(September 23, 2021) - Marina, CA – Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation (Joby), JoeBen Bevirt will be the keynote speaker at the Monterey Economic Partnership (MBEP) 7th annual State of the Region on October 29, 2021 to share insights on how his company is changing the way we think about transportation. Joby is building a fully electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) passenger aircraft optimized to deliver an air taxi service beginning in 2024. Founded in 2009, Joby employs more than 700 people, with offices in Santa Cruz, San Carlos, and Marina, California, as well as Washington D.C. and Munich, Germany.

MBEP’s annual State of the Region includes cross-sector conversations covering a range of topics from childcare to housing, systemic racial bias in our education system, how state surplus and federal funds are being deployed to benefit our region, and more. 

“We are pleased that JoeBen Bevirt will be joining us as our keynote to speak about the need for sustainable mobility in today’s congested cities,” said Kate Roberts, President and CEO of MBEP.  “The need for timesaving, environmentally-friendly transportation is becoming more critical every day.”

Program Highlights:

Keynote: JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby Aviation

Panel Discussion: Paul Farmer, CEO of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, will facilitate a panel discussion on how the lack of access to quality affordable childcare has led to ripple effects that have impacted all industries.

“Lightning Rounds”: Short inspiring talks will address issues pertinent to our region, propose a solution, and offer ways for attendees to get involved. Topics include creating equitable economic opportunities, new ideas on affordable housing, increasing degree attainment, systemic racial bias in our education system and how best to navigate life with COVID-19 variants.

Fireside Chat: Senator John Laird and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (invited) will share how and where the millions of dollars of federal and state recovery funds are being allocated in our region.

Community Impact Award: Each year at the State of the Region, this award is given in recognition of an individual who demonstrates significant community impact and leadership that inspires others. This year’s award recipient will be announced during the event.

Virtual Platform. Due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19 and variants, this event will be held on Zoom. 

Tickets and Sponsors: The complete program can be found below and on our website where tickets may be purchased. MBEP would like to thank our generous sponsors: San Benito Health Foundation, Ow Family Properties, South Swell Ventures, UC Santa Cruz, Dignity Health, Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, CSU Monterey Bay, Bay Federal Credit Union, Goodwill Central Coast, Graniterock, Monterey County Weekly, Santa Cruz Works and KAZU Radio.

About MBEP 

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional, member-supported nonprofit consisting of public, private and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz. MBEP’s mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

Interested in connecting more with our community and going to more events? If so, head over to the Santa Cruz Works upcoming Events Page. The Santa Cruz Accelerates Launch Extravaganza is going to be on October 6th.