The Division of Business at IUPUC is hosting its annual Indiana Business Outlook Panel on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 8 a.m. This year’s panel will be held virtually via Zoom and is free, however, registration is required to attend. The event serves as the primary fundraiser for IUPUC Business student scholarships, and is sponsored again this year by Centra Credit Union and co-hosted by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.
Since 1972, the Kelley School of Business has presented its economic forecasts in various Indiana cities each year. Panelists gather to forecast the prospects for the coming year in terms of global, national, state and metropolitan perspectives, as well as the outlook for the financial markets, then present their predictions to audiences across Indiana. Additionally, an expert on the local economy joins the panel to discuss the outlook for that region. IUPUC Visiting Assistant Professor of Management, Dr. Steven Mohler, will provide the local outlook again this year. New this year is a C-Suite perspective from Kelley School of Business alumni on how COVID has affected local businesses. We are excited to offer this element and believe the audience will gain a better insight into the current business climate.
“Given all that is happening locally, nationally, and internationally, this is shaping up to be one of the most informative panels we have ever had,” said Dr. Frank Wadsworth, Head of the Division of Business at IUPUC.
Historically, the event has included a networking breakfast prior to the panel discussion, however, this year’s event will be conducted virtually via Zoom. “While we would much rather be enjoying breakfast together with everyone as we have done in the past, I think the virtual format will enable more people to attend,” Wadsworth said. “At the same time, this is our primary scholarship fundraiser, and since this year’s event is free, we hope that attendees will make a donation to help support our scholarship fund.”
The Full List of Panelists Includes:
Local Outlook – Dr. Steven Mohler
Dr. Steven H. Mohler is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Management in the Division of Business for IUPUC. Mohler received his Doctor of Business Administration degree from Grand Canyon University, an MBA in Marketing from Indiana University, an MBA in Finance from Wright State University, and a B.S. in Management from Indiana University. His research interests are in strategy and small to medium enterprises.
Prior to joining IUPUC, Mohler spent 30 years in private industry in finance and marketing roles with Fortune 500 companies and small to medium enterprises. Mohler has also been a program chair and retention specialist for Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis.
State of Indiana Outlook – Dr. Ryan Brewer
Dr. Ryan M. Brewer is an associate professor of finance at IUPUC where he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Corporate Finance, Investments and Derivatives since 2009. Brewer holds Ph.D. and M.B.A. degrees from Indiana University Bloomington.
Prior to professional school, Brewer worked for five years as a Risk Manager for a Fortune 50 Corporation in Michigan and Indiana. Brewer’s work on valuation, economic damages, economic impact, and forecasting has been published 22 times in peer-reviewed academic journals and his work on valuation has been highlighted in the Wall Street Journal on fourteen occasions. Brewer’s work has also been showcased in the Chicago Tribune, Chronicles of Higher Education, on CNN, MSN, MSNBC, ESPN, Sporting News, and in a host of regional business periodicals across the United States.
U.S. & International Outlook – Dr. Bill Witte
Dr. Bill Witte retired from teaching in the Department of Economics at Indiana University in Bloomington in 2008. He continues his activities with the IU Center for Econometric Model Research (now part of the Indiana Business Research Center) where he uses large computer models to produce forecasts of the U.S. and Indiana economies. He has been associated with the Center since 1988.
Witte has a Ph.D. degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to graduate school he served as a line officer in the U.S. Navy. He joined the faculty at IU in 1980, following five years at Penn State.
Financial Markets Outlook – Dr. Catherine Bonser-Neal
Dr. Catherine Bonser-Neal is an Associate Professor of Finance in the Kelley School of Business. She received her Masters and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Chicago, and an Honors B.A. in Economics from Indiana University in Bloomington. Her research and teaching interests are in the area of international economics and finance, with a focus on monetary policies and exchange rate behavior, international financial market liberalization, and emerging stock markets.
Prior to joining the Kelley School of Business, Catherine taught at the University of Washington, and worked as an Economist for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. Catherine has also been a visiting professor at the University of Melbourne in Australia, and she served as Faculty Chair of Kelley’s Evening MBA Program.
To make a donation or register, go to iupuc.edu/events/business-outlook-panel.
About the Business degree programs at IUPUC
The Division of Business is a leader in preparing students for challenging careers in business. Students can earn an Indiana University Bachelor of Science in Business or Master of Business Administration entirely on the Columbus campus. In addition to a common business core, the BS degree offers concentrations in accounting, finance, health services administration, innovation management, management, marketing, or supply chain management. IU MBA Columbus reflects the academic quality and prestige expected of an Indiana University graduate program with a focus on the decision-making skills needed for successful leaders. Small cohorts of 18 to 24 students from a wide range of cultures, undergraduate degree programs and careers, make a real impact for regional businesses and nonprofit organizations through applied projects that develop creative business solutions to tough local challenges. For more information, go to iupuc.edu/business.