The sixth annual meeting of Regional Jobs Initiative (RJI), which is headquartered within California State University, Fresno, brings together 300 business executives, public and community leaders to hear state plans to make it easier to start, expand or keep a business in California.

Participants will hear presentations around the theme “Staying Ahead of the Curve” that focus on challenges and strategies to resolve them; RJI industry cluster accomplishments; and a panel geared to help businesses take advantage of financial opportunities and resources.

“The Regional Jobs Initiative is simply a network that connects private industry, nonprofit and the public sector,” said Mike Dozier, director of Fresno State’s Office of Community and Economic Development, which hosts and staffs the RJI. “This network empowers our local businesses and community to make smarter decisions, be innovative, leverage resources and be more competitive.”

Dozier added that the annual meeting “will reflect the efforts of numerous leaders from various organizations collaborating for a shared economic development vision.”

The keynote speaker is Joel A. Ayala, recently appointed director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Gov. Schwarzenegger created the office to encourage business development and retention in California.

Ayala’s task is to stimulate economic growth through strategic policies and partnerships with the private sector, community, local and national organizations that enhance human and capital infrastructure development and increase California’s competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

The financial panel is comprised of Emerson Estrada, Economic Development Corporation serving Fresno County; Diane Howerton, Small Business Development Center – UC Merced Regional Network; Ronald Truly, Small Business Administration; Blong Lee, Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission; Craig Scharton, city of Fresno – Downtown Revitalization; and Brad Triebsch, Central Valley Fund.

The meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. May 26 at TorNino’s Catering, 5080 N. Blackstone Ave., Fresno. It will be followed by a networking opportunity at 9:45-10:30.

The event is open to the public, but seating is limited. Registration is $25. For more information, please contact Jen Paul at jenpaul@csufresno.edu.