The Thurston Economic Development Council will be providing a space for conversation and the opportunity to hear impactful analysis of our economy across the five-county region of Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific counties. Register for this year’s Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo and participate in topics essential to our regional business, government and education communities. Again this year, the event will be held at the Great Wolf Lodge on December 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will feature speakers, networking, and breakout sessions to support economic growth and resiliency across the five-county region and beyond. Be sure to save your spot today to join this year’s critical conversations.
Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo Unpacks Impactful Issues
Economic development can be complex and challenging. More so in a post-pandemic era, with recession looming. Every year, the Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo features an insightful forecast of our economy’s future, as well as a knowledgeable panel of economic development leaders, which address issues facing our business community and analyzes trends in the economy impacting growth & resiliency. To provide the most important information available, the Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business & Innovation partners with the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, and the regional economic development organizations of: Greater Grays Harbor Inc., Economic Alliance of Lewis County, Economic Development Council Mason and Economic Development Council Pacific County.
Representatives from these organizations will be presenting their insights and opening up essential dialogue about topics including workforce, housing, infrastructure, clean energy, policy, supply chain resiliency and more. Breaking down these topics can give business owners insight into the issues that are facing our local economy and provide solutions and strategies to overcome them. Leaders from every sector – including nonprofit, education, public and private – will provide dialogue relevant to your specific organizational needs and challenges. Additionally, exhibitors will also be presenting technology, products and innovations that can serve as helpful resources to boost your business.
Keynote Speaker Dr. Bill Conerly
In addition to panels and breakout sessions, keynote speaker Dr. Bill Conerly will be connecting the dots between economic and business decisions. With a Ph.D. in economics and over 30 years of experience, Conerly has supported many companies in adapting to changes in economic conditions. Businesses have used his expertise to help with decisions regarding capital expenditures, inventory levels, expansion into new markets, pricing, business models, and financial structure. His passion for supporting economic development in small to large business economies and extensive experience will bring a new awareness and appreciation for the relationship between business decision-making and economic growth and resiliency.
Building a Strong and Resilient Regional Economic Ecosystem
This year’s Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo will be focused on a theme of “Building a Strong & Resilient Regional Economic Ecosystem.” The primary goal of the Expo is to bring forth essential conversations that promote connection across a range of industries and areas so that our business community can better support each other. Networking and breakout sessions are a key part of each year’s event and provides exceptional opportunities for industry leaders and growing business owners to connect with one another. In addition to eye-opening presentations, attendees can engage in conversations and dive into strategies and best practices for business action, further developing an understanding of how interdependent our regions and industries are within the economy.
Executive Director Michael Cade has seen the powerful impact this event makes every year, and is eager to bring the next level of development to the over 400 decision makers, community leaders, and innovators that are attracted to the event each year. “Each year our economic development professionals from the five-county region create an agenda that is part practical and part aspirational,” he says. “We are confident that the information gained from the event and the connections created will be a strong benefit to you and your business.” Developing and nurturing this level of connection supports the resiliency of our local economies as we all continue to work against new challenges and ongoing issues alike.
This year, a special emphasis will also be placed on how policy is affecting small business success and how better awareness and information can provide an advantage. Often this element can be intricate and overwhelming, so with this component attendees can further their understanding of key legislation that is impacting the business community. Additional focus will be placed on diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout to acknowledge the important role these elements play in business and economic development.
Innovation Made Possible Through Support of Local Sponsors
These exceptional events would not be possible without the continued support of local sponsors. Special thanks is given to the following sponsors: Platinum Sponsor Washington State Department of Commerce; Presenting Sponsor Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council; Speaker Sponsors Columbia Bank and TwinStar Credit Union; Gold Sponsors Morningside, Puget Sound Energy, SharedWork, and Port of Olympia; Silver Sponsors Impact Washington and Callisons; Bronze Sponsors Mason General Hospital, Olympia Federal Savings, Intercity Transit, FORMA Construction, and First Citizens Bank; and Investor Sponsors Heritage Bank, South Puget Sound Community College, Chehalis Tribal Enterprises and South Sound Business Magazine. Sponsorship levels from Investor to Gold are still available for local business looking to get involved, so contact Holly House at hhouse@thurstonedc.com today.
This year’s Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation Expo will be an insightful and enlightening experience for business owners across Thurston County, Grays Harbor County, Mason County, Lewis County, Pacific County, and beyond. Register today and be part of the conversation that will be sparking innovation and development in every sector for years to come.
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