The Indiana University Kelley School of Business, in collaboration with Indiana University Northwest and the Legacy Foundation’s Lake County Advancement Committee (LCAC), will host Futurecast 2026, an economic outlook event, on Friday, November 21, in Merrillville. The gathering will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center (3550 E Lincoln Hwy), with lunch served at noon. n nThe panel will analyze key economic indicators such as gross domestic product growth, inflation, interest rates, employment trends, and sector-specific developments. Attendees will gain insights into the most probable economic and financial market conditions for the coming year, along with factors that could influence business strategies and regional development. n nFeatured speakers include Phil Powell, Executive Director of the Indiana Business Research Center and Clinical Professor at the Kelley School; Micah Pollak, Interim Dean of the School of Business and Economics at IU Northwest; Ryan Brewer, Division Head and Associate Professor of Finance at IU Columbus; Carol Rogers, Director of the Indiana Business Research Center; Anthony B. Sindone, Visiting Clinical Associate Professor of Economic Development at IU Northwest; and Kelly Anoe, President and CEO of the Legacy Foundation. n nPowell emphasized the importance of the event in helping residents and business leaders make informed decisions. “While many feel uncertain about the economy, the underlying fundamentals remain strong,” he noted. “Though challenges exist, the state’s economic resilience continues to surprise observers. Our discussion will reflect this balance.” n nSince 1972, the Kelley School has conducted statewide economic forecasts based on research from the Indiana Business Research Center, which has been providing data and analysis to businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits since 1925. The Futurecast series serves as a vital resource for strategic planning across Indiana. n
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Futurecast 2026: Northwest Indiana’s economic outlook to take place November 21
The Indiana University Kelley School of Business, in coordination with Indiana University Northwest and Legacy Foundation’s Lake County Advancement Committee (LCAC), will bring its Futurecast 2026 economic outlook tour to Northwest Indiana on Friday, November 21. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center (3550 E Lincoln Hwy., Merrillville). Lunch will be served at noon. n nPanelists will provide their insights on likely trends in gross domestic product growth, inflation, interest rates, employment and industry trends; and will evaluate the most likely scenarios overall for businesses and factors that may shape both the economy and financial markets next year. n nFeatured panelists: n nPhil Powell, Executive Director of the Indiana Business Research Center and Clinical Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, Kelley School of Business n nMicah Pollak, School of Business and Economics Interim Dean, Associate Professor of Economics, IU Northwest n nRyan Brewer, Division Head and Associate Professor of Finance, IU Columbus n nCarol Rogers, Director, Indiana Business Research Center, Kelley School of Business n nAnthony B. Sindone, Visiting Clinical Associate Professor of Economic Development, IU Northwest n nKelly Anoe, President and CEO of the Legacy Foundation n nPowell said Futurecast 2026 provides context for Hoosiers to evaluate factors that may shape the state economy and financial markets for the coming year. “Many are more pessimistic about conditions than they really need to be,” he said. “Several uncertainties bear down on business, but the economy remains resilient in many surprising ways. Our panel will have much to discuss as we consider these facts.” n nThe Kelley School has presented these forecasts around the state since 1972, based on research from its Indiana Business Research Center. The center has provided crucial economic information needed by many Indiana businesses, government and nonprofit organizations since 1925.