Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
7:00 AM - 11:30 AM PST
Greater Tacoma Convention Center
1500 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
EARLY BIRD Individual Pricing - ENDS January 4, 2025 CLOSED!
$100.00 - Chamber Member Early Bird
$135.00 - Non-Chamber Member Early Bird
REGULAR Individual Pricing - BEGINS January 5, 2025 SOLD OUT!
$120.00 - Chamber Member
$165.00 - Non-Chamber Member
DAY OF WALK-INS - Individual Pricing
$145.00 - Chamber Member
$175.00 - Non-Chamber Member
Group Pricing
$1250.00 - Corporate Table SOLD OUT!
- One reserved table of 8
$1750.00 - Premier Table SOLD OUT!
- One reserved table of 8
- Seated in the 3-5 rows
Contact us for Sponsorship Opportunities starting at $500 with ticket and premier table options included.
Refunds and credits are not permitted for registration cancellations under any circumstances unless requested 15 business days prior to this event due to catering deadlines. Substitutions are welcome at anytime.
Maura White
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Start your day and the new year with valuable perspectives at Horizons, where local and regional business leaders, alongside renowned economists, explore the challenges and opportunities shaping 2025. This premier event offers a unique platform to gain insights into key trends and emerging topics affecting businesses locally, regionally, and nationally.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from our keynote speaker and an esteemed panel of subject-matter experts as they provide actionable guidance to help you shape your business outlook for the coming year. Whether you're seeking strategic advice or simply staying informed, Horizons is an essential event for decision-makers aiming to thrive in the year ahead.
We encourage you to attend Coffee & Connections where you will have the opportunity to mingle over coffee with other Horizons Economic Forecast attendees prior to the program.
This dynamic panel will uncover the forces shaping Pierce County’s economy in 2025. Dive into key insights on how inflation, interest rates, and artificial intelligence are transforming the workforce and regional industries. Explore the evolving roles of trade, immigration, and organized labor in driving economic growth, and gain a deeper understanding of how housing, childcare, and workforce infrastructure impact local opportunities.
Pierce County’s economic future is at a crossroads. Housing affordability, transit connectivity, and rising development costs are reshaping how businesses attract talent, how communities grow, and how leaders plan for the challenges ahead. This panel brings together regional experts to discuss the forces driving these changes and what they mean for Pierce County’s business landscape. From zoning reforms and transit-oriented development to the economic ripple effects of housing shortages, this session will explore how policy, design, and infrastructure intersect to influence the region’s growth trajectory.
As Pierce County navigates a critical juncture in its energy future, this panel will bring together leaders from across the region to explore how energy innovation, infrastructure investments, and policy shifts are reshaping our community. From the integration of renewable energy to addressing the challenges of electrification, our discussion will illuminate the path forward for a more resilient, sustainable energy economy.
Angelo Kourkafas, CFA®
Senior Strategist, Investment Strategy, Edward Jones
Angelo Kourkafas is a Senior Investment Strategist responsible for analyzing market conditions, assessing economic trends, and developing portfolio strategies and recommendations that help investors work toward their long-term financial goals. He is also a voting member of the group supporting the firm's strategic and opportunistic portfolio allocation decisions. Kourkafas has over 15 years of investment experience spanning roles in trading, equity research, and global investment strategy. He joined Edward Jones in 2014 as an associate analyst in Equity Research, covering the industrial and consumer sectors. He then joined the Investment Strategy team in 2018. Prior to Edward Jones, Kourkafas worked in New York as an equity trader and held roles at HSBC and Ameriprise Financial. Angelo graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Athens University of Economics and Business in Greece and received an MBA with concentrations in finance and investments from Minnesota State University. He is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of St. Louis. Kourkafas is a contributor to Edward Jones Market Insights and has been regularly featured in financial media including CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and FORTUNE.
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, Washington's 10th Congressional DistrictCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland represents Washington’s 10th Congressional District, which covers parts of Pierce and Thurston Counties. Born in Seoul, she is the first African-American to represent Washington State at the federal level, and one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress in its history. She earned her B.A. from the University of Washington and holds an MBA from Clark Atlanta University. Prior to her election to Congress, Strickland was the President and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce. She served two terms as mayor of Tacoma from 2010-2017, where she championed education, infrastructure, and job growth. A firm believer that there is dignity in all work, Strickland led successful efforts to raise the minimum wage and pass paid sick leave, paving the way for statewide action. By making education a civic priority, she led efforts to raise Tacoma’s high school graduation rate from 55% to 89%. In the 118th Congress, Strickland sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She serves as whip for the Congressional Black Caucus and is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the Bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caucus, and the New Democrat Coalition. She is co-chair of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus and a member of the Pro-choice Caucus. Congresswoman Strickland resides in the district with her husband Patrick Erwin.
