Financial experts to provide outlook for U.S., local economies

It has become an annual tradition for hundreds of the area’s business executives — to start the New Year with the Economic Outlook presented by the Chester County Economic Development Council.

This year’s event, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 24, marks a milestone for the program — the 20th year the Economic Development Council has hosted its Economic Outlook. More than 150 attended last year’s program.

“CCEDC is proud that our organization’s Economic Outlook is one of the oldest and most trusted in the region, and we’re looking forward to sharing insights with the more than 100 business leaders already planning to attend,” Mike Grigalonis, Chester County Economic Development Council president and COO, said in a statement.

Returning for another year as a presenter is Patti Brennan, nationally known wealth advisor and CEO of Key Financial Inc. She is also a CNBC commentator and was named a Hall of Fame Advisor by Dow Jones & Co.’s Barron’s. Brennan will be joined again this year by Dianne P. Manges, director/senior investment advisor for Truist Foundations & Endowments Specialty Practice.

The pair will offer insights into the local, national and global economies. Among the topics that will be covered are the impact of interest rates on home sales in 2024, the future of the manufacturing industry as a driver of the U.S. economy, and what’s in store for 401(k) and other investments in 2024.

The economic development council’s economic outlook is again being held at Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Road in East Whiteland Township. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast; the presentation starts at 8 a.m. The cost to attend is $35 for Chester County Economic Development Council investors and $50 for all other attendees. To register visit https://ccedcpa.com/event/20th-annual-economic-outlook/

The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years.