ATMORE — United Bank announced today that it will hold a Regional Economic Forum at Wind Creek in Atmore on Feb. 7. The forum, designed to present and discuss the present and future economy of Southwest Alabama and Northwest Florida, will feature Dr. Rick Harper, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development and Engagement at the University of West Florida; and Dr. Don Epley, Director of the Center for Real Estate and Economic Development at the University of South Alabama.  

Dr Rick Harper holds a Ph.D in Economics from Duke University. His career as an economist has spanned more than three decades.  He is currently serving a temporary assignment as senior policy advisor on economic affairs to the Florida Senate.

Dr. Don Epley holds a Ph.D from The University of Missouri. He has authored or co-authored 8 textbooks and approximately 90 referred journal articles in the past 25 years. He was the founding editor of the Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education.

The forum will feature a 25-minute presentation by each economist on the economic outlook for their perspective region. The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session.

"We are excited to host this unique regional forum," stated Bob Jones, President and CEO of United Bank. "United Bank, through its service to these geographic areas, is keenly aware of the interconnection between the areas. Increasingly, consumers and businesses operate regionally, not limited by state borders. However, rarely do these two areas come together to discuss the regional economy. This forum should provide a unique perspective of what we can anticipate from our region in the coming months and years."

For more information on this event, please contact Tonya Lambert at 251-446-6004 or tonya.lambert@unitedbank.com. For media coverage of the event, please contact Marina Simpson at 251-945-3324 or marina.simpson@unitedbank.com.

About United Bank: United Bank is a $480,000,000 financial institution that has enjoyed 109 years of service. United Bank has offices in Atmore,Flomaton, Monroeville, Frisco City, Greensboro, Bay Minette, Foley, Lillian, Loxley, Magnolia Springs, Silverhill, Spanish Fort and Summerdale in Alabama. United Bank serves Santa Rosa County, Florida in Jay, Milton and Pace. For more information about United Bank please visit our website at www.unitedbank.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.