Congresswoman Emily Randall, Washington's 6th Congressional DistrictBorn and raised in Washington’s 6th Congressional District, Emily Randall is the proud product of a union, working-class family–like many in the 6th District. Emily is fueled by her family’s experiences. When her sister Olivia, born with complex disabilities, received access to newly expanded Medicaid, Emily became a fierce advocate for quality, affordable healthcare. And as the first in her family to attend a four-year college, Emily knows the importance of education that aligns with the community’s needs and leads to family-wage jobs. Emily’s legislative track record proves she doesn’t just talk the talk, she gets results and wins the toughest races. In 2018 and 2022, Emily won the most competitive state senate district in Washington by focusing on the most important issues and her track record of success. In Congress, Emily will fight for affordable and accessible healthcare, including reproductive freedom for all; common-sense gun reform; a just transition to a green economy; and affordable education, job training, and apprenticeship programs. Emily’s ready to go beyond partisan politics and focus on the practical solutions that address the dynamic needs of the 6th District.
Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello
Born in Kailua, Hawaii, Ryan Mello moved to Tacoma in 1997 to attend the University of Puget Sound where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics and government. He fell in love with Tacoma as an AmeriCorps volunteer coordinating the Youth United program at the United Way of Pierce County, producing the first-ever program where high school students earn their varsity letter for exceptional community service. Ryan went on to serve in several career roles to protect our quality of life, working farmlands and rural heritage. He went on to serve as the Executive Director of the Pierce Conservation District where he led a team across Pierce County in working to improve water quality and habitat function for people, fish and wildlife, increase access to local, healthy food for all and expand sustainable agriculture practices. He was elected citywide to the Metropolitan Park Board of Commissioners in 2005, and in 2010 made history as the first openly gay man to serve on the Tacoma City Council, serving until 2019. Ryan also serves on the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation and previously as a founding board member of Equal Rights Washington and the Transportation Choices Coalition Board of Directors. Currently, Ryan serves as Chair of the Pierce County Council, representing District 4 - and is known as a strong advocate for working families, housing affordability, transportation, and public safety solutions. Ryan and his partner Sean live in downtown Tacoma.
Dick Marzano is a Tacoma native and long-term Pierce County resident. Marzano worked as a Tacoma longshore worker for more than 52 years and served a six-year term as president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23. Marzano serves on the executive committees of the Puget Sound Regional Council and the Puget Sound Gateway Program. He is a former member of the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board and previously served as president of the Washington Public Port Association. Marzano is a member of the Tacoma Propeller Club, the Transportation Club of Tacoma, and a former board member of the Foss Waterway Development Authority, the United Way and St. Leo's Hospitality Kitchen. During his time as port commissioner, Marzano has remained focused on job creation and growing Port operations in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
Neal Johnson, Ph.D., Sound Resource Economics
Neal Johnson, Ph.D., received his doctorate in economics from the University of Washington and his master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics, with a minor in statistics, from Oregon State University. He has taught economics at Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Pacific Lutheran University, and currently teaches full time for Louisiana State University Shreveport. His academic research includes the economics of gambling markets, with a particular focus on the use of Monte Carlo methods to estimate bettors’ utility functions and attitudes towards risk. This research has implications not only for gambling markets but also for broader economic areas such as financial markets and decision theory.
April Black, Executive Director, Tacoma Housing Authority
April Black is the Executive Director of the Tacoma Housing Authority (THA). She has been in this role since 2021 but has served in a variety of roles within THA since 2009. She also serves as the Vice President of the Tacoma-Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium and the Board of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities. Black began working in housing authorities while in college and has over 20 years of experience in the field. She has worked at the Missoula (MT), Bremerton, and Tacoma Housing Authorities in a variety of roles. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Communication Studies at the University of Montana. Outside of work, she is a mom of a Hilltop Heritage Middle School 8th grader and a Western Washington University senior.
Debbie Cockrell, Reporter, Tacoma News Tribune
Debbie Cockrell has been with The News Tribune since 2009. She reports on business and development as well as local and regional issues in Tacoma and the South Sound. She received her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has worked in several U.S. newsrooms through the years including Olympia, Wa., Lexington, Ky., and Kansas City, Mo.
