ASTORIA — The city of Astoria will host an Advance Astoria: Economic Development Strategy community forum Thursday, Jan. 19 at The Loft at the Red Building, located at 20 Basin St.

This special event will explore the role of the local economy in creating prosperity for Astorians.

The Advance Astoria event includes an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. and a panel presentation of women and minority entrepreneurs from 7 to 9 p.m.

At the open house, attendees can discuss opportunities to diversify and grow the local economy, network with business and commercial property owners, and hear from successful local and regional entrepreneurs about their experiences and challenges.

The panel will feature Art Design Portland founder Kelly Roy, Felton & Mary’s Artisan Foods founder Tory Campbell, Downtown Coffee owner Kristina Afornorpe, Sweater Heads creator Leslie McCray, and entrepreneur Wendy Hemsley. The panel will be moderated by Kelsey Balensifer of the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact Community Development Director Kevin Cronin at 503-338-5183 or kcronin@astoria.or.us