A trio of experts is heading to SLO County on Wednesday, June 2 with information on the local, state and national economies. 

The first-ever "Mid Year Update" by the UCSB Economic Forecast Project, hosted by the Atascadero and Paso Robles Chambers of Commerce, will feature presentations by economists Chris Thornberg and Brad Kemp of Beacon Economics along with Sacramento political pundit Dan Walters. 

The event is a follow up to the November Forecast which annually attracts more than 400 business and community leaders.  

"Everything about business is moving today at high speed," said Terry Westrope, chair of UCSB's Economic Forecast Project SLO County board of directors.  "We need information right now to help make decisions. Our board members believe that in today’s economy, a once a year forecast is not enough."  

Westrope said that with the generous sponsorship of PG&E and many other local supporters, a Mid-Year Update has been created. 

Thornberg and Kemp will again anchor the presentation on economic trending and impacts, while Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Walters will add his view from the State Capitol. Timing will be most interesting, as the State Budget and elections will be hot topics.

The Beacon Economic team first presented in SLO County last fall and scored high with attendees.  Thornberg's expertise and over-the-top candor along with Kemp's grasp of local communities made for a winning combination. 

"Take those two and top the program off with Dan Walters on the eve of an election and boy, we've got something to talk about," said Dick Willhoit, North County business leader and board member for the UCSB Economic Forecast Project.

Atascadero Chamber President Joanne Main notes that the event is already attracting attention countywide, and that PG&E is hosting an "Espresso Express" free bus shuttle from San Luis Obispo. 

"PG&E is making it easy to leave your car, enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation and be back in town before lunchtime," Main said.

The Mid-Year Update will take place at the Paso Robles Event Center (Paso Robles Fairgrounds) on Wednesday, June 2 from 8:30 to 11 a.m.  Ticket price of $50 includes seminar attendance, light breakfast and a copy of the Beacon Update. 

Reservations can be made by calling or using online registration at either Chamber; Atascadero 466-2044, www.atascaderochamber.org, or Paso Robles 238-0506, www.pasorobleschamber.com.

Deadline for registration is May 24th. 

Espresso Express space is limited; make reservations by calling 238-0506 or 466-2044. The Espresso Express will depart from the new Sierra Vista Hospital Parking structure at 7 a.m. and return to SLO by noon.