Impact Napa conference to feature economist Thornberg

Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 9:19 am

Local experts will present on tourism, wine, downtown Napa

Chris Thornberg

NAPA — The Business Journal will host its annual Impact Napa Conference on Aug. 18 featuring a regional overview by highly sought-after economist Chris Thornberg as well as presentations from local experts on issues important to Napa businesses, including wine, tourism and the vitality of downtown Napa.

The event will be held Wednesday, Aug. 18 at the Meritage Resort in Napa. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the program runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tickets are $45 per person or $450 for a table of 10 (with company name on sign). To register, contact Linda Perkins at 707-521-5264 or events@busjrnl.com by Aug. 13, or go to www.NorthBayBusinessJournal.com.

Dr. Thornberg, an expert in economic forecasting, regional development, real estate dynamics and labor markets, will provide the keynote presentation with an overview of the national and state economies as well as detailed data on Napa County and the regional economy. In addition to being founding principal of Beacon Economics, he is the current chief economist for the California State Controller’s office and is the chair of the Controller’s council of Economic Advisors.

Local presenters will also provide up-to-date information on key issues currently impacting business in Napa County. Clay Gregory, president and CEO of the Napa Valley Destination Council, will give details on NVDC initiatives to support tourism as well as a look into the impacts the recently approved Tourism Improvement District assessment could have on local businesses. With experience in a number of high-profile wine industry mergers, sales and acquisitions, Mario Zepponi, a winery and investment broker with Zepponi & Company, will present on the state of transactions in the wine industry in Napa. Steve Carlin, founder and CEO of the Oxbow Public Market, will discuss the impact the successful marketplace has had on the downtown area as well as what is needed to maintain and develop a thriving city center. Feedback and discussion will be encouraged from attendees, providing another level of depth and insight into topics covered.