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, University of Arkansas, is partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Chamber of Commerce to host the Quarterly Business Analysis on Thursday, Nov. 10. The breakfast event will be held from 6:45 to 7:50 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Northwest Arkansas, 1500 S. 48th St., Springdale.

Jeff Collins, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, will present a 30-minute program that provides statistical highlights for the second quarter of 2005, key economic trends, and short- and long-term issues facing the local and state economy. In addition, there will be a discussion of the impact of recent hurricanes and other current events on the Northwest Arkansas economy. Specifically, the effects of rising energy prices, construction costs and potential changes in long- and short-term interest rates, and finally, population migration caused by hurricanes Rita and Katrina will be discussed.

The primary purpose of the Quarterly Business Analysis program is improving the dialogue between leaders from business, academic, and governmental sectors in the region. "The current dynamic economic climate of the region requires constant monitoring," said Collins. "Failure to track changes in key measures of the region’s performance can have very negative consequences for stakeholders in the region."

The cost for the Quarterly Business Analysis program and breakfast is $15. Pre-registration by Friday, Nov. 4, 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.