An economic round table discussion was held Thursday, April 6 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello by the Monticello Rotary Club.
Katelyn Busby, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Dr. Matt Pelkki, Forest Economics Professor at UAM and Todd Smith, President of Commercial Bank, were the featured speakers.
Over the past year, the Monticello Rotary Club has revamped its membership and meets weekly for engaging and informative programs. The recent economic round table discussion was the third public meeting this year, following Robert Raines, owner of The Gangster Museum of America, and Jim Hendren and Misty Orpin with Common Ground Arkansas.
Dr. Pelkki opened the forum discussing the impact that the university has on the local economy and how great our dependence on forestry is in the area.
He also discussed upcoming plans for the university to build pavilions made of local timber, to provide shaded areas on campus. Those in attendance were shown blue prints of what these structures are planning to look like.
Smith then spoke to the crowd about local sales tax and the importance of bringing in businesses to the area. As a new member of the Monticello Economic Development Commission, Smith is aware of the importance of maintaining and growing new business in our area so we can thrive.
Katelyn Busby closed the program discussing the stock market and inflation. She stated that in the current climate, inflation sits at around six percent with the goal being around three percent.
Busby also spoke about the upcoming jobs report that would be released and how our area does not always feel the full impact of market ups and downs.
After the speakers had concluded their independent presentations, a brief question and answer session was opened to members of the audience.
The crowd engaged in thoughtful questions and is looking forward to the release of the upcoming economic impact study that will be released later this spring by UAM.
