Economic conference scheduled in Sidney

Published on Thursday, December 11, 2008 10:03 AM MST

As the country officially enters a recession, Montanans are wondering how the local and state economies will be affected. Economic researchers and experts from throughout the Montana University System will head to nine cities in January, February and March to present the 34th annual Montana Economic Outlook Seminar.

“It’s shaping up to be an economic storm that won’t skip over Montana,” BBER director Patrick Barkey said. “It will be a challenging year for businesses, households and governments alike.”

The presentations included a program at the USDA Northern Plains Agricultural Research Lab in Sidney March 10.

This year’s seminar theme is “Montana’s Transportation Future: Opportunities Around the Next Curve.” Sponsored by The University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the seminar will feature Steve Albert, director of the Western Transportation Institute, discussing the connection between Montana’s transportation system and its economy.

As in past years, BBER economist Paul Polzin will highlight the latest economic trends and explain what they mean for Montana. He also will present an economic forecast for each seminar city.

“Our forecasts are particularly timely because they incorporate the most current data and analysis – some as recent at December 2008,” Polzin said. “This will make the forecasts very useful for business persons and others having to make crucial decisions for the upcoming year.”

Bureau researchers and other experts will examine recent trends and the outlook for Montana’s important industries – tourism, real estate, health care, agriculture, manufacturing and forest products.

The seminar series begins in Helena on Jan. 27, at the Best Western Great Northern Hotel. All seminars begin at 8 a.m. and end after the luncheon at about 1 p.m.

Besides Helena and Sidney, the presentations will also be made in Great Falls, Missoula, Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Kalispell and Miles City.

The $80 registration fee includes the seminar, a proceedings booklet, lunch and a one-year subscription to the Montana Business Quarterly, the state’s award-winning business journal (a $35 value). Continuing education credits are available for a $20 processing fee.

For more information or to register, visit the BBER Web site at http://www.bber.umt.edu or call 406-243-5113.

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