Dear Mover & Shaker:
What matters to you? Whether it’s your well-being, family, community, or otherwise, the BizFed Institute (BFI) plays a part in
tackling issues and their conditions that affect the lives of those who matter to you. We call you a mover and shaker because whether you run in circles, big and small, you have the ability to help move the conversation needle from going in circles and shake up the status quo in seeking meaningful solutions to complex issues. We can’t do it without you, so read through our year in review and partner with us in continuing to do what matters.
Our 2016-2017 fiscal year was marked with brand-new developments that reflect the stalwart leadership of 2016 Chair MC Townsend and in “passing the gavel,” my aspirations in leading BFI to greater heights. We welcomed our inaugural Executive Director, published our first-ever annual report, created and expanded our social media reach—we had a promising start on Twitter with over 22,000 impressions in nine months—and made headway in sharing our story through earned media to thousands more. The NextUp Economic Forums educated over 350 people on pressing or emerging issues in California to project priorities moving forward.
Through our forums, research, and expanding clearinghouse of curated intel and data, our “think tank of think tanks” has empowered the most civically engaged business and community leaders and decision makers to consider taking action on the most vital issues affecting our daily lives. As we continue to grow our capacity this year, my fellow Advisory Board members and I are committed to cultivating more productive partnerships that will turn gradual steps into leaps and bounds, and transform important dialogue into even more important action that will shape policy that matters.
In Partnership,
Gilbert Ivey
2017 BizFed Institute Chair
2016 BizFed Chair
Former CAO, Metropolitan Water District