FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, is partnering with the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce to host the Quarterly Business Analysis on Wednesday, April 21. The breakfast event, open to the public, will be held from 6:45 to 7:50 a.m. at the Student Center Ballroom on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas, Conway.

"We are so pleased to be able to host the Quarterly Business Analysis on our campus," said UCA President Lu Hardin. "We anticipate a large turnout, and we look forward to the presentation by Jeff Collins."

Jeff Collins, director, Center for Business and Economic Research, will present a 30-minute program that provides statistical highlights for the first quarter of 2004, projects key economic trends, and discusses short- and long-term issues facing the local and state economy. In addition, there will be a discussion of the implications to the business community of K-12 reform.

"Legislation to reform K through 12 education in the state will have both immediate and long-term effects on existing and future businesses in the state. Short run tax implications resulting from both an expanded sales tax base and rate are likely to affect state businesses negatively. In the long run, increased worker productivity is likely to yield significant benefits to business through employee performance or higher incomes which translate into greater demand locally for products and services," Collins said. "The question remains, will the businesses bearing the cost of improving education be the beneficiaries of improved educational outcomes?"

The primary purpose of the Quarterly Business Analysis program is improving the dialogue between stakeholders in the region. "We want to encourage cooperation and share information that is vital to economic growth," added Collins. "The goal is solid and sustainable economic development in Arkansas."

The cost for the Quarterly Business Analysis program and breakfast is $10. Pre-registration by Friday, April 16, 2004, is required. Places can be reserved online for the QBA at: http://cber.uark.edu by calling (479) 575-4151 or by e-mail at cberinfo@cavern.uark.edu. The program will last for approximately 40 minutes including time for questions and answers.