In its 33rd year, the half-day event will feature eight speakers and include forecasts for health care, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, nonresident travel, real estate and other major sectors of the state's economy.
The economic seminar roadshow begins in Missoula, and will travel to nine Montana cities between Jan. 25 and March 12, said BBER marketing director Julie Ehlers.
Early interest in the 2008 events has been high, Ehlers said.
As in past years, BBER chief economist Paul Polzin will cover the latest statewide economic trends and explain what the information means for Montanans in 2008.
His time at the podium will also include individual forecasts for each seminar city.
Polzin believes the annual seminar provides essential information for all Montana decision-makers - whether from government, local business or nonprofit communities.
“Economic information makes for good economic decisions in the new year,” he said.
This year's keynote speaker is Montana Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns.
Stearns will draw upon her experience as commissioner of higher education and as chief executive officer of the Montana university system and will address work force development, including how the university system plans to respond to the state's present and future work force needs.
According to Stearns, investing in an educated work force is the action Montana needs to take to overcome the shortages currently hampering the state and its ability to be competitive in national and global markets.
“Where education thrives, regions and towns tend to be economically viable,” said Stearns. “That means work force development is everyone's issue,” she said.
For more information or to register, call 243-5113 or visit www.bber.umt.edu.
Reporter Lori Grannis can be reached at 523-5251 or at lori.grannis@missoulian.com.
Seminar schedule
Bureau of Business and Economic Research economic outlook seminars:
Missoula: Jan. 25, Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center
Helena: Jan. 29, Best Western Great Northern Hotel
Great Falls: Jan. 30, Hampton Inn
Billings: Feb. 5, Crown Plaza Hotel
Bozeman: Feb. 6, Best Western Gran Tree Inn
Butte: Feb. 7, Copper King Hotel and Conference Center
Kalispell: Feb. 12, Hilton Garden Inn
Lewiston: March 11, Central Montana Education Center
Havre: March 12, Applied Technology Center, MSU Northern
Register online at www.bber.umt.edu or by calling 243-5113.
Fees: Cost of $80 includes seminar, proceedings booklet, lunch and a one-year subscription to Montana Business Quarterly. Continuing education credits are available. For more information or to register, call 243-5113 or go to www.bber.umt.edu.
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