The 7th Annual Coachella Valley Business Conference & Economic Forecast is taking place on Thursday morning at Fantasy Springs. Presented by the Riverside County Office of Economic Development, the event will be hosted by the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians.

At the conference, county leaders and keynote speakers will discuss business trends, local resources, and provide insight into the future of the Valley’s economy. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Christopher Thornberg, a founding partner of Beacon Economics, who will offer economic analysis on the international, national, and regional economies and their impact on business trends in the desert.

Joaquin Tijerina, the Development Manager for Riverside County, expressed excitement about welcoming back Dr. Thornberg for another presentation. Tijerina highlighted Thornberg’s optimism and ability to identify opportunities in the face of challenges, providing civic and business leaders with valuable information to make informed decisions.

One major challenge that Tijerina pointed out is the difficulty businesses face in finding affordable loans in the Valley. He emphasized the importance of understanding federal and state-level solutions to provide businesses with access to capital at affordable rates. Despite the challenges, Tijerina also recognized positive changes in the area, such as the addition of Acrisure Arena and consistent tourism as factors contributing to the region’s growth.

Overall, Tijerina and others are optimistic about the current trends in