“Spotlight on Economics” Expands to Fayetteville

The Little Rock Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has expanded its “Spotlight on Economics” event beyond its original boundaries. This year, only the second year of the event, the teacher education sessions were held not only in Little Rock, but also at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Demand from northwest Arkansas educators led to the decision to host the event in a second location, said Billy Britt, economic education specialist at the Little Rock Branch. The university sessions exposed more educators to the Federal Reserve and its role in the economic history of the United States, Britt said.

During the three-day event in Little Rock, an average of 50 participants a day studied Arkansas’ economic history, today’s economy and the history of fringe banking. The Fayetteville sessions took place over two days and attracted about 30 participants. This year also marked a new partnership between the Fed and the Arkansas Council on Economic Education.

Said Britt, “I think it is very important to provide a good program, but I believe the real value comes in ensuring that participants are provided with materials and activities to use the information in their classrooms.”

Britt hopes to hold the conference in both locations again next year, with future plans to expand the event to the southern part of the state.