~ Speakers ~
Connor Lokar
Senior Forecaster & Senior Economic Consulting Speaker, ITR Economics
Few economists present their insights with the authority, accuracy, and humor that Connor Lokar brings to the stage. From the intimate executive retreat to the standing room-only keynote, he delivers practical economic intelligence with charm and candor.
Connor has been giving economic keynotes, workshops, and webinars across North America since he joined ITR Economics in 2014. With his quick wit and knack for storytelling, he successfully educates his audiences while simultaneously captivating them. Thousands of business leaders have enjoyed his dynamic approach; Connor emphasizes the applicability of economic intelligence and calls his audience to action.
When not on stage, Connor contributes his economic expertise in the role of trusted advisor, consulting directly with management teams of firms large and small. ITR’s clients meet with Connor at critical planning junctures to ensure that their strategic plans, goals, and internal initiatives are in alignment with their tailored forecasts. As ITR Economics’ senior forecaster, Connor has a particularly keen understanding of how forecasts are derived. The resulting insights enable clients to make the most of their economic outlooks.
Connor specializes in construction and industrial markets but consults and presents to businesses across all industries, helping them grow revenue and remain profitable through an everchanging business cycle. He has been featured in articles from AMT Online, NTD, and The Epoch Times.
Pat Harrigan
US House of Representatives
Congressman Pat Harrigan brings a distinguished background of service and leadership to the U.S. House of Representatives. A West Point graduate with a degree in Nuclear Engineering, he began his career as an Infantry officer at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, deploying to Afghanistan where he commanded a remote combat outpost at just 23 years old, overseeing 350 personnel and managing $100 million in infrastructure.
Recognizing the need for specialized skills, Congressman Harrigan earned the Green Beret and returned to Afghanistan, earning two Bronze Stars for his effective leadership in challenging environments. His military experience underscored the importance of accountability and mission success under pressure.
Alongside his military career, Congressman Harrigan co-founded a firearms business in North Carolina, which expanded from their home to a leading manufacturing facility. Their American-made products contribute to national security while generating local jobs and fostering innovation.
Motivated by a commitment to restore leadership and accountability in Washington, Congressman Harrigan transitioned to Congress. He applies his principles of bold leadership, integrity, and results-driven governance to serve North Carolina's Tenth District, prioritizing the needs of hardworking families and communities.
Congressman Harrigan and his wife Rocky, married for 13 years, are proud parents to daughters Reagan and McKinley. His dedication to building a stronger, more secure America resonates throughout his military service, entrepreneurial endeavors, and congressional leadership.
Philip K. Bell, CAE
President, Steel Manufacturers Association
Philip K. Bell is President of the Washington, DC-based Steel Manufacturers Association. Prior to leading the SMA, Phil served as Director of External Communications and Public Affairs for Gerdau North America based in Tampa, FL. He is a 25-year industry veteran, who developed an interest in the steel industry and manufacturing in the late 1980s while working in maintenance and operations at Elementis Chromium in Corpus Christi, TX. He has held executive-level positions in operations, human resources and public affairs with Gerdau, the SGL Carbon Group, and Qualitech Steel Corporation.
Mr. Bell currently serves on the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Advisory Committee on Steel (ITAC 11), advising the Secretary of Commerce and United States Trade Representative on trade policy, trade agreements, and other trade related matters that benefit U.S. businesses, workers, and the economy.
He is a member of the National Association of Manufacturing (NAM) Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA) and the Association of Iron & Steel Technology.
Phil graduated from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He holds a master’s degree in Global Strategic Communications from the University of Florida.