2026 California Business Outlook and Dinner
Business, Government Leaders Exchange Thoughts for Shaping a Better State Future
Business leaders from throughout the state came to Sacramento on June 10 for the day-long California Business Outlook and Dinner.
Panel discussions throughout the event gave attendees the opportunity to hear from experts, legislators and business colleagues on subjects ranging from ballot initiatives and elections to international economics, artificial intelligence, the California budget and a new economic dashboard.
Awards presented at the event recognized outstanding chambers of commerce and innovative small businesses.
The final keynote speaker was James Carville, one of the most well-known political strategists in modern U.S. history.
See photos and stories in the June 19 edition of Alert for more information.
Premier sponsors of the event were United Airlines and Fidelity Investments.
Awards
Awards presentations at the California Business Outlook:
Starting this year, the President’s Circle Award criteria changed to focus completely on the chambers’ advocacy activities without the employment law compliance component.
The California Chamber of Commerce named 20 local chambers of commerce as recipients of the 2026 President’s Circle Award.
The Chamber of the Year Award, new in 2025, was presented to the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of its outstanding leadership in community engagement, economic development and advocacy.
Business owners and community members speak passionately about how the Redlands Chamber has empowered their businesses, careers and connection to the community.
The Small Business Awards, $5,000 grants, were presented to EcoPress Sacramento and Zavikon, based in Calabasas.
The grant recipients demonstrated leadership in creating jobs and growing their businesses; creativity in workforce solutions and employee relations; community impact, including partnerships with community groups; and innovation in business solutions and design.
Gov. Newsom, Lt. Gov. Kounalakis Mingle with Consular Corps, International Partners During Reception at Historic Governor’s Mansion
Representatives from more than 60 countries gathered at the Governor’s mansion in Sacramento on June 10 to visit with each other and see Gov. Gavin Newsom and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, along with other state government officials. The reception gave attendees the chance to extend good wishes to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on the next stages of their political careers and for the two to express thanks for the support of the international community. Read More
Sacramento Host Committee
The Sacramento Host Committee, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, was CalChamber’s partner in presenting the Business Outlook Dinner.
Contacts
CalChamber California Business Outlook and Dinner – (916) 930-1212, events@calchamber.com
International Forum – (916) 930-1232, susanne.stirling@calchamber.com
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Past Business Outlook