Posted:
01/13/14, 6:13 PM EST
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Macomb Community College President Jim Jacobs reaches a milestone
on Wednesday when he will deliver his 30th annual Macomb County
economic forecast in Chesterfield Township, just as the county economy
seems to be on the verge of a breakthrough.

Jacobs, a longtime economist, will share his analysis of 2014
national, state and county trends. He will also answer questions from
the audience.

Last year, Jacobs correctly predicted that the county’s economic
fortunes would rise in 2013 along with the impressive comeback of the
domestic auto industry. He also indicated that county leaders, led by
County Executive Mark Hackel, had successfully promoted Macomb as a
location for new residents and businesses.

“The new face of Macomb County has had a profound and significant
impact on the county, not just internally but externally,” the college
president said at the time.

But Jacobs has warned repeatedly that the income inequality
between south Macomb and the north end is a key challenge for
government, business and community leaders.

The luncheon event, organized by Macomb’s alliance of chambers of
commerce, is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the Zuccaro banquet hall at
46601 Gratiot Ave., just north of Hall Road.

Tickets are $30 per person for local chamber members and $40 for
non-members. The sponsors are Wayne State University, Henry Ford Macomb
Hospitals and Walsh College.

Those wishing to attend can pay at the door but registration is
also taking place online at macombcountychamber.com or shrcci.com. For
more information, call (586) 493-7600.