East Bay USA Presents Expert Views of Political, Economic, Technology Landscape

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Find out what issues are likely to impact business in the region in 2014 and beyond at East Bay USA, the annual half-day conference presented by the East Bay Leadership Council and Chevron on Thursday, January 23.

This premier event, one of the area's largest business functions, offers the opportunity to hear from leading authorities in geopolitics, economic forecasting, and regional technology initiatives in a combination of keynote speeches and panel discussions. Headline speakers are Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics, Randy Haykin of Outlook Ventures, and Geoff Colvin of Fortune magazine.

"East Bay USA gives attendees the chance to step back from daily business activities to get a broader perspective on the issues that will be affecting them now and in the future, whether it's the debt ceiling, affordable care, or new transportation technology," says Tom Terrill, President and CEO of East Bay Leadership Council and Executive Director of Contra Costa Economic Partnership. "This is important information for business success, and with our signature event, it's not necessary to get on a plane and travel to a conference in a remote location to stay current."

The conference opens at 8:00 am with registration, exhibits, and networking, followed by presentations and lunch. The program adjourns at 2:00 pm, reconvening at 5:30 pm for a reception and dinner presentation.

The morning program kicks off with Beacon Economics founding partner Chris Thornberg, whose independent research and consulting firm is actively involved in the study of the East Bay economy. The "always spirited" Thornberg, "who makes economics fascinating and understandable," will deliver an overview of the state and regional economies.

Two panel discussions follow. The first, featuring Chris Hedden and Michael Fischer of Cambridge Systematics, and Chris Weeks of Sunset Development/Bishop Ranch, addresses the market-driven, alternative transportation approaches used in the region. Specific examples include Google's shuttle system, technology available for driverless cars and freight, and on-the-ground implementation.

The second discussion will highlight other new technologies at work in the region. Panelists Rich Stump of FATHOM, the Oakland-based 3D printing expert, will be joined by Ulrik Grape, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for SEEO, the Hayward-headquartered lithium-ion battery manufacturer, to talk about successful technical innovation in the marketplace.

Luncheon keynote Randy Haykin, co-founder and managing director at Outlook Ventures, will draw on a wealth of Bay Area experience when he discusses getting technology to market, venture capital hurdles, and opportunities in the region. The founding Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Yahoo, Haykin is known for his expertise in "connecting ideas, skills, capital, and social awareness." In addition to his many business endeavors, he currently serves on the faculty at the Haas School of Business.

Dinner speaker Geoff Colvin, Editor-at-Large, Fortune Magazine, is well versed in today's most significant business trends and applications of new technology. The award-winning thinker, author, broadcaster, and speaker will offer his perspective on Washington and how the nation's financial issues connect to the regional economy.

Mistress of ceremonies for the evening will be Ann Notarangelo of KPIX Channel 5 News.

Register for East Bay USA at www.eastbayleadershipcouncil.com. Membership in the Council is not necessary to attend. To sign up as a sponsor or exhibitor, contact the Council office at tshoaff@eblcmail.org or call (925) 246-1880.

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