Noted Economist to Keynote UA CBER’s Economic Update Event

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama business executives, policymakers and development professionals will have the opportunity to get an updated outlook for the global, U.S., Alabama and Birmingham economies at a new Mid-Year Economic Update event, presented by The University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research.

The conference is scheduled July 22 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Birmingham.  It begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 1:30 p.m.

Dr. Nariman Behravesh, chief economist and executive vice president for IHS Global Insight, will address recession and recovery in the global marketplace and discuss implications for the United States and Alabama.  Behravesh is world-renowned for his insightful analysis and presentation of current economic trends.  He ranks consistently among the top few economists for the accuracy of his forecasts.  His commentary is frequently sought out by the media, and he is a noted author.

This  has been a difficult year for the Alabama economy, with unemployment rising more rapidly across the state than the nation.  This mid-year event will allow Dr. Sam Addy, director of CBER, to update the Center’s earlier forecasts with the current economic realities.

The economy of the Birmingham-Hoover metro area has also contracted this year, with the loss of about 19,600 jobs from May 2008 to May 2009.  Tom Nelson, manager of Economic Analysis at Vulcan Materials, will take an updated look at the Birmingham forecast.

Space is limited, and preregistration is required by Tuesday, July 14.  There is a $50 charge, which includes conference materials and lunch.  Call Lottie Burleson at 205/348-2944 to register by credit card.

The Center for Business and Economic Research at The University of Alabama was created in 1930, and since that time it has engaged in research programs to promote economic development in the state and provide economic and demographic forecasting, data and analysis.