The University of Toledo and The Blade will present a panel discussion on the trends, technologies and ideas shaping the next generation of the U.S. economy on Wednesday, June 24, continuing the thought leadership series Perspectives.
UToledo’s Neff College of Business Dean Barbara Ritter will join four regional leaders to discuss technology, entrepreneurship, workforce transformation and the future of local communities in “Perspectives: Is America Ready for the Economy of the Future?” at 6 p.m. in Doermann Theatre.
The discussion will be moderated by David Shribman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning, nationally syndicated columnist and executive editor emeritus of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Panelists are:
• Christopher Briem, an economist specializing in industry analysis, regional competitiveness and economic and demographic forecasting at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social and Urban Research;
• Tom Bush, CEO at the locally based Actual Reality Technologies, an artificial intelligence consulting firm that helps manufacturers optimize operations, improve quality and drive innovation. Bush is also the founder of EmpoweredAI, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to technology careers;
• Aravind Chandrasekaran, interim dean of the Ohio State University’s Max M. Fisher College of Business;
• Barbara Ritter, dean of UToledo’s John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation; and
• Thomas Winston, who oversees transportation infrastructure, economic development initiatives, redevelopment projects and other efforts that support regional growth as president and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority.
UToledo and The Blade launched Perspectives in 2024 to bring together campus and community experts in free, public panel discussions exploring a variety of timely topics.
“The economy our graduates are entering is in the midst of a transformation,” said Dr. James Holloway, president of UToledo. “UToledo is committed to preparing students to not only keep pace with these rapid changes, but to lead them. We’re proud to bring this vital conversation about the future of work and the economy to our community through the Perspectives series in partnership with The Blade.”
Attendees are asked to register online through The Blade.
Event parking is free in Area 1N.
