The Envision Tahoe Venture Summit is an opportunity to catalyze change and take action to benefit our regional economy while supporting our community, quality of life, and environment. The 2023 focus was on Tahoe Inc – organizing and accelerating Tahoe’s innovation ecosystem. Spearheaded by local entrepreneurs and success stories, we offered creative ideas, insight and inspiration. 

Tahoe Trailblazers

Matt Levitt

Founder and CEO
Tahoe Blue Vodka

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Melissa Siig

Owner
Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema

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Chris McNamara

Founder and CEO
GearLab

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María López Godoy

Founder & CEO
Waste Free Tahoe

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Dan Abrams

President/Co-Founder
Flylow Gear

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Melinda Choy

Chief Executive Officer
Elevate Wellness

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Tahoe Entrepreneur Breakout Session

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SEAN
FANNAN​

Founder of Marcella Foundation

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KYLE MCSPARRON​

OWNER BLUE SKY ELECTRIC SOLUTIONS​

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Rachel Carlson

Owner
Black Bear
Lodge

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MARTIN
MACIAS

Ops Manager Macias Power Washing

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JESUS "CHUY" AHUMADA​

Co-Owner Sombreros
Tahoe

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Kelsey
Weist

Owner
Clearly
Tahoe

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Tahoe's Opportunities Breakout Session

Steve Teshara Headshot

Steve Teshara

Board Chair
SS-TMA

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Karen Fink Headshot

Karen
Fink

TRPA Program Manager

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Devin Middlebrook Headshot

Devin Middlebrook

TRPA GOV affairs Manager

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Adrian Escobedo

Adrian Escobedo

LTCC
Dir Forestry

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Kristin York

Kristin
York

Sierra Business Council VP

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Jessica Carr

Jessica
Carr

Sierra SBDC Director

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Envision Tahoe Venture summit agenda
8:00
Registration and Refreshment
9:30
Welcome Session
10:00
Meet our Tahoe Trailblazers – hear from our very own Mavericks! Our Mavericks come from the Arts, Hospitality, Tech, Recreation, Retail, Health, and Environmental industries.
11:30
Diving In – meet our regional Entrepreneur Trailblazers (Session 1)
12:00
Lunch and Networking – Fuel up and forge new connections.
1:30
Diving In – meet our regional Entrepreneur Trailblazers (Session 2)
2:00
Future Focus – Tahoe’s Opportunities Issues and Industry Breakout Sessions (Round 1)

Entrepreneurship in the Forest Health Sector
Sustainable Recreation & Tourism
Housing For Locals
Transportation Successes
2:45
Break: Refresh, Recharge, Reconnect
3:00
Future Focus – Tahoe’s Opportunities Issues and Industry Breakout Sessions (Round 2)

Entrepreneurship in the Forest Health Sector
Sustainable Recreation & Tourism
Housing For Locals
Transportation Successes
3:45
Achievements Unveiled, Insights Shared + Vision and Next Steps
4:15 – 6:00
Sip and Share: savor and soak in the learnings of the day.

SPONSORS

Great discussions, great participation, and some great calls to action.

Matt Levitt

Founder and CEO
Tahoe Blue Vodka

Matt Levitt was born and raised in Maryland, outside of Washington D.C. After earning an undergrad degree in business, he headed West and arrived in Lake Tahoe on a perfectly blue summer afternoon. He immediately fell in love with the clean air, Caribbean-colored water, and outdoor lifestyle that Tahoe had to offer, and decided to stay. Putting down roots, Matt completed his MBA at the University of Nevada Reno and a few years later, dreamt up Tahoe Blue Vodka. Its essence captures the lake’s clear blue waters while embodying the lifestyle and vibe that make the region extraordinary. When he’s not busy working on Tahoe Blue Vodka, Matt enjoys every outdoor activity Tahoe has to offer, as well as spending time with his three daughters.

Meliss Siiga

Owner
Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema

Melissa Siig is a big believer in community. She and her husband opened the Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema in 2014 as a way to help revitalize Tahoe City and serve as a cultural and entertainment hub to bring people together. She is also a part owner of the Tahoe Tap Haus. Melissa has also been a reporter and editor in Tahoe for over 20 years, and currently writes for Moonshine Ink newspaper. She is a board member of the North Tahoe Community Alliance and the Tahoe City Downtown Association, and previously sat on the North Tahoe Regional Advisory Council. She lives in Alpine Meadows with her husband, three teenagers, one dog and one cat.

