FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, is partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Chamber of Commerce to host the Quarterly Business Analysis on Thursday, April 28. The breakfast event, open to the public, will be held from 6:45 to 7:50 a.m. at the Clarion Inn, 211 SE Walton Blvd., Bentonville.

Jeff Collins, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, will present a 30-minute program that provides statistical highlights for the first quarter of 2005, key economic trends, and short- and long-term issues facing the local and state economy. In addition, there will be a discussion of the recent legislative session and its potential impact on growth in Northwest Arkansas. The local commercial and residential real estate markets will also be discussed.

The primary purpose of the Quarterly Business Analysis program is to improve the dialogue between leaders from business, academic, and governmental sectors in the region. “We want to encourage cooperation and share information that is vital to sustaining economic growth,” added Collins. “Failure to foster a cooperative environment will inhibit the region from achieving its full potential as the economic growth engine for the state.”

The cost for the Quarterly Business Analysis program and breakfast is $13. Pre-registration by Friday, April 22, is required. Places can be reserved online for the program at: http://cber.uark.edu/ or by calling 479-575-4151. The program will last for approximately 50 minutes including time for questions and answers.