Economics

Experience the 2026 Economic Outlook Conference

Join us for the 2026 Central Washington University Economic Outlook Conference, hosted by the CWU Department of Economics and the College of Business. This annual event brings together regional leaders, industry professionals, economists, students, and community members to explore the forces shaping our economy and workforce.

This year's theme, "Workforce, AI, and the Future of Regional Jobs: How Technology Is Reshaping Work in Our Region," focuses on one of the most important transformations facing our communities today. The conference will highlight how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are changing the way we work, make decisions, and prepare for the jobs of the future.

A featured panel discussion will ecplore how AI is being applied in business settings. Industry experts and CWU alumni will share how organizations are using AI to improve efficiency, support decision-making, and adapt workflows, while also offering practical insights for small business owners and students navigating this evolving landscape.

Attendees will also hear from leading economists on the Washington State economic and budget outlook, gain insights into regional labor market trends, and learn about which jobs and skills are most likely to be impacted by AI. CWU students will present findings from the Student Price Index, providing a unique perspective on the cost of living and economic conditions affecting students today.

The conference will conclude with interactive lunch roundtable discussions, where participants can engage directly with local industry professionals, community leaders and faculty to discuss how AI is expected to shape careers and how to best prepare for these changes.

Whether you are a student exploring career pathways, a business owner adapting to new technologies, or a community member interested in the future of our regional economy, the Economic Outlook Conference offers valuable insights and meaningful connections.

Economic Outlook Conference Agenda (May 5, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

 Sue Lombard Hall, Ellensburg, WA

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM: Welcome Remarks
9:20 AM - 10:20 AM: Panel Discussion: How AI is Transforming the Workplace
10:20 AM - 10:40 AM: Washington Economic Outlook & Budget Forecast
10:50 AM - 11:20 AM: Regional Labor Market Trends and the Impact of AI on Jobs
11:20 AM - 11:40 AM: Student Price Index Presentation
11:40 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch and Interactive Roundtable Discussions

Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://cwu.zoom.us/j/94690348206

Presenters Bio

Laruel Orr

Laurel is a Staff AI Engineer at Stacklok building AI systems to help enterprises unlock AI automation through better business context management, shared workflows, and scalable tool use. Prior to joining Stacklok, she was a PostDoc at Stanford researching generative AI and how it can tackle data management challenges. She jumped ship to be a founding engineer at NumbersStation, an AI startup automating business analytics through structured data agents, that recently got acquired by Alation. She has been building generative AI systems and prompt whispering since before ChatGPT and believes the key to better AI is better context. 

Amy McGuffin

Amy McGuffin is the President & CEO of the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, where she leads efforts in economic development, tourism, workforce initiatives, and business advocacy across the county. With over 15 years of experience, Amy has grown major community initiatives, increased funding for local programs, and built strong partnerships between businesses, government, and nonprofits. She is passionate about leadership development, innovation, and helping emerging professionals find their path. Amy believes success comes from collaboration, resilience, and having the confidence to step into your power—no matter where you are in your journey. 

 Jared Vallejo

Jared Vallejo is a Brand and Tech Consultant, CWU Lecturer in the College of Business Management and Marketing, and founder of Driftbound Media who spends at least some of his time making sure AI doesn’t accidentally break the world. Jared navigates AI obfuscation, showing organizations how to use rapid prototyping and "vibe coding" without the existential dread. 

Whether he is guiding the Choose Kittitas County initiative or guiding economic growth with the Chamber of Commerce, Jared offers a grounded look at how AI is rewriting the job market. He is dedicated to ensuring Central Washington’s workforce isn't just watching the AI revolution from the sidelines but is actually driving the bus. He delivers professional, mission-driven results with only a moderate amount of caffeine.

Ajsa Suljic

Ajsa Suljic has been with the Employment Security Department’s Labor Market and Economic Analysis Division for the 16 years. As the regional labor economist covering South Central and Southeastern Washington. Ajsa provides labor market information and analysis to local economic planners, administrators, businesses and residents. Currently serving as local labor market and economic expert on multiple organizations. Previously she worked for Idaho Department of Labor and Idaho Neurological Institute. 

Molly Nutt

Molly Nutt is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and founder of Acorn Digital Strategy, a copywriting and email marketing agency. By the age of 30, Molly had successfully started, scaled, and sold two other businesses—Oaks Email Studio, an email marketing agency serving e-commerce brands, and The CEO Society, a networking community for female founders. She also mentors women entrepreneurs as they build scalable, sustainable, and exitable businesses. 

Dave Reich 

Dave Reich is the Executive Director and Chief Economist for the Washington Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (ERFC). The members of the ERFC are made up of eight legislators, two executive branch members and the state treasurer. Each quarter, Dave and staff prepare updated U.S. and Washington economic forecasts and state operating and transportation revenue forecasts for review and approval by the ERFC and a recently added body known as the Transportation Economic and Revenue Forecast Council (TERFC) that reviews the transportation forecasts. These forecasts are used by state government officials in budgeting and planning. Prior to joining the ERFC, Dave was Director and Chief Economist for the Office of Economic and Financial Analysis at King County. Dave holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Washington.

Upakar Bhatta

Dr. Upakar Bhatta is the Assistant Professor in the ITM department at CWU. He joined CWU in Sept 2025. Prior to joining CWU, he worked as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of cloud computing at University of Maryland Global Campus and Assistant Teaching Professor at Arizona State University. He earned his D.Sc. degree in Cybersecurity from Marymount University in 2024. His expertise and research interests include application of machine learning techniques to cybersecurity and cloud security domains. As part of his research, he has mentored students developing predictive models for risk assessment in multimodal AI systems, evaluated the effectiveness of integrating Zero Trust principles with Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP), and identified Privacy Threshold Analysis (PTA) patterns to enhance data protection frameworks. Outside academia, he brings extensive hands-on experience in cloud infrastructure, networking, and cybersecurity. 

Ellen Bjorge

Ellen Bjorge is a Senior Lecturer at Central Washington University within the IT Management department, where she specializes in the intersection of emerging technology and user experience. With an MBA in IT Management and a diverse professional background spanning graphic design, web development, and UX design, Ellen brings a practitioner’s lens to the global AI conversation. Her work is dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders to use AI responsibly, focusing on navigating the complexities of AI, fostering healthy relationships with increasingly pervasive technology, and mastering the digital tools essential for the modern workforce.

Lizette Santos

I am a first-generation college graduate with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I’m passionate about supporting students as they explore their strengths, values, and interests. Whether you’re deciding on a career path, updating your resume/ cover letter, preparing for an interview, or planning for graduate school, I’m here to help.

Bruce Simpson

My name is Bruce Simpson, and I work as a career counselor and employer outreach liaison at the CWU-Ellensburg campus.  I have worked in higher education since 1995, and I served as a US Air Force officer (active duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard) for over 30 years.  I completed a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the University of New Mexico, a master’s degree in recreation administration from the University of Northern Colorado, and teacher certification courses from Central Washington University.  Additionally, I am an adjunct professor at CWU, teaching professional development courses.

Ryan Backlund