Join us for breakfast and networking at the 2023 Economic Forecast, sponsored by Capital City Bank!  Hear from keynote speakers Mark Wilson and Dr. Ben Tabatabaei, as we look at the trends, data, statistics and other valuable information related to our local, state and national economy.

Meet our Speakers

Mark Wilson, President and CEO of Florida Chamber of Commerce

A native of Illinois, Wilson received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and has earned the national designation of Certified Chamber Executive (CCE). Prior to joining the Florida Chamber in 1998, Wilson served as vice president of the Chicagoland Chamber and previously served with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  As president and chief executive officer of Florida’s largest and most influential business advocacy organization, Wilson leads the substantial political, lobbying, grassroots, and economic research operations of the Florida
Chamber of Commerce.  Through his focus on unifying the business community, Wilson created the Florida Business Agenda and the Florida Chamber Grassroots Network, which mobilizes the business community on issues ranging from taxes and talent, to insurance and constitutional amendment reform. Wilson was also the first president of the Florida Justice Reform Institute, a Florida Chamber partner organization focused on reducing frivolous lawsuits.

In addition to serving as Chair of the Council of State Chambers, Wilson serves on the Board of Directors of Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, Enterprise Florida, Workforce Florida, Leadership Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Chamber Foundation, as well as serving as an active member of the Florida Council of 100, the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100, and the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Dr. Ben Tabatabaei, Chief Economist & Executive Director of the International Center for Economic Development

Dr. Tabatabaei graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a PhD in International Political Economy and Public Policy and holds two MA degrees; one in Economics and the other Political Economy and Public Policy.  Dr. Ben Tabatabaei is an international business economist with an accomplished 20-year background in economic and financial forecasting, data analysis, public and foreign policy, strategic investments, international relations, and economic development.  During his tenure, he has provided counsel to both private companies, and foreign governments. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy.

In his role as Chief Economist at the Florida Chamber, Dr. Tabatabaei works with Florida’s leading job creators and policymakers on understanding and leveraging economic and demographic trends in  Florida, opportunities for international trade and logistics, and providing exclusive executive economic briefings for our Board of Governors members. He also leads the charge of the Florida  Chamber's International Center for Economic Development focused on advocating for free enterprise on a global stage, expanding trade with Florida’s key and emerging trading partners, increasing foreign direct investment, boosting exports, and growing manufacturing and infrastructure to continue positioning Florida as a global economic powerhouse.

The registration deadline is  February 9, 2023. After this deadline, cancellations are not accepted but replacements may be sent. All no-shows will be invoiced immediately following the event. For questions regarding registration email vjohnson@talchamber.com

More info: https://web.talchamber.com/events/2023Chamber%20Economic%20Forecast-5390/details