roundtable series covering the far-reaching impacts from COVID-19 and how to address them. Topics will range from small business adaptation to changing consumer behavior, featuring insights from a diverse selection of industry professionals, academic researchers, and local policymakers.

As part of our webinar series, the DLBA will also host a weekly information update from local partners at the City of Long Beach, Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network, and the Small Business Development Center. These sessions are a valuable opportunity for business owners to ask any questions relating to resources for recovery and adaptation.

Webinar Schedule and Speakers

Webinar 1 – Tuesday, May 19, 2020 11:00 AM PST
Resource Information Update from Local Partners

Opportunity for the Long Beach business community to engage directly with representatives from the City of Long Beach, Small Business Development Center, and Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network. Speakers will provide an overview of any resources or updates available, followed by an extended question and answer period between webinar participants and speakers

  • Seyed Jalali, City of Long Beach Business Development Bureau
  • Lucius Martin, Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network
  • Brad Pollak, Small Business Development Center

Webinar 2 – Friday, May 22, 2020 11:00 AM PST
Business as Usual? Perspectives on Reopening Small Business

This webinar will address perhaps the most discussed segment of the economy — small business. This webinar dives deeper into the role small business plays in the local and national economy, and how consumers and business operators alike can respond to the sudden economic pressures caused from a global pandemic.  

  • Karie Armstrong, Small Business Development Center
  • Cynthia Ward Wikstrom, Main Street Alliance
  • Wade Martin, CSULB Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Webinar 3 – Tuesday, May 26, 2020 11:00 AM PST
Resource Information Update from Local Partners

Opportunity for the Long Beach business community to engage directly with representatives from the City of Long Beach, Small Business Development Center, and Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network. Speakers will provide an overview of any resources or updates available, followed by an extended question and answer period between webinar participants and speakers

  • Eric Romero, City of Long Beach Business Development Bureau
  • Lucius Martin, Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network
  • Brad Pollak, Small Business Development Center

Webinar 4 – Friday, May 29, 2020 11:00 AM PST
Adapting Retail in the Face of COVID19

A majority of retailers have been forced to close their doors during the COVID19 pandemic; this webinar dives into consequences of such closures, such as effects on consumer behavior, changes in marketing techniques, and the future resiliency of brick and mortar shops as the economy reopens. Speakers will bring insights from a variety of retail-related disciplines, including retail brokers, industry thought leaders, and experts in consumer behavior. 

  • Michael J. Berne, MJB Consulting
  • Andrea Guevara, Brand Strength
  • Noel Aguirre, Lee & Associates

Webinar 5 – Tuesday, June 2, 2020 11:00 AM PST
Resource Information Update from Local Partners

Opportunity for the Long Beach business community to engage directly with representatives from the City of Long Beach, Small Business Development Center, and Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network. Speakers will provide an overview of any resources or updates available, followed by an extended question and answer period between webinar participants and speakers

  • Eric Romero, City of Long Beach Business Development Bureau
  • Lucius Martin, Pacific Gateway Workforce Innovation Network
  • Brad Pollak, Small Business Development Center

Webinar 7 – Friday, June 12, 2020 11:00 AM PST
Long Beach Economic Outlook
  • Robert Kleinhenz, Ph.D, Kleinhenz Economics 
  • Scott Flexo,Ph.D, CSULB 

Webinar 6 – Friday, June 26, 2020 11:00 AM PST
The Work from Home Migration: Work Environments and The Future of Office Space:

The third installment of the Webinar series will dive into office spaces and the large number of office workers who are currently working from home. Join us as executives, architects, and organizational psychologists will discuss the drastic change in work style that has occurred for employers and employees. In addition, this webinar will look ahead to assess any lasting changes to the office environment, from physical organization to tenant marketing practices. 

  • Gabe Middleton, human-I-T
  • Alan Burks, Environ Architecture, Inc.
  • Chris Warren, PhD, CSULB Dept. of Psychology