Catlett Says "Get Real!"

Posted on September 22, 2009

Yes, he's an economist. But don't expect to squeeze in a catnap during Dr. Lowell Catlett's "Get Real!" keynote presentation at the upcoming ACCA Conference. His thought-provoking and entertaining outlook on the future will arm you with information and re-frame how you view the current economic downturn.

"After enduring several economics courses in college, the idea that an economic presentation could be entertaining was a contradiction in terms," says Richard Dean of Environmental Systems Associates. "However, [Catlett] brings a sharp humor and fresh perspective to current trends and how they affect our economy and future prosperity, or the lack thereof!"

Back by popular demand following his 2005 keynote presentation at the ACCA Conference in Austin, Texas, Dr. Lowell Catlett will return to the agenda for the 2010 event, scheduled for March 7-9 in Tampa, Fla. His speech will kick off the 42^nd ACCA Conference & Indoor Air Expo.

“Our attendees provided such overwhelming feedback and requests to have Dr. Catlett return to our lineup,” says Paul T. Stalknecht, president and CEO of ACCA. “We expect his speech will be just as relevant and insightful to current economic conditions as his 2005 speech was to our members five years ago at our Austin, Texas, conference.”

Catlett’s talk, entitled “Get Real!,” will focus on understanding today’s economy and looking ahead to tomorrow’s new economic conditions. He contends that economic downturns are common—the U.S. has had 14 recessions during the last 80 years—and provide a means for society to rebalance what it deems important. “Every recession leads to a spurt in new business starts, reformulation of business practices and new technological adaptations,” Catlett explains.

“This current phase is no exception as we focus on what we value most. Get ready for phenomenal growth in healthcare, energy and lifestyle markets. For those willing to embrace the opportunities, the next decade will be successful beyond any in history.”

Catlett is a Regent’s Professor at New Mexico State University, where he has served as the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Home economics since 2006. He is known by national and international audiences as an exciting futurist whose knowledge of technologies and their implications on our way of life makes its way into his varied and upbeat presentations.

He received his doctorate in economics from Iowa State University and has been the recipient of many academic and teaching awards, including the Don C. Roush Award for Excellence in Teaching and the prestigious Burlington Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for Outstanding University Teaching.

Catlett is scheduled to deliver his speech at the opening general session for the Conference, at 1:30 p.m. on March 7. Register today.