Southern Miss Set to Host Business and Economic Development Forum
Mon, 01/10/2011 - 01:56pm | By: Van Arnold
Experts in banking, finance and economic development will converge as part of Impact Southern Miss: Turning Knowledge into Innovation set for Jan. 20 at the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship.
The forum is being presented by the Southern Miss College of Business and the Trent Lott Center. The First, a National Banking Association, serves as title sponsor.
“This event is part of a series planned to convey how research at Southern Miss can translate into economic development results,” said Rick Duke, executive director of the Trent Lott Center. “Three other events are planned during 2011 to highlight advanced materials, marine science and life sciences.”
Scheduled speakers include Todd Greene, vice president, community and economic development, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta; R. Scott Graham, consultant, Highland Associates, Inc.; Dr. Lance Nail, dean, College of Business at Southern Miss and Whit Hughes, deputy director, Mississippi Development Authority.
Once focusing primarily on economic forecasts, the annual forum's scope has been expanded to include information about the emerging issues, opportunities and impact of Southern Miss research programs.
Members of the Southern Miss faculty will also address key economic development research. Those scheduled to speak and their respective topics include:
- Chad Miller, assistant professor, Economic and Workforce Development, on the Center for Logistics, Trade and Transportation related to the expansion of Port of Gulfport
- Brian Richard, assistant professor, Economic and Workforce Development, on the economic impact of the BP oil spill on coastal Mississippi
- Lou Marciani, director of the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, on the center's mission, industry partnerships and international opportunities.
“In bringing together experts to discuss current and critical economic news and trends, we hope to better inform the business and broader community of the economic and financial variables and events shaping our regional and national economy,” said Nail.
The forum is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $45 ($55 after Jan. 18). For more information call 601.266.5989.