Katie Condit, Chief Executive Officer, Workforce Central
Katie Condit is the Chief Executive Officer for WorkForce Central, Pierce County’s local Workforce Development Board based in Tacoma, Washington. WorkForce Central aligns the needs of employers and jobseekers to build a robust talent pool of workers for local, quality jobs. Condit has spent the last 15 years working across the Pacific Northwest to strengthen education and workforce systems at local, state, and national levels. She received her MA in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame and her BA from the University of Puget Sound.
Dr. Chhandita Das, Economist, Puget Sound Energy
Dr. Das is an experienced Economist and a seasoned Data Scientist. At her current role at Puget Sound Energy she provides economic insights, data, analyses and exclusive knowledge on multiple key policy and business issues. As an expert on data and technology, Dr. Das is engaged in helping the company grow its data infrastructure and analytical capabilities. Dr. Das also serves as an expert witness on customer load profiles for the Company’s General Rate Case filing. Prior to joining Puget Sound Energy, Dr. Das served on the other side of the business at NYISO, Albany, NY. Before joining the energy sector, Dr. Das has worked for the North East Fisheries Science Center, MA, providing economic and analytical insights for managing the North East Fisheries Sector. In her spare time, Dr. Das is involved in several community initiatives, she is an active member of Seattle community garden and volunteers for local non-profits committed to serving the environment and the people. She is also an active student, practitioner and teacher of yoga and spiritual learning.
Bill Dickens, Author and Former Senior Energy Economist, Tacoma Power
Bill Dickens is a native of Tarboro, NC and grew up in Washington, DC. He moved to Tacoma, WA in 2008 to assume duties as a senior energy economist for Tacoma Power. His work focused on hydro-electric economics, natural gas market fundamentals, smart grid technologies, and alternative energy supply resources. He retired from Tacoma Power on December 1, 2018. Prior to working for Tacoma Power, he was a staff economist for the Florida Public Service Commission (1998-2008) and a Member of the Florida Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors (2000-2007). He has taught economics at Hampton University, Bowie State University. Florida A&M University and UW-Tacoma, He has testified as an expert economic witness on regulation topics and written economic articles which have appeared in books, peer-reviewed journals, and several Tacoma and Florida newspapers as letters to the editor and op-ed columns. His latest research on energy economics was published in the book Energy Trading and Risk Management by Iris Marie Mack, and he is currently writing a book on behavioral economics called – Economics for the ‘Hood: What Matters? Dickens's undergraduate education was completed at Northwestern University (Economic Honors Program 1978) in Evanston, Illinois, and the University of the District of Columbia (1979) where he concentrated in economics, mathematics, and history. His graduate education in economics (Masters and Ph.D. studies) (1979-1986) were completed at American University in Washington, D.C.. He resides in University Place, Washington with his spouse Jennie Scipio-Dickens where he serves as a substitute teacher for the University Place School District and Charles Wright Academy.
Ben Ferguson, Managing Principal, Ferguson Architecture
The founder and Managing Principal of Tacoma’s Ferguson Architecture (FA), South Sound native Ben Ferguson is a trusted design partner, small business owner, and thought leader in the Tacoma community. With over 25 years and more than $800 million worth of work in his career in custom residential, multi-family housing, K-12, municipal, office tenant improvements, retail, and hospitality projects, Ferguson is known for his engaging personality, visionary leadership style, and optimistic approach towards challenges. He is passionate about his role in contributing to the vitality of the South Sound, Ben serves as the co-Vice Chair of the Tacoma Permit Advisory Group and meets with local and state representatives annually to discuss legislation impacting housing affordability in the region. He is also the Architectural Subject Expert for the Tacoma Board of Building Appeals. Exhibiting the same combination of stubborn grit, perseverance, and playfulness that he shows in his professional life, he relaxes by doing karaoke with his wife and three daughters and exploring new cuisines through travel!
Scott Jones, Senior Vice President, Operations, Brookfield Properties
Scott Jones, Senior Vice President, Operations, provides operational leadership to the development of Brookfield’s land development operations in Washington which include Tehaleh in east Pierce County and the LakePointe Urban Village in Covington. He is responsible for creating and executing the division strategy for existing communities and growing the Division. Scott began his land development career with Newland Communities in Tampa, Florida in 2004 and served as the Vice President and General Manager for the Tampa South market. Brookfield acquired Newland in 2021. During his 20 years in community development, he has had a significant role in acquiring and developing seven communities planned for nearly 30,000 homes and 5M sf of commercial space. Jones has served on the Pierce County Master Builder Association Board of Directors, the Tacoma Pierce County Economic Development Board of Directors and the Urban Land Institute Community Development Council.
