East Ventura News

Ventura County’s economy is contracting, according to recently released GDP data. In response, "The Case For Growth" has been chosen as the theme for the 2024 Ventura County Economic Forecast event on Feb. 28, presented by California Lutheran University’s Center for Economic Research and Forecasting (CERF).

Attendees will gain insights into Ventura County’s economy, as well as state and national economic conditions. Featured speaker David Bahnsen, a nationally recognized economist and wealth manager, will discuss why economic growth is essential for prosperity. Networking will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the forecast event from 9–11 a.m., at the Scherr Forum Theatre in Thousand Oaks.

“Having David speak broadly about economic growth and the macroeconomy will add another layer of understanding to the forecast,” said Matthew Fienup, Ph.D., CERF executive director. “His high-level insights will have special relevance in Ventura County given the economic weakness that the county has experienced since 2007.”

Fienup will release this year’s forecast publication and provide an analysis of the county’s economic and demographic performance, along with regional policies shaping growth. He will also present CERF’s award-winning forecasts for California and the United States.

“The CERF team spends countless hours poring over leading economic indicators to construct a comprehensive economic picture of the future,” said Dr. Gerhard Apfelthaler, dean of Cal Lutheran's School of Management. “David engrosses his audiences while sharing technical information, which will make the forecast information even more impactful for attendees.”

Bahnsen is an economist, portfolio manager, author, TV commentator, and founder of The Bahnsen Group. He has authored five books including "There’s No Free Lunch: 250 Economic Truths" and "Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life." Bahnsen hosts the weekly Capital Record podcast and frequently appears on CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg TV.

Tickets are $95 if purchased in advance or at the door. A VIP reception with Bahnsen will be held at Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard from 6–8 p.m. on Feb. 27; tickets for this reception are $195 and include a ticket to the forecast event plus a signed copy of Bahnsen’s new book "Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life." The forecast event is free with a Cal Lutheran ID.

California Lutheran University was founded in 1959 and formally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016. It serves over 2,300 undergraduate students and 1,300 graduate students from diverse backgrounds.

CERF is a nationally recognized forecasting house known for its U.S home price forecasts which received multiple top-three rankings among professional forecasts.

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Mark A. Berry

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Sarene Wallace

PR Consultant

805-816-5616

Sarene.Wallace1@gmail.com

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