GUEST SPEAKERS

Dr. Woody Hall

Wilmington Keynote Speaker
Dr. Woody Hall has been a Professor of Economics at the Cameron School of Business (CSB) at UNCW since 1974. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Hall was a Research Economist and Editor of Publications in the Economic Development Center at Western Carolina University. He has also served as Editor for the Carolina Coast Business Review and as Director for the Office of Economic Development and Forecasting in CSB. He is currently Senior Economist in the Swain Center for Business and Economic Services.

The Economic Outlook: No Change, Up or Down
Undoubtedly, the most discouraging aspect of the current recovery is that it has not produced the rebound in jobs associated with most expansions over the past two decades. This presentation will provide an overview of current national, state, and eastern North Carolina economic conditions and a forecast for the next 12-18 months. Topics covered will include the state of the housing market, employment, unemployment, and likely policy initiatives.

Raymond E. Owens Research Advisor and Senior Economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

Charlotte Keynote Speaker
Ray Owens has been on the research staff at the Richmond Federal Reserve Bank since 1983. He has headed the Bank’s regional economics section and currently serves as a research advisor and senior economist as well as a member of the bank’s monetary policy group.

In his role in policy, Owens focuses on analyzing national and regional economic conditions. In addition, he has published his research in economic policy and urban economics in top academic journals. He has long supported transparent communication of Fed activities and so maintains close contact with the business community and public. Owens holds degrees in Economics from Virginia Tech.

A Review of U.S. Economic Conditions and Monetary Policy
Economic growth has been sluggish and labor market conditions weak in the last few years. Mr. Owens will provide a review of U.S. economic conditions, focusing on prospects for growth going forward. In addition, he will describe the Fed’s monetary policy responses during this challenging period.

Dr. Mike Walden Wm. Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor, NC State University

Raleigh Keynote Speaker
Dr. Mike Walden is a professor at NC State University in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and a specialist with the North Carolina Cooperative extension Service. He is widely known for his ability to relate larger economic trends to individual consumers. Every two weeks, he writes the “You Decide” newspaper column exploring economic issues.

The Economic Outlook: Up, Down, or Sideways?
This presentation will provide an assessment of the current conditions of both the national and state economies as well as projections for the year ahead. Economic trends examined will include production growth, changes in personal income, employment and unemployment, consumer spending, and the status of the housing market. Also included will be an evaluation of national economic policies from both the Federal Reserve and the federal government. The condition of North Carolina’s economy will be contrasted to the national economy. Additionally, economic changes within North Carolina’s major metropolitan areas will be examined.