The extent and duration of the region's economic woes - and their possible resolution - will be examined at the Rutgers-Camden Quarterly Business Outlook on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at the Riverside Pavilion of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Route 70, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, beginning at 7:45 a.m. While the forecast may not be as sunny as it was a few years ago, at least one of the January panelists is expected to predict a very "bright" future ahead for the area.
The first program of the new decade will feature a diverse slate of panelists, including Dr. Jack Worrall, an economist with Rutgers University - Camden; Richard Miller, President & CEO of Virtua; and Roy Fazio, partner, Protocall Staffing. The panel will also include Al Bucknam, CEO of SunDurance Energy, a solar energy company. Peter Spirgel, Esq., managing shareholder of Outlook sponsor Flaster Greenberg PC, will give the opening remarks, and the event will be moderated by Rayman Solomon, Acting Executive Dean, Rutgers School of Business-Camden.
The renewable/alternative energy industry appears to be a literal ray of sunshine in an otherwise bleak economic forecast. Along with many in the industry, SunDurance's Bucknam believes that "going green" can not only save money, but also may be the key to restoring economic health to our region.
Spirgel concurs. "New Jersey is the fastest-growing market for solar energy devices in the United States," he says. "And we rank second only to California in terms of installations and installed capacity. Our business climate is very friendly toward the renewable/alternative energy industry. I think it will have a very significant, positive effect on our region and throughout the state."
Four times a year since 1986, the Rutgers-Camden Quarterly Business Outlook series has tapped into the collective consciousness of our region's business leaders, and has asked them to predict the future by assessing the past. Speakers are drawn from a wide range of area industries and businesses, the vitality and longevity of which will have a significant impact on those who live or work in South Jersey. Now in its fourteenth year, the Quarterly Business Outlook has become one of the area's most popular business forums, as well as an accurate barometer of the region's economic health. The conference is sponsored by the Rutgers University School of Business-Camden, and supported by regional law firm Flaster Greenberg P.C. and the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey.
This event is held free of charge, and is open to the public, but advance registration is required. Register by Monday, January 25, 2009 by contacting the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey at (856) 424-7776, or by registering online at http://www.chambersnj.com.
For the results of previous Rutgers-Camden Quarterly Business Outlook conferences, visit www.camden.rutgers.edu/RUCAM/sjbo.html.
