19th Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit and Community Impact Awards

Name: 19th Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit and Community Impact Awards
Start: 2026-05-14T08:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-05-14T10:00:00-04:00
Location: Tidewater Inn

Schedule

Thu May 14 2026 at 08:00 am to 10:00 am

UTC-04:00

Location

Tidewater Inn | Easton, MD

Join us for a delicious breakfast to celebrate and honor our local businesses in Talbot County on Thursday, May 14
About this Event

Chief Innovation Officer of the International Economic Development Council Dr. Dell Gines will headline the 19th Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit on Thursday, May 14, 2026. His keynote, Artificial Intelligence: Promise, Possibilities, and Potential Problems, will explore one of the most important competitive challenges facing businesses today.

Gines says business owners face a clear reality in rapidly evolving markets. Moving too slowly on AI can lead to lost market share, slower execution, and lower profits. At the same time, adopting AI too quickly, or without the right safeguards, can create new risks.

His keynote will explain both sides, outlining the risks of falling behind and those of adoption. He will discuss issues including data exposure, AI errors that could harm customer trust, and legal or compliance concerns. Attendees will leave with a practical framework to help them decide where AI can create a lasting competitive advantage, what to adopt first, and how to reduce risk while keeping pace with competitors.

“Talbot County’s business community is navigating a period of extraordinary change,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of economic development and tourism for Talbot County. “Dr. Gines brings a national perspective on innovation and artificial intelligence that is both practical and forward-looking. His keynote will challenge our business leaders to think strategically about how emerging technologies can strengthen competitiveness and resilience.”

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism hosts the summit in partnership with the Talbot County Economic Development Commission. The annual event’s Community Impact Awards celebrate the local business community and honor businesses, projects, and individuals who have made a significant impact. Nearly 200 business, government, and civic leaders are expected to attend.

“The summit spotlights the entrepreneurs, employers, and innovators who keep Talbot County moving forward,” Vanhooser says. “It is both a celebration of their resilience and a forward-looking conversation. Dr. Dell Gines will help our business leaders examine how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are shaping the future of business.”

Dr. Gines is Chief Innovation Officer at the International Economic Development Council, the world’s largest association for economic development professionals. He leads professional development, research, emerging practices, and international strategy, helping communities navigate market change and the adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

A nationally recognized expert on entrepreneurship-led growth, Dr. Gines has more than 21 years of experience. He oversees major grant-funded initiatives, including the $30 million Economic Recovery Corps program, and has delivered keynote presentations on innovation and economic transformation across 37 U.S. states and territories, as well as internationally.

Dr. Gines is a Certified Economic Developer and holds an MBA, a Master of Finance, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration. His honors include multiple national awards for leadership and public service, and his insights have appeared in major national media outlets.

The breakfast and awards presentation will begin at 8 a.m. at the Tidewater Inn’s Gold Ballroom. Seating is limited. Tickets are $45 per person, and advance purchase is required.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism works to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that strengthen Talbot County’s economic vitality. Its vision is grounded in strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers may register for the department’s monthly newsletter and find updates at www.talbotworks.org. The department may also be reached at 410-770-8000 or at 215 Bay Street, Suite 5, Easton, Md.