Presented by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, Beacon at Salisbury University, and the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University, the 39th Annual Southern Delmarva Economic Forecast will be held on Friday, December 4, 2026, from 7:15 AM – 1:00 PM at the Salisbury University Guerrieri Academic Commons.
The 2027 Southern Delmarva Economic Forecast will explore the affordability challenges facing Delmarva’s businesses, families, and communities and their impact on the region’s economic vitality. Bringing together regional business leaders and economic experts, the program will examine local economic conditions, emerging opportunities, and the broader national and global trends shaping Delmarva’s future.
The first panel, From Buzzword to Bottom Line: AI’s Real Business Impact, Panelists will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the business landscape, moving beyond the hype to explore practical applications, measurable outcomes, and real-world business impact.
The discussion will highlight how organizations can leverage AI to increase efficiency, boost productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen competitiveness while navigating the opportunities and challenges of this rapidly evolving technology.
Panelists include Andrew Zirkle, Legislative Director, Maryland Tech Council; Tan Nyguen, President, Tezla Group; and Jay Bosley, COO, D3 Corp.
Panel two, Fraud and Affordability: Understanding the Connection, will examine how fraud, financial scams, and increasingly sophisticated fraudulent activity contribute to rising costs for consumers, businesses, and communities.
Panelists will explore the economic impact of fraud, how businesses and individuals are affected, and the challenges of identifying, preventing, and responding to fraudulent activity.
The discussion will also highlight the connection between fraud prevention, financial security, and affordability, offering insights into strategies that protect consumers, strengthen businesses, and support a more resilient regional economy.
Panelists include Brandon Hoy, VP Fraud Risk Manager, M&T Bank; Dr. Thomas Keeton, CPA, Adjunct Professor, Salisbury University; and Evan Campanella, Deputy Special Agent in Charge, US Department of Homeland Security.
The third panel, Keeping the Lights On: Energy Costs and Business Retention, will examine how rising energy costs are impacting businesses across Delmarva, influencing operating expenses, investment decisions, and long-term economic stability.
Panelists will discuss the challenges businesses face in managing escalating electricity and energy expenses, the implications for competitiveness and profitability, and how these costs factor into decisions to expand, relocate, or remain in the region.
The conversation will also explore energy supply, infrastructure, and policy considerations, along with potential strategies to improve energy affordability, strengthen business retention, and sustain economic growth across Delmarva.
Panelists include Len Foxwell, Principal, Tred Avon Strategies; Senator Kevin Harris, Maryland State Senator District 27; Amber Perry, VP Government and External Affairs, PEPCO; and Jared Shelton, Key Accounts Manager, Chesapeake Utilities.
The fourth panel, Our Economic Development Directors, will bring together economic development leaders from across Delmarva to provide updates on their respective jurisdictions and examine how Delmarva’s affordability crisis is impacting the regional economy.
Panelists will discuss the challenges rising costs of housing, energy, workforce, and business operations present to economic growth, workforce recruitment, business retention, and attracting new investment.
The conversation will also highlight local economic development initiatives, emerging opportunities, infrastructure investments, and strategies to strengthen business competitiveness, address affordability challenges, and support sustainable economic growth throughout the region.
Panelists include David Ryan, Executive Director, Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development; Melanie Pursel, Director, Office of Tourism & Economic Development at Maryland’s Coast, Worcester County; Susan Banks, Director, Dorchester County Economic Development; Emma Odren, Director, New Castle County Delaware Economic Development; Daniel Thompson, Executive Director, Somerset County Economic Development; Andrew Harton, Sussex County Delaware Economic Development; Leander Pambid, Accomack County Virginia Economic Development; and Robert Sabatini, Northampton County Virginia Economic Development.
Following the forecast, the Lower Shore Legislative Delegation will be on hand to answer questions regarding the 2027 Maryland General Assembly Session.
Greg Reddell of State Farm Insurance and Chair of the SACC Government and Business Affairs Committee, will lead the legislative Q&A, facilitating discussion on key policy issues impacting Delmarva’s business community.
Zach Evans, Director of Mountaire Cares & Stakeholder Affairs at Mountaire Farms and Past Chair of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, will serve as moderator for the Economic Forecast panels.
Presenting Sponsors of this year’s forecast are BEACON at Salisbury University and the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business; Media Sponsor 47abc WMDT; CEO Level Sponsors BBSI Salisbury; CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield; D3 Corp.; Davis Strategic Development; Impact Technology Group; Pohanka Automotive of Salisbury; and Wor-Wic Community College; Chairman Level Sponsors Avery Hall Insurance; Burke & Herbert Bank; Chesapeake Health Care; Doubletreee by Hilton Salisbury; D.R. Horton; Gillis Gilkerson; Hebron Savings Bank; M&T Bank; Mountaire Farms; Perdue Farms; Taylor Bank; TidalHealth; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; and The Voice Radio Network; Board Level Sponsors Associated Builders & Contractors Chesapeake Shores; Bancroft Construction Company; Chesapeake Utilities; Delmarva Veteran Builders; Farmers Bank of Willards; Shore Sheet Metal; SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate; Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland; and W.R. McCain & Associates; and Supporter Level Sponsors Becker Morgan Group, Inc.; Carload Express, Inc.; Choptank Electric; Coastal Association of Realtors; Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore; Delmarva Chicken Association; Greg Reddell State Farm Insurance; Maryland Tourism Coalition; Minuteman Press; NAI Coastal; Royal Plus, Inc.; Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development; SBY Airport; SCORE Delaware; and Truist.
SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Complete Forecast and lunch are included. Tickets are $89 for members and $109 for future members and may be purchased online at salisburyarea.com.
