It’s about as close to a crystal ball as you can get for Central Highlands businesses.

March’s Business Breakfast, Where We’re At, Where We’re Heading, will feature three high-level speakers who will provide a profile on the region’s economic outlook currently and into the future.

The event is being hosted by the Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) at McIndoe Park, Emerald on Friday, 18 March. Registration is $60 per person and can be made at www.chdc.com.au.

“The Breakfast is about assisting local operators to prepare for the challenges and opportunities expected through 2016 and into the future,” CHDC General Manager Sandra Hobbs says.

“No one can predict the future with certainty but, by selecting speakers with a range of expertise and knowledge, we can provide guests with a solid sense of the current state of play for our economy.”

Suncorp’s Head of Treasury Research Darryl Conroy will offer a view of global markets in 2016 and the economic challenges and opportunities they might present for regional areas.

Annette Smith, Valuer with the Emerald branch of Taylor Byrne, will reflect on market movements from the past 12 months and potential trends for the Central Highlands in 2016 and beyond.

Rounding out the speaker line-up is Teresa Bullock-Smith, Principal Economist with REMPLAN. She will discuss key economic data and activity from the Central Highlands, including industry sectors drivers of employment, output, supply chains, imports and exports, value added and GRP.

The 2016 Central Highlands Economic Profile will also be launched at the function.

The Business Breakfast will be followed by the Procurement Forum Businesses Winning Business. This is complimentary for Business Breakfast attendees or $25 to attend the Procurement Forum only.

CHDC’s Business Breakfast series aims to provide information and inspire businesses, and facilitate business networking through the region.

It is supported by QantasLink, Central Highlands Regional Council and CQ Commercial Laundry.