The conference is a must-attend event for anyone seeking to navigate the complex economic challenges and opportunities of our time. Conference attendees will connect with peers, policymakers, and industry leaders; gain a competitive edge by understanding economic trends; and learn about emerging topics and innovations shaping the future of business.

 

Platinum Sponsors

Keynote

Keynote session made possible by Kaiser-Permanente

Dr. Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics is renowned for his expertise in economic and revenue forecasting, regional economics, economic policy and labor and real estate markets. Dr. Thornberg’s trusted commentary and his approach to analysis combines straight talk with inspiration.

First public release! Economic Development Strategy – Part 1

Be in the room when the findings supporting a local economic development strategy are released and find out what’s next. The Napa Chamber of Commerce, with support from local partners, is embarking on the development of a Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction Plan. As our economy transforms and evolves, we need to be ready, and we need to be informed.

 

Boots on the Ground

Panel session made possible by Comcast

Hear from business support experts who will share the trends, scenarios, emerging market opportunities and what’s ahead for business based on what’s happening today. Learn more about the array of resources, programs, and services that are available right now to help businesses thrive and build our economy.

  • Kevin Mather, World Trade Centers Association
  • Jermaine Carter-Gibson Northern California Local Engagement Specialist, CA Office of the Small Business Advocate
  • Tim Murrill, Director, Solano-Napa SBDC

 

Advocacy to Action

Advocacy can ensure that policymakers understand what’s important to your business and economic development in our region. Engaging in advocacy can have a direct effect on the local business community—and on individual company bottom lines. During this fireside chat style conversation, you’ll hear why being an engaged advocate is important to build a business-friendly environment and promote economic development that ultimately benefits the entire community.

  • Tracy Hernandez, CEO, New California Coalition

 

The Next Big Idea

Panel session made possible by Redwood Credit Union  

Find out more about the next big initiatives that business and government can get behind that will support a dynamic and diverse economy.

  • Building spaces that create community: Hear more about place-based initiatives and why a sense of community identity is important to economic prosperity, and how developers and entrepreneurs can tap into the essence of the community.
    – Marco Esposito, SWA Group
  • Sustainable Tourism: Learn about the growing movement of tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. Sustainable tourism helps every tourist become a more responsible traveler, and it provides an opportunity to give back to the regions and communities visited.
    – Matthew Landkamer, Whereabout – Visit Napa Valley
  • Driving innovation with a start-up ecosystem: Find out how incubators and accelerators can drive innovation and create a vibrant economy by connecting change-makers to corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies across multiple industries.
    – Johannes Rott, VP Corporate Partnerships, Plug and Play

 

Now What?

We will close out this dynamic program with inspiration and a shared sense of purpose.

 

Key speaker:

DR. CHRISTOPHER THORNBERG

Christopher Thornberg has been called many things throughout his career, but his favorite thing to be called is correct. A renowned economist with deep expertise in economic and revenue forecasting, regional economics, economic policy, and labor and real estate markets, Dr. Thornberg has consulted globally for private industry, cities, counties, and public agencies.

He became nationally known for forecasting the subprime mortgage market crash that began in 2007 and was one of the few economists on record to predict the global economic recession that followed. Amidst the 2020 Covid 19 shock, Dr Thornberg correctly predicted the rapid “V” shaped economic recovery, the inflation that resulted from excessive government stimulus, as well as the sharp hikes in interest and mortgage rates currently impacting U.S. markets.

Well known for his ability to capture and hold audiences, Dr. Thornberg presents to hundreds of leading business, government, and nonprofit organizations every year. Audiences across the globe benefit from his singular insight, including NAIOP, CoreNet Global, Western Bankers Association, Association of Washington Business, Foreign Trade Association, Western Association of Chamber Executives, The Boeing Company, Kaiser Permanente, Zillow, Mountain America Credit Union, and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. In his data-rich economic outlooks, Dr. Thornberg illuminates national and local economic trends, and warns of danger when political narratives diverge from economic realities.

Dr. Thornberg’s trusted commentary and his evidence-based approach to economic policy analysis has built a legacy of correct calls and an ecosystem that includes some of the world’s most influential entities. Regardless of the audience, client, or project, Dr. Thornberg holds firmly to the principle of objective economic analysis, often saying that ‘you can pay for analysis, but you might not like the answers the data uncovers.’

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors