FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, is partnering with the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce to host the Quarterly Business Analysis on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005. The breakfast event, open to the public, will be held from 6:45 to 7:50 a.m. at the Holiday Inn City Center, 700 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith.

Jeff Collins, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, will present a 30-minute program that provides statistical highlights for the third quarter of 2004, key economic trends, and short- and long-term issues facing the local and state economy. In addition, there will be a discussion of current events that specifically relate to the Fort Smith economy. This will include trends in manufacturing employment, K-12 school reform, fiscal impact of K-12 facilities study, and potential for tax reform in Arkansas.

The primary purpose of the Quarterly Business Analysis program is to continue to share information of national, regional, and local importance to decision-makers in the Fort Smith region. "The Fort Smith area economy is extremely sensitive to changes in the macro economy," Collins stated, "and keeping current on national and local trends is vital to building the regional economy."

The cost for the Quarterly Business Analysis program and breakfast is $13. Pre-registration by Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, is required. Places can be reserved online for the QBA 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.