California Business Outlook Kicks Off on June 4

International trade and tariffs, climate change and retail theft are among the topics to be featured tomorrow when business leaders from throughout the state gather in Sacramento for the California Business Outlook.

CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera will deliver opening remarks for the event, which the California Chamber of Commerce is presenting in partnership with the Sacramento Host Committee, California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), California Restaurant Association, California Retailers Association, Visit California and Western Growers.

Next on the agenda will be recognition of 12 local chambers of commerce for excellence in business advocacy and helping their members comply with California employment laws.

After the local chamber award presentations, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis will discuss international trade and tariffs in a fireside chat format with Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California.

A second fireside chat session will feature Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, with questions posed by Barrera.

Following the lunch break, Dr. Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics, will provide an international economic forecast.

In the second afternoon session, Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho will focus on retail theft and the implementation of Proposition 36, the statewide initiative voters approved in November 2024 to increase penalties for drug and theft crimes.

See tomorrow’s top story for a preview of the California Business Outlook reception and dinner.