Chris McNamara

Founder and CEO GearLab

Chris is the Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of the GearLab websites. Chris is the author of 10 books, a big wall climbing expert, and a recovering ex-Wingsuit BASE jumper. Climbing Magazine once computed that three percent of Chris’s life on earth had been spent on the face of El Capitan—an accomplishment that has left friends and family pondering Chris’ sanity. He’s climbed Yosemite’s daunting 3,000+ foot El Capitan over 70 times and holds nine big wall speed climbing records. In 1998 Chris did the first Girdle Traverse of El Capitan, an epic 75-pitch route that begs the question, “Why?” Outside Magazine has called Chris one of “the world’s finest aid climbers.” He’s the winner of the American Alpine Club’s prestigious Bates Award and the founder of the American Safe Climbing Association, a nonprofit group that has replaced over 14,000 dangerous rock- climbing anchor bolts. Chris is also the founder and lead author of the rock- climbing guidebook publisher, SuperTopo. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley.

María López Godoy

Founder & CEO Waste Free Tahoe

Hailing from Argentina, María López Godoy moved to Tahoe in 2014 to work in the ski industry. She quickly felt at home in the community and began working to make it a national model of sustainability. She founded Waste Free Tahoe, an advising firm that helps businesses, agencies, and the community to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. As CEO of Waste Free Tahoe, Maria is one of the first recipients of a newly launched Tahoe Chamber scholarship program, “Puertas Abiertas,” and was recently featured in the Chamber’s quarterly magazine, Above 6000’. She holds a Licentiate degree in Economics and an M.A. in International Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management.
 

Dan Abrams

President/Co-Founder, Flylow Gear

Dan Abrams is the co-founder and president of Flylow Gear, an outdoor apparel company with offices in Truckee, California, and Denver, Colorado. Dan moved to Tahoe in 2011 and has continued to run Flylow from Tahoe City while raising a family. He established his business in Colorado after attending college in Washington state, but he always sought to find the right place where his passions for skiing and getting outside would mesh with apparel design and coordinating all aspects of the company. Tahoe turned out to be just the right place.

Melinda CHoy

Chief Executive Officer Elevate Wellness

Elevate Wellness Center provides an opportunity for people to change their lives one step at a time. Melinda strives to create a supportive environment where her patients feel empowered and informed to realize that their health is in their own hands. Making good decisions for your body is making good decisions for our environment on a micro and macrocosmic level.

Sean Fannan

Founder of Marcella Foundation

Sean’s career has flourished in the gaming industry, where he contributed to one of the all-time most successful iPhone games, “Tap Tap Revenge,” and co-founded Chartboost, one of the leading advertising platforms in the field. Leveraging his expertise in entrepreneurship and engineering, Sean established the Marcella Foundation with a mission to give back to the community where he was raised. He looks forward to partnering with individuals and organizations in South Lake Tahoe, using his foundation as a platform to build a stronger and more vibrant community.

Kyle McSparron

Owner Blue Sky Electric Solutions

Kyle has been working in the electrical industry since 2004 and has gained invaluable experience. With Blue Sky Electrical Solutions, Inc. he has accomplished a goal he has had since he was 13 years old- The goal of becoming an electrical contractor and running his own business.

Rachel Carlson

Owner Black Bear Lodge

Rachel Carlson, a dynamic entrepreneur, is the heart and soul behind the thriving Black Bear Lodge, a boutique hotel nestled on Ski Run Blvd in South Lake Tahoe. Alongside her husband, Rachel has transformed the property into not only a sought-after getaway for visitors but also a vibrant hub for locals, hosting engaging community events such as wine tastings and movie nights. For Rachel, choosing Tahoe as her home and career base is a decision rooted in her love for the area’s physical beauty, including the changing seasons, mountains, and lake, coupled with the kindness and supportiveness of the community. Beyond her business, Rachel is an active contributor to the community. She engages with the Ski Run Business Improvement District and participates in grassroots efforts to enhance the vitality of local neighborhoods, including a seat on the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Commission.

Martin Macias

Operations Manager Macias Power Washing​

Martin is the part-owner and operations manager of Macias Power Washing Solutions. As operations manager, Martin manages the daily functions of the company. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his wife and two English mastiff dogs. He enjoys the outdoors, partaking in activities such as dirt biking, sailing, and snowboarding.
 

