Research Center to Hold Quarterly Business Forecast Breakfast

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas is partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Chamber of Commerce to host the Quarterly Business Analysis on Thursday, April 27. The breakfast event, open to the public, will be held from 6:45 to 7:50 a.m. at the Clarion Inn, 1255 S. Shiloh Dr., Fayetteville.

Jeff Collins, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, will present a 30-minute program that provides statistical highlights for the first quarter of 2006, key economic trends, and short- and long-term issues facing the local and state economy. For example, recent changes in short-term interest rates by the Federal Reserve Bank coupled with rising energy and construction material costs have direct implications for the construction industry in Northwest Arkansas. These factors coupled with a growing imbalance between supply and demand of certain types of real estate in some areas of the region have led to heightened fears of a correction in the market. The likelihood of a correction as well as the magnitude of a possible correction will be addressed.

The primary purpose of the Quarterly Business Analysis program is to build networks of leaders from business, academic, and governmental sectors in the region. “We continue to see strong growth in jobs and population in Northwest Arkansas,” said Collins. “These trends are vital to the economic health of the state.”

The cost for the Quarterly Business Analysis program and breakfast is $15. Pre-registration by Friday, April 21, is required. Places can be reserved online at: http://cber.uark.edu/ or by calling 479-575-4151. The program will last for approximately 50 minutes including time for questions and answers.