SEATTLE, Wash. — How will the uncertainties of current events, and for that matter the certainties, affect the economy of the nation, the Northwest and Washington state for the months ahead?
A nationally renowned economic forecaster and leading forecasting economists from each of the Northwest states will address that question at the upcoming second annual Northwest Economic Outlook Symposium, sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Regional Economic Conference.
Featured speaker is Andrew Hodge, economic forecaster for Global Insight, formerly DRI-WEFA. Hodge is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal, CNN, CNBC and Financial Times among others.
Global Insight’s clients include the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Hodge’s comments will be on the topic, “To be, or not to be: The U.S. recovery.” A panel of economic experts representing each of the Northwest states will discuss the specific economic situation in their home states and the ramifications for policy makers. The forecast information is used to inform legislators and other policy makers in each state as they prepare to grapple with difficult budget issues.
In Washington state, the Legislature will be facing an estimated $2 billion budget shortfall for the coming biennium when it convenes in January. New revenue forecasts for the state are also scheduled for release on Nov. 15.
The symposium will be 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15, 2002, La Quinta Inn, 1425 East 27th Street, Tacoma.
Registration is open through Nov. 8. More information and on-line registration is available at www.pnrec.org/Outlook2002.
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