Ways to Create and Keep a Vibrant Retail Scene in Santa Barbara

The World Business Academy is hosting a discussion on March 21 about ways that community leaders can join businesses and others to create a vibrant retail business scene for the long-term in Santa Barbara. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

The event, titled, “Reviving Retail in Santa Barbara: Community Solutions to the Retail Apocalypse,” brings local business and community leaders together for a lively panel discussion featuring Kate Schwab of the Santa Barbara Downtown organization as well as Ken Oplinger, president and CEO of the Chamber of the Santa Barbara Region; business leader and former mayoral candidate Angel Martinez; and former Santa Barbara mayor and councilman Hal Conklin, now president of USA Green Communities.

The discussion will be held from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21 in the Riviera Ballroom at the Belmond El Encanto Resort in Santa Barbara, 800 Alvarado Place. There will be a cash bar available and light appetizers will be passed between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by emailing the World Business Academy at lisa@worldbusiness.org or calling (805) 892-4600.