Nathe Lawver, Secretary Treasurer, Pierce County Central Labor Council
Nathe Lawver has served as director level staff for two local unions in both the private retail sector and construction sector, securing better wages and working conditions through legislative processes. In 2022, he was elected by his peers to be Executive Secretary of the Pierce County Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO. In 2023, Lawver was elected to the role of Secretary Treasurer of the Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, representing more than 46,000 hard working women and men who live in Pierce County. He was sworn into office on March 8, 2023. Lawver serves as Chair of the board of directors for United Way of Pierce County, on the board of the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, Workforce Development Council of Pierce County, and the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO executive board. He and his wife, both graduates of PLU, chose Tacoma as their place to live in 2001.
Tom Layson, Managing Editor & Producer-Host of Northwest Now, KBTC Public Television
Tom Layson is KBTC's Managing Editor and approaches the job with more than 40 years of experience having worked as a television news reporter and anchor in Yakima, Terre Haute, Louisville, Sacramento, Columbus, New York-New Jersey and finally for more than a decade back home in the Seattle-Tacoma market. Layson anchored 13 hours of wall-to-wall live coverage in the NY/NJ market during 9-11 which won the N.J. Associated Press' station award for best 9-11 coverage. He has interviewed Presidents and Governors, led election and political coverage while guiding viewers through breaking news from hostage crises' to airplane crashes to natural disasters. He’s been an on-scene reporter for thousands of top stories and events covering crime, courts, the environment, state and local government, social issues and major breaking news. Layson is the past president of the New Jersey Associated Press Broadcaster's Association, a prodigious winner of journalistic awards and recognition including an Emmy for KBTC's Northwest Now, and is a recognized thought leader in public affairs having served a columnist for local newspapers, a commentator on local talk shows, a current media analyst for CBS radio and a consultant who teaches the effective marriage of shooting, writing and editing. He is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and now resides in Helena, Montana.
Samantha Le, President and CEO, Seattle Southside Chamber
Samantha Le, is a Vietnamese American Refugee deeply rooted in South King County, holds pivotal roles as the President and CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, and Executive Director for the Success Foundation. With entrepreneur parents, Sammie recognizes the vital link between business and community, tirelessly working to bridge gaps. Leading initiatives for equitable economic welfare, she focuses on education, workforce development, and community service. Sammie spearheads Education and Workforce Initiatives in South King County, overseeing the "Workforce Discovery Lab" summer youth program, offering Professional Development and Career Exploration opportunities for low-barrier, high-earning paths. Dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs in non-traditional sectors, she passionately advocates for BIPOC representation and inclusive policies, emphasizing collaboration for positive change and a stronger community.
Bett Lucas, Senior Vice President of Commercial, TransMontaigne Partners | Seaport Sound Terminal
Bett Lucas is the Senior Vice President of Commercial at Seaport Sound Terminal. Seaport Sound Terminal provides essential energy infrastructure for the Greater Pacific Northwest region. Seaport has been a leader in efficient energy solutions, introducing biodiesel, renewable diesel, and low-sulfur fuels to Pierce County and beyond. The terminal supports various industries, including the Port, military, commercial fishing, transportation, and construction. Its strategic location in Tacoma, coupled with accessibility via pipeline, marine, rail, and truck, ensures energy security and efficient logistics, minimizing the carbon footprint for both local and regional energy needs. In addition to her role at Seaport, Lucas serves as the Chair of the Economic Development Board. Growing up in a small coastal town in Washington instilled in her a passion for manufacturing and industry, and she understands their critical role in fostering a thriving economy. She currently resides in Pierce County with her husband and their six children.
Ali Modarres, Ph.D., Assistant Chancellor for Community Partnerships at University of Washington Tacoma
Ali Modarres is the Assistant Chancellor for Community Partnerships at University of Washington Tacoma. He served as the Dean of the School of Urban Studies from 2013 to June 2024, when he retired. He has published in the areas of social geography, immigration, urban development, planning, and policy. From 2009 to 2017, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of Cities: The International Journal of Urban Policy and Planning. He is one of the two founding editors of the new journal of Race, Ethnicity, and the City.
