HIGH DESERT OPPORTUNITY

What is High Desert Opportunity?

* High Desert Opportunity is a one-day annual business conference presented to showcase the opportunities and advantages the High Desert offers to new and expanding businesses. The event's organizers share a common goal with economic development organizations in the Inland Empire North by supporting economic growth and stability through attracting businesses and jobs to the area.

Who organizes the conference and how did it start?

* High Desert Opportunity was founded in 1982 and incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in 1985.

* The committee is composed of a group of approximately 40 local business professionals and community leaders who volunteer their time to organize and present this premier annual business conference. The High Desert Opportunity team's goal is to bring an interesting and informative conference to the business community. Many area organizations support High Desert Opportunity, including through sponsorships. Information on being a sponsor can be obtained by calling Veda Saltamachio at (760) 951-1101.

Steve Sipe is President of this year's event, scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2008. Sipe has been involved with High Desert Opportunity for several years and brings a broad background of experience to the event.

Who attends?

* In 2007, the conference drew more than 1350 participants representing the fields of real estate, insurance, manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and economic development. Some are investors who own property in the High Desert or who are considering purchasing property. Many of the attendees were from out of the area, including from Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Inland Empire communities.

How has High Desert Opportunity contributed to economic development in the High Desert?

* High Desert Opportunity is one part of a community-wide effort to foster economic development in the High Desert. Our role is to showcase, through various activities offered over one day, the advantages of doing business in the area. Among those who have attended the conference and later located to the High Desert are National Arnold Magnetics Company, High Desert Mavericks, and Flannery Book Distribution.

What's included?

The full day of activities includes the following:

* Opportunity Theater:
Opportunity Theater is an informative morning program focusing on regional development in the Inland Empire North communities.

* Luncheon keynote speaker - John Naber

* Informational displays and booths:
Through informational displays and exhibit booths, the event offers an opportunity for utilities, governmental agencies, financial institutions, community organizations, real estate brokers, title companies, communication/information services, health care providers and the legal community to work together. The aim is to show developers, brokers, businesses, investors, and financial institutions the advantages of doing business in the Inland Empire North.

* Morning and afternoon receptions:
With coffee, juices, fruit, and sweet rolls, Conference attendees can gear up in the morning and enjoy a variety of desserts following the luncheon.

Brokers' Bus Tour
* Join us for the premieer High Desert Opportunity event. Open to out of area brokers and developers only. Tour the cities of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Barstow, Hesperia, and Victorville. View the growth, tour available industrial, office and retail properties, hear from local economic development agencies, meet with local brokers. Limited availability.

How much does it cost to attend?
How much does a display booth cost?

* A ticket admits you to the Exhibit Hall, Opportunity Theater, the morning and afternoon receptions and the luncheon program featuring keynote speaker. The cost for an individual is $75. Tables of ten are the best bargain at $675.

* An indoor or outdoor display booth is available for $450; an indoor and outdoor display booth are available for $650.

When, Where, and How?

* When: Thursday, October 16, 2008, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

* Where: The event is held at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville.

* How: To reserve tickets for High Desert Opportunity 2008 or to arrange for an exhibit booth for the 2008 event call 760/245-7600 or visit our Web site at www.highdesertopportunity.com