Area business leaders and the community are invited to attend the IU Business Outlook Tour from 7:30-9 a.m. on Monday, November 18, at Reid Hospital & Health Care Services in the Lingle Grand Hall, located at 1100 Reid Parkway in Richmond. The IU Business Outlook Tour is presented by the IU East Alumni Association and the IU East School of Business and Economics and is sponsored by Reid Hospital & Health Care Services.

The IU Business Outlook Panel, featuring Indiana University faculty experts in economics and finance, will provide national, state, and local economic forecasts for 2014 for business, political, and community leaders in eastern Indiana. The panel is known for its ability to identify key economic trends. For over 40 years, the Kelley School of Business has presented its forecasts through a series of presentations in cities throughout Indiana.

The starting point for the forecast is an econometric model of the United States, developed by IU’s Center for Econometric Model Research, involving hundreds of statistical equations to develop a national forecast for the coming year. A similar econometric model of Indiana provides a corresponding forecast for the state’s economy, based on the national forecast and data specific to Indiana.

The Business Outlook panel then adjusts the forecasts to reflect additional insights the panelists have on the economic situation. The IBRC also produces the Leading Index for Indiana each month, providing a preview of potential change in the general direction of the Indiana economy.

At each presentation, the panel features faculty members from the Kelley School and IU, plus local panelists from other IU campuses and other universities, offering perspectives on the global, national, state and local economies and financial markets.

This year’s panel includes Kyle Anderson, assistant professor of economics at the IU Kelley School of Business; Ellie Mafi-Kreft, clinical assistant professor of Business Economics and Public Policy at the Kelley School of Business; and Timothy Slaper, director of Economic Analysis at the Kelley School of Business. Litao Zhong, assistant professor of finance and economics for the IU East School of Business and Economics, is the local panelist. David Frantz, dean of the IU East School of Business and Economics and associate professor of management, will moderate the discussion.

Reservations to attend the event are due by November 11. RSVP online at eventbrite.com/e/iu-business-outlook-panel. The cost is $15 per person and includes breakfast. Event proceeds benefit the IU East Alumni Association Scholarship Fund and will assist students in the School of Business and Economics.

For more information, contact Terry Wiesehan, director of Alumni Relations and Campus Events, at (765) 973-8221 or  twiesaha@iue.edu.