2019 Economic Forecast Night

The Economic Forecast Night provides a year-in-review and look forward on the economic trends that will shape Skagit County and the world’s economy today and tomorrow. This popular event sells out each year and is attended by close to 500 regional business leaders, elected officials, and community representatives.

We are pleased to host two local guest speakers this year. We will hear from Dr. Laurie Trautman the Director of the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University and Dr. Anneliese Vance-Sherman the regional labor economist for the Employment Security Department.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday February 6, 2019

Location: Swinomish Casino & Lodge

Schedule: Come early and join us for networking starting at 5:00 PM

Ticket prices: $125 per person and includes dinner. Signature Investors receive complimentary tickets, please contact Sunny Siers or Colleen Smiley for more information.

Table sponsorships are $1,500 and include a reserved table and 10 tickets.

Supporting sponsorships are $500 and include 2 tickets.

Additional event sponsorships are still available! See our Sponsorship Form

For more information contact our event planner Colleen Smiley with Creative Celebrations.

About The Guest Speakers

Dr. Laurie Trautman is the Director of the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University. She engages in a range of research on the U.S. - Canada border, particularly in the Cascadia region. Topics include trade, transportation, human mobility, and security. In addition to working with faculty and students, she collaborates with the private sector and government agencies to advance policy solutions that improve border efficiencies and strengthen the region. Laurie participates in a number of working groups focused on cross-border collaboration, including the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, the International Mobility and Trade Corridor Program, the Canada - U.S. Transportation Border Working Group, and was recently appointed to the steering committee of the Cascadia Innovation Corridor.  Laurie holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Oregon, and degrees from Montana State University and Western Washington University.

Dr. Anneliese Vance-Sherman has served as a regional labor economist for the Employment Security Department for nine years. The region she covers includes Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties. Anneliese works closely with economic and workforce development partners throughout Washington State, providing local labor market intelligence to help inform strategic decision-making. In addition to her work with the state, Anneliese serves as the Vice President of the Pacific Northwest Regional Economic Conference (PNREC) and serves on the board of the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University. Prior to state service, Anneliese was a visiting fellow at the Border Policy Research Institute and instructor at the College of Business and Economics at Western Washington University. Anneliese has a Ph.D. in economic geography and a master’s degree in economics both from the State University of New York at Buffalo.