The Georgia Economic Outlook series is the most comprehensive look at the state and national economic forecast for the upcoming year.

Presented in 10 cities throughout Georgia, as well as Jacksonville, FL and Charlotte, NC, the annual forecasting series draws several thousand employers, politicians, and economic analysts.

All research, such as employment trends and industry analysis, is conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth, the state's foremost forecasting center housed at the Terry College of Business at UGA.

This year Dean Robert T. Sumichrast and special guest Albert Niemi, Jr., former Dean of the Terry College of Business and current Dean of the Cox School of Business at SMU, will present the outlook at the first event in Atlanta.

Nathan Deal, Governor of Georgia, will deliver opening remarks.

Speakers

Albert W. Niemi, Jr. Albert W. Niemi is the dean of the Edwin L. Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, where he also holds the Tolleson Chair in Business Leadership. Prior to joining SMU, he served as dean of the Terry College of Business from 1982 -1996.

An expert on economic growth, economic forecasting and American business history, Niemi has written six books and more than 200 articles for leading academic journals and business periodicals. He also serves as a guest columnist for Dallas CEO magazine and wrote a monthly column for Georgia Trend from 1985 -1996.

Robert T. Sumichrast became dean of the Terry College of Business in July 2007 and holds the Simon S. Selig, Jr. Chair for Economic Growth. From 2003-07, he was dean of the E. J. Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University.

Sumichrast has served on the editorial boards and as a reviewer for numerous academic and industry publications. He has authored a textbook and dozens of articles about improving operations and the practice of business. In 2011, he was elected by the membership of AACSB International to the organization’s board of directors. The AACSB governs and accredits collegiate business schools worldwide. He serves as vice chair of the AACSB Initial Accreditation Committee and as a member of the AACSB Accreditation Coordination Committee.