Learn about “The Road Ahead” at the 25^th Annual Indian Wells Valley Economic Outlook Conference and Business Expo, to be held February 9, 2012 at the Kerr McGee Center in Ridgecrest. Tickets for this event go on sale Tuesday, January 10.

Brad Kemp, Director of Regional Research at Beacon Economics, will deliver the conference’s keynote presentation, presenting on the economic conditions that affect the state, Kern County and the Indian Wells Valley. His information will be specifically researched and tailored to this conference and the local area.

Kemp has spoken at conferences and is a trusted media source in outlets across the state. Prior to joining Beacon, Kemp was a labor research analyst for the California Employment Development Department. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delaware and is a veteran of the United States Navy.

In addition to Kemp, the conference is slated to feature updates from city and Navy leaders, as well as a panel discussion on health care in the area, with doctors and health care professionals discussing major changes and their impacts to the business community. A presentation on real estate trends is expected as well.

The conference begins at 7 a.m. with a continental breakfast and Business Expo that highlights many local businesses, their products and services. The program begins at 8 a.m. and will adjourn around 12:45 p.m.