As business leaders know, owning and operating a business is all about details. There are multiple facets to creating a solid business model, not the least of which is the development of a strong financial plan. That kind of planning gets a little complicated when one considers the many variables that can be involved: current trends, an accurate analysis of the market, the rate of inflation, the effect of the gross domestic product, supply and demand, and the unemployment rate – just to name a few. All too often, local business owners do not have the time, the vocabulary, or the expertise to delve into these matters before their budgets are due and their fiscal predictions are expected. Having someone to help with those predictions and with translating the facts into laymen’s terms would be a gift to the leaders of our business community.

As the essential resource for the development of businesses in central Delaware, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) is here to help. The CDCC’s 9th Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast, sponsored by BIG Investment Services, is designed to provide a snapshot of the economic health of our nation, our state, and our local community. Guest speakers will be able to share facts, trends, predictions — and they will also be able to speak knowledgeably about the impact these factors may have on the business community.

This year’s speakers will represent a powerhouse of knowledge and insight as they guide attendees through the ups and downs of recent months and shed light on the trends and patterns that will guide the year to come. David Boothe, president, and chief compliance officer of BIG Investment Services, has served as a full-service financial advisor for more than 20 years, guiding his clients through some of the nation’s most trying moments including the Dot Com Crash in 2000, the 2001 recession, and 9/11 as well as the 2008/09 financial crisis – not to mention the difficulties motivated by the recent pandemic and the financial challenges it brought to everyone. David will share his insights on the economy at a national level.

Brenda Wise serves as the Chief of Policy in Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget. Her law degree and career experience serve her well as she works to connect budget analysts to study the fiscal impacts related to pending legislation. Her experience and insight into money matters make her a terrific candidate to share information with us regarding the economic health of the First State.

Linda Parkowski is the Executive Director of the Kent Economic Partnership, Inc. trading as Choose Central Delaware. In her role, Linda is charged with business attraction, retention, and expansion in Central Delaware along with business assistance for Kent County. Guided by the findings of the Rockport Studies, Linda has brought several businesses to the area in recent years, concentrating mainly on small and medium manufacturers. Linda will offer her perspective on the economic health of Kent County and share exciting plans for the coming months.

This informational event, brought to you by BIG Investment Services, will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Maple Dale Country Club, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Tickets for this event are $27 for CDCC members, $32 for non-members. To register, visit www.cdcc.net or call the CDCC Office at 302-734-7513.

We all know that economic forecasts are simply predictions and there is certainly room for error even with the most educated guesses. They can, however, demonstrate for us the general direction in which the economy is moving – and that can be very helpful. We look forward to seeing you at this event where we can all learn pertinent information about our region’s financial health which will help to inform the public’s fiscal decisions for the year to come.

Upcoming Events:
Jan. 11 — Coffee Coaching, “The Power of Video to Skyrocket Your Business,” 8-9 a.m., via zoom.
Jan. 12 — Member Orientation, 12-1:30 p.m., via zoom.
Jan. 25 — Sunset Business Mixer, CDCC Showcase, Member 2 Member Expo, 4-7 p.m., Delaware Agricultural Museum.