Juneau -- The agenda has been set for Alaska's first "State of the Economy" Forum, jointly hosted by Governor Tony Knowles, Senate President Drue Pearce, and House Speaker Brian Porter.

The all-day forum at Juneau's Centennial Hall, next Tuesday, February 9, will feature presentations by private sector industry leaders and economists with expert knowledge on various areas of Alaska's economy.

The forum will have four main objectives:

• Gain a clearer picture of the state's overall economic forecast with overviews presented by the Departments of Labor, Commerce and Economic Development, and Revenue;
• Gain a clearer economic picture of various Alaska industries by having the industries present forecast for the next 18-36 months;
• Seek industry support in educating the public about the State's fiscal and economic situation; and
• Alert and educate the public about the State's fiscal picture.

The "State of the Economy" Forum will be broadcast on a two-hour delay by "Gavel-to-Gavel" and portions of the event will be broadcast over selected affiliate stations of the Alaska Public Radio Network.

The forum is designed to build a public understanding of why Alaska must take immediate action to develop a long term budget solution. Legislative sessions and committee meetings have been canceled for the day and legislators, administration officials, panelists, and the public will attend the forum.