Campus News

UK Hosts Annual Economic Outlook Conference

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2012) — 2012 marks the 23rd anniversary edition of the University of Kentucky's renowned Annual Economic Outlook Conference and it promises to be a very stimulating and informative four hours.

The conference, sponsored by UK's Gatton College of Business and Economics in cooperation with The Lane Report and Commerce Lexington, will be held in the Lexington Convention Center's Bluegrass Ballroom 2 on Tuesday morning, Jan. 31.

Sessions will focus on significant economic issues for Kentuckians, as well as for the nation and the world.

Among those on the list of speakers is Mark E. Schweitzer, senior vice president and director of research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, who will present "A View from the Federal Reserve."

Kenneth R. Troske of the Gatton College, Sturgill Endowed Professor of Economics, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), and a former member of the Congressional Oversight Panel, will speak on "An Overview of the State and Local Economies: Recent Developments and Implications for 2012."

Aaron Yelowitz, associate professor of economics in the Gatton College, will address the topic, "How Will the Affordable Care Act's Employer Mandate Affect Kentucky Businesses."

And, David Draine, senior researcher with The Pew Center on the States, a division of the Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, D.C., will focus on "The Widening Gap: Pensions and Retiree Health Care."

Gatton College Interim Dean Merl Hackbart will introduce the speakers and serve as program moderator.  

"Anyone and everyone who attends this conference will find it to be time well spent," said Hackbart.  "These presenters are true experts, and members of the audience will have ample opportunity to engage the speakers in question and answer sessions."

The 23rd Annual Economic Outlook Conference begins at 8 a.m. on Jan. 31 and concludes at noon.

The registration fee of $100 includes continental breakfast and conference materials.  For multiple registrations of five or more persons, a discounted fee of $85 will be offered.  Early registration is recommended.

For more information, call (859) 257-8746 or 1-800-284-6407, or register online through the Gatton College Executive Education Center at  www.gatton.uky.edu/eec.  

MEDIA CONTACTS: Carl Nathe, (859) 257-3200; or Michele Sparks, (859) 257-0040.