Experts Provide Economic Outlook In St. Cloud [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD -- The American economy is currently climbing out of a recession and experts from around the upper Midwest are in St. Cloud this week to provide an outlook for the next year.

The 53rd Winter Institute is in St. Cloud and for 21 years, experts have held a forum to discuss economic issues on the national, state, and local levels.

Economist King Banaian says the economic outlook panel started small -- with 60-70 people, compared to recent years when up to 200 people have attended.

For the national and state economies, Banaian says they are looking pretty good -- for now.

Steve Hine, Director of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, was one of the night's panelists and spoke about the unemployment rate.

Banaian says that while the unemployment rate is low, the numbers may suggest more optimism than they should.

While 2014 was a relatively good year for the economy, Banaian has some concerns for what lies ahead in 2015.

The Winter Institute continues tomorrow (Thursday) at the Atwood Center on the campus of St. Cloud State University from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.