2026 Economic Summit
Presented by First Bank
November 19, 2026 | 8:30 AM – Noon
Shenandoah University | Stimpson Auditorium, Halpin-Harrison Hall
Business leaders, policymakers, and economic experts will come together for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber’s 2026 Economic Summit, presented by First Bank, to explore the trends and issues shaping our economy and what they mean for the future of the region.
A cornerstone event for the local business community, the Summit brings together national, state, and local perspectives on economic growth, workforce trends, investment, and the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Attendees will gain valuable insights, practical takeaways, and opportunities to connect with leaders from across the region. As we look toward 2027 and beyond, the Economic Summit equips businesses with the knowledge and connections needed to navigate change, plan for the future, and seize new opportunities.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Curtis Dubay is the Chief Economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He tracks the condition of the economy, analyzes the impact of public policy on economic growth, and runs the Chamber’s Chief Economists Committee. The committee consists of chief economists from member businesses. It helps the Chamber formulate economic policies and provides analysis to policymakers in Washington, D.C.
Previously, Dubay was senior economist at the American Bankers Association where he worked on tax issues and followed the economic trends affecting the banking industry. Prior to ABA, he was a research fellow in tax and economic policy at The Heritage Foundation. There he researched and published on tax and economic policy issues.
Earlier in his career, Dubay worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the firm’s transfer pricing division structuring international transactions, and before that at the Tax Foundation where he authored three widely recognized and cited reports: Tax Freedom Day, State-Local Tax Burdens, and The State Business Tax Climate Index.
Dubay has researched and published frequently on a wide range of tax and economic issues. He is regularly quoted by the press and has appeared often in the media, including on CNBC, Fox Business, Fox News, and C-SPAN. He has testified before Congress several times and been cited in newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and Politico.
Dubay received his master’s degree in economics from the University of Connecticut and his bachelor’s degree in economics and leadership studies from the University of Richmond. He resides in Washington, D.C., with his wife and three sons.
Meet Our Featured Speaker: Dr. Michael Hicks Director, School of Business & Professor of Economics
Michael Hicks is the Director, School of Business and Eldon R. Lindsey Professor of Economics at Shenandoah University. He was previously the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University.  A graduate of Virginia Military Institute and University of Tennessee, He has held faculty and research center leadership positions at the Air Force Institute of Technology, Marshall University and the University of Tennessee.  The author of two books over 80 academic studies, 250 technical reports and 1,000 newspaper columns, his research focuses on economic development, with particular focus on fiscal policy and quality of life. His work has been reported in such places as the Economist, the Atlantic, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Slate, Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times. He is a retired army infantry officer, and the father of three (two active-duty military officers and a medical school student). He and is wife Janet are excited new residents of Winchester.
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available!
Put your brand in the spotlight while making a lasting impact in our community. Have questions or ready to get involved? Contact events@regionalchamber.biz to learn more.
