Economic Outlook Conference to address status of state and national economy

The status of the financial markets and the economic forecast for South Carolina and the United States in 2009 are among the topics to be addressed by economists at the Moore School of Business’ 28th annual Economic Outlook Conference, set for Dec. 3 at the Marriott Columbia City Center.

The conference, which has become the state’s premier economic event for business leaders, runs from 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration is $75 and includes a networking breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and a lunch at 12:30 p.m. The conference begins at 10 a.m.

Daniel H. Stern, founder and co-CEO of Reservoir Capital Group in New York City, will give the keynote talk, “Current Status of the Financial Markets,” at the 12:30 p.m. lunch.

Advance registration is required and can be done online at http://mooreschool.sc.edu or by faxing the form with credit-card information to 803-777-4447. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, Nov. 26. Questions should be directed to Nancy Beym at 800-393-2362 or via e-mail at nbeym@moore.sc.edu.

Moore School economists Dr. Paulo Guimaraes and Dr. Doug Woodward will give the economic forecasts for the state and nation during the morning session.

Woodward, director of the Division of Research at the Moore School, also will moderate a morning panel discussion, titled “Perspectives on Business Conditions in 2009.” Panelists will be M. Edward Sellers, chairman and CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina; Michael Brenan, president of BB&T of South Carolina; Dr. Michael R. Stout, president and CEO of UCI Medical Affiliates Inc.; and Robert M. Hitt III, department manager of public affairs for BMW Manufacturing Co.

After the panel discussion, Darla Moore, for whom the Moore School is named, will give a short address titled “Why South Carolina Needs Tax Reform.”

The conference is co-sponsored by The Palmetto Institute.