2025 CWU Economic Outlook Conference

Tuesday, April 22nd, 9AM-3PM, in Sue Lombard Hall

The annual CWU Economic Outlook Conference, a key event organized by the CWU Department of Economics and the College of Business, provides a valuable platform for a wide range of participants to come together and examine the economic landscape of our region. This includes experienced professionals from various industries, knowledgeable economists, enthusiastic CWU students, dedicated university staff and faculty, and engaged members of the broader community.

This year's conference centers on the significant theme of business sustainability. Through focused sessions, attendees will gain deeper insights into critical aspects such as the evolving future of agriculture within our local context, effective strategies for building regional economic and business resilience to navigate future challenges, and the integral role of cultural sustainability in fostering a vibrant and enduring economy. 

A significant feature of the conference will be interactive roundtable discussions, designed to encourage active participation and the sharing of diverse perspectives on these important subjects. Moreover, leading economists from the state will offer their expertise and analysis on current economic trends, while talented CWU students will present their research on timely issues, including inflation, shifts in the labor market, and the dynamics of government budgets. The goal of these presentations is to provide directly applicable economic understanding and relevant information to benefit our local communities. 

Economic Outlook Conference Agenda

• 9:00 AM - 9:20 AM: Welcome Remarks by Dean Faiza Khoja and Dr. Toni Sipic, CWU
• 9:20 AM - 10:00 AM: Sustainable Investments at CWU, Dr. Toni Sipic and Dr. Donker, CWU
• 10:00 AM - 10:40 AM: Central Washington Regional Labor Economic Conditions, Toby Paterson, Regional Labor Economist, WA Employment Security Department
• 10:40 AM - 11:20 AM: Washington Economic Outlook Economic and Budget Forecast, Dave Reich, Executive Director and Chief Economist, WA Economic Revenue Forecast Council
• 11:20 AM - 11:50 AM: Cultural Sustainability Roundtable, Dean Faiza Khoja (Moderator), CWU
• 11:50 AM - 12:45 PM: Lunch, and information about the CWU Economics Department
• 12:45 PM - 1:15 PM: Local Sustainability Issues, Jeff Bousson (Moderator), CWU
• 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM: Resiliency in Healthcare Industry, Rick Miltimore, Vice President Logistics Operations, Providence
• 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM: Sustainability and Agriculture Roundtable, James Michael (Moderator)
• 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: CWU Student Price Index, CWU Economics students Erdenetuya Batgerel, Amneet Pawar and Cole Smith

 The conference is free, and lunch will be provided at no cost.

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/CvuCWeHUVT