Economists help business execs identify trends

Four top economists will present their projections, insights and predictions at the UW–Madison’s Economic Outlook at the Fluno Center, 601 University Ave., on Friday, March 4.

The four nationally recognized economists will assess issues such as fuel prices, privatization of Social Security, trade deficits, a weak dollar, the state and national budgets, the war on terrorism and other issues. Economic Outlook is designed to offer short-term economic projections for the next 12 months.

Professor Charles Krueger, who manages the semi-annual Economic Outlook for Executive Education at the School of Business, says, “This is a critical time for businesses as they try to sort out the complex economic issues that affect their organizations. Economic Outlook is structured to help business leaders identify trends and opportunities that can help them plan and respond strategically.”

The briefing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-3:20 p.m. The Outlook topics and speakers are:

• Economic and market outlook: Clare W. Zempel, Zempel Strategic, Fox Point, Wis., who has been quoted on CNBC, MSNBC and in Business Week.
• Outlook for the international economy: Danielle Hughes, Divine Capital, New York City, and a frequent contributor on Fox News and CNBC.
• Outlook for the U.S. economy: Brian S. Wesbury, Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson Inc., Chicago, a top-rated economic forecaster by both the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
• Outlook for Midwest and local economy: Donald A. Nichols, Ph.D, University of Wisconsin–Madison, noted for his conscientious, accurate projections on the Wisconsin and regional economy.

Presentations will be followed by brief question-and-answer sessions. Following the formal presentations, participants are invited to join for an informal reception in the Fluno Center’s eighth-floor Study Pub. Economic Outlook has been a tradition at UW–Madison for more than 30 years.

The cost to attend is $395 per person or $355 per person for two or more from the same company. To register, contact Gina Srenaski at (608) 441-7316 or gsrenaski@bus.wisc.edu.