In a presidential election year, even basic facts about the economy can get distorted. But what many of us want to know is simple: Will the economy catch fire or should we brace for the worst?

For 30 years, the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business has brought its expertise to Georgia residents through the Economic Outlook. This series outlines a complete picture of Georgia’s coming economy in 12 cities across the region.

“We work very hard to make sure that our data is accurate and our forecast is on the mark,” said Terry College Dean Robert T. Sumichrast. “As a land-grant institution, it’s part of our mission to use our resources and expertise to help the workers, business owners and government agencies across Georgia better prepare for their economic future.”

The opening event features Sumichrast, Gov. Nathan Deal and Al Niemi Jr., dean of Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business and former Terry dean. It takes place Nov. 29 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center.

The series then continues to 10 cities throughout Georgia as well as Jacksonville, FL, and Charlotte, NC.

“I’m doing the national forecast, so I’m going to talk in particular about how long it’s going to take to get back to full employment,” Niemi said. “I’m going to try to be apolitical. It’s not necessarily Democrats or Republicans that are creating our economic reality, it’s a reaction to global competition. I think I’ve got a really compelling case as to why things seem so pessimistic.”

Each event outlines what Georgians can expect from the local, state and national economies in the coming year, providing reliable information for employers, politicians and economic analysts.

Backed by 100 years of research at Terry and the sound reasoning of the Selig Center for Economic Growth, the Economic Outlook will help explain Georgia’s model for growth, trends shaping the state’s economic focus and what different regions across the state can expect to witness in the months ahead.

As the series moves through the region, local experts join Dean Sumichrast to offer additional predictions about how 2013 will affect the nearby economy. In addition to Atlanta, the Economic Outlook series will visit the following Georgia areas: Columbus, Albany, Augusta, Middle Georgia, Savannah, Coastal Georgia, Athens and Dalton. Dates range from late November through February.

To register or for program details, visit www.terry.uga.edu/eol.