Economic Outlook Conference scheduled for May 23 on CWU campus

Central Washington University is eagerly anticipating the return of our annual Economic Outlook Conference (EOC) on Tuesday, May 23.

The conference, which was last held in 2019, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sue Lombard Hall on the Ellensburg campus, and will focus on addressing regional economic conditions, agri-food business practices, and agribusiness technology opportunities and challenges.

The EOC is free for CWU students, staff, and faculty with a valid ID. Cost for visitors is $20 and includes lunch. Please register in advance at Wildcat Tickets.

Attendees will learn about how inflation is impacting the local economy, current labor market circumstances, economic activity and state revenue forecasts that are used to build the state budget, how CWU students are impacted by present economic conditions, and more.

"The EOC is an essential gathering of industry experts, thought leaders, economists, business professionals, and academics," said Toni Sipic, chair of the CWU Department of Economics, who is partnering with the College of Business to present the conference. "It serves as a platform to gain insights, share knowledge, and engage in meaningful discussions surrounding regional economic conditions, agri-food business, and technology."

The agriculture and food industries are facing numerous challenges in the years to come, such as feeding a growing global population in a sustainable way, food security, and scarcity of natural resources. Business and technology skills are necessary to face these and other challenges and be successful in the constantly evolving agri-food industry.

Attendees are also invited to join the agribusiness panels and industry experts to learn more about the opportunities and challenges in the agri-food sector.

This year's speakers include: Jon Devaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association; Denny Heck, lieutenant governor of Washington; Donald Meseck, a regional economist with the Washington Employment Security Department; Dr. Steve Lerch, chief economist with the Washington Economic and Revenue Forecast Council; Matt Yeager, co-owner of Kragworks; Dr. Margaret Towle, founder of Yakima River Partners; and Elizabeth Hargrave, manager of Loftus Labs, along with CWU faculty members Dr. Yurim Lee and Ana Tonseth.

The EOC will be divided into two parts, each focusing on crucial aspects of our economy:

Regional Economic Conditions: Esteemed speakers will present their expert analysis and provide valuable perspectives on regional economic conditions. They will shed light on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities across various industries. Whether you are an investor, business owner, or professional seeking to understand the current economic climate, this segment will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Agri-Food Business and Technology: During the second part of the day, our attention turns to the vital sector of agri-food business and technology. Experts from the field will take center stage to discuss innovative practices, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative ideas shaping the agribusiness landscape. This segment will showcase the intersection of food/agriculture, business, and technology, highlighting the potential for growth, sustainability, and improved efficiency in the agri-food sector.

In addition to the enriching sessions, the EOC offers ample professional networking opportunities. Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and industry professionals to forge valuable relationships and explore potential collaborations.

If you have questions about the EOC, please call 509-963-2930 or email cb@cwu.edu.