M. Ray Perryman
he Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) and the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation (SETEDF) announce the 13th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, from 11 a.m. –1:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn & Suites Beaumont Plaza.
This annual events reportedly brings together business leaders, elected officials, economic developers, and community stakeholders to gain insight into the economic trends shaping Southeast Texas and the nation.
The keynote speaker is Dr. M. Ray Perryman, president and CEO of The Perryman Group. Perryman is a returning speaker whose past presentations have been highly valued for their clarity, depth, and relevance to the region.
Register at bit.ly/setedf2026. Tickets are $50 for an individual seat or $750 for a reserved table of eight. The registration deadline is Jan. 13.
“Each year, this event provides critical perspective on where we are and where we‚re headed as a region,” said Jessica Hill, chair of the Regional Economic Development Initiative. “We celebrate our 13th year, we are excited to welcome Dr. Ray Perryman back to Southeast Texas. His ability to connect economic data to real-world outcomes helps our leaders make informed decisions that support long-term growth and opportunity.”
According to Hill, Perryman brings more than four decades of experience analyzing economic conditions and advising organizations across the globe. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Baylor University, a Ph.D. in Economics from Rice University, and an Honorary Doctor of Science from the International Institute for Advanced Studies.
Over his career, Perryman has authored several books, more than 400 academic papers, and 3,000 trade articles, and has received hundreds of professional and academic honors.
“I am honored to return to Southeast Texas and to be part of an event that plays such an important role in regional economic leadership,” said Perryman. “This region has a unique economic footprint, and I look forward to sharing insights on the forces shaping its future and the opportunities ahead.”
The Perryman Group, headquartered in Waco, is a nationally recognized economic research and analysis firm that has served more than 3,000 clients, including a majority of the Fortune 100, numerous U.S. Cabinet departments, and leading firms in technology, energy, and finance. The firm has also completed more than 1,000 public policy studies on a wide range of issues.
The Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon is hosted by REDI and SETEDF.
For registration information and event details, interested participants are encouraged to reserve their seats early. Contact Jim Rich at jrich@setedf.org.
