Coverage OP: Annual economic forecast revealed

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The regional economy has been at the center of much conversation in this election year. But what does the economy hold in store for 2008? Hari Singh, chair of the Economics Department in Seidman College of Business, will discuss the year ahead when he unveils his annual economic forecast for the regional economy on January 18.

The forecast will be part of a breakfast event at DeVos Place sponsored by Seidman College of Business and Grubb & Ellis/Paramount. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast. The presentation begins at 8 a.m.

Singh will reveal the results of his annual confidence survey for the greater Grand Rapids economy, including Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Allegan counties. The survey was conducted in November 2007 across sectors. The report, now in its 12th year, has become a much-anticipated annual benchmark of the local market. Singh will be joined by Robert Bach, senior vice president of research for Grubb & Ellis. There will be a summary of the commercial real estate market.

MEDIA NOTE: Media coverage is encouraged. Parking is available in the DeVos Place Parking Lot or across the street in the Government parking lot. After the event, copies of Singh's report will be available by calling Brian J. Bowe at (616) 331-2222 or e-mailing [email protected].