Positive economic news was shared at the Washtenaw Economic Club’s annual Economic Forecast luncheon on March 29th. University of Michigan Economist Dr. George Fulton presented data from a 2014-2016 economic forecast prepared by Fulton and fellow University of Michigan economist Donald Grimes. According to Fulton, Washtenaw County should expect to see 12,500 new jobs by 2016, which will total 31,147 additional jobs since 2009, when the region was worst hit by the recession.
Washtenaw Community College is proud to host four Economic Club luncheons each year, with the Economic Forecast serving as the most popular event.
“Since we assumed responsibility for the Economic Club in 2009, WCC has tried to ensure that we bring fresh and relevant speakers to enlighten the business leaders in our community. Our annual Economic Outlook Luncheon sponsored jointly by WCC and the Ann Arbor News (MLive) was a success as usual,” said Brandon Tucker, executive director, Economic & Community Development. “With over 200 leaders present, Dr. George Fulton gave valuable insight into our economic future and what to expect in the years to come. This is an excellent opportunity for the college to be one of the conveners of information sharing. As a division, this is what we are here to do; connect the College to business and industry”.
Following Dr. Fulton’s presentation, attendees heard from a panel of local business leaders including: Ann Arbor Tech company CEO Guy Suter and Domino’s Pizza Vice President of Human Resources Sherri Enright, along with WCC President Rose Bellanca. Suter expressed his appreciation to the Washtenaw County business community for embracing him as he moved his business to the area. He commented that he has found talent and hired employees from higher education institutions in the county and plans to expand his staff by 50 percent by the end of the year.