A regional economic forecast from researchers at West Virginia University and a look at the U.S. economy by a senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond will anchor the North Central West Virginia Economic Outlook Conference Oct. 18 in Morgantown.

This year’s event will also include a presentation by a nationally renowned economic development strategy organization, sessions on local government and education, and a panel discussion on economic and community development. The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Waterfront Place Hotel.

“This is the most comprehensive event we have offered for the North Central region, as there are a variety of components to this year’s conference,” said John Deskins, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the WVU College of Business and Economics, and who will present the North Central West Virginia Economic Outlook.

Raymond Owens, senior economist and policy advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, will provide the U.S. economic outlook. Mark Muchow, Deputy Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Revenue, and Javier Reyes, Milan Puskar Dean, WVU College of Business and Economics, will provide remarks as part of the state and regional outlook. Jason Pizatella, president and CEO of the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce will also offer remarks.

Alex Pearlstein, vice president of Market Street Services in Atlanta, will serve as the keynote speaker. Market Street is a provider of community, workforce and economic development strategic planning services recognized for its work throughout the U.S.

New components of this year’s event will follow, including local government and education. Eldon Callen, president of the Monongalia County Commission, and Glen Kelly, interim city manager for the City of Morgantown, will speak to attendees, followed by Frank Devono, superintendent of Monongalia County Schools.

A panel discussion on economic and community development is also on the agenda this year, moderated by Scott Rotruck, director of Energy & Transportation Services, Spilman Thomas & Battle. Panelists will include Holly Childs, president/CEO, Morgantown Area Economic Partnership; Tara Curtis, chair, Greater Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau; Travis Henline, executive director, Main Street Morgantown; Kelly Kimble, Chair, Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce; and Frank Scafella, Sunnyside Up. Chad Prather, treasurer of the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce, will make closing remarks.

“This conference provides an in-depth look at the regional economy for business leaders, policymakers, strategic planners and decision-makers,” Deskins said. “Morgantown is in the middle of a vibrant economy, and the issues that will be addressed at this conference will impact every resident in the region.”

To register for the North Central West Virginia Economic Outlook Conference, go to be.wvu.edu/bber/morgantown_eoc.htm. For further information on the WVU College of Business and Economics, follow B&E on Twitter at @wvucobe or visit be.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

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CONTACT: Patrick Gregg, WVU College of Business and Economics
304.293.5131; patrick.gregg@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.