Business investment is projected to rise only about 1.6% in 2026¹, while global economic growth is expected to hover around 3.1%². At the same time, U.S. consumer spending is forecast to grow just 1.5%³. The pace is slower, but momentum hasn’t disappeared. The businesses that stay focused and plan intentionally will keep moving forward. 

Join us for a live virtual event as we break down the trends shaping the 2026 economy—what they mean for business owners and how to plan for steady, sustainable growth in the year ahead.  

During the 60-minute roundtable, you’ll hear about: 

• The market trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for business strategy 

• How to stay nimble when growth slows and seize opportunities a cooling market can create 

• A practical approach to succession planning that aligns timing, valuation, and long-term goals 

Who Should Attend? 

• Business owners 

• Marketing professionals 

• Anyone looking to position their business for success in 2026 

Take this hour to get clear on what 2026 will bring—and how to keep growing your business.  

Event Details: 

• Format: Live virtual event 

• Date & Time: December 9 at 12 pm ET 

Reserve your spot! 

About our Speakers: 

Chris Gula, CFA, Summit Place Financial Advisors 

Chris is a Managing Director, Sr. Investment Strategist at Summit Place, where he serves as the firm’s Investment Strategist. He leads investment research and works closely with Liz to shape and execute the firm’s overall strategy. As a Portfolio Manager, Chris partners with clients to define their goals and design personalized portfolio and asset allocation strategies, collaborating with the firm’s Wealth Advisors to support each client’s objectives. A Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholder and member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of New York, Chris holds a BBA in economics with minors in finance and business technology from the University of Miami, where he also studied abroad in Rome. Outside of work, he’s a history enthusiast and avid golfer. 

Susie McLane, Summit Place Financial Advisors 
Susie McLane is a Managing Director and Senior Wealth Advisor at Summit Place Financial Advisors where she helps clients develop and implement financial plans and solutions that address complex wealth challenges. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERâ„¢ with a background in accounting and tax and vast experience advising multi-generational families on estate and financial planning, Susie brings a well-rounded perspective to wealth planning. She is also a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), the Estate Planning Council of Northern NJ (EPCNNJ), and the Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC). 

Michele Siekerka, NJBIA 

Michele Siekerka, Esq., is the President and CEO of NJBIA, where she advocates for policies to improve New Jersey’s business climate. Known for her collaborative leadership, Michele also heads the New Jersey Business Coalition, comprised of more than 100 organizations. Her impactful work has led to significant policy reforms, and she remains a leading voice in New Jersey’s business community. Michele currently serves on the board of directors of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., the National Association of Manufacturers, the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors, Choose New Jersey, the New Jersey Innovation Institute, and Junior Achievement of New Jersey. Passionate about women’s leadership, she also serves on the advisory council of both SheTek and Wings for Growth. Siekerka’s leadership is annually recognized through her inclusion in Power and Policymaker list rankings by Insider NJ, South Jersey Business, and NJ BIZ. Her professional certifications include NACD Directorship Certification, NACD Board Fellowship, and Ford Foundation Fellowship for Regional Sustainable Development. 

Jason Guerrettaz, Website Closers 

Jason Guerrettaz is a former corporate attorney who advised mid-market and Fortune 500 companies before serving as General Manager for one of the industry’s largest digital marketing firms. His experience in law, leadership, and online commerce led him to found United Commerce Group, Inc., a parent company for multiple web properties including GunSafes.com, Saunas.com, MassageChairs.com, and Melondipity.com. He later launched Website Closers, LLC, where he and his team help online business owners sell their companies with the insight that comes from building them firsthand. Under his leadership, the firm has grown into one of the leading global brokerages for online business sales. 

1 https://tinyurl.com/5n7umvj6 

2, 3 https://tinyurl.com/c6mhxvfa