San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance

Q4 SJVMA HR Roundtable
2025-11-13 11:45 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Tangram Interiors, 7700 N. Palm Ave., Suite 110, Fresno, CA, 93711, United States
Join the Movement to Prioritize Mental Health in Our WorkplacesThe mental health crisis is real, and it’s impacting our employees, our businesses, and our community. But together, we can create meaningful change.The Fresno Business Council and San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance invite you to an exclusive HR Roundtable where we’ll officially launch our comprehensive three-tier workplace mental health initiative – a collaborative effort with Heartland Compass designed to transform workplace wellness across our region.Why Attend?

Learn the business case for investing in employee mental health

Network with fellow HR professionals facing similar challenges

Discover practical implementation strategies for your organization

Be part of a regional movement that’s making a real difference

What You’ll Take Away:

Actionable strategies to implement immediately

Resources and tools for your organization

Collaborative opportunities with other businesses

A clear roadmap for improving workplace mental health

Who Should Attend:

HR Directors and Managers

Business Owners and Executives

Employee Wellness Coordinators

Anyone passionate about workplace mental health

This is more than an event – it’s the beginning of a movement. Join us as we work together to create workplaces where mental health is prioritized, stigma is eliminated, and employees can truly thrive.If you cannot join us in person, there will be a virtual option.Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025Time: 11:45am – 1pmPlace: Tangram InteriorsLimited seating available. Register today to secure your spot & receive a calendar invite.

Central Valley FAME Open House
2025-11-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Reedley College, 995 N Reed Ave, Reedley, CA, 93654, United States

Q1 SJVMA Human Resources Roundtable
2026-02-17 11:45 - 13:00 | Tangram Interiors, 7700 N. Palm Ave., Suite 110, Fresno, CA, 93711, United States
Please join SJVMA and Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland PC to learn about new 2026 labor laws!
The California Legislature had a busy session and passed a number of laws that will materially impact California employers and their business operations.
Please join us and your Manufacturing HR colleagues for our in-person member roundtable at Tangram Interiors (7700 N. Palm Ave., Suite 110, Fresno, CA) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 11:45am to 1:00pm for great information.
Lunch provided.

Q1 SJVMA Marketing Roundtable
2026-03-25 10:00 - 11:00 | IMAGO, 555 W. Shaw Avenue, Suite A5, Fresno, CA, 93704, United States
Your Reputation Is Your Edge: SJVMA Q1 Marketing Roundtable Focuses on Trust in 2026
The first session of SJVMA’s 2026 Quarterly Marketing Roundtables will focus on reputation as a tool for growth. This in-person event, titled “Reputation-Driven Growth: How to Build Trust That Converts,” will offer strategies to help manufacturers become more visible and more credible across every touchpoint.
These roundtables are open, candid discussions with industry peers, where attendees are encouraged to bring their own questions, challenges, and insights. Each session is a chance to learn directly from others in the field and to leave with ideas that apply to your own company.
Led by Adrian Rodriguez of Anchored Web Solutions, the session will cover:

How online presence affects procurement decisions
What makes a testimonial valuable to buyers
Which reputation factors influence hiring and retention
Lessons from Valley companies that have invested in their public image

Reputation Is Part of Operations
A strong reputation helps close contracts, attract partners, and retain talent. Without a clear message and reliable presence, companies risk losing opportunities they never knew existed. This roundtable will help business leaders evaluate their current standing and learn how to take control of their company’s public image.
If you’ve delayed your next marketing step because you weren’t sure what mattered most, this session will clear the path.
What’s Ahead for SJVMA Roundtables in 2026
Save the dates from 10-11 am, as each quarterly roundtable tackles a different area of growth:

Q2 June 24 – SEO You Can Actually Use
Q3 Sept 23 – Beyond SEO: How to Stay Visible in AI-Powered Search

Each event is designed to support practical next steps for companies seeking real progress without extra overhead.
Join the Conversation
The March roundtable is open to manufacturers, educators, and partners. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required.
REGISTER HERE

SJVMA Member Meeting
2026-04-15 09:00 - 10:30 | 720 S. 10th St., Fresno, CA 93702, 720 S. 10th St., Fresno, CA, 93702, United States
Member Meeting
Join us for our first SJVMA Member Meeting of the Year! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow members, share insights, and explore how the Manufacturing Industry input helps shape workforce development and education.

Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 9:00–10:30 AM

Location: Farber Educational Center
Cafeteria / Multi‑Purpose Room
720 S 10th St, Fresno, CA 93702

Parking: PLC Lot

Agenda

9:00–9:20 AM | Networking Opportunity
Connect with SJVMA members and partners before the program begins.

