Business, Government Leaders Exchange Thoughts for Shaping a Better State Future
Business, civic and legislative leaders gathered on June 10, 2026 for the California Business Outlook and Dinner featuring remarks from CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera, among others.
The California Business Outlook Dinner reimagines a tradition begun 100 years ago by the founder of the Sacramento Host Committee, made up of Sacramento area business leaders. Attendees at the annual event included decision-makers in California business, finance, government, education, agriculture and the international community.
Panel discussions throughout the event gave attendees the opportunity to hear from experts, legislators and business colleagues on subjects ranging from ballot initiatives and elections to international economics, artificial intelligence, the California budget and a new economic dashboard.
Awards presented at the event recognized outstanding chambers of commerce and innovative small businesses.
The final keynote speaker was James Carville, one of the most well-known political strategists in modern U.S. history.
Premier sponsors of the event were United Airlines and Fidelity Investments.
The Sacramento Host Committee, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, was CalChamber’s partner in presenting the Business Outlook Dinner.
Small Business Grants Go to Firms in Sacramento, Calabasas
Sacramento Host Committee Chair Jerry Fat of Frank Fat Properties introduces the judging panel and small business grant recipients.
The grant recipients demonstrated leadership in creating jobs and growing their businesses; creativity in workforce solutions and employee relations; community impact, including partnerships with community groups; and innovation in business solutions and design.
The grants were announced by Jerry Fat (Frank Fat Properties), chair of the Sacramento Host Committee, and giant checks were presented to the recipients by Sacramento Host Committee members Erica Taylor of Golden 1 Credit Union, Rachael McKinney of Sutter Health, and Nikky Mohanna of Mohanna Development.
The $5,000 grants were presented to EcoPress Sacramento and Zavikon.
EcoPress Sacramento
Sam Mejia of EcoPress with Sacramento Host Committee judges Erica Taylor of Golden 1 Credit Union, Rachael McKinney of Sutter Health, and Nikky Mohanna of Mohanna Development.
Sam Mejia, founder and CEO of EcoPress Sacramento, is a first-generation Filipino and Salvadoran. EcoPress is a startup that diverts plastic waste from landfills by upcycling it, transforming the post-consumer No. 2 plastics into usable goods, such as furniture, and art. The business hosts community cleanups, has partnered with seven small businesses to collect plastic, and collaborates with schools to provide students hands-on education in sustainability and creative reuse.
Zavikon
Rebecca Beam of Zavikon with Sacramento Host Committee judges Erica Taylor of Golden 1 Credit Union, Rachael McKinney of Sutter Health, and Nikky Mohanna of Mohanna Development.
At Zavikon, says Founder and CEO Rebecca Beam, “we believe there is a job for everyone to apply their talents and skills in a meaningful way. Our mission is to match qualified candidates with disabilities or those who are neurodivergent with employers who believe inclusion is the future. Zavikon is the bridge to inclusion.”
Currently, the Calabasas-based firm recruits talent using its large network of community partners, matching candidates with a client’s hiring needs. After a candidate is placed with a business, Zavikon follows up with activities such as educating managers and coworkers about the employee career coaching services.