Economic Forecasting/Analysis

CBER has produced forecasts of economic activity in Alabama since 1980. These forecasts cover Alabama Gross Domestic Product, employment, and income by industry group and are published in the annual Alabama Economic Outlook. Forecast updates are run quarterly. The current economic forecast is First Quarter 2012 .

The Center hosts an annual Economic Outlook Conference held in Montgomery.
The 2012 Conference was held January 12 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel. Sponsors for the 2012 Conference were the Alabama Council on Economic Education, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Alabama-Mississippi Intermodal Complex, Alabama Power, Alabama SBDC Network, BBVA Compass, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Boeing Company, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Kuykendall & Associates, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Riley & Jackson, ServisFirst Bank, Sterne Agee, and Vulcan Materials Company.

2012
Conference

Agenda Brochure

David Altig, Senior Vice President and Director of Research of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, keynoted the 2012 Conference. The Center for Business and Economic Research presented the
Alabama forecast, reviewed metro areas, and looked at critical issues for US economic growth and recovery.

CBER conducts the Alabama Business Confidence Index™ (ABCI) survey quarterly. The online survey provides a forecast of how Alabama business executives think the nation, the state, and their industry
will perform during the upcoming quarter. Indices are calculated for the state as a whole, four major metro areas, and selected industries. Results of the survey are published in a quarterly online newsletter and are included in the Center’s economic outlook presentations.

The Center for Business and Economic Research has a partnership with BBVA Compass that includes forums, periodic publications, and linked web pages.

CBER uses economic and statistical modeling and analysis techniques in funded research projects.

Examples of Center projects include:

Economic Impact of Retail Electric Competition in Alabama
Telecommunications in Alabama: Economic Analysis of Changes in Property and Utility Taxation
Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Policy Planning to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Economic Impact of The Boeing Company on Alabama
Economic Impact of the Coalbed Methane Industry

Center for Business and Economic Research, Box 870221, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0221
Phone: 205.348.6191, Fax: 205.348.2951, Email: uacber@cba.ua.edu