Economic Forecast helps business owners make sense of economic trends

In our 24/7 on-demand world, it’s easy to find news about how the economy is doing right at your fingertips:

Trade Flows Set to Stay Weak, Says WTO (Wall Street Journal)
U.S. retail sales rise modestly; factory output tumbles (Reuters)
Private payrolls increase by 125,000 in October, topping expectations (CNBC)

But what does that mean for you, the business owner, and how you plan your strategy for the coming years? Are we headed for an economic downturn? Are economic indicators pointing in that direction? How are national factors affecting our regional growth?

So many questions. But we’ve got answers.

Don’t miss the Chamber’s annual Economic Forecast 2020 presented by Mediacom Business on Thursday, Dec. 5. Economic Forecast predicts the trends of the coming year and this year features expert economist Dr. Kenneth A. Kriz, a Fulbright Scholar, author and Distinguished Professor at the University of Illinois.

A frequent presenter at public economics and public budgeting and financial management conferences, Dr. Kriz conducts research focusing on economic and revenue forecasting, subnational debt policy and administration, public pension fund management, government financial risk management and behavioral public finance. During the event he will cover national, regional and local economic indicators as well as different sectors and markets, such as manufacturing/output, labor, retail and household.

“There is some evidence of a slowdown lately, especially in manufacturing. Labor market, retail sales and income growth have been good, but they’re showing signs of weakness,” Dr. Kriz said. “However, while aggregate measures are showing signs of slowing, there is a small probability of imminent recession.”

During the event attendees will hear Dr. Kriz' analysis of trends relating to:

• GDP
• Labor market (non-farm payroll, unemployment and private sector payrolls)
• Personal income
• Retail sales
• Trade/world tensions
• Policy uncertainty
• Rising debt levels
• Monetary policy limits and more

Previously held in February, this event was moved to December to provide business leaders valuable intel to prepare for 2020.

“Our mission is to help businesses grow, so it’s imperative for us to provide the data and tools they need to help make sound decisions related to their operations,” Chamber Vice President of Business Services Julie Forsythe said. “Hosting an annual Economic Forecast is yet another way we can support our region’s economic health.”

Learn more about Economic Forecast, and register for the event!