Sunday, January 22, 2006
JULIA ANDERSON Columbian business editor

During upturns and rough patches, The Columbian's panel of economic forecasters has predicted the direction of Clark County's economy.

Each year for the past 20, our experts have wrestled with the questions of where the job market might be headed, what's on tap for real estate markets and whether mortgage loan rates will rise or fall.

Retailing, telecommunications, the health care industry, paper manufacturing and semiconductors all receive examination. The area's economic development trends, related to the region's energy supply and transportation issues, receive analysis.

In today's special section, The Columbian's prognosticators share their views on the county's 2006 economy ----- the challenges and expectations.

And in keeping with the 20-year theme, we've asked our panelists to speculate on what our economy might look like in 2026.

You may find some surprises.