Representatives from the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) of Kansas City gave a special presentation to members of the Southwest Workforce Investment Board (SW WIB) during a regular meeting in the Student Center at Western Oklahoma State College Wednesday morning.

Chad Wilkerson, Oklahoma City Branch Executive for the FRB and Pam Gutel, Director of Public Affairs, received a tour of the city, as well as the Altus Air Force Base during their visit.

Wilkerson discussed the economic outlