This year’s program also includes Stephen Bone, also a managing director for Bear Stearns, and Jeff Hankins, president and publisher of Arkansas Business Publishing Group in Little Rock.

Bone, an ASU alumnus, and DeQuadros will present the 2007 national forecast. Bone works with financial institutions across the country in the analysis, interpretation, and execution of balance sheet strategies specializing in mortgage backed securities sales, derivative transactions, and funding techniques.  Previously, he was a managing director in the Fixed Income Capital Markets Group with Morgan Keegan.  He earned his bachelor's degree in finance in 1992 and his MBA in 1993 at ASU.

Hankins, one of Arkansas’ most well known business and political commentators, will provide his perspective on what to expect around the state in 2007, both in business and the political arena.

Other speakers are Dr. John Shelnutt, administrator for economic analysis and tax research with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, and Dr. Gary Latanich, professor of economics at ASU.

Certified Public Accountants will receive three hours of credit for continuing professional education.

The conference is scheduled to begin at 8:30 and will conclude with the luncheon. Advanced registration is required; the deadline is Nov. 7. The fee is $50 per person, or $25 for ASU faculty, staff, and students. For more information call 972-3000.