Nov. 14, 2016
What’s going on: The 36th Annual Economic Outlook Conference
When it’s happening: Dec. 8 from noon to 4 p.m.
What it is: An annual conference in which South Carolina’s economic forecast for the upcoming year is presented and speakers discuss some of the most pressing economic factors the state and the nation as a whole are likely to face in the months to come
Who’s putting it on: The Darla Moore School of Business’ Division of Research
What they do: Douglas Woodward and Joseph Von Nessen make up the Moore School’s Division of Research. Together, they analyze a host of economic data and factors to compile a yearly economic forecast for the state. They also take on research projects for businesses, nonprofits and government agencies throughout the state and, at times, the nation. They then use this applied research to provide insight and projections to the respective institutions. In addition to researching, they also speak at various business conferences around the state and its neighboring regions. The mission of the Division of Research is to help other organizations attain their goals by providing them with objective, reliable information and analysis.
What they have to say: “We believe our research has a real-world impact and is useful to business and government decision-makers,” Woodward said.
“Our research is primarily about providing actionable information to organizations in order to help them make better strategic decisions,” Von Nessen said. “In order to be effective, business and government leaders need accurate information on various economic and market conditions and to know how these conditions affect the sectors in which they operate.”
Who’s speaking: The keynote speaker for this year’s conference is Laurence Kotlikoff, a professor of economics from Boston University. He will be discussing the fiscal health of the United States and what national challenges face a new administration after the presidential election, including the national debt, in the context of South Carolina. Ann Marie Stieritz, president of the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, and Meghan Hughes, executive director of EngenuitySC, will address industry cluster development in South Carolina and how the state fits within the realm of other competitive regions.
How you can get involved: Alumni and friends of the Moore School are encouraged to attend the 2017 Economic Outlook Conference as a means to network with other economically concerned individuals and connect with professionals who are doing research within South Carolina. Registration for the event can be found online.
Why you should get involved: Alumni and business partnerships are valuable to both parties. They help the Division of Research by providing access to better economic information across the state, and businesses are benefited in turn by there being a better economic forecast for the state as a whole as well as potentially for individual businesses.
By Madeleine Vath