RALEIGH, N.C., November 20, 2008 – The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) will host a one-hour panel discussion webcast on Thursday, December 4, 2008 that will focus on the economic outlook for the construction industry. For the first time ever, top construction economists and analysts from around the country will weigh in on what’s ahead for this critical industry.

Lee Smither, Managing Director of FMI, is among the panelists for this construction economic summit. As managing director for consulting, Lee helps construction companies and design firms sharpen their management practices and corporate performance. He specializes in strategic consulting, developing and implementing organizational initiatives, and designing executive development programs.

This program will be moderated by Jim Bartsch, CFMA’s Director of Research & Analysis. According to Peter Schwartz, CFMA’s President & CEO, “Our nation’s economy is in a crucial position right now, and construction is a critical industry in the national economy. What happens over the next two months and into 2009 will have a far-reaching effect on our overall economic recovery.”

CFMA’s national Chairman, Vickie L. Spotts, CPA, CCIFP, notes, “This is the first time the major players will be jointly discussing the outlook for the construction industry. Too often, we tend to silo this type of discussion, with each organization producing its own economic outlook event. The fact that everyone is interested in discussing these important issues together underscores the seriousness of the situation.”

The webcast will be broadcast live starting at 11 am (EST) from The ASAE Center for Association Leadership in the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. CFMA has partnered with BroadcastURBAN, the official webcaster for the Ronald Reagan Building, to present this construction economic summit to viewers around the country.