Published: Dec. 2, 2002

The University of Colorado at Boulder Leeds School of Business will present its 38th annual Colorado Business Economic Outlook Forum at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, at the Denver Marriott City Center.

The event at 18th and California streets is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.Ìý

The comprehensive state outlook features trends and forecasts prepared by more than 80 key business, government and industry professionals and is compiled by the Business Research Division at the Leeds School of Business.

The outlook presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session featuring the state's top economists: Nancy McCallin, director of the Governor's Office of State Planning and Budgeting; Jeff Romine, Denver Regional Council of Governments' regional economist; Tim Sheesley, Xcel Energy corporate economist; Richard Wobbekind, director of the BRD; and Tom Zwirlein, director of the Southern Colorado Business Outlook Forum.

Tom Shane, president, chairman and CEO of The Shane Co., will follow as the keynote speaker. His presentation will address the evolution of retailing in Colorado.

The forum will conclude with a series of breakout sessions focusing on some of the top issues facing the state of Colorado:

* Will High-Speed Internet Speed Up High-Tech Growth in Rural Colorado? - Karen Eye, University of Colorado Business Advancement Center.

* Population, Labor Force and Personal Income in 2003 - James Chivers, Economist, Colorado Department of Labor.

* Grow Your Own: Bottom Up Approaches to Economic Growth in Colorado - Jesse Silverstein, Development Research Partners.

* Drought 2002: Implications for the Future -- Doug Jeavons, BBC Research and Consulting.

* Health Care: Economic Impacts - Donna Marshall, Colorado Business Group on Health.

For more than 85 years, the Business Research Division has provided business, economic and market research that contributes to the efficient use of Colorado's resources.

The event is sponsored by the Leeds School of Business and KeyBank. For more information contact the BRD at (303) 492-8227 or brdinfo@colorado.edu.