LANSING, Mich., Dec. 2020 – The Michigan Bankers Association (MBA) and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce have announced the date for the 2021 Michigan Economic Forecast. Financial experts will delve into the future of Michigan’s economy at a virtual forum on January 5th.
“As business leaders, we all have a stake in the growth of the local and state economy,” said Rann Paynter, President and CEO of the Michigan Bankers Association. “When attending (virtually) the Economic Forecast Forum, you will leave with a broader and clearer understanding of Michigan’s economic outlook – and that’s what every business leader needs to plan for new economic growth in our communities and across our great state as we enter 2021”
““It’s no secret that 2020 has been a long and difficult year for many Michiganders. From seemingly endless stay-at-home orders and state mandated business shutdowns to the harmful impact of COVID-19 on families and communities across our state,” said Rich Studley, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “During World II Michigan became the Arsenal of Democracy. In 2020 employees & employers across our state re-engineered and re-tooled Michigan businesses to do our part in the fight against a worldwide pandemic by producing life-saving personal protective equipment and medical equipment. At the same time other Michigan businesses restructured almost overnight to safely provide essential products and services. “
The good news is the spirit of free enterprise & entrepreneurship is alive and well in Michigan, but we still face some difficult challenges over the next 12 months. To help your business not just survive, but thrive, we encourage you to attend and learn about Michigan’s economic forecast and the major trends that will impact on key segments of our business community in 2021.
The Annual Michigan Economic Forecast features experts sharing valuable information for both bankers and business leaders about the impact of COVID-19 and the future of our region’s economy. The forum includes two panel discussions and opening remarks from Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist.
A Look Back: How COVID-19 Changed the World and Economy.
The first panel discussion will give an update on how COVID-19 has disrupted our lives and the world. Panelists include: Mike Duggan, Mayor, City of Detroit; Tom Jalics, CFA, Chief Market Strategist, Fifth Third Bank; Ben Safran, Consultant, McKinsey & Company and will be moderated by Ingrid Jacques, Columnist and Deputy Editorial Page Editor, The Detroit News.
A Look forward: 2021 Economic Forecast
The second panel will review state and national economic data and leading indicators. The panel will discuss what to expect for 2021 related to employment, consumer confidence and the economy and how the ups and downs of a pandemic will undoubtedly impact it all. Panelists include Chris Harkins, Director, Senate Fiscal Agency, Stu Hoffman, Senior Economic Advisor, PNC Financial Services Group. Kenneth Kelly, CEO and Chairman, First Independence Bank will moderate.
The Michigan Bankers Association and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce are two statewide trade associations representing the banking and business industries. The Michigan Chamber is the unified voice of approximately 5,000-member employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. The Michigan Bankers Association represents more than 2,300 branches located throughout the state with combined assets of over $150 billion. Together, they work to provide a positive environment for Michigan businesses, promote strong communities and a vibrant Michigan economy.
For more information on the forum, contact Stephanie Fisher, MBA at 517-342-9057, or Wendy Block, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, at wblock@michamber.org. Register online at mibankers.com.
Supplimental information frm MBA included PDF1 and PDF2, with forum information and brochure.
About the Michigan Bankers Association
The Michigan Bankers Association (MBA), the voice of the banking industry since 1887, consists of Michigan financial institutions with more than 2,300 branches located throughout the state. The MBA promotes strong communities and economic activity in Michigan by advancing a positive business environment. MBA assists banks by offering products and services to reduce expenses and increase profitability through the strength of the association. For more information, visit www.mibankers.com.
About the Michigan Chamber of Commerce
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 5,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to over 1 million residents. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan’s job providers in the legislative, political, and legal process. More information regarding the Michigan Chamber can be found at www.michamber.com.