Heidi Kihlman, Principal, BCRA
Heidi is principal at BCRA, helping to run the day-to-day operations of the company while bringing in new clients and projects opportunities in the door. She has nearly 27 years of experience in the interior and architectural design industry. She has specific experience in customer-centric projects, as she has spent a majority of her career working on retail and hospitality projects centered around the experiential design. She has a wealth of knowledge in retail, restaurant and commercial design and development, planning and forecasting, scheduling, budgeting, and project/design management. She believes in strong communication and empathetic design processes focused on listening and delivering. She is a resident of Tacoma, where she is raising three kids along with her husband Steve. She used her talents and expertise in design to help her husband launch a local brewing company and has a great appreciation for small businesses and the sacrifices people make to achieve their dream. Although the business venture fell into hard times and eventually closed its doors, she remains committed to Tacoma, it’s future, and the place we call home.
Chris Robinson, Power General Manager, Tacoma Public Utilities
Chris Robinson has served in the role of General Manager of Tacoma Power since 2015. He started working at the utility as a Utilities Economist in 2001 after a career in consulting. In his role as GM, Robinson has focused on service leadership, a people-focused culture, and purposeful strategy to guide the utility through an evolving industry landscape. He is proud to serve the greater Tacoma community through the utility’s mission of providing reliable and affordable electric services. He also enjoys collaborating with industry peers across the Pacific Northwest to bring value to electric consumers in the entire region. Towards this objective, Robinson has and continues to actively serve on multiple industry boards and committees. He holds Bachelor degrees in Economics and Political Science, and a Master of Science in Natural Resource Economics.
Aaron Terrazas, Independent Economist, Labor and the Future of Work, LinkedIn Top Voice
Aaron Terrazas was Chief Economist at Glassdoor from June 2022 through September 2024. Previously he was Director of Economic Research at the trucking startup Convoy, and an economist at the real estate website Zillow. He began his career as an economist in the U.S. Treasury Department in 2012 after completing his education at Georgetown University and at Johns Hopkins University. Terrazas lives in Seattle. When he's not doing economics, he's an avid backcountry trail ultramarathoner and mountaineer.
Andrew Troske, Vice President and Refinery Manager of U.S. Oil & Refining Co. | Par Pacific
Andrew Troske is the Vice President and Refinery Manager of U.S. Oil & Refining Co. in the Port of Tacoma. With 30 years of refining experience, Troske is a seasoned professional recognized for his leadership and expertise in the industry. He joined U.S. Oil & Refining Co. in 2019, transitioning from Par Pacific’s Hawaii Refinery, where he served as the Operations Manager. Prior to that, he held roles of increasing responsibility in refinery engineering, maintenance, and operations at BHP, Tesoro, and Par Pacific. Troske earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Seattle University and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) specializing in Control Systems. In addition to his distinguished career in the energy sector, Andrew is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he served nearly 27 years in both active and reserve assignments. His military service reflects his commitment to leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking, qualities that continue to define his professional contributions.
Jud Virden, Ph.D., Associate Laboratory Director, Energy and Environment, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Jud Virden is the Associate Laboratory Director for the Energy and Environment Directorate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA. He leads 1,700 scientists, engineers, and staff who are delivering science and technology solutions for the nation’s complex energy and environmental challenges—including modernizing the power grid, advancing energy storage technologies, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and lighting, developing biofuels, and resolving complex issues in nuclear science and environmental management. Virden earned his Ph.D. and B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Washington. He joined PNNL in 1991.
Ryan Wheaton, Chief Planning Officer, Pierce Transit
Ryan Wheaton lives in the Puyallup area, and is Chief Planning Officer at Pierce Transit. In this role, he leads planning, marketing, community outreach, and business account sales. He also manages the grants program and innovative partnerships to enhance community access. Wheaton's previous roles at Pierce Transit included business development and paratransit operations. Before entering public transit, he worked in education for seven years following his service as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uzbekistan and an AmeriCorps volunteer in King County. As City Manager in his hometown, he helped secure funding for key transportation projects. He holds degrees from Colorado State University, the University of Northern Colorado, and Pacific Lutheran University. He is dedicated to equitable public transportation and is active in the community as a Rotarian and a board member of both the Tacoma and Puyallup-Sumner Chambers of Commerce.
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Tacoma, WA 98402 Phone: (253) 627-2175 Fax: (253) 597-7305 info@tacomachamber.org |
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