ESU to Host 11th Annual Economic Outlook Summit for the Pocono Mountains

ESU Economic Outlook Summit

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on May 9, 2024, No Comments

Tarun Chopra, Vice President, Integration Executive for IBM, will present the keynote address “Balancing Ethics and Innovation: How to Harness Generative AI for Business Transformation” at the East Stroudsburg University 11th Annual Economic Outlook Summit scheduled for Friday, May 17, 2024 from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Poconos.

In his role as Vice President at IBM, Chopra is responsible for delivering cutting-edge generative AI, machine learning, data, and analytics capabilities to address some of the world’s most complex problems through IBM’s latest AI and data platform, watsonx. He is also responsible for advancing the multi-billion-dollar data and AI software business comprised of leading brands such as Db2, Cognos Analytics, Planning Analytics, InfoSphere, and Cloud Pak for Data. Previously, Chopra was Vice President of IBM Z Hybrid Platform, as he boasts more than 19 years of experience in IBM Z, holding several worldwide leadership roles, developing and managing market leading solutions. He holds an undergraduate degree from East Stroudsburg University, a Master’s in Business Administration from PACE University, a Master’s in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master’s in Data Science at University of California, Berkeley.

His keynote address will focus on Generative AI, which is revolutionizing the way businesses operate—fundamentally transforming everything from customer care, IT, to finance. Chopra will detail how organizations can reinvent their core business processes with new strategies, skills, and policies, without putting their business—or their customers—at risk.

The Summit will also feature presentations by:

  • Ryotaro Tashiro, Outreach Economist and Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Pocono Economic Scorecard Data Analysis. Tashiro speaks to various groups about the economic outlook and the functions of the Federal Reserve. Prior to joining the Bank in June 2016, Tashiro was a business analyst for Bloomberg, where he conducted research on issues related to equity data quality. He has a Master’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Kenyon College.
  • Jennifer Gilburg, Deputy Secretary, Technology and Entrepreneurship, PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Governor’s Economic Development Plan for Pennsylvania. Gilburg joined DCED in September 2023 as Deputy Secretary of Technology and Entrepreneurship. She has been on the forefront of high growth technologies such as data security and artificial intelligence, and has worked in advanced technologies for automotive, medical and robotics industries. As Deputy Secretary, she focuses on implementing the Shapiro Administration’s and DCED’s vision of attracting, fostering, and investing in people and companies focused on technology and innovation across multiple sectors. She has an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and a Master’s degree in Management from Villanova University.
  • Matt Christopherson, Director, Business and Consumer Research, National Association of Realtors (NAR), Washington, D.C., Housing Statistics and Real Estate Market Trends. As Director of Business and Consumer Research at NAR, Christopherson conducts member and consumer survey research where he contributes to the Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers and Member Profile flagship reports and researches topics including international buyers, real estate firms, marijuana and real estate, and more areas impacting real estate. Christopherson earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Global Supply Chain from the University of South Carolina and his Master’s in Marketing Research and Analytics degree from Michigan State University.
  • Eliot Hamlisch, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Amtrak, Rail Service: New York to the Poconos. Hamlisch leads Amtrak’s continued transformation of the customer experience, focused on delighting customers at every step of their journey with America’s Railroad. Through collaboration with federal, state and other stakeholders, the company aims to expand service in existing and new markets, doubling ridership by 2040. Before joining Amtrak, Hamlisch served as EVP and Chief Marketing Officer of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., the world’s largest theatrical exhibition company and an industry leader in innovation and operational excellence. Hamlisch graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and earned his Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

This year’s Summit will also feature a segment on Entrepreneurship in the Poconos facilitated by Patrice Dume, Director, ESU Business Accelerator and Entrepreneurship, and George Boudman, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Stourbridge Project. Featured entrepreneurs include: Carbon County – Jerry McAward, Owner, Lehighton Outdoor Center; Monroe County – Olga Diachuk, COO, Mosqitter; Pike County – Chris Morgan, Owner, M&S Septic Services, Morgan Excavation Services, and Back Road Brewery and Restaurant; and Wayne County – Jason Deron, Owner, Fly Leaf Printing.

Summit Agenda

  • 7:30 a.m. – Breakfast & Networking
  • 8:30 a.m. – Poconos: Year in Review 2023 Video
  • 8:40 a.m. – Kenneth Long, President, East Stroudsburg University, Welcome and Opening Remarks
  • 8:50 a.m. – Tarun Chopra, Vice President, Integration Executive, IBM, Keynote Speaker, Balancing Ethics and Innovation: How to Harness Generative AI for Business Transformation
  • 9:25 a.m. – Ryotaro Tashiro, Outreach Economist and Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Pocono Economic Scorecard Data Analysis
  • 9:55 a.m. – Jennifer Gilburg, Deputy Secretary, Technology and Entrepreneurship, PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Governor’s Economic Development Plan for Pennsylvania
  • 10:15 a.m. – Break
  • 10:30 a.m. – Matt Christopherson, Director, Business and Consumer Research, National Association of Realtors, Washington, D.C., Housing Statistics and Real Estate Market Trends
  • 10:50 a.m. – Entrepreneurship in the Poconos Video
  • 10:55 a.m. – Entrepreneur Showcase: Meet Pocono Entrepreneurs
    • Facilitators: Patrice Dume, Director, ESU Business Accelerator and Entrepreneurship; George Boudman, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Stourbridge Project
    • Carbon County – Jerry McAward, Owner, Lehighton Outdoor Center
    • Monroe County – Olga Diachuk, COO, Mosqitter
    • Pike County –  Chris Morgan, Owner, M&S Septic Services. Morgan Excavation Services, Back Road Brewery and Restaurant
    • Wayne County – Jason Deron, Owner, Fly Leaf Printing
  • 11:20 a.m. – Eliot Hamlisch, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Amtrak Rail Service: New York to the Poconos
  • 11:50 a.m. – Conclusion

The cost to attend the Summit is $50 per person or $380 for a table of eight. For more information, call (570) 422-7905 or visit esu.edu/economicsummit.