The Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA) is set to host a Business Forecast Conference on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 7 a.m. The event will take place at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive in Universal City and will feature prominent speakers, including Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28; William Dolan, California regional investment director for U.S. Bank; and Charlie Dougherty, executive director at Wells Fargo. The conference aims to tackle pressing issues facing California's economy, including the state's high unemployment rate of 5.3%, which surpasses the national average of 4.2% [7ac7d53f].
Discussions will also focus on the ongoing housing shortage, with approximately 10,000 permits issued monthly, and the implications of the upcoming 2028 Olympics on the local economy. VICA plans to address the delicate balance between taxation and economic stimulation, particularly emphasizing strategies for affordable housing [7ac7d53f].
In related news, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its second Annual Black Business Month Celebration on August 7, aimed at recognizing the contributions of Black-owned businesses and leaders in the community. This event will provide networking opportunities and insights from representatives within the Black business community [e26c89a8].
Additionally, the Shelby County Chamber recently hosted its ninth annual Business Outlook Conference, where a panel discussed the positive economic outlook for the county, highlighting low unemployment rates and several significant upcoming projects [b57f87e8].
The Tracy Chamber of Commerce has also been active, with its State of the City address focusing on the city's industrial growth and economic development, while the U.S. Chamber of Commerce emphasized the importance of small businesses in shaping the national economy [b5c9d630].
As various chambers and business groups continue to address economic challenges, the upcoming VICA conference will be a crucial platform for discussing strategies to foster economic growth and stability in California [7ac7d53f].