Directions '09 forecasts readied

Directions 2009 will examine banking, transportation, real estate and government during an uncertain economy.

The annual forecasting event is from 7 a.m. to noon on Feb. 6 at the Reno-Sparks Conven-tion Center, is co-hosted by Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada and Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce.

Keynote speaker Bruce James, chairman of the Nevada Spending and Government Efficiency Commission, will tell how the commission works to streamline Nevada's state government and reduce its cost to taxpayers.

A panel discussion, "Banking on the Economy II," will tackle financial implications of the current market downturn.

Panelists will include Bob Barone, principal at Ancora West Advisors; Tom Cargill, economics professor at University of Nevada, Reno; and Michael Stead, director of capital markets at Bank of the West.

Results of Reno-Tahoe business outlook survey are delivered by Valerie Glenn, president and chief executive officer at The Glenn Group, and Sara Hart, director of research at Infosearch International.

Regional issues such as air travel, real estate, transportation and public employee compensation reform are addressed by Krys Bart, president and chief executive officer at Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority; Steven Hill, chair-elect of Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce; Kris Layman, president of Reno Sparks Association of Realtors; and Derek Morse, deputy executive director at Regional Transportation Commission.

Tickets for Directions 2009 are $95 per person by calling Jody Hosterman at 829-3030, Sarah Woodman at 829-3712 or online at directions2009.com.