Communities thrive when there’s opportunity to create jobs, build businesses and spur economic development in neighborhoods where families live, work and play. Through our annual Abundant Community conference, we gather people regionally around Asset-Based Community Development trainings that focus on the gifts, skills, knowledge and passions already present in our communities. Participants explore the distinct interests of our diverse people and neighborhoods and how each person can contribute in meaningful ways to achievement of individual and shared community and economic goals.

Abundant Community 2015 brought together nearly 400 community members, civic and faith leaders and entrepreneurs who assembled for a series of events, including a Workshop, Dinner and Spanish language Conference, led by Ramon Leon, Founder and President/CEO of the Latino Economic Development Center in Minneapolis. The theme of the convenings focused on the existing assets of local families, neighborhoods and communities in order to mobilize the relationships and resources needed for effective local business development.

Ramon was joined by nationally prominent community development leaders, including: Katherine Perez-Estolano, Co-founder of Estolano LeSar Perez Advisors, LLC and Scot Spencer, Associate Director for Advocacy and Influence Center for Community and Economic Opportunity, The Annie E. Casey Foundation. This two-day event aimed to increase our diverse communities' participation in entrepreneurship, job creation and overall economic development in the San Joaquin Valley.