CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TD BANK GROUP, PwC AND SUNCOR ENERGY CHART THE COURSE FOR 2013

Date Posted: Thursday, October 10, 2012

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Annual Economic Outlook event looks at what’s in store for Calgary’s economy

 (CALGARY, AB) – Understanding key economic and business indicators is essential to making the right decisions for any organization. Today, the 2013 Economic Outlook, hosted by Calgary Economic Development, TD Bank Group, PwC and Suncor Energy will provide information to help Calgary business leaders understand the current economic trends that will help them make educated decisions in their 2013 business planning.

“Our annual Economic Outlook event provides Calgary decision makers with the opportunity to validate their opinions on current market trends and conditions, which will ultimately influence the future direction they take in their organizational planning,” said Bruce Graham, President & CEO, Calgary Economic Development. “We are pleased to once again welcome back two of the country’s top economists to our event: Craig Alexander from TD Bank Group, and Mario Lefebvre from the Conference Board of Canada.”

Craig Alexander, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, TD Bank Group, will present an outlook for the global economy, the Canadian economy and the Alberta economy. He will discuss prospects for real estate, commodity prices, interest rates and exchange rates, including current opportunities and challenges that might impact Alberta’s future prosperity.

“Although it remains a risk-filled global economic environment, the most likely scenario is for continued moderate economic growth across Canada, with inflation staying well contained and interest rates remaining low,” said Alexander. “Prospects for a soft-landing in China's economy should support commodity prices. This bodes well for Alberta, which is expected to lead the provincial economic growth rankings in 2013.”

Mario Lefebvre, Director, Centre for Municipal Studies with the Conference Board of Canada will also speak at today’s event, with a focus on the economy in Calgary.

“With employment growing vigorously again and population growth back to pre-recession pace, Calgary’s economic picture is sunny again,” said LeFebvre.

The event is scheduled to commence at 11:45 a.m. today, at the Hyatt Regency Calgary – Imperial Ballroom.

WHAT: 2013 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK LUNCHEON

Presentations on the state of the local and global economy in 2012 and economic forecast for 2013

WHO:

• Craig Alexander, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at TD Bank Group
• Mario Lefebvre, Director for Centre for Municipal Studies at the Conference Board of Canada

WHEN: Thursday, October 18, 2012
11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch and presentations
Presentations and remarks will begin promptly at 12 p.m.

Bruce Graham, Craig Alexander and Mario Lefebvre will be available following the luncheon at 1:30 p.m. for media interviews.

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ABOUT CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Calgary Economic Development is an opportunity-maker, helping to spark and fuel Calgary’s growth. Our job is to connect people with resources that can help them grow their careers or businesses, thrive in new locations or markets, and feel at home in our community. We offer a wealth of information to help everyone succeed and we tirelessly promote Calgary, in Canada and around the world. We’re exhilarated about our role in shaping and sharing Calgary’s story, and we’re proud to be part of the energy. For more information, please visit our website at www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com and follow us on Twitter @calgaryeconomic.

For more information contact:
Media Cell: 403 880 7040