2015 Economic Development Summit : The Oakland Advantage

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Oakland has experienced a significant uptick in entrepreneurial activity over the past few years.  From technology and web-based companies to bricks and mortar-type specialized manufacturing, makers and food production start-ups to social enterprises, non-profits and creative, arts-based and design firms to  innovative restaurants and nightlife and entertainment venues, a number of entrepreneurs are increasingly choosing to launch and grow their businesses and organizations in Oakland.  This emerging “New Economy” builds off of the strong base that the stewards of the local economy, the City’s long-standing existing businesses and industries, have forged over decades of operating in the City and guiding the City’s economic development.
 
The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce annual Economic Summit on March 20, 2015 will focus on “the Oakland Advantage” as a place to start and grow businesses in Oakland’s New Economy.
 
Following a welcome introduction, Garrick Brown, VP of Research, West Region, DTZ (formerly Cassidy Turley) will provide a real estate update, a market overview and trends briefing for the East Bay.
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The first panel will discuss “Building for Oakland’s Economy” focusing on ongoing and upcoming infrastructure developments and investments that create the environment to support existing and emerging New Economy businesses. 
 
The second panel will focus more specifically on Oakland’s increasingly diverse array of businesses and industries, the pros and cons of operating a business here and prioritizing actions that can take place to retain the City’s rich and inclusive urban experience, improve existing businesses’ viability and performance and attract more businesses and investment to the City.
 
Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner, Beacon Economics will close out the event with a special presentation on the “Oakland Indicator Project” an annual data tool that can allow for a more focused dialog about economic conditions and trends in Oakland and help stakeholders understand how various policy options would impact different parts of the City.