Regional Economic Forecast & Innovation EXPO is coming to the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound Dec. 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Greater Grays Harbor Inc. and Economic Development Council Pacific County are playing large roles.

This important networking event typically draws over 350 decision makers, community leaders and innovators from all sectors of business and industry from the five-county region of Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Lewis and Pacific counties and beyond.

This year’s theme of “Building a Strong and Resilient Regional Economic Ecosystem” will once again have a strong emphasis on workforce, and will delve into the issues facing business communities related to housing, policy, data, broadband, telework, supply chain contingencies and more.

Economic representatives:

• Greater Grays Harbor Inc.

• Economic Alliance of Lewis County

• Economic Development Council Mason

• Economic Development Council Pacific County

• Thurston Economic Development Council & Center for Business Innovation

Giving the Keynote Economic Forecast is Dr. Bill Conerly, a business-focused economist, Forbes contributor, and Duke Ph.D. He connects the dots between the economy and business decisions.

This conference in its 14th year brings together regional businesses from a wide range of industry sectors. Exhibitors will display cutting-edge technology, products and innovations. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, attend breakout sessions, hear an economic forecast from a leading regional economist, and more.

Economic development leaders panel:

Jennifer Baria, Executive Director, Economic Development Council Mason; Lynnette Buffington, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Grays Harbor Inc.; Michael Cade, Executive Director, Thurston Economic Development Council & Center for Business Innovation; Richard DeBolt, Executive Director, Economic Alliance of Lewis County; Susan Yirku, Executive Director, Economic Development Council Pacific County

Participants will be presented with solutions and strategies that they can use in the planning and operation of their business, and to build a strong resilient and inclusive community.