Top Economists, Plum Creek CEO Featured at NewWest.Net's Third Annual Real Estate and Development in the Northern Rockies Conference

MISSOULA, Mont.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NewWest.Net publisher Jonathan Weber announces the third annual Real Estate and Development in the Northern Rockies conference, to be held Oct. 23-24 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula. The theme of this year's conference is “Navigating a Changing Market,” and it will feature an expanded program of seminars in addition to an outstanding line-up of keynote speakers and panel discussions.

Rick Holley, the CEO of Plum Creek Timber Co., will deliver a keynote discussing the policies and outlook of the nation's largest private landowner. Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics will again offer his highly prescient analysis of real estate market trends in the region, and will be joined by three eminent regional economists: Toby Madden of the Federal Reserve Bank, Larry Swanson of the Center for the Rocky Mountain West, and David Eacret of North Idaho Real Estate.

NewWest.Net is also delighted to welcome New York Times columnist Timothy Egan, who will kick off a discussion on the political scene, the election, and how it intersects with development, land use and other Western issues.

"This year's edition of Real Estate and Development conference promises to be the biggest and best yet," said Weber. "The market downturn means good information, insight, and networking are more important than ever, and we promise to provide a lot of all three."

More than 50 speakers and 400 participants are expected for the event. The conference will feature an extensive program of seminar sessions, with continuing education credit available. Key topics for the plenary session on Friday include the economy and the market, transportation, agriculture and open space, and the controversy over streamside setbacks.

Conference sponsors include the Missoula Organization of Realtors, Farmers State Bank, Datsopolous MacDonald & Lind, Morrison Maierle, WGM Group, Five Valleys Land Trust, Independent Power Systems, Maverick Group and Northwest Management.

About New West.Net

New West is a next-generation, award-winning media company based in Missoula, Mont. devoted to the culture, economy, politics, environment and lifestyle of the Rocky Mountain West.