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 Second Quarter 2013.

The Center hosts an annual Economic Outlook Conference held in Montgomery. The 2013
Conference was held on January 16 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the
Convention Center and marked 25 years of CBER outlook conferences. Speakers were
David Bronner, CEO of Retirement Systems of Alabama, and David Altig, Executive Vice
President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. CBER Director
Sam Addy presented the outlook for the Alabama economy.

The 2013 Economic Outlook Conference was sponsored by the Alabama Department of
Economic and Community Affairs, Alabama International Trade Center, Alabama Power,
Alabama SBDC Network, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, Boeing, Hyundai Motor
Manufacturing Alabama, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, PowerSouth, ServisFirst Bank,
Sterne Agee, and Vulcan Materials Company.

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.

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