The luncheon will give insight into our economic development activities and successes over the past year. We will also be providing copies of our 2015 State of Economic Development Annual Report at the event.

Featured guest speaker Alex Pearlstein has been at Market Street since 2003, currently serves as Vice President, and is one of Market Street's four principals. In this role, Mr. Pearlstein oversees the development of all strategic deliverables for Market Street clients. He also continues to serve a day-to-day management role for specific projects. As project manager, he has overseen strategies for dozens of clients in 18 states. Communities include Austin, TX (five projects); Nashville, TN; Kansas City, MO; Naples, FL; Rochester, MN; Tulsa, OK; Des Moines, IA; Memphis, TN; Jackson, MS; Coachella Valley, CA; St. Petersburg, FL; Sioux Falls, SD; and the state of Missouri, among others.

His keynote, titled “The Regional Prosperity Initiative and the Path Forward” will highlight how successful communities are planning for the future of community and economic development and what the Greater Columbus Region is doing to prepare for job and investment growth.