The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and BEACON at Salisbury University will present the 2020 Southern Delmarva Economic Forecast on Friday, Dec. 6, at Salisbury University.

The event will be held in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri Academic Commons. Registration and breakfast begin at 7:30 a.m. to be followed by the Eastern Shore Delegation Luncheon at 12:30 p.m.

In its 32nd year, this event is an unparalleled opportunity to hear firsthand what leading regional economists and business leaders believe to be the most prominent achievements and challenges ahead. Experts from around the Eastern Shore will gather to analyze the current challenges facing the regional, national, and global economy.

The 2020 keynote speaker will be Dr. Daraius Irani, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research and Chief Economist for the Regional Economic Studies Institute at Towson University.

For more than 20 years, Irani has served in several senior leadership roles at Towson University, providing leadership and management to over 70 highly skilled professionals who work on campus and in state agencies across the state. Collectively, his teams work to open the doors of the university to solve pressing problems, further community collaboration, expand learning opportunities, and generate economic development.

Presentations will be made regarding Shore specific industries and factors affecting businesses in our area, including:

• What’s Next? -- The Southern Delmarva Economy Forecast: Presented by County Economic Development Directors Kathryn Gordon, Worcester County; Daniel Thompson, Somerset County; Susan Banks, Dorchester County; Dave Ryan, Wicomico County; and William Pfaff, Sussex County.

• Education and Health Care – Linked to a Healthy Economy: Presented by Dr. Clifford Copperfield, Chesapeake College; Dr. Ray Hoy, Wor-Wic Community College; Dr. Charles Wight, Salisbury University; Dr. Heidi Anderson, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Dr. Donna Hanlin, Wicomico County Public Schools; and Dr. Steve Leonard, Peninsula Regional Medical Center.

• Transit, Transportation and Aerospace – Planes, Trains and Rocketships: Presented by Greg Slater, Maryland Department Transportation; Cliff Grunstra, Delmarva Central Railroad; David Pierce, Director, NASA Wallops Flight Facility; and Dawn Veatch, Manager, Salisbury-Wicomico Regional Airport.

• BEACON at Salisbury University – 30-Year Anniversary: Presented by Dr. Memo Diriker, BEACON at Salisbury University.

Following the Forecast, the Eastern Shore Delegation Luncheon will feature the entire Lower Shore Legislative Delegation and their thoughts on what will be the “hot button” issues for the 2020 Maryland General Assembly session.

The panel will have a moderator overseeing the Q&A.

Full event registration is $75 for members and $100 for future members.

For more information or to become a sponsor, visit salisburyarea.com or contact LeVita Bragdon at 410-749-0144 or lbragdon@salisburyarea.com.