Leaders from business, the military, state and local government, and international partners will gather this evening for the California Business Outlook Dinner and Reception.
The event reimagines a tradition begun 99 years ago by the founder of the Sacramento Host Committee. Instead of breakfast, the invitation-only, sold-out event will convene for a networking dinner and a panel featuring candidates for California Governor. Approximately 800 guests will be attending.
The gathering will give California’s business and civic leaders an opportunity to reflect, connect and look ahead in an exchange facilitated by emcee Nikki Laurenzo, executive producer and host of Inside California Politics on Fox40.
Partners in presenting the event are the California Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Host Committee, California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), California Restaurant Association, California Retailers Association, Visit California and Western Growers.
Maryam Brown, CEO of Southern California Gas and 2025 CalChamber chair, will speak. She will go on to present the Chamber of the Year Award, recognition for outstanding leadership in community engagement, economic development and advocacy.
Following Brown at the podium, Steve Fleming, president and CEO of River City Bank, will present $5,000 grants to four small businesses, two that are rebuilding after the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles area, and two from other areas of California.
The closing session will give attendees a chance to hear from six candidates for Governor. John Myers, CalChamber senior vice president of communications and external affairs, will moderate. Candidates appearing are:
- Toni Atkins, Former Senate President Pro-Tem;
- Chad Bianco, Riverside Sheriff;
- Steve Hilton, Author, Podcaster, Business Founder;
- Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis;
- Katie Porter, Former U.S. Representative;
- Antonio Villaraigosa, Former Los Angeles Mayor.
