Economic outlook conference examines future

Will the Federal Reserve lower interest rates again? Will volatile markets continue? Should American workers expect more layoffs? Is a recession imminent, or is the economic slowdown ending?

John W. Thompson, president of Thompson, Plumb & Associates, Madison, is one of four leading economic advisers who will address these issues and more at the “Economic Outlook: 2002” conference, Friday, Sept. 21, at UW–Madison.

Thompson built the successful Thompson Plumb Growth Fund, which has been featured recently in publications including The Wall Street Journal, Business Week and Financial Planning magazine. He is noted for his investment policy, keen perception of markets and outstanding fund performance.

Other presenters are:

• Sheldon D. Engler, principal, Engler & Davis Economics, San Francisco, is well-known for his work in risk assessment and research on global financial markets.
• Brian S. Wesbury, chief economist, Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson Inc., Chicago, and former chief economist for the Joint Economic Committee of Congress. He was recently honored by The Chicago Tribune and The Wall Street Journal for his forecasts for the U.S. economy.
• Don Nichols, professor of economics and public policy, and director of UW–Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs’ Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy, is a perennial favorite noted for his accurate forecasting on the Wisconsin and Midwest economies.

Economic Outlook: 2002 will be at the Fluno Center, 601 University Ave., and is presented by Executive Education, a continuing education unit of the UW–Madison School of Business. Charles Krueger, associate professor of finance and accounting will moderate the program, 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

Nearly 150 business owners, leaders, executives and managers are expected to attend this semi-annual event, a long-standing tradition at UW–Madison. After each session, presenters respond to questions and take comments from the audience.

The cost to attend the Economic Outlook Conference is $345 per person, or $310 per person when two or more from the same organization attend. For information, contact Colleen Barrett, (800) 292-8964.