Economic Summit + Outlook 2027

Unilever USA president Herrish Patel headlines CBIA’s 2027 Economic Summit + Outlook, sharing why the U.S. has become a growth engine for Unilever globally  

Patel will outline a market-leading strategy that’s driving breakthrough innovation, desirability at scale, and world-class retailer partnerships. 

He’ll also discuss Unilever’s decision to double down on research and development activities in Connecticut, with plans for a global Innovation center in New Haven—the company’s largest U.S. R&D infrastructure investment in four decades. 

KPMG senior economist Kenneth Kim will review the state of the regional and national economies and share his outlook for GDP growth, interest rates, and the labor market. 

A bipartisan group of state legislators will share their priorities for the critical 2027 General Assembly session, as policymakers craft a new two-year budget amid a growing affordability crisis. 

And don’t miss the chance to network with hundreds of your peers from around Connecticut!

Agenda

7:30 am | Networking Breakfast

8:30 am | Opening Remarks 

• Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA 

9:15 am | Policy Priorities: 2027 General Assembly Session

10 am | Networking Break

10:20 am | National, State Economic Outlook

• Kenneth Kim, Senior Economist, KPMG

11 am | Betting on Connecticut: Innovation, Investment, Growth

• Herrish Patel, President, Unilever USA & CEO, Personal Care North America 

11:45 am | Adjourn