Let’s Talk Business Speaker Series Begins Feb. 6

Dan North

The Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism office in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library in Easton is hosting a three-part spring speaker series beginning on Monday, February 6 at 6 p.m. The series continues March 6 and April 3, and is free and open to the public, with limited seating available.

“Talbot County is home to many people who are considered experts in their industries,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. “We have created a guest speaker series to showcase this homegrown talent and to connect these resources with our business and community leaders.”

On Monday, February 6, St. Michaels native Dan North, Allianz Trade Chief Economist for North America, will share 2023’s outlook. Allianz Trade is the world’s oldest and largest credit insurance company, where North has spent the last 27 years using macroeconomic and quantitative analysis to help manage Allianz Trade’s risk portfolio of more than $250 billion in annual trade transactions within the region.

Dan North has been with Allianz Trade North America since 1996, using macroeconomic analysis to help manage Euler’s risk portfolio of more than $150 billion in annual U.S. trade transactions. He has appeared on CNBC, Fox Business News, and Bloomberg Radio and Television. He has been quoted by Business Week, the Financial Times, NBC, the BBC, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. After having predicted the 2008/2009 recession and its implications accurately, he was ranked 4th on Bloomberg’s list of the 65 top economic forecasters in 2010.Mr. North holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

On Monday, March 6, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health President and CEO Ken Kozel, MBA, FACHE, will speak about proposed plans for a new regional medical center at a site near the Talbot County Community Center. Kozel will provide information and updates regarding the proposed project specifications, planned core programs and specialty centers, project timeline, and more.

Ken Kozel

Kozel has served as UM Shore Regional Health President and CEO since 2011 and is recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a proven leader with an extensive background in building and managing collaborative teams, overseeing multiple clinical and non-clinical divisions and departments, and achieving strategic objectives. Kozel was recently named to The Daily Record’s Power 100 List featuring the state’s top business leaders.

On Monday, April 3 at 6 p.m., former Perdue Agribusiness President for Perdue Farms and Grain Marketing Consultant Dick Willey will speak about how the war in the Ukraine is affecting grain markets and business outcomes.

Dick Willey

Willey led Perdue’s agricultural commodities businesses in growing from primarily supplying the internal needs of Perdue’s poultry feed mills to a multi-faceted business ranking among the top 10 U.S. grain companies. He has served on the National Oilseed Processors Association Board of Directors, the National Grain and Feed Association’s Strategic Direction Committee, and the Grain Elevator and Processing Society Grain Company Executive Advisory Council.

For those unable to attend, the “Let’s Talk Business” speaker series will be videotaped and shared on Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism’s YouTube channel.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to attend all sessions of the speaker series and to subscribe to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking news at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton, Md.