Event Hosted with Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry and Chester County Economic Development Council
This week, the Chester County Commissioners, the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (CCCBI), and the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) hosted Economic Crossroads: Where We Are and Where We’re Headed featuring guest speaker Dr. Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics. The event brought together regional leaders, business owners, and policymakers for a discussion about the evolving local, national, and global economic landscape.
Chester County Commissioner and Board Chairman Josh Maxwell said, “Dr. Zandi’s advice and wisdom come at a crucial time as we reflect on where our economy is headed. It’s worth taking a thoughtful look at the impacts of recent trade policies – particularly tariffs – which have introduced uncertainty for Chester County businesses and contributed to rising costs for local families. While the intention may be to strengthen domestic production, we need to ensure that our nation’s economic approach supports sustainable growth, stable markets, and agricultural production – particularly important considerations here in Chester County.”
Dr. Zandi offered his expert insights into the critical issues currently shaping the economy, including the lasting impacts of global trade tensions, the future of tariffs in a shifting geopolitical climate, and the trends business leaders need to watch – from interest rates and inflation to labor markets and the risk of a recession. The recent downgrade of the U.S. government’s credit rating by Moody’s made this economic forum especially timely for business leaders, investors, and consumers.
Today’s event was co-sponsored by the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry and the Chester County Economic Development Council.”
“We were honored to welcome Dr. Zandi for a thoughtful and timely discussion on the state of the economy,” said CCCBI President Laura Manion. “With trade policy, tariffs, and interest rates top of mind for so many of our businesses, his insights offered clarity and perspective at a critical moment. We’re grateful to the Chester County Commissioners and the Chester County Economic Development Council for partnering with us to bring over 100 business and community leaders together for this important conversation.”
Mike Grigalonis, President and Chief Operating Officer of the CCEDC, said, “This event with Dr. Zandi is precisely the kind of urgent conversation our community needs right now. As a Chester County native and an esteemed economist, Dr. Zandi is uniquely qualified to lead this dialogue. It’s also a fitting collaboration among Chester County Government, the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, and the Chester County Economic Development Council – demonstrating the power of partnership in bringing vital conversations to our business community. By thoughtfully examining the current state of our economy, we lay the groundwork for informed planning and better economic outcomes for Chester County and beyond.”
Some of the highlights of Dr. Zandi’s presentation included how global trade realignments are reshaping supply chains, markets, and regional competitiveness; the new role of tariffs in U.S. economic policy, what’s on the horizon, and how local businesses may be affected; what the GDP growth, inflation, labor markets, and interest rate forecasts mean for southeastern Pennsylvania and Chester County; and what’s ahead for businesses regarding political uncertainty, global instability, and technological disruptions.
