What is the Future of Washington’s Economy?

Washington’s chief economist, Arun Raha, will be keynote speaker for The Columbian’s 2010 Economic Forecast Breakfast Jan. 22. The breakfast is co-sponsored by Clark County businesses First Independent Bank, The Management Group and MacKay & Sposito.

The annual event at the Hilton Vancouver Washington will feature Raha and a select group of local economic experts representing industries such as high-tech, banking, real estate and health care.

If his past events are any indication of Raha’s demeanor, his predictions will be up beat as seen in this Sept 2009 presentation.

Here are some highlights of his Washington economic soothsaying.

•It is almost certain that the recession in both the national and state economies is now over
• On the upside, a synchronized global recovery now unfolding, means exports will kick in earlier
in the cycle
•U.S. housing starts appear to have turned the corner
•Home prices  have reached a point of inflection
•Home prices in Seattle appear to be leveling off
•We are witnessing an unprecedented global recovery
•WA single family building permits are showing signs of stabilization
•The recovery in WA personal income growth is expected to be better than the nation’s

So I cannot wait to see what he says at this new conference on the . Especially in light of recent events.