Panel Discussion
Revise, Rebuild, & Reconnect in 2022
Our panelists will include the following representatives from a variety of businesses, discussing how they have faced the challenges of the pandemic.
Meet the members of our Panel.
Moderator
Deborah Shepard's Bio
As the LAEDC district director, Ms. Levine provides strategic consulting and advisement to many types of businesses throughout Los Angeles County for business attraction, retention, expansion, and/or relocation. Resolving challenges and keeping companies in business no matter the situation is a top goal. Projects include business retention and sustainability, energy efficiency, cost of doing business, permitting, city and state incentives, and site selection. She also assists companies with management and workforce development issues. In her downtime, she enjoys being active outdoors, travel and is an avid power walker; she also loves home decorating and previously an instructor of marketing management courses at some LA area colleges.
During COVID-19, Ms. Levine serves on the Economic Recovery Task Force for both the City of Santa Monica and Culver City. Since 2008, Ms. Levine has been a member of the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board (SELACO WDB) and chairs their Business Advisory Committee.
Ms. Levine joined the LAEDC in 2002 and brings about 20 years of economic development experience plus 15 years of marketing management in both the private, non-profit, and public sectors. Plus corporate and client relationship management in manufacturing, creative services, and healthcare organizations. She has a BA in Economics from UCLA and an MBA in Entrepreneurial Organizations from Loyola Marymount University.
Deborah Shepard's Bio
Levi Stockton is the President and Founder of Advanced Air, LLC and Jet Center Los Angeles. Under Levi’s leadership Advanced Air, LLC and Jet Center Los Angeles have grown to over 100 employees, 200,000 square feet of Hangar Space, a large fleet of aircraft and 10 diversified arms of revenue, including Advanced Airlines scheduled service. Levi is a current ATP-Rated company Line Captain and uses his knowledge of the aviation industry to set and implement the company’s overall strategy, vision and direction. In addition, Levi has modeled a company culture based on safety, family values and service that make Advanced Air and Jet Center Los Angeles a great place to work and do business. Levi is on the board of the Air Charter Safety Foundation and active in the Los Angeles Young Presidents’ Organization.
Deborah Shepard's Bio
Shallom Berkman, along with his wife and partner Jilla Berkman, are the founders of Urth Caffe’.
The couple began traveling and researching direct sources of the finest certified organically grown, heirloom coffees and rare teas in the late 80’s. The Berkmans established a mail order catalogue known as Urth Caffe’ in1989. Urth Caffé is widely considered to be the first exclusively heirloom organic coffee roaster in the America.
In 1991, Jilla and Shallom opened the first retail Urth Caffe’ location in Manhattan Beach, California and have since grown into a pioneering leader in specialty heirloom organic coffees, fine teas, exquisite bakery and health-conscious cuisine focused on local, sustainable, and organic ingredients.
Guy
Hocker
Guy Hocker Realty
Deborah Shepard's Bio
Resident since 1962 and has served as a prominent realtor, developer and builder in the South Bay for more than 50 years. Recipient of the Realtor Emeritus Award by the National Association of Realtors.
Elected to the Hawthorne City Council in 1976, then became the first elected Mayor of Hawthorne in 1983.
As a community volunteer and business owner over the years, he has served as President of the Hawthorne Lawndale Board of Realtors, also, Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce, and the Hawthorne Family YMCA.
Deborah Shepard's Bio
I am a Los Angeles native; my immigrant family arrived here in 1910. I graduated from USC Dental School. Afterwards, I proudly served my country as a Captain in the US Army Dental Corps during the Vietnam War. I have been privileged to provide dental care in Hawthorne since 1964. Supporting the community is a vital part of my practice. I have the privilege of being the dentist for the Hawthorne School District. We also provide examinations and proper oral care instructions for free at local preschools. In addition, we give each preschooler a toothbrush kit to take home. We have volunteered at many, many Hawthorne Community Events and Health Fairs.
I enjoy fishing, sports, charity work, and time spent with my two sons and five grandchildren.
