Point Loma Nazarene University’s Fermanian Business and Economic Institute (FBEI) has been awarded a year-long economic forecasting and consulting contract with the state of California. The forecasting contract positioned the FBEI as one of the leading economic voices in California beginning Oct. 1. During the contract year, the FBEI will provide economic forecasting services to the California Controller’s Office, enabling the controller to fulfill his constitutional duties as the chief fiscal officer. “This contract is an affirmation of the reputation that PLNU has developed over the past few years,” said FBEI executive director Randy M. Ataide. “Our recent work in the field of business and economic consulting, forecasting and education addresses some of the most critical local, regional and national issues.” Dr. Lynn Reaser, the FBEI’s chief economist, assumes the role of the chief economist of the Controller’s Council of Economic Advisors. She has served the council as a member since 2010 and has advised the controller on economic issues related to California’s economy, the state’s fiscal health and the most efficient use of state resources. She has also authored many economic articles for the controller’s website. In her role as chief economist, she will conduct special sessions for the controller and his executive staff on critical economic topics, issues and trends. Prior to joining PLNU in 2009, Reaser served in a wide variety of industry roles over many years and is a past president and fellow of the National Association for Business Economics. While the role of providing these services is multi-faceted, it is primarily centered on providing high-level independent macro-economic analysis to state Controller John Chiang. Under the contract, this new role will supplement the far-reaching work of the FBEI, which has encompassed a number of the most important economic topics in the San Diego region, the state and the nation. In addition to Reaser’s work for the state, Chiang will be a keynote speaker at FBEI’s annual Economic Outlook Forum to be held on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Liberty Station Conference Center. For more information, visit www.pointloma.edu.