TU teams up with Regional Economics Studies Institute to host Economic Outlook Forum
For the past 20 years, local business and education leaders have come to TU for a discussion about Maryland's economy.
By Kyle Hobstetter on November 9, 2016
Since its inception, the Regional Economics Studies Institute (RESI) has been the trusted expert on Maryland’s economy.
For over 20 years, RESI and Towson University have been proud to host the Economic Outlook Forum. That tradition will continue this year, with the forum returning to campus on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the West Village Commons from 8 a.m. until noon.
Daraius Irani, Ph.D., RESI’s chief economist and vice president of innovation and applied research at TU, will present an in-depth look at the state of the economy.
This year’s forum comes just eight days after one of the most controversial presidential elections in American history. This year’s economic forecast will address how economic and political forces impact each of us.
"The current political climate and Presidential election are also adding a sense of uncertainty," explains Irani. "While there has been economic uncertainty during Barack Obama’s presidency, this election has raised uncertainty to new levels."
Take a look back at 2016’s economic forecast
Each year RESI invites business leaders, educators and community members to the forum for a discussion about Maryland’s economy while focusing on a particular theme.
This year’s theme is “placemaking ideals and the role of Towson University.”
In its most basic definition, placemaking is a people-centered approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. It capitalizes on a local community’s assets and potential to create a community where people want to live, work and play.
Placemaking has become even more important in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce due to people being more mobile than ever. It has become a contributing factor in economic development around the country and in the region.
This year’s forum will focus on TU’s placemaking strategy and the potential for positive social and economic connections between the campus and the surrounding community.
“As the largest university in greater Baltimore, Towson University is committed to taking on an even greater leadership role as an anchor institution and further strengthening its connections and positive impact with community and business partners,” said Towson University President Kim Schatzel.
President Schatzel will provide this forum’s opening remarks. Along with the TU president, RESI will welcome several speakers from the local business and higher education community:
- Kevin Kamenetz, county executive for Baltimore County
- Omar Blaik, CEO for U3 Advisors
- Ken Ulman, president of Margrave Consulting
- Tom Sadowski, vice chancellor for economic development for the University System of Maryland (USM)
- Will Anderson, director of economic and workforce development for Baltimore County, who will host a special Q&A after the economic forecast presentation.
For the first time in its history, the forum is free to attend, but attendees will still need to register. Stay updated by following RESI’s blog and Facebook and Twitter accounts.
This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel's priorities for Towson University: BTU: Partnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore and Strategic Plan Alignment