The City of Port Wentworth’s Economic Development Authority announces its inaugural luncheon exploring the current economic landscape and future opportunities in our region. Port Wentworth: The Economic Outlook for Tomorrow is slated for 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Georgia Tech Savannah Campus, 210 Technology Circle. 

Hosted by the Port Wentworth Development Authority, this insightful event will feature renowned economist Dr. Michael Toma, who will provide an in-depth analysis of economic trends, potential challenges, and growth prospects. Attendees will also enjoy lunch catered by Georgia Comfort Kitchen, making this event a perfect opportunity to connect with local leaders while savoring a delicious meal. 

“We are grateful to our generous sponsors and esteemed speaker for their invaluable contributions to this event,” said James Touchton, City of Port Wentworth Director of Economic Development. “Together, we are paving the way for a brighter economic future, making Port Wentworth the ideal place to live, experience, and thrive.” 

Dr. Toma is the Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics in Georgia Southern University’s Parker College of Business in Savannah. He holds a doctorate degree in economics from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., and began teaching in Armstrong's Department of Economics in 1997 as an assistant professor. He was promoted to associate professor in 2003 and to professor in 2008. From 2000-2017, Dr. Toma directed  Armstrong's Center for Regional Analysis, a student- and faculty-staffed applied research group focused on the Savannah-area economy working with many local partners on special initiatives, customized applied business research and impact studies. With Georgia Southern University, he authors the closely-watched Coastal Empire Economic Monitor, published quarterly by GSU’s Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research. Dr. Toma's community ties are also strong in the area. He served multiple terms on the Board of Directors for United Way of the Coastal Empire and on the organization's Executive Committee as chair of the Community Investments Committee. He currently serves the organization as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee.  He has also served as treasurer of the Coastal Georgia Greenway organization and as a member of Step-Up Savannah's evaluation team.

This event is sponsored by Thomas & Hutton, Joe Marchese, Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Port City Logistics, Memorial Hospital, Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, Blue Voyage, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Freightliner of Savannah, Savannah Economic Development Authority, and Gulfstream Aerospace. 

Seating for this luncheon is limited. To register, please visit https://square.link/u/SDsFvs6K. For more information about the City of Port Wentworth, visit www.portwentworthga.gov.