(Carson, CA) From creating cells that help the immune system fight cancer, to launching rockets into space from in-flight 747s, to the effects of an economic recession on the local economy, California State University, Dominguez Hills’ (CSUDH) 2019-20 South Bay Economic Forecast conference on Oct. 29 will provide a look at what some of the region’s most innovative companies are doing, as well as the economic trends for the next year.
The South Bay Economic Forecast will take place Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in the Loker Student Union Grand Ballroom The conference will be immediately followed by a wine and craft beer tasting reception featuring South Bay breweries. To register and for more information visit https://www.csudh.edu/uce/economic-forecast/. There is no cost for the media.
Titled “A Region in Transition: Advances in Innovative Technology,” the conference will be emceed by Frank Mottek, anchor for KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO. Mottek will also serve as the panel moderator.
CSUDH developed the South Bay Economic Forecast conference to provide a focused look at the current state of the region’s economy and forecast for the coming year. The university partners with UCLA Anderson Forecast to produce the report.
“As the southern part of Silicon Beach, South Bay’s economy grew at a steady pace. With its high productivity and wages, tech jobs are the pillar of the South Bay economy,” said UCLA Anderson Forecast economist William Yu. “We predict that South Bay’s growth rate will slow down over the next year, mostly due to the slowing of the U.S. and global economies, while SpaceX and the aerospace industry will continue their pursuits of space expedition.”
The conference will feature two panels.
South Bay Economic Panel: CSUDH researchers and economists will discuss trends in housing prices and commuting, startup activity and access to capital in the South Bay, and the findings of the Economic Forecast report.
- William Yu, economist at UCLA Anderson Forecast, and researcher for the South Bay Economic Forecast.
- CSUDH faculty researchers from the university’s South Bay Economics Institute: Fynnwin Prager, assistant professor of public administration; Jennifer Brodmann, assistant professor of finance; and Jose Martinez, professor of economics.
- The faculty will address such issues as telework in the regional workforce; economic and workforce development; corporate and entrepreneurial finance; startup activity and raising capital; and housing market trends, including housing data related to CSUDH faculty and staff.
Technology Panel: Representatives from regional technology, biomedical, and aerospace companies will share the latest advancements in cell creation to fight cancer, electronic mobility technology and business models, aerospace innovations in rocket-to-space delivery, and support for aerospace startup companies.
- Monica Jan, senior director of strategy and customer experience of Virgin Orbit, part of the Virgin Group owned by Sir Richard Branson. Jan will discuss details about Virgin Orbit’s new project of launching rockets from 747 jetliners to deliver satellites and other payloads into orbit, the challenges of the program, and the future of rocket launch development.
- Leonard Sender, senior vice president of medical affairs for pediatric, adolescent and young adult oncology for El Segundo-based NantKWest. The innovative clinical-stage immunotherapy company owned by Patrick Soon-Shiong (owner and executive chairman of The Los Angeles Times), focuses on harnessing the power of innate immune system by using cells to treat cancer, infectious diseases, and inflammatory diseases.
- Sohel Merchant, founder of Canoo, a Los Angeles-based company developing a subscription-only electric vehicle membership program and the vehicles its members will drive.
- A Canoo vehicle prototype will be on display at the forecast.
- Van Espahbodi, co-founder, manager and partner of Starburst Accelerator. The company provides startups with mentoring and access to aerospace and aviation stakeholders, and connects aerospace and defense leaders with innovative startups worldwide.
