The Vail Valley Partnership and the Economic Council of Eagle County will co-host the 6th annual Vail Valley Business Forum, "A Panel Discussion on Regional Development Opportunities," July 26 at the Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon from 8 - 10:30 a.m.The Business Forum brings in regional speakers for a panel discussion on economic development opportunities in Colorado. The panel features experts in fields including tourism, real estate, education, economics and research. Each expert will provide insight to local business owners and managers on economic trends in Colorado as well as regional efforts and statewide programs that our community can leverage.The keynote speaker this year is Richard Wobbekind, executive director of the Business Research Division and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Wobbekind will share his research and studies on the economic forecast for the Colorado economy, including areas of growth that the Vail Valley can benefit from.This year's panelists include:• Maria Garcia Berry, Chief Executive Officer of CRL Associates, Inc. Berry is a member of the Board of Trustees of Metropolitan State College, the Auraria Higher Education Center Board of Directors and the Citywide Banks Board. • Robert Golden of the Colorado Association of Realtors. Golden is currently a part of 2012 Leadership Council (Chief Executive Officer). • Richard W. Scharf, President & CEO of Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. To learn more, e-mail Jill Lammers at jlammers@visitvailvalley.com or call 970-477-4000.