Mid-Columbia Economic Development District is holding its annual Columbia Gorge Economic Symposium this Friday in the Gorge Pavilion at Port of Cascade Locks Marina Park. MCEDD Executive Director Jessica Metta says this year’s keynote speaker is futurist Steve Brown to discuss artificial intelligence. The symposium’s business panel includes representatives from Skamania Lodge, Orchard View Farms, Full Sail Brewing, Insitu and other companies to talk about challenges and opportunities within their respective industries. The event also includes presentations about local economic conditions. The event will be held Friday from 8:30 to noon, and to purchase tickets to go to mcedd.org.