By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22, area business leaders will gather at BriefSpace, 219 W. 10th, for the 2020 Hays Regional Economic Outlook Conference.
“This is an event that is put on annually by Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Business Research tours the state each year and gives an economic outlook conference,” said Doug Williams, Grow Hays executive director. “They give an outlook of where things are at and where they believe things are going.”
Along with in-person attendees, the event will also broadcast online in light of COVID-19 precautions.
This year’s lineup includes Fort Hays State University Department of Economics chair, Dosse Toulaboe, as event host.
Jeremy Hill, CEDBR director is set to deliver a state outlook and local update during the event.
“He always does a really good job at going over the statewide economics," Williams said.
Stan Longhofer, Center for Real Estate director at WSU, will also give a real estate outlook.
Williams said Longhofer is well-known in the Hays area and gives frequent analysis into the local real estate market.
Rounding out the event Ellis County Health Services director Jason Kennedy will share the economic implications of COVID-19 in the area.
“The economic impacts of COVID-19 are huge,” Williams said. “The health impact is something we really haven’t experienced before.”
These conferences help provide valuable insight into the area and provide attendees an opportunity to better understand economic drivers in the region.
“It should be a good session and well worth attending for those that might be able to make it,” Williams said.
“I think from a business person standpoint the ability to gain a better understanding about what is going on and where things are headed can be very valuable,” he said. “If you better understand the environment you are trying to operate in and what’s happening in other places around the state as well as locally, I think you can make better decisions.”
The COVID-19 situation makes that mission even more important.
“Given that business is off in many cases you really have to make informed and good decisions right now for your very survival,” Williams said. “That’s what staying informed can help you do.”
The event will be hosted at BriefSpace and seating is limited to ensure adequate social distancing.
“I really think that anybody that takes the time to go will find it is worth the time and effort to attend,” Williams said.
In case of changes due to COVID-19, the conference will offer flex registrations.
"CEDBR is continuing to watch and plan for potential COVID-19 disruptions to our scheduled events," according to the event website. "In order to prepare for any outcome, CEDBR has decided to introduce flex registration. With flex registration, all attendees will be automatically registered in an in-person and webinar format. On the day of the event, you can choose either format to attend."
The cost of attendance is $105.
To register or read more about the conference, visit cebdr.org.