Challenging economic times call upon regional business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and public and private organizations to develop creative solutions. Luckily in our five-county area they can work together and tap local resources at the annual Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo. The event’s partners and supporters say attendees facing today’s economic environment receive important analysis and create key networks.
“NorthStar Law Group, P.S. proudly supports the Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo because we believe small and medium-sized businesses in South Puget Sound and Southwest Washington are the key economic drivers of our region,” says Tumwater attorney Christopher T. L. Brown. “The Expo provides an invaluable forum for businesses to network with government and public-private organizations to learn and foster development.”
Registration is open for the Expo at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound. Seating is limited for this popular event organized by the economic development organizations or our five-county region, including the Thurston Economic Development Council, Greater Grays Harbor Inc., Economic Alliance of Lewis County, Mason County EDC and Pacific County EDC.
Join 400+ Leaders at Dynamic Economic Expo Covering Trends, Innovations and Opportunities Leading Into 2026 and Beyond
“Supporting the Thurston Economic Development Council is a natural extension of our mission to help communities thrive through innovation, job creation and long-term prosperity,” says Peak Credit Union Commercial Lending Officer Alexis Alverson. “When it comes to the annual EDC Expo, we’re especially proud to stand alongside other local leaders who share a vision for a vibrant, resilient economy. It’s a powerful reminder that real progress happens when we work together.”
More than 400 leaders across the five-county Pacific Mountain Workforce Region will gather at the dynamic conference to discuss trends, innovations, and opportunities leading into 2026 and beyond. “Each year I look forward to this Forecast Conference – a premier gathering of the region’s economic and community development leaders,” says Thurston EDC Executive Director Michael Cade. “The agenda reflects the region’s best thinking, strategies and opportunities. Each program is designed to give attendees confidence in how they can help build a stronger, more vibrant economy. It highlights best practices in action and how we can all work to activate them locally.”
Alverson shares this sentiment with Michael, “This event is one I look forward to every year because of the incredible mix of people it brings together,” he adds “There are folks from business, government, education, and nonprofits, all in one place, all working toward a stronger community. As someone who loves to connect, it honestly feels like a fun reunion with familiar faces from past events and around the region.”
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) joins NorthStar Law Group, Peak Credit Union and many other businesses and organizations in advocating for the Expo event. “PSE is proud to support the Regional Expo,” says PSE Senior Local Government Affairs Representative Kristine Rompa. “This partnership demonstrates the significant impact that innovative energy policy has on economic development. We are proud to support organizations that make substantial investments in our community while advancing their core mission.”
PSE will provide a panelist during one of the event’s breakout sessions this year on the future of energy. Janet Kelly, PSE’s Director of Government and Community Affairs, will join representatives from the Public Utility Districts (PUDs) of Pacific, Grays Harbor and Mason Counties for an honest look at how our electrical utilities are taking steps to maintain a grid that is both resilient and reliable during these times of unprecedented change in the industry.
The event’s robust agenda features speakers Lt. Governor Denny Heck and economist Bill Conerly, plus panels and breakout sessions with local experts giving presentations and leading discussions on multiple hot topics. A new half-day pre-conference the day before gives a deep dive into rural entrepreneurship, infrastructure, recreation and place-based industries.
“It’s a candid view and insight to the future of our region,” says Alverson of the Expo. “There is real insight into trends in our local, regional, and national landscape. I am always absolutely blown away by the caliber of speakers that present each year.”
Local Partners Invite Businesses and Leaders to the 2025 Regional Economic Expo as They Tackle Challenges Together
The event’s partners and attendees highlight the advantages of the long-running annual conference, encouraging others to collaborate with them and the five local economic development organizations to tackle the region’s economic issues together at the 2025 event.
“Since 2009, the principals and employees of NorthStar Law Group have served locally owned businesses as they grow and thrive through good times and challenges,” says Brown. “We believe everyone prospers when new industries receive proper support through events like the Expo, where one person’s entrepreneurial dream can uplift communities. We’re proud to partner with the Thurston Economic Development Council and other agencies to connect businesses with resources so all can benefit.”
For Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo questions or sponsorship inquiries, contact Thurston EDC Event Manager, Holly House: HHouse@ThurstonEDC.com.
2025 Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo
December 4, 2025 (Pre-Conference: December 3, 2025)
Great Wolf Lodge
20500 Old Highway 99 SW, Grand Mound
Sponsored
