Alice Rivlin, former director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, former vice chair of the Federal Reserve and senior fellow in Economic Studies at the Brookings Institute, will be the featured speaker at Wayne State University's popular Forum on Contemporary Issues in Society (FOCIS) lecture series on Tuesday, April 6, at Wayne State University's Community Arts Auditorium, 450 Reuther Mall, in Detroit.

The free, day-long event, "The Michigan Economy: Will It Get Better, Can It Get Worse?" will also feature local pundits and policy experts, who will comment on such issues as the impact of national and state policies on Michigan's economic growth and recovery.

"During the past several years, the United States has been reeling under overwhelming economic pressure marked by a national recession and the near collapse of the U.S. financial system," said Irvin D. Reid, Wayne State University president emeritus, Eugene Applebaum Chair in Community Engagement and FOCIS director. "Contributing to the nation's economic malaise has been a diminished manufacturing base, contracting credit markets, high unemployment and the deficit financing of two wars. Dr. Rivlin and other distinguished presenters will examine the economic factors that are especially threatening to Michigan's future while exploring solutions to an energized recovery."

The April 6 event comes under the umbrella of FOCIS, a Wayne State University initiative that facilitates meaningful exchange with the world's foremost authorities on issues of global import and directly engages the local community in relevant discourse and discussion.

Admission is free but advance registration is required. Seating in the auditorium will be on a first-come basis. Additional seating will be available in other areas of the building equipped with video monitors. Visit www.focis.wayne.edu for more information and to register, or call (313) 577-5550.

Featured panelists and topic sessions include:

• The Michigan Economy Up Close
Moderated by Mary Kramer, publisher, Crain's Detroit Business
Lou Glazer, president, Michigan Future Inc.
Joseph Lehman, president, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
Kurt Metzger, executive director, Data Driven Detroit

• The U.S. Economy: Will it Get Better, Can it Get Worse?
Keynote speaker Alice Rivlin will address the federal budget deficit, the national debt, healthcare financing, reform of American financial institutions, funding of U.S. military operations abroad and other macroeconomic influences on Michigan.

• Business Leaders and Financial Institutions on Business Expansion
Moderated by Daniel Howes, business columnist, The Detroit News
Lori Blaker, president and CEO, TTi Global
Ben Maibach III, chairman and CEO, Barton Malow
David Marvin, executive vice president, Middle Market Banking, Comerica Bank
Michael Poulos, president and CEO, Michigan First Credit Union
Doug Rothwell, president and CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan
Robert Slattery, president, Midtown Development Group

• Preparing for Michigan's New Economy
Moderated by RJ King, editor, DBusiness
Sandy Baruah, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber
Michael Finney, president and CEO, Ann Arbor Spark
David Hollister, president and CEO, Prima Civitas Foundation
Judy Johncox, director of business services, TechTown
Gregg Main, president and CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley