An expert on Maine’s economy will discuss the economic situation in the state and across the country during the next Business Breakfast, co-sponsored by the University of Maine at Presque Isle, LEAD [Leaders Encouraging Aroostook Development], and the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce. The Business Breakfast will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 a.m. in the University’s Campus Center.

Charles Colgan, professor of public policy and management in the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine and Chair of the masters program in Community Planning and Development, will deliver a talk titled The Maine and U.S. Economies: How Far Down? How Long Back?

Colgan is a frequently quoted source in statewide and national media coverage of economics in Maine. Each year, he delivers a detailed economic forecast on the state’s economy, which is based on his analysis of employment trends, income, retail sales, and a range of other indicators.

Colgan serves as the Associate Director of the USM Center for Business and Economic Research and the University of Maine System Center for Tourism Research and Outreach. He also currently holds positions as a Research Fellow at the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics and Chief Economist for the National Ocean Economics Program. Dr. Colgan is also Chair of the State of Maine Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission. Prior to coming to USM, he served in the Maine State Planning Office under three governors, including positions as Maine State Economist and Special Assistant to the Governor for International Trade. He received his B.A. from Colby College and his Ph.D. in Economic History from the University of Maine.

The cost of the breakfast is $10 per person, payable at the door. Interested individuals should RSVP by Friday, April 3 to Liza Maynard at 768-9755 or liza.maynard@maine.edu.