JUST ANNOUNECD: California’s Leading Economic Forecaster Christopher Thornberg, founding partner, Beacon Economics, to Keynote Business Discussion

            ONTARIO, CALIF. (December 6, 2011) — Recognized as the leading business event in the Inland Empire, the Ontario State of the City business networking event will be held at the Ontario Convention Center on March 21, 2012. In 2011, the event attracted close to 1,000 business, government and community leaders for a forward-thinking discussion about the City of Ontario and a panel discussion from local senior-level business executives.

For 2012, the event theme will be “Creating Opportunity. Building Value.” This 2012 theme will focus on issues important to business as well as provide updates to community members on important Ontario projects, including Ontario International Airport. The City will also use the event to emphasize its proactive support for business, including entrepreneurial start-ups, small business and global Fortune 500 corporations.

“In today’s economy, the most important role for local government is to help its existing businesses to thrive and grow and to position itself as a solid choice for new business investment,” said Ontario Mayor Paul Leon. “Our emphasis on creating a ‘Complete Community’ for our City must include both quality housing and amenities and ongoing job opportunities. The State of the City is an important opportunity for us to talk to business owners and employers and for our business community to network and build advantageous business relationships.”

Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics, LLC and an expert in the study of regional economies, real estate dynamics, labor markets and business forecasting, will lead a business discussion on the local and regional economy following the Mayor and Council State of the City presentation.
Dr. Thornberg has established a reputation as one of the state’s leading economic forecasters. He is currently chief economic advisor to the California State Controller’s Office and serves as Chair of California State Controller John Chiang’s Council of Economic Advisors – the body that advises the state’s chief fiscal officer about emerging economic issues. Widely quoted in the media, he has appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, ABC’s Nightline, CNN, FOX News Channel, MSNBC, NPR, and is regularly quoted in major national and California dailies including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Chicago Tribune.

Ontario remains committed to developing a ‘Complete Community’ for those who live and work in the City. Companies continue to see Ontario as an attractive long term investment. The City is committed to providing businesses a trained workforce, lifestyle amenities, and a variety of housing choices.

State of the City 2012 provides unique sponsorship opportunities. For more information, contact Kelela Wakefield, kwakefield@ci.ontario.ca.us or 909.395.2297.

About The City of Ontario: The City of Ontario in Southern California ’Thinks like a business’. Located just 35 miles from Los Angeles, Ontario is uniquely positioned as an important “economic engine”. Ontario is home to Ontario International Airport, and an incomparable transportation system of three major freeways and two railroads that provide access to the region, the nation and the globe. With a highly skilled local talent base and lower cost space than coastal counties, Ontario, California is the place to do business. For more information, visit www.OntarioThinksBusiness.com.