The Future Economy of Napa County
In an excerpt from the North Bay Business Journal, Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics, stated “My perspective is that there are three paths that political forces in Napa can choose. One is — maintain the status quo, keep it a high-end area and ride on its historic reputation.” “Alternatively, there are two other ways they can go — How do we step up our game in combination with tourism, and what about ultimately developing our industrial base in the way that Sonoma has?’”
North Bay Napa Economy Update
In the days leading to his keynote speech at the North Bay Business Journal’s annual “Impact Napa” economic conference Thursday, Mr. Thornberg said that he saw a number of pressures encroaching on Napa’s dominance among other wine-making regions in the United States.
In noting potential opportunities for the region, Mr. Thornberg said that Napa could enhance its position as a destination by developing large-capacity conference spaces, particularly ones that are coupled with existing wineries. Other opportunities could include the development of an industrial zone to encourage the geographic spread of high-tech industry from Silicon Valley in the direction of Napa. Yet attracting new industry to Napa would be a long-term effort, with excess capacity for high-tech companies enduring in Sonoma County and the East Bay Area.
As one of Napa’s core industries, wine, particularly the high-end products, has enjoyed a surge in international demand. “Tourism has made a very strong bounce-back across California,” he said.
The Future Economy of Napa County – Conclusion
Mr. Thornberg will join a number of other voices to discuss the Napa County economy at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 30. Tickets are $45 per person, and $450 for a table of 10. Visit www.northbaybusinessjournal.com for more information.
What will The Future Economy of Napa County hold? We will just have to wait to find out.
