Agenda

Welcome Reception
Please join us for a pre-event gathering at the Hotel on Monday evening for an opportunity to network with other attendees and speakers in a relaxed and casual environment, before the forum kicks off on Tuesday morning.

Breakfast

One-on-One Meetings with Speakers

Welcome & Introduction

Richard Blackwell, VP of Development, SE Region, Agracel, Inc.

Strategic Site Selection and Network Optimization: Tools, Trends, and Solutions for the Modern Supply Chain

Joe Dunlap, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Legacy Investing

The supply chain landscape is evolving rapidly, and businesses must make critical decisions about site selection and network design to maintain competitive advantage. This session combines insights on the logistics analysis that drives industrial site selection with a practical exploration of the "Top 10 Nodes" approach to supply chain network optimization. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of:

• The key drivers of industrial site selection, including labor analysis, transportation access, and incentive structures.
• How to identify the optimal number of inventory nodes, their placement, and the volume distribution strategy needed for scalable and cost-efficient operations.
• Case studies on how companies from digitally native brands to global manufacturers have implemented these strategies to improve speed-to-market and reduce costs.

Whether you are an Economic Development Organization (EDO), a real estate professional, or a supply chain executive, this session will equip you with actionable tools and proven methodologies to optimize your network and make smarter site selection decisions.

Changing Winds – Understanding and Navigating Today’s Political Risks

Charlie Smith, Managing Director, Geopolitical Strategy Newmark

Even in an era defined by rising political and policy shifts, the recent pace of change in the US and around the world is notable. This interactive presentation by Newmark’s geopolitical strategy specialist will cover issues from – and beyond – the headlines, providing insights and forward-looking considerations on topics such as tariffs, supply chains and energy.

Break

Supply Chains & Site Selection: Where Supply Chains Flow—and Communities Grow

Meghan DiGiacomo, Senior Consultant, VisionFirst Advisors

As global supply chains shift and companies seek more resilient, efficient operations closer to home, communities have a unique opportunity to attract domestic investment. This session brings together supply chain leaders, economic developers, and site selection professionals to explore how infrastructure, workforce, and logistics assets influence corporate location decisions. Discover strategies to align local planning with the evolving demands of modern supply chains—and drive sustainable economic growth in your region.

Competing for Development in the Railroad Space

Robert Martinez, Vice President | Freight and Economic Development, Moffatt & Nichol

A review of the complexities and opportunities associated with successful pursuit of industrial, manufacturing and intermodal projects that require rail. How well does your site fit? Understanding your rail partner, their challenges, and ingredients for success.

Lunch

One-on-One Meetings with Speakers

Group Networking Dinner

 

Breakfast

One-on-One Meetings with Speakers

Running Out of Power – Navigating a New Era of Site Selection

David Hickey, Managing Director, Hickey & Associates

With energy demands surging and grid reliability under increasing pressure, businesses are placing greater emphasis on energy availability and resilience in their site selection decisions. This session is designed for economic development professionals looking to better understand the factors businesses consider when navigating this evolving landscape. Learn how advisors assess energy constraints, identify opportunities for renewable integration, and balance risk with resilience. Gain actionable strategies to position your community as a competitive destination, including advocating for infrastructure improvements, fostering energy partnerships, and aligning local resources with corporate sustainability goals.

Trends in Foreign Direct Investment: Myth vs. Reality

Benjamin Harris, Head of Industrial Consulting, Cushman & Wakefield

In this session, we will explore what’s happening in the world of FDI. Some of the questions we will try to answer include: What is the market is seeing compared to what we all are hearing? And what factors are companies weighing? We will talk through real project examples to answer these questions.

Break

Balancing the Impact of Tariffs with Economic Development Fundamentals

Anastasia Geminden Lowe, Client Advisor, Ginovus

Tariffs can disrupt local economies, alter investment patterns, and challenge long-term planning—but they can also create opportunities for strategic growth if managed wisely. This presentation is designed specifically for economic developers seeking to understand and mitigate the effects of trade barriers while reinforcing the core drivers of regional and national economic resilience. We will explore: •How tariffs influence local industry competitiveness, workforce development, and supply chain dynamics •Practical approaches to leveraging economic development tools—such as incentives, infrastructure investment, and public-private partnerships—to offset tariff-related disruptions •Strategies to align trade realities with sustainable development goals

Open Format Q&A

Led by: Jason Kester and Richard Blackwell, Agracel

Closing Summary

Jason Kester, Regional Development Director, Agracel, Inc.

Lunch

One-on-One Meetings with Speakers

Closing Networking Reception