SXU kicks off 2009 Breakfast with the Experts lecture series

Laurence Msall to discuss the national financial crisis’ effects on Illinois

Chicago (Jan. 22, 2009) Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation, will discuss America’s financial crisis and its potential effects on Illinois at 2009’s first Breakfast with the Experts event, sponsored by Saint Xavier University and the Beverly Area Planning Association.

The breakfast will take place at 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Butler Reception Room of the Warde Academic Center on SXU’s Chicago Campus, 3700 W. 103rd St.

Msall’s lecture, titled “Will the Financial Meltdown Lead to Higher Taxes or Unprecedented Reform in Illinois? A Government Watchdog’s Perspective,” will review the financial challenges facing Cook County, the City of Chicago, and the state from an independent perspective. Topics include public employee pensions, deficits and opportunities for reform. Msall will also discuss Illinois’ prospects under President Obama’s economic stimulus plan.

Msall is president of The Civic Foundation, an independent, non-partisan tax policy and government research organization founded in 1894.

Msall also serves on the advisory board of the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Lambda Alpha, an international land economic society; the Economic Club of Chicago; the Chicago Civic Consulting Alliance; and the Blue Ribbon Commission on the future of public pensions in Illinois. He previously worked as senior advisor for Economic Development to former Illinois Gov. George Ryan.

Breakfast with the Experts brings notable business, community and civic leaders to the south side to share insights, experience and industry knowledge with local business people. The breakfasts are interactive and designed to engage all participants through networking, keynote address, and a question-and-answer period.

Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart will speak at the next breakfast on Thursday, March 12.

Tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for BAPA Members. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to buy tickets, please contact Marcia Walsh at (773) 233-3100 or mwalsh@bapa.org, or visit www.bapa.org.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Rick Ducat

773-298-3325 or ducat@sxu.edu