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East Tennessee State University’s College of Business and Technology has announced Stuart C. McWhorter, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development commissioner, as this year’s keynote speaker for the 2024 Appalachian Highlands Economic Forum that’s happening later this month.

McWhorter has a diverse background in entrepreneurship, corporate finance and strategic planning and will discuss the state’s economic environment and how it relates to the Appalachian Highlands.

This forum is an opportunity for those across the region interested in broad topics ranging from economic conditions and forecasts to the housing market, interest rates and local real estate.

The event is free and open to the public and will be held from 8 a.m.-noon on Friday, March 22, at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts in Powell Auditorium.

“We are thrilled to bring together professionals from the business landscape across the Appalachian Highlands, fostering discussions on regional economic trends and opportunities,” said Dr. Tony Pittarese, dean of the College of Business and Technology at ETSU.

Economists and financial experts from ETSU’s Department of Economics and Finance are also slated to address the forum. Among those scheduled to speak are Dr. Joseph Newhard, Dr. Jon Smith, Dr. Aryaman Bhatnagar, Dr. William Trainor, Dr. Christel Young and Dean Pittarese.

While there is no charge, registration is required.

Last year marked the inaugural economic forum, which hundreds from across the region attended.

The College of Business and Technology, specializing in training the next generation of professionals in a range of fields, is a leader in helping understand the Appalachian economy.