In 1983, a new Ford Escort station wagon cost $6,779, and a three-bedroom house sold for $75,300. The nation was bouncing back from a recession, and Georgia’s economy was growing like gangbusters.  

A lot has changed in those 40 years but the Georgia Economic Outlook — which launched with its 1983 statewide forecast — is still bringing the expertise and insight of University of Georgia economic forecasters to the people of Georgia.   

“From the start, the goal of the Georgia Economic Outlook has been to provide an annual guidepost to help leaders in the public and private sectors make the best decisions for their companies and their communities,” said Benjamin C. Ayers, dean of the Terry College of Business. “It’s one of the most important ways that we put the research and resources of the Terry College to work to improve the economic well-being of the state.” 

This year, the Selig Center for Economic Growth will debut its economic forecast for the state on Dec. 9, 2022, at the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. 

Georgia Economic Outlook events will continue through Feb. 8, with luncheon programs in seven metro areas across the state. Economists, including Selig Center Director Jeffrey M. Humphreys, will present localized economic forecasts for every area of Georgia. Each Economic Outlook attendee also will receive a digital download of the Selig Center’s economic data and analysis for the state.  

While recent headlines have focused on inflation and fears of recession, Georgia’s history shows not all industries are affected uniformly. The Economic Outlook is a chance to learn which sectors of Georgia’s economy will rise above the turbulence in 2023. 

Registration will begin in October for Economic Outlook events across the state, including:  

• Macon — Jan. 13, 2023, at the Robert F. Hatcher Conference Center at Middle Georgia State University 

• Savannah — Jan. 18, 2023, at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa 

• Augusta — Jan. 19, 2023, at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center 

• Columbus — Jan. 25, 2023, at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center 

• Albany — Jan. 26, 2023, at the Hilton Garden Inn on South Front Street 

• Athens — Feb. 1, 2023, at The Classic Center 

• Jekyll Island — Feb. 8, 2023, at the Jekyll Island Convention Center  

For more information on UGA’s Georgia Economic Outlook or to become a sponsor, please visit the program’s website at www.terry.uga.edu/eo.