MISSOULA (AP)
"The New ICE Age: Investing in a Competitive, Educated Workforce" is the theme of the 33rd annual Montana Economic Outlook Seminar. The seminar will visit nine cities across Montana in January, February and March, conducting the full program for the first time in Lewistown and Havre. Sponsored by the University of Montana's Bureau of Business and Economic Research, the seminar this y e a r wi l l f e a t u r e Mo n t a n a Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns discussing the role education plays in workforce development in the state. BBER Director Paul Polzin will highlight the latest economic trends and explain what they mean for Montana. He also will present an economic forecast for each seminar city. Bureau researchers and other experts will examine recent trends and the outlook for Montana tourism, health care, agriculture, manufacturing and forest products. The seminar series begins in Missoula Jan. 25, at the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center. All seminars begin at 8 a.m. and end after the luncheon at about 1 p.m. Following is the schedule for other cities: H av r e : M a r c h 1 2 , A p p l i e d Technology Center, MSU Northern Lewistown: March 11, Central Montana Education Center Kalispell: Feb. 12, Hilton Garden Inn Butte: Feb. 7, Copper King Hotel And Conference Center Bozeman: Feb. 6, Best Western GranTree Inn Billings: Feb. 5, Crowne Plaza Hotel Great Falls: Jan. 30, Hampton Inn Helena: Jan. 29, Best Western Great Northern Hotel The $80 registration fee includes the seminar, a proceedings booklet, lunch and a oneyear subscript ion to Montana Business Quarterly. Continuing education credits are available for a $20 processing fee. For more information or to register, visit the BBER Web site at www.bber.umt.edu or call (406) 243-5113.
