The 2025 Economic Outlook Conference will deliver fresh, future-focused, and forward-looking conversations that build on Napa Valley’s successes while exploring what’s next for our economy and community.
2025 Economic Outlook Conference
Future Proof Napa Valley: Forecasting Opportunity in a Changing World
Thursday, November 6
7:45am – 12:30pm
The Westin Verasa Napa
Why Attend?
Connect directly with other leaders, innovators, and change makers who are shaping our region’s economic future. Whether you’re a business owner, policymaker, community leader, or engaged resident, the insights and relationships you gain will help you prepare for what’s next.
Keynote Speaker
Nationally recognized economist Dr. Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics returns and will present a data-rich analysis of the economic landscape, with a focus on regional implications and future opportunities.
Future of Work – People, Practices, and Platforms
How do we prepare for a future that’s already arriving? From generative AI to shifting labor demands and changing expectations, jobs in every sector are being reshaped. This session explores how these forces will affect small businesses, local industries, and the workforce of tomorrow.
- Adam Peck, Executive Director, California Workforce Association
- Josh Wright, Head of Growth – Public Sector, Lightcast
- Andreas Mueller-Schubert WSI NextGen Marketing
- Helene Cornell CGO + Co-Founder, Aris Hydronics
- Nikhil Choudary, Managing Partner, Nirman Ventures
- Moderated by: Lisa Wittke-Schaffner, CEO, North Coast Builders Exchange
Voices from the Future
Today’s young people are growing up in a world of complexity, contradiction, and constant change. From economic uncertainty to fast-moving technology and culture shifts, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are navigating a work landscape that’s still being defined. What do they need from leaders —employers, educators, mentors, policymakers—to succeed. This session flips the script and puts emerging voices at the center of the conversation.
- Adele Kim, Blue Oak School, 8th grade student
- Lucaz Sanz, Blue Oak School, 8th grade student
- Helen Heffner, Vintage High School – 11th grade student
- Neptali Lona, ASB President, Napa Valley College
- Makenzie Payne, Napa Valley College graduate – Owner, Fresh Start, Past-Chair, Young Professionals Napa Valley Co-Host, The No-Niche Network Podcast
- Moderated by: Claudette Shatto, Business & Entrepreneurship, Program Coordinator & Professor, Napa Valley College
The Next Economy – Investing in Napa Valley for Innovation & Impact
The next era of economic prosperity won’t be defined by growth for its own sake. It will be shaped by growth that strengthens communities, regenerates resources, and creates opportunities that reach across industries and generations.. This session examines how Napa Valley can attract impact capital, support values-driven entrepreneurs, and build a resilient, future-ready economy.
- Paul Krsek, 5T Wealth
- Maryam Ahmed, Maryam + Company and PLAYTE
- Deepa Lounsbury, CEO, Labstart
- Julia DeNatale – Napa Valley Community Foundation
- Moderated by: Janette Brooks, Founder, D4 Fiduciary
Beyond Barriers – How Partnerships Propel Economic Growth
Too often, government is seen as “in the way.” In reality, agencies at all levels bring tools, expertise, and resources that can amplify the work of the private sector. This session spotlights how public–private partnerships can supercharge efforts, creating measurable gains in workforce development, business growth, and community resilience.
- Mike Basayne, Executive Director, Small Business Development Center/US Small Business Administration
- Derek Kirk, Senior Advisor for Economic Policy, GoBiz California, Governor’s Office of Economic Development
- Neal Harrison, Manager, City of Napa, Economic Development Division
- Brian Bordona, Director, County of Napa, Planning, Building and Environmental Services
- Bruce Wilson, Executive Director, Workforce Alliance of the North Bay
- Moderated by: Jessica Lum, Office of Regional and Business Engagement, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
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.’
Platinum Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
