DATE: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Feb. 9, 2009.

EVENT: A panel of economic experts will discuss short-run challenges and long-term opportunities for Michigan’s economy in 2009 and beyond.

A consensus has emerged in the last few years regarding Michigan’s economic future. In order to return prosperity to the state, many analysts agree that Michigan must develop a diversified economy featuring robust entrepreneurial activity and a highly educated, innovative labor force.

Panelists include:

• John Austin, director of the New Economy Initiative and vice president of the Michigan Board of Education;

• Charles Ballard, professor of economics at Michigan State University and director of the MSU State of the State Survey;

• Christopher Hayter, program director for the Economic Development Program at the National Governors Association;

• Kim Hill, director of the Automotive Communities Program and associate director of the Economics and Business Group within the Center for Automotive Research.

The format will include 10-minute presentations by each panelist, a panel discussion moderated by Paul Courant, dean of libraries and Harold T. Shapiro Collegiate Professor of Public Policy at U-M, and questions from the audience.

The event is free and open to the public.

PLACE: Annenberg Auditorium, Weill Hall, 735 South State St., Ann Arbor.

SPONSORS: Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) and the U-M Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

MORE INFORMATION: Contact Bonnie Roberts, (734) 647-4091 or [email protected].