Gatton Hosts Annual Economic Outlook on Feb. 5

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2013) — The mayors of both Lexington and Louisville, the chief policy officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, award-winning faculty from the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics — all are slated to be a part of the 24th Annual Economic Outlook Conference to be held in downtown Lexington on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

The 2013 edition of the event is co-sponsored by the Gatton College's Executive Education Center and its Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), together with The Lane Report and Commerce Lexington.  The conference, which  begins at 8 a.m. and runs until noon, will examine the trends, events, and policies influencing the economic and financial future of Lexington, the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.  It will be held in the Lexington Convention Center's Bluegrass Ballroom 2, adjacent to Rupp Arena. 

Mark Sniderman, executive vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, which includes Lexington and much of Kentucky in its service area, will present a broad view of the economic outlook and monetary policy.

Kenneth Troske, senior associate dean for administration, faculty and research and the Sturgill Endowed Professor of Economics in the Gatton College, will give an overview of the state and local economies, including recent developments and their implications for 2013.

The local and national real estate markets will be the focus for Christopher Bollinger, director of CBER and Gatton Endowed Professor of Economics in Gatton.

And Lexington Mayor Jim Gray and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer are scheduled to take a look at the two cities' joint efforts in the Bluegrass Economic Advancement Movement (BEAM). 

Audience question and answer periods will be held following the conclusion of each presentation. 

"This promises to be a terrific program," said David Blackwell, dean of the Gatton College.  "This exploration of key economic issues facing Kentuckians will provide invaluable information not only for members of the business community, but also for policy makers and the public at large."

The registration fee is $100 and includes continental breakfast and conference materials.  For multiple registrations of five or more a discounted registration fee of $85 is being offered.  Early registration is recommended.  You can sign up online at www.gatton.uky.edu/EconOutlook.  For additional details, call (859) 257-8746 or 1-800-284-6407.

For information on parking and directions, visit the Lexington Convention Center's website at www.lexingtoncenter.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Carl Nathe, (859) 257-3200; carl.nathe@uky.edu; Michele Sparks, (859) 257-0040; michele.sparks@uky.edu