Austin's economy is on the upswing, but will that trend continue in 2006? After hearing what the experts expect, you will be able to make better informed decisions about your personal finances and business transactions. The Greater Austin Chamber will host the Small Business Annual Economic Forecast on Wednesday, December 14. Three of the leading economic experts in Texas will give you the early bird outlook on 2006. Last year these panelists were extremely accurate in their predictions. Now find out what the outlook for consumer confidence, employment trends, the housing market and retail sales is for 2006.

Ray Perryman, President of The Perryman Group, is widely regarded as one of the world's most influential and innovative economists. With 20 years of experience, Perryman has been recognized by the U.S. Congress and Texas Legislature. His studies have played a role in the creation and retention of hundreds of thousands of jobs. During this forum, Perryman will provide his view on national and state business developments and trends.

Billy Hamilton, Chief Deputy Comptroller of Public Accounts of Texas, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Comptroller's office. The Comptroller is the state's chief fiscal officer and responsible for the state tax administration, statewide financial management and state treasury operations. Hamilton will provide a perspective on the state's economy.

Daniel Kah, Research Director at AngelouEconomics, is involved in many of the firm's data intensive projects including site selection, impact analysis and economic forecasting. Kah's recent private sector clients include Citgo, American Airlines, the Texas Energy Center and Dell. Kah's presentation will include a forecast as to Austin's economic future.

What: Small Business Annual Economic Forecast
When: Wednesday, December 14, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Road

About the Chamber: The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in the five-county metro area—building a better community since 1877. It has more than 2,700 business, educational and non-profit organizations as members, of which 80 percent are small businesses. The Chamber is all about economic prosperity in Central Texas. Opportunity Austin—the Central Texas Business Initiative, is in its second year of the effort to create 72,000 new jobs and a regional economic impact of $14 billion. In the first year, 16,200 jobs were created.