Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Wilmington, N.C.- As part of the fourth annual Economic Outlook Conference, the University of North Carolina Wilmington will host speakers and panel discussions related to the economic forecast, challenges and opportunities in the region and nation. The conference will take place from 7 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Oct. 9, in the Fisher Student Center at UNCW.

Sponsored by the Cameron School of Business, the conference brings together speakers and panelists from a wide range of backgrounds to look at the economic drivers and short- and long-term economic outlook for a number of business sectors relevant to our region. Tom Simpson, Executive in Residence with the Cameron School of Business, and a retired advisor to the Federal Reserve Board, will present an insider's perspective on our national economy and a forecast on upcoming activity and expectations. This will be followed by an economic forecast for Southeastern North Carolina by William Woody" Hall, senior economist in the Center for Business and Economic Services. Hall will summarize the region's economic activity for the first three quarters of 2007 and present the outlook for the fourth quarter of 2007 and calendar year 2008.

Keynote speaker Alton Herndon, co-founder and managing partner of Southport Boat Works, will discuss the entrepreneurial story behind this company and share his perspective on doing business in Southeastern North Carolina. As an entrepreneur and business leader with 38 years experience in the marine industry, Herndon will comment on the current business climate and future opportunities for economic growth and development.

In addition two executive panels will focus on the key economic segments of real estate and entrepreneurship/economic development.

Conference schedule:

7:00-7:30 a.m. Check-in and breakfast

7:30-7:50 a.m. Welcome

7:50-9:05 a.m. Economic Summary and Forecast Presentations

9:25-10:55 a.m. Executive Panels on Economic Sectors

11:15-Noon Keynote Speaker Alton Herndon, Southport Boat Works

Featured panelists and moderators will include Frances Weller, WECT-TV news anchor; Lee Nowak, partner, Maus Warwick Matthews & Co.; John Hinnant, executive director, Wilmington Downtown; Patrice Willetts, Network Real Estate; Connie Majure-Rhett, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce; Niels Jorgensen, owner, Kiln-direct.com; Brett Martin, founder of Castle Branch; and Chad Paul, managing partner, Harbor Island Equity Partners.

Conference registration fee is $45 and includes breakfast. For more information and to register, go to www.uncw.edu/eoc or call 910.962.2237. The UNCW Economic Outlook Conference is co-sponsored by Bank of America, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Progress Energy, Realtors Commercial Alliance of the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors, RSM McGladrey, the Small Business Technology Development Center and the Star-News.

Note to media: Conference is open to the public by registration only. Members of the media are invited to breakfast and to cover the event.

For more information or to arrange an interview with one of the speakers, contact Dana Fischetti, manager of news and media relations, at 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu.

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