For 25+ years, the Regional Economics Studies Institute (RESI) has invited business leaders, politicians, notable speakers, and educators to provide thoughtful commentary and dialogue on the state of Maryland’s economy.

For 25+ years, the Regional Economics Studies Institute (RESI) has invited business leaders, politicians, notable speakers, and educators to provide thoughtful commentary and dialogue on the state of Maryland’s economy.
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
StarTUp at the Armory
8:15 a.m. Check-in and Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Forum begins
Join RESI and community and business leaders for the 2023 Economic Outlook Forum.
Chief Economist Dr. Daraius Irani will provide the annual economic outlook forecast for our state with a focus on the various regional, national and international events and trends impacting Maryland’s economy.
RESI Chief Economist Dr. Daraius Irani provided the annual economic outlook forecast for our state with a focus on the various regional, national and international events and trends impacting Maryland’s economy.
8:15 a.m.—Registration opens and breakfast available
9:00 a.m.—Welcome Remarks
9:10 a.m.—The Economic Outlook
RESI Chief Economist Dr. Daraius Irani provided the annual economic forecast for our state, with a focus on COVID-19 economic recovery and capital investments being made in Towson.
8:30 a.m.—Registration opens and breakfast available
9:00 a.m.—Welcome Remarks
9:10 a.m.—The Economic Outlook
8:30 a.m.—Registration opens and breakfast available
9:00 a.m.—Welcome Remarks
9:15 a.m.—The Economic Outlook
Welcome to Hawkins. The national economy is doing well, and the labor market is approaching full employment. However, dark forces lurk just below the surface. Brexit, slowdowns in Germany, and an ever-expanding trade war are dominating international news. Closer to home, we see widening income inequality, uneasy bond markets, and a generation saddled with student loan debt. Will these forces be enough to send us to the “Upside Down,” and are we prepared to fight back if they do? What should you be watching for in the months to come? Attend the annual Economic Outlook Forum and find out how these “Stranger Things” will impact the Maryland economy.
10:15 a.m.—Q & A
10:40 a.m.—RESI’s Roundtable Recap: Identifying Steps to Address Local Disparities
11:20 a.m.—Q & A
Business leaders from across the region gathered for the 2018 Economic Outlook Forum. RESI Chief Economist Dr. Daraius Irani provided the annual economic forecast for our state, followed by Q&A.
The 2017 Economic Outlook Forum focused on building, scaling, and sustaining a true entrepreneurship ecosystem in Maryland.
8:00–8:45 a.m.: Networking and Breakfast
8:45–9:00 a.m.: Welcome Remarks
9:00–10:00 a.m.: 2017 Economic Outlook Presentation
An in-depth look at the state of our economy. From proposed cuts to Maryland agencies and programs by the Trump administration to critical occupational shortages and a low unemployment rate, the forecast addresses how economic and political forces impact each of us. Dr. Irani's insight and commentary helps state and local agencies, businesses, and individuals in Greater Baltimore make more strategic economic decisions.
10:00–10:15 a.m.: Break
10:15–10:30 a.m.: Entrepreneurship in Maryland
Maryland's economy is strong and continues to outperform our regional neighbors, as well as the country as a whole. Our state also continues to lead the way in education, preparing highly educated workers to meet labor demands. Secretary Gill will discuss how Maryland's strong economy and commitment to an educated workforce supports the growth of an entrepreneurship ecosystem.
10:30–11:45 a.m.: Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Forum
From tax credits and grants to incubators and incentive zones, fostering entrepreneurship has become a core component of economic development across our state. This year's Economic Outlook Forum focuses on building, scaling, and sustaining a true entrepreneurship ecosystem in Maryland. Panelists from government, education, and private business sectors will discuss the challenges and solutions and seek to answer these questions:
8:00–8:45 a.m.: Networking & Breakfast
8:45 a.m.: Welcome Remarks
9:00 a.m.: 2017 Economic Outlook Presentation
10:00 a.m.–12 p.m.: Place-making and the Towson Opportunity followed by Focus Groups
Hosted and sponsored in partnership with the Regional Economic Studies Institute and the Maryland Governor’s Workforce Development Board, the Maryland Workforce Outlook Forum brought together (2016–2019) leaders in business, workforce, and education and focused on: