The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2013 Economic Outlook Conference on Friday, March 8 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

Alan Bush, chairperson of the conference, said the goal of the event is inform local business leaders of business trends and information.

" The conference will provide some economic and business points for business leaders to use about the economy that's going to matter to us," Bush said. " We are very connected here to national and global economies because lots of our growth is in the energy business."

The annual event celebrates is in its 27^th year and is designed to spotlight key economic trends that could shape the local business community.

Keynote speakers will bring insights into the implications, needs, and outcomes of the community's projected growth and what's ahead with development of new businesses. Speakers will also provide insight over business ethics, accommodating long-term development and expansions, and economic, business and regulatory conditions for industry success.

Included in the program of speakers are Congressman Kevin Brady; David Arkless, president of Corporate and Government Affairs and Manpower Inc.; Alex Sutton and Tim Welbes, co-presidents of The Woodlands Development Company; Gil Staley, CEO of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership; Ron Mittelstaedt, CEO and Director of Waste Connections; Lee Boothby, CEO of Newfield Exploration Company; and John Felmy, Chief Economist for the American Petroleum Institute in Washington, D.C.

The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information visit www.eocTheWoodlands.com ,or contact The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce at 281-367-5777.