THE CHANGING ECONOMY

Presentation Description:

It’s been a wild two years in the Montana economy, with the pandemic causing record-breaking people on unemployment insurance benefits, then quickly changing to record low unemployment rates and unfilled job openings. Now, with inflation surging, the news has once again been filled with talk of another recession. Barb will review the changes over the last two years, focusing on the worker shortage, why we can’t find workers, and clarifying the confusion of the current inflation causes.

About Our Presenter:

Barbara Wagner is the Chief Economist with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and manages a team of experts who provide data and insight about the Montana economy and labor force. A Montana native from Nashua, she holds a BA with honors from the College of Saint Benedict/ St. John’s University in Minnesota, an MS in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota, and an MS in IT/Data Science from Western Governor’s University. Her prior work experience includes positions with the U.S. Senate, Great Falls College, and the Montana Department of Revenue. She is a founder of the Helena Young Professionals, serves on the Employee Investment Advisory Board, the Montana Council on Economic Education, and is a member of the Helena Trap Club and the Last Chance Nordic Ski Club. She is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Montana, and lives in Helena with her coonhound Milo.

Time:

11:15 a.m. - Administrative Announcements

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Monthly Training Starts

Location:

In-Person: Career Training Institute (347 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena)

Zoom Link:

Link provided with registration.