The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation held their annual International Trade Outlook on Wednesday, May 12, 2010. The event was located in the Hilton Long Beach, and was attended by approximately 300 people from around the area. Speakers included Vance Baugham (President of the WTCA LA- Long Beach), Maura O'Conner (LAEDC Chair), Jack Kyser (Founding Economist, The Kyser Center for Economic Research), Nancy D. Sidhu (Chief Economist, The Kyser Center for Economic Research), Rana S. Mookherjee (Director, Channel Strategy and Development), Fred Ni ( General Manager, BYD) and Bill Allen (President, LA County Economic Development Corporation).

The presentations covered an array of topics including the trade outlook for 2010, the affect of the real estate market on international trade, L.A. customs district? largest trading partners, the world economic outlook for 2010, and a brief presentation on why to locate business in the Los Angeles/ Long Beach area. The economists agreed that the best thing about 2009 is that it is behind us. They were very optimistic about the coming year and stated that it appears we are moving into a more prosperous period. After the speakers were done presenting, the conference allotted time for networking.