The Anaheim Economic Development Conference was held on November 16 at the Paradise Pier Hotel. After a light breakfast buffet, attendees settled in to hear Don Evensen, CIO of Citizen’s Business Bank, give an overview of the current state of the national economy. He had interesting insights into what we might expect over the next four years and touched on current interest rate trends and the possibility of the return of inflation.
Speakers from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and City of Anaheim presented on the importance of infrastructure planning and highlighted recent and current projects. OCTA gave an overview of the 405 freeway upgrade and the City of Anaheim emphasized the successful upgrading of streets and sewer lines in advance of hotel development.
A panel of speakers touched on issues regarding manufacturing in Anaheim. Marty Furman from California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) summarized the services his nonprofit makes available to manufacturers, while Bill Hall of Action Mold spoke on the opportunities and challenges facing manufacturing businesses, both in the city and the state.
The last panel focused on tourism in Anaheim. Bruce Baltin of CBRE Hotels led off with a forecast for the hospitality industry, including the supply and demand for hotel rooms in the city and county. Paul Sanford of the Wincome Group emphasized the need for four-diamond hotels in the resort area and his company’s plans for the Anabella and Anaheim Plaza properties. Bill O’Connell Sr. of Stovall’s Hotels related his company’s history in the city, and the partnership projects with Prospera Hotels. He mentioned the JW Marriott project and the hotels planned at Gardenwalk.
The Business Awards luncheon was a fitting finale to the event, with awards given to a dozen deserving businesses contributing to the growth and success of Anaheim’s economy and community.
As an Anaheim Chamber of Commerce member, LSL is excited to see what the future holds for the City of Anaheim.
Written By: Carolyn A. Bryant, CPA
