Thursday, July 25, 2024, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

The 2024 Economic Research Institute of Erie Conference will be held in the Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center in Room 180 on the Penn State Behrend campus. Detailed parking directions, a parking permit, and a campus map will be emailed upon registration.

8:00 a.m.: Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m.: Welcome Remarks

  • Dr. Ralph Ford, chancellor, Penn State Behrend
  • Dr. Ozgun Demirag, interim director, Penn State Behrend's Black School of Business

8:50 a.m.: Introduction and Conference Overview

  • Dr. Kenneth Louie, director, Economic Research Institute of Erie, Penn State Behrend's Black School of Business

9:00 a.m.: The Erie Economy in 2024: Recent Trends and Future Prospects and Potential Gains from Greater Equity and Inclusion

  • Dr. Kenneth Louie, director, Economic Research Institute of Erie, Penn State Behrend's Black School of Business

9:30 a.m.: Local Companies Promoting Equity and Inclusion: Strategies, Successes, and Challenges—Moore Research Services Inc.

  • Brian Slawin, director and portfolio manager, Northwest PA, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA

  • Colleen Moore Mezler, president and CEO, Moore Research Services Inc.

10:00 a.m.: Networking Break and Refreshments

10:15 a.m.: Local Companies Promoting Equity and Inclusion: Strategies, Successes, and Challenges​—​​​​​​Erie Insurance Group

  • Christine Blashock, chief diversity and community development officer, Erie Insurance Group
  • Regina Gaston, senior project manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Erie Insurance Group

10:45 a.m.: Community Efforts to Foster Greater Equity and Inclusion 

  • Kerry L. Kirkland, deputy secretary for diversity, inclusion, and small business opportunities, Pennsylvania Department of General Services
  • Curtis Jones Jr., director of government affairs, Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
  • Cheryl Rush Dix, principal director, STEM Equity Alliance 
  • Art Leopold, Erie Racial Justice and Policy Initiative (ERJPI) 

Noon: Lunch

12:30 p.m.: Lunch Panel—University Initiatives 

  • Dr. Ying Cao, assistant professor of project and supply chain management, and chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee, Penn State Behrend's Black School of Business
  • Dr. Greg Baker, vice president for mission, Mercyhurst University 
  • Gerald James, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Gannon University

1:30 p.m.: Erie Organizations Dedicated to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Dr. Rhonda Matthews, co-founder and chief financial officer, Erie’s Black Wall Street 
  • Katie Kretz, executive director, Multicultural Community Resource Center 

2:30 p.m.: Event Evaluations, Wrap-Up, and Adjournment