The annual Economic Trends Event, presented by BizTimes Milwaukee, hosts a vibrant discussion between prominent Wisconsin business leaders, state representatives, and industry experts on the state of the economy. This annual event includes a macroeconomic outlook on the economy from Michael Knetter, Ph.D., economist and president of the University of Wisconsin Foundation.

Economic Trends caters to all business leaders, providing insight into the economic outlook through analysis of industry trends and current economic indicators. Selected panelists bring perspectives from their industry while providing forecasts about the year ahead in business. This event has been annually attended by business leaders in Southeastern Wisconsin and for many has become the first significant business function of the calendar year.

Interest rate hikes? Tariffs & trade wars? Workforce shortages? Changes in political leadership? The impact of next generation technologies? Will the economy continue to grow or are we near the end of this cycle? Economist Michael Knetter Ph.D. and leading industry experts provided their perspectives and answers to these questions and more at the 18th annual Economic Trend breakfast on January 25, 2019.

Featured speakers:

• Michael Knetter Ph.D., Economist, President & CEO, University of Wisconsin Foundation (1)
• Dwight Diercks, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, NVIDIA (2)
• Michael Stull, Senior Vice President, Manpower, North America (3)
• Terry Tuttle, President, HellermannTyton North America (4)

Breakout Sessions:

Breakout Session: BMO Harris Bank: Economic Trends – An Additional Perspective

Join BMO Senior Economist Sal Guatieri from 9:40 am – 10:30 am to continue dialogue from the morning program in an open discussion. Guatieri will share key economic influences not raised by the featured speakers and offer additional perspectives on the economic trends most important to Wisconsin businesses. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate and ask questions.

Session Speaker: Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist and Director of Economic Research, BMO Capital Markets

Breakout Session: Annex Wealth Management: Employee Financial Wellness – Why It’s The Trend for 2019

We’ll define employee wellness, and help you understand how effective financial wellness can improve your company’s bottom line. A recent study shows that 70% of Americans say financial stress is their most common cause of stress, and 48% indicate that they find dealing with their financial situation stressful [1].

In this session, you’ll learn:

• Cost of financially unwell employees
• Impact on productivity of financially unwell employees
• Relationship between and financial & physical wellness
• Improving employee retention & recruiting
• Improving your compensation & benefits package

Session Speaker: Tom Parks, AIF, CRPS, Director of Retirement Plan Services, Annex Wealth Management

[1] American Psychology Association, Stress in America: Are Teens Adopting Adults’ Stress Habits? 2014

Interested in sponsoring an event? To reap the benefits of the ultimate in-person marketing opportunity contact Linda Crawford, Director of Sales, to discuss opportunities. Event sponsorships are limited.