Jesus "Chuy" Ahumada

Co-Owner Sombreros Tahoe

Long-time Tahoe local, Jesus “Chuy” Ahumada started Sombreros Tahoe along with Stacey Hernandez in 2017, giving their prior success with catering a home for everyone to enjoy. Chuy and Stacey have historically donated food and services to support events such as Veterans Day at the American Legion Cinco de Mayo celebration for the Family Resource Center, and St Theresa’s Church and they now extend their support to local schools and other worthy causes through Sombreros.

Kelsey Weist

Owner Clearly Tahoe

Kelsey Weist, is the visionary founder and owner of Clearly Tahoe. She is an extremely motivated entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the customer service and tourism industry. She is a recognized leader for overcoming unexpected challenges and creating opportunities to develop a sustainable business. Kelsey has applied her creative personality and excellent work ethic in fostering Clearly Tahoe’s success and positioning the company as a trailblazer in the outdoor recreation scene. With a passion for incorporating eco-friendly alternatives into everyday operations, Kelsey is setting a standard for recreational operations, aligning Clearly Tahoe with sustainable practices.

Steve Teshara

Board Chair
South Shore Transportation Management Association

Steve is recognized throughout the Tahoe region as an effective policy, planning, legislative, and community advocate. His resume includes more than 25 years as the chief executive for various business and community organizations. Steve served as Tahoe Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer from 2016-2021 and continues to lead the Chamber’s government relations. Steve also owns his own consulting company, Sustainable Community Advocates, based in Zephyr Cove.

Karen Fink

TRPA PRogram manager

Karen is the Housing and Community Revitalization Program Manager at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, where she has worked since 2006 in transportation and land use planning. She is an avid bicycle commuter and transit rider and loves hiking and biking on Tahoe’s amazing trails with her family and friends.

Devin Middlebrook

TRPA Gov affairs manager

Devin Middlebrook was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe. He is the government affairs manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. In his role at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Devin leads initiatives to create a more resilient Lake Tahoe. Devin is the former mayor and city council member of the City of South Lake Tahoe. As Mayor, Devin advocated for the environment, economy, and community.   Growing up in Tahoe gave Devin an appreciation for the environment and getting outdoors, and the passion to ensure future generations have the same experience.

Adrian Escobedo

LTCC
DIRECTOR OF FORESTRY, FIRE & PUBLIC SAFETY AT

Adrian Escobedo is the director of Forestry, Fire and Public Safety. In this role, Escobedo is charged with increasing the number of students served by these programs, and the number of graduates produced to fill crucial positions in these high-demand fields in the Tahoe Basin, California, and across the country. Escobedo, focuses on partnering with government agencies and private employers to ensure that LTCC students are well prepared and demonstrate the skills needed to work successfully in these fields.

Kristin York

Sierra Business Council VP

Kristin leverages 25 years of experience in strategic planning, finance, operations, marketing, training, and business transformation to assist businesses in the Sierra thrive economically while understanding their environmental and social impact. Kristin’s life work is focused on creating a more sustainable, equitable economy. Through her work with Cutting Edge Capital and Sustainametrics, she deeply engaged with mission driven clients to design alternative financing strategies and climate action plans for local governments and businesses. Previous experience includes Marketing Manager for Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, Lean Manufacturing Director for Hexcel Corporation, and Senior Manager at Andersen Consulting, where she specialized in financial and operational restructuring, strategic business planning, crisis mitigation, and advising businesses in their return to financial viability. Kristin is also a Professor of Sustainable Development and Implementation of Sustainable Business at Presidio Graduate School and dedicates time to her community by serving on the Boards of the Truckee Donner Parks and Recreation District and the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. More than anything in the world, Kristin loves spending time with her family, exploring, traveling, cooking, and just generally laughing. She finds her zen in the outdoors trail running, backcountry skiing, mountain biking, and dipping into remote alpine lakes.

Jessica Carr

Sierra SBDC Director

As Director of the Sierra SBDC, Jessica accelerates innovative solutions in rural economic development by working directly with companies to provide technical assistance and collaborating with community partners on targeted effective programming. She loves supporting the small business community in a variety of ways and currently serves on the Truckee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.  She has called Truckee home for over ten years and loves living in a place where she can get outside with her family all year round.