9:20–9:30 AM | SJVMA Overview & Current Updates
Get the latest updates on SJVMA initiatives, priorities, and upcoming activities.

9:30–9:35 AM | Live Warm‑Up Activity
Interactive word‑map exercise based on a skills assessment question.

9:35–10:00 AM | Skills Assessment Overview
Learn how this assessment:

Gathers actionable data directly from employers

Informs SJVMA programming and advocacy efforts

Ensures member input drives decisions, including CTE education priorities and skill-set training

10:00–10:30 AM | Guided Farber Educational Center Logistics Lab Tour
Get a firsthand glimpse of the classroom and your future workforce in action:

Student‑ or instructor‑led demonstrations

Training Equipment being used

Discussion prompts during the tour:

“Where does this mirror your operation?”

“What would you want graduates to know before being hired?”

Your voice is Important! Don’t miss this chance to:

Influence workforce and education initiatives with your input

See how logistics education connects to real‑world operations

Network with regional industry leaders and partners

We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your perspective.
REGISTER HERE

Fresno City College 2026 Spring Job Fair Information
2026-04-16 08:00 - 13:00 | Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Ave., Fresno, 93741, United States
The 2026 Spring Job Fair is scheduled for April 16, 2026, located at the University Mall at Fresno City College. Check in and set up will be from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and the job fair will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m. Invitations will be going out soon. Fresno City College is in the middle of updating their website that will allow employers to register and pay online.
This semester, they will be charging $60.00 per employer. This includes a tent (can bring your own), 6 ft. table, two chairs, a tablecloth (if needed) and lunch for two people. You can bring additional personnel but if they would like lunch, it will be an additional $15.00 per person. All these details and more will be notated on the invitation letter.
If you are interested, contact Mary Beth Wynn at marybeth.wynn@fresnocitycollege.edu

FFB Bank - Economic Outlook for Manufacturing in 2026
2026-05-07 12:30 - 14:00 | Sheraton Hotel, 12725 Center Ct Dr. S, Cerritos, CA, 90703, United States
REGISTER HERE

Hosted by FFB Bank & San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance

The economy is always changing—are you ready for what’s next? Join us for an eye-opening discussion with renowned economist Dr. Christopher Thornberg as he unpacks the biggest trends shaping in 2026. Expect bold predictions, data-driven insights, and real talk about the future of manufacturing this year!

Date: May 7, 2026
Start Time: 12:00 PM
Lunch Buffet Included

Enjoy great food, great company, and a front-row seat to the economic forecast you won’t want to miss. Reserve your spot today!
More about Dr. Thornberg
Dr. Christopher Thornberg has been called many things throughout his career, but his favorite thing to be called is correct.
Notably, he predicted the collapse of the sub-prime real estate bubble in 2006 and the Great Recession that followed. During the Covid-19 pandemic he was one of the few economists on record to correctly push back against the forecasting community’s panicked predictions of a depression. In the past two years, he has again stood against the grain, and stood out, for accurately forecasting that there
would be no recession.
Dr. Thornberg left a teaching position at UCLA’s Business School in 2006 to found Beacon Economics, and under his leadership, the firm has become one of the nation’s most respected economic research organizations. He consults globally for private industry, cities, counties, and public agencies. A dynamic public speaker, he challenges audiences to question popular narratives – and to ask the right economic questions.

Q2 SJVMA Human Resources Roundtable
2026-05-20 11:45 - 13:00 | IMAGO, 555 W. Shaw Avenue, Suite A5, Fresno, CA, 93704, United States
Frontline supervisors are often promoted for technical excellence, then expected to lead people without a playbook. This HR Roundtable is built to change that, with a skills-first session focused on the real moments that make or break teams: unproductive meetings, unclear expectations, ineffective feedback, misalignment on values, and communication breakdowns.

In this session, Edgar Blunt (IMAGO) will share a practical framework for developing supervisors into confident people leaders, with tools your team can apply immediately. Expect an engaging conversation, peer learning, and takeaways you can use with new supervisors and seasoned leads alike.

What we will cover

Everyday leadership tools for stronger communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Core values as a compass for clear decision-making and consistent behavior
Empathy and perspective-taking that improve engagement and reduce friction
Facilitation techniques that elevate meetings, feedback conversations, and team alignment
Leadership mindsets for the future of work, adaptability, and influence

Event details

May 20 | 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (hosted lunch)

IMAGO Offices: 555 W. Shaw Avenue, Suite A5, Fresno, CA 93704

Register Here

Global AgTech & Manufacturing AI Summit
2026-05-21 08:15 - 12:00 | 5245 N. Backer Acenue, 5245 N. Backer Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93740, United States
Global Ag Tech and Manufacturing AI Summit
Innovation, Growth, and Global Opportunities

REGISTER HERE

The Central Valley produces over $50 billion in agricultural output annually, making it one of the most important agricultural and manufacturing-supported regions in the world. With such a vital role in supplying local and global markets, the region is also at the forefront of innovation – AI is transforming how agriculture is produced, managed, manufactured, and traded.

The Central Valley generates over $50 billion in agricultural output each year, making it one of the most important manufacturing-supported regions in the world—now at the forefront of innovation, where AI-driven technologies are transforming how agriculture is produced, managed, and traded.

Join entrepreneurs, innovators, AgTech specialists, investors, banks, and government leaders to explore how AI is boosting productivity, driving breakthroughs in manufacturing and agriculture, and opening new trade opportunities.
Why Attend?

Discover how AI is transforming agriculture, agribusiness and manufacturing
Explore export and global trade opportunities for AI-driven solutions
Learn from experts on financing, scaling, and investing in AI innovation
Network with entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and government partners
Breakfast included

Partners
This program is jointly organized by U.S. Commercial Service and ONOR Foundation.
Register early as seating is limited.

Q2 SJVMA Marketing Roundtable
2026-06-24 10:00 - 11:00
Q2 SJVMA Marketing Roundtable: SEO You Can Actually Use
June 24, 2026 – Fresno, CA
10 – 11am
Location
Live-Online Workshop
Register now on Eventbrite (LINKED HERE)
SEO You Can Actually Use
Facilitated by Adrian Rodriguez of Anchored Web Solutions
Search engines are often the first place people look when they’re trying to understand what your company does. But most manufacturers don’t need complicated Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies or expensive consultants — they need to understand the fundamentals that help their website be found and trusted.
In this roundtable, we’ll break down the basics of SEO in a practical way: how accessibility and site structure affect search rankings, what tools are available to evaluate your site, and how to quickly identify issues that might be holding your website back. We’ll also do a live homepage crawl together and review the results in real time to show how these tools work and what the scores actually mean.
This Marketing Roundtable will focus on practical search engine optimization (SEO) strategies for manufacturers. This in-person event, titled “SEO You Can Actually Use,” will explore how companies can improve their online visibility and make it easier for customers, partners, and prospective employees to find them online.
The goal isn’t to turn anyone into an SEO expert. It’s to help you understand what to look for, what matters, and what small changes you can make right away to improve how your company shows up online.
The session will cover:

How accessibility and site structure influence search rankings
SEO tools that help evaluate the health of your website
A live homepage crawl to demonstrate how websites are analyzed and scored
What common issues may be preventing your site from performing well in search

SEO as a Foundation for Visibility
Search engines are often the first place people go to learn about a company. If your website is difficult to find, slow to load, or structured poorly, it can limit opportunities before a conversation even begins. Understanding the basics of SEO helps ensure your company is visible, credible, and easier to discover.
This roundtable will help participants understand what actually matters, how to evaluate their own website, and what small improvements can make an immediate difference. Attendees will leave with practical insights they can begin applying right away.
What’s Ahead for SJVMA Roundtables in 2026
Save the date for the final SJVMA Roundtable of the year from 10-11am:

Q3 Roundtable Sept 23: Beyond SEO – How to Stay Visible in AI-Powered Search

These roundtables are open, candid discussions with industry peers, where attendees are encouraged to bring their own questions, challenges, and insights. Each session is designed to move beyond theory and focus on practical tools and ideas that participants can take back and apply within their own organizations.
Join the Conversation
This Roundtable is open to manufacturers, educators, and partners. Seating is limited and advance registration is required.
Secure your seat on Eventbrite (link)

Q3 SJVMA Human Resources Roundtable
2026-08-05 11:45 - 13:00
Retention Strategies Beyond Pay: What Keeps Employees Engaged, Loyal and Thriving
Date – August 5, 2026
11:45am – 1pm
Location
TBD
As competition for talent continues to challenge manufacturers and employers across the region, organizations are looking beyond compensation to improve retention, engagement, and employee satisfaction. Join a panel of experts from human resources, employee benefits, workforce development, and Bank of America as they discuss practical strategies that help organizations attract and retain talent in today’s workplace. This interactive discussion will explore how employers can create a stronger employee experience through financial wellness, career development, workplace culture, benefits, recognition programs, and well-being initiatives. Panelists will share real-world examples, lessons learned, and actionable ideas that organizations of all sizes can implement.
Key Discussion Topics

Financial wellness programs as a tool for employee engagement and retention
Creating meaningful benefits that employees value beyond wages
Career growth, training, and advancement opportunities
Building a workplace culture that drives loyalty and trust
Recognition and appreciation programs that make an impact
Supporting employee well-being and reducing workplace stress
Leveraging community resources and partnerships to strengthen workforce outcomes
Measuring the effectiveness of retention initiatives

Featured Panelists

Human Resources leaders from regional manufacturing organizations
Bank of America – Employee Banking Programs & Financial Wellness
Workforce development and employee benefits experts
Industry Representatives

Why Attend? Participants will gain practical insights into the non-monetary factors that influence employee retention and leave with ideas they can implement immediately to strengthen engagement, reduce turnover, and create a more resilient workforce.
Join the Conversation This session is designed for HR professionals, business leaders, manufacturing executives, educators, and workforce partners interested in developing innovative approaches to retaining talent in today’s evolving labor market. Seating is limited and advance registration is required.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/q3-sjvma-human-resources-roundtable-tickets-1982296142123?aff=oddtdtcreator
Seating is limited and advance registration is required.
REGISTER HERE

SJVMA Member Meeting
2026-09-02 09:00 - 10:30 | Career Technical Education Charter (CTEC) High School, 1320 N. Mariposa St., Fresno, CA, 93703, United States
Get ready for the SJVMA Meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM – it’s time to connect, collaborate, and conquer!

REGISTER HERE

Q3 SJVMA Marketing Roundtable
2026-09-23 10:00 - 11:00
Q3 SJVMA Marketing Roundtable
Beyond SEO – How to Stay Visible in AI‑Powered Search
September 23, 2026 – Fresno, CA
10 – 11am
Location
TBD
Register now on Eventbrite (Link)
Beyond SEO – How to Stay Visible in AI‑Powered Search
Facilitated by Adrian Rodriguez of Anchored Web Solutions
Search is changing fast — and AI‑powered tools are reshaping how customers discover companies long before they visit a website. Traditional SEO still matters, but new layers of AI interpretation, context models, and evolving rules mean manufacturers need to understand not just how search engines see their content, but how AI systems use it.
In this roundtable, we’ll explore what “GEO” (Generative Engine Optimization) means, how AI search differs from traditional SEO, and what manufacturers should be doing right now to ensure their organizations remain visible, credible, and accurately represented in AI‑driven results.
This Marketing Roundtable will focus on practical, actionable strategies that help manufacturers show up correctly in both conventional search and AI‑powered responses. This in‑person event, titled “Beyond SEO – How to Stay Visible in AI‑Powered Search,” will unpack what’s changing, what isn’t, and what companies can do immediately to stay competitive as AI becomes a dominant discovery tool.
You will walk away understanding what matters, what to ignore, and how to position your organization so both search engines and AI systems recognize and trust your expertise.
The session will cover:

GEO: SEO for a new era

Why AI search is sometimes “SEO with more rules,” and sometimes a whole new ball game

How LLMs interpret sources — and why “snake oil” claims are everywhere right now

Robots.txt vs. the emerging idea of “llms.txt” — what it is and what it actually means

Why you should want your company to be found, and circumstances when you may not

Whether sharing knowledge benefits visibility — or just trains AI to replace you

The industry debate: ads in AI chats feel wrong… so what’s next?

Why manufacturers have a unique advantage: offline products, specs, and materials

The bottom line: Good SEO = Good GEO, and both align with “Be a human expert with natural topics that reflect your expertise”

GEO as a Foundation for AI Visibility
AI systems are rapidly becoming the first stop for users seeking information, and they rely on structured, credible, human‑authored content to formulate accurate responses. If your expertise is not represented clearly, consistently, and in a way machines can interpret, AI may skip you entirely — or worse, misrepresent you. Understanding how AI models gather and prioritize information is now critical for ensuring your company remains visible and trusted.
This roundtable will help participants understand what actually influences AI visibility, how to evaluate their digital footprint through an AI lens, and what small changes can create immediate improvements. Attendees will leave with practical insights they can start applying right away.
Stay tuned for SJVMA Roundtables in the New Year
These roundtables are open, candid discussions with industry peers, where attendees are encouraged to bring their own questions, challenges, and insights. Each session is designed to move beyond theory and focus on practical tools and ideas that participants can take back and apply within their own organizations.
Join the Conversation
This Roundtable is open to manufacturers, educators, and partners. Seating is limited and advance registration is required.
Secure your seat on Eventbrite (link)

Q4 SJVMA Human Resources Roundtable
2026-11-04 11:45 - 13:00
Sharing Resources for Stronger Manufacturing Companies
Our HR Roundtable meets quarterly and brings together industry HR professionals to share knowledge, learn about important policy changes and issues, and stay connected to other professionals they can call on for support.
REGISTER HERE
