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The Appalachian Highlands Economic Forum at East Tennessee State University is bringing them all together for an in-depth look at the issues shaping the economy in the region and beyond.

Set for Friday, March 14, at 8 a.m., the third annual forum will take place at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

“The Appalachian Highlands Economic Forum continues to grow in both impact and reach,” said Dr. Tony Pittarese, dean of the College of Business and Technology. “This event provides an invaluable platform for fostering dialogue between academic thought leaders and industry professionals, bridging the gap between education and real-world economic and business challenges. It reflects our college’s commitment to empowering students, faculty and professionals, and strengthening community partnerships.”

Headlining the forum is keynote speaker Dr. John Silvia, founder of John E. Silvia Dynamic Economic Strategy.

The distinguished economist’s career includes serving as managing director and chief economist for Wells Fargo, senior economist for the U.S. Senate Joint Economic Committee, and chief economist for the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. He is a National Association for Business Economics Fellow and has received multiple awards for his economic forecasts. He will offer his insights on the current economic landscape while also focusing on challenges and opportunities facing the Southern Appalachian region.

The event will also feature:

– Barak Saltzman, East Tennessee Division president for D.R. Horton
– Heath Guinn, founder of Sync Space
– Dr. Jeff Moorhouse, corporate director of secondary programs for Ballad Health and director of P-20 Initiatives at ETSU

Additionally, several ETSU faculty experts will present:

– Dr. Aryaman Bhatnagar, assistant professor of economics, on economic forecasting and inflation
– Dr. Jessie Xie, associate professor of economics, on the role of airports in regional development
– Dr. William J. Trainor Jr., professor of finance and director of the Center for the Study of Finance, on financial markets
– Dr. Jon Smith, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research and associate professor of economics, on the impact of investments on the regional economy

A panel discussion will round out the forum, moderated by Dean Pittarese. Regional Chamber of Commerce leaders Bob Cantler (Johnson City), Miles Burdine (Kingsport), and Beth Rhinehart (Bristol) will discuss workforce development, infrastructure, and business growth.

Attendees can submit questions for the keynote speaker and panel at etsu.edu/cbat/economics/economic_forum. Registration is also available on the website. Space is limited.