About The Speaker: Kimber Lanning

Kimber Lanning is Founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona, a statewide organization implementing innovative strategies for new models of economic development that create vibrant local economies. Lanning is an entrepreneur, business leader and community development specialist who
works to cultivate strong self-reliant communities and inspire a higher quality of life for people across Arizona.  Lanning?s passions, which are seen throughout her work, include fostering cultural diversity and inclusion, economic resilience and responsible growth for Arizona.

Lanning has grown Local First Arizona into a widely respected organization that is leading the nation in implementing systems and policies to ensure a level playing field for entrepreneurial endeavors of all sizes. With nearly 3,000 business members and four statewide offices, Lanning leads a team of 17 who work on a diverse array of programs ranging from healthy local food access, entrepreneurial development in underserved communities, and rural community development, each of which plays a part in building sustainable and resilient local economies.

Lanning is consistently recognized and has received numerous awards for her diverse work and extensive leadership. In 2014, Lanning was recognized as the Citizen Leader of the Year by the International Economic Development Council, a pivotal moment in recognizing the use of Localist policies as a force for economic development. Her work in promoting adaptive reuse in Phoenix?s urban core was recognized by the American Planning Association, who presented Lanning with the Distinguished Citizen Planner Award in 2013. Lanning has also been named one of the ?50 Most Influential Women in
Arizona? (Arizona Business Magazine, 2011), was the recipient of the Athena Award by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce in 2013, and was the 2014 Leader of the Year in Public Policy (Arizona Capitol Times).



About GEM Talks:
Designed for the Entrepreneur, these events are patterned after ?TED talks? and are called ?GEM Talks? - Gilbert, Entrepreneurial, Motivational. Each GEM Talk will feature an interactive session with a successful and motivational entrepreneur who will share his/her success story and provide insightful tips on how others can succeed in business and life. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle, network, and interact with the featured speaker.

Students, the public and Gilbert Chamber members are encouraged to attend - all ages are welcome. Casual networking will occur following the presentation. Meet entrepreneurs as well as experienced business people and make your business or business idea prosper!