Because of concerns related to an uptick in Coronavirus cases, the 33rd annual Southern Delmarva Economic Forecast -- normally held in December --  has been rescheduled to spring.

The event will be held Wednesday, April 28, beginning at 7:30 a.m., at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City.

The Economic Forecast curriculum will remain the same as in years past. Regional economists and business leaders will analyze the challenges facing the regional, national and global economy.

Additionally, the full Lower Shore Legislative Delegation will be on hand to answer questions concerning what will then have been the just-completed 2021 General Assembly session.

The Shore Delegation Luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m.

This decision to reschedule was made with the safety and health interests of sponsors, attendees and panelists in mind, given the rapidly changing situation with state-imposed mandates governing Covid-19 and public events.

Presented by Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and BEACON at Salisbury University, the event is an unparalleled opportunity to hear firsthand what leading regional economists and business leaders believe to be the biggest achievements and challenges ahead.

It is designed to help Delmarva businesses and the community plan for expected economic conditions within the future year ahead. Experts from around the Eastern Shore will gather to analyze the current challenges facing the regional, national and global economy.

Presentations this year will feature:

• “What’s Next?” -- A National and Regional Economic Outlook with Dr. Memo Diriker, Director, The Business, Economic, and Community Outreach Network at Salisbury University, and Dr. Dustin Chambers, Professor of Economics, Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University.
• Economic Development -- Economic Development Directors Dave Ryan, Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development; Melanie Pursel, Worcester County Economic Development and Office of Tourism; Susan Banks, Dorchester County Economic Development; Danny Thompson, Somerset County Economic Development; William Pfaff, Sussex County Delaware Economic Development; and Rich Morrison, Accomack County Virginia Economic Development.
• Rural Broadband -- This panel will feature Delaware state Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, Accomack County Virginia Administrator Mike Mason and Valerie Connelly, Vice President of Government Affairs & Public Relations for Choptank Electric.
• “Fun, Fit & Grow” -- This pane will cover topics related to health care and tourism, and features Steve Leonard, President &  CEO, TidalHealth; Richard Willey, President, Perdue AgriBusiness; and Susan Jones, Executive Director, Ocean City Maryland Hotel, Motel, Restaurant Association.

During the Eastern Shore Delegation Luncheon, attendees will hear from state Sens. Mary Beth Carozza and Addie Eckhardt, and Delegates Sheree Sample-Hughes, Christopher Adams, Johnny Mautz, Carl Anderton, Wayne Hartman and Charles Otto.

The legislators panel will have a moderator overseeing a question-and-answer session.

Along with the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, the event will be presented by BEACON at Salisbury University, Media Sponsor WBOC and CEO Level Sponsors Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, and Ørsted.

Sponsorships for the event are still available, including CEO, Chairman, Board, and Supporter Levels.

The cost for the full event is $75 for members and $100 for future members.

To sponsor or register for the event, visit salisburyarea.com, email bchambers@salisburyarea.com or call 410-749-0144.