Economists to brief business leaders

How much longer will the recession continue? Or will 2002 be a year of recovery? What will happen to interest rates, inflation and securities markets? In these times of international turmoil, how will global uncertainty affect the U.S. economy?

Business leaders will get up-to-date insights on these issues and predictions for the coming months at Economic Outlook 2002-03, a one-day executive briefing sponsored by the School of Business.

The briefing is scheduled from 8:30 a.m.-3:20 p.m. Friday, March 15, at the Fluno Center for Executive Education, 601 University Ave., on campus. Speakers and topics for this session include:

• “The Outlook for U.S. and International Economies: A Cyclical Perspective.” Lakshman Achuthan, managing director of the Economic Cycle Research Institute, New York, will discuss domestic and international economic issues in the context of the business cycle. Achuthan is the managing editor of ECRI periodicals including U.S. Cyclical Outlook and International Cyclical Outlook and is a regular participant on national media, including CNN’s “Moneyline” with Lou Dobbs.

  — “Outlook for the U.S. Economy.” Ken Goldstein, economist for The Conference Board, New York, and author of numerous articles for Economic Times, StraightTalk and Across the Board, will examine current trends in labor market activity and their impact on near future economic developments. Goldstein will share his valuable insights on how labor markets impact individual organizations and the economy as a whole.

• “Outlook for Financial Markets.” Robert A. LaFleur, CFA, chief investment strategist and senior vice president for Northern Trust, Chicago, will share his views about making investments during uncertain times — which investments are safe, and which should be avoided? How will changing interest rates and international turmoil affect the recovery of the stock market? LaFleur will draw on his extensive experience in equities and international investing to provide answers.
• “Outlook for Wisconsin and the Midwest Economies.” Donald A. Nichols, professor of economics and public policy and director of the La Follette Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy at UW–Madison, will provide a detailed, region-specific look at how the changing economy will affect the business and employment conditions in Wisconsin and the Midwest. Nichols, a long-time favorite, will also offer financial and industrial projections for the region and state.

After each session, presenters will respond to questions and comments from the audience. Nearly 150 business owners, executives and managers are expected to convene at the semiannual conference, a mainstay event at UW–Madison for more than 30 years.

The briefing fee includes lunch and refreshment breaks: $345 per person or $310 per person when two or more from the same organization attend. To register, call (800) 348-8964 or visit the Web site.
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