Watkins to give city's annual economic forecast

Bill Watkins, head of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project, will present an in-depth look at Camarillo's economy during a luncheon at Spanish Hills Country Club on Tues., Nov. 6.

The afternoon seminar, Watkins said, will focus on the local job and real estate markets and will also include a big picture look at how federal interest rates and lender trends are affecting area businesses.

Layoffs at Amgen and Countrywide, two of Ventura County's largest employers, will also be points of conversation, he said.

Camarillo Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Kelley said the event gives the Camarillo business communty a good look at what to expect in the coming fiscal year.

Kelley said the report is imporant because "it allows us to focus specifically on Camarillo."

"There's a lot of talk about real estate and its affect on the economy, but jobs are becoming an important question, too," said Kelley when asked what has Camarillo business leaders most concerned. "There's still a high demand for workers, particularly skilled workers."

The presentation, which includes a mini-business expo that starts at 11 a.m., is being co-sponsored by the city and the Chamber. The speech will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Cost to attend is $45 for Chamber members and $55 for nonmembers. For more information or to register, call (805) 484-4383.