The State of Economic Development event is more than just a gathering—it’s a powerful platform that highlights the momentum driving our region forward. This year’s event is designed to bring together influential private and public stakeholders for an afternoon of insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies that will shape the future of Southwest Michigan.
As we approach the event, we will gradually reveal the exceptional lineup of changemakers and visionaries who will share their expertise on the economic investments that matter most to your organization and our region.
Dr. Gabriel Ehrlich
Economic Forecaster, University of Michigan
Director of Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics
Dr. Gabriel M. Ehrlich is an economic forecaster at the University of Michigan, where he is the Director of the University’s Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics (RSQE). He has published widely in academic journals, and his research has been discussed in the Economist, the Financial Times, and the Washington Post. Gabe oversees RSQE’s forecasts of the U.S. and Michigan economies, and he presents regularly to the Michigan Legislature and Governor about Michigan’s economic and fiscal prospects. He also gives frequent interviews on the economic outlook both in print and on the air. He is a coauthor of The U.S. Economic Outlook for 2023–2024 and The Michigan Economic Outlook for 2023–2024.
Dr. Michael Horrigan
President, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Michael Horrigan, President of Upjohn Institute since 2019, oversees the study of policy-related research to understand and alleviate the problems of unemployment, the changing nature of employment relationships and the quality of jobs, and place-based policies to improve community prosperity. The Institute also runs innovative workforce programs in four area counties to directly assist individuals to overcome the barriers they face in finding and keeping good-paying, in-demand jobs. In his role at the Institute, he gives dozens of speeches each year on national, state, and regional macroeconomic and labor trends.
Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEcD
CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
President and Chair, Michigan Strategic Fund
As CEO and Chief Economic Competitiveness Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, Quentin implements and executes MEDC’s core mission of business development and attraction, community development, providing access to capital and enhancing Michigan’s brand with a focus on building a strong, equitable economy for all Michiganders. He manages the administration of all programs, funds, personnel, contracts, and other administrative functions of MEDC.
Jonas Peterson
CEO, Southwest Michigan First
Jonas currently serves as CEO of Southwest Michigan First. In that role, he leads a talented team focused on strengthening the regional economy and positioning SMF as a national leader in economic and community development. Prior to joining SMF, Peterson served as President and CEO of Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA). During his tenure, LVGEA quickly become one of the largest and most influential nonprofit business associations in Nevada.
Carla Sones
President, Southwest Michigan First
At Southwest Michigan First, Carla leads the organization’s workforce development strategies by collaborating with key partners and stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels to drive economic prosperity in the seven-county region of Southwest Michigan. With over 15 years championing community development, she has the talent to connect communities and economic developers with the knowledge they need to succeed. From forging relationships across the world to bringing everyone under one roof, if you have a question, she has the answer.
