The Arkansas Economic Development Institute at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Little Rock Branch of the Federal Research Bank of St. Louis will host a briefing on the Little Rock region’s economic development Thursday, Nov. 14. 

The event will take place from 7:30-10 a.m. at the William J. Clinton Library and Museum, 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock. A hot buffet breakfast will be served. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required through this website. 

The speakers include:

• Michael Pakko, Arkansas Economic Development Institute chief economist and state economic forecaster, who will talk about the Arkansas economic outlook
• Carlos Silva, Arkansas Economic Development Institute regional economist at UA Little Rock, who will give the Little Rock metro report
• Kevin Kliesen, St. Louis Fed research officer and business economist, who will discuss national economic conditions

“The Little Rock Regional Economic Briefing will include perspectives on the national, state, and regional economies,” Pakko said. “Of course, leaders of business and industry have a stake in understanding current economic conditions and the outlook for the future, but the economy affects everyone. So whether you’re interested in where future employment opportunities might be found, the outlook for wage and income growth, or even just the cost of your household grocery bill, we hope this briefing will convey valuable information.” 

The program also includes a welcome from Robert Hopkins, senior vice president and regional executive of the Little Rock Branch, and a question-and-answer session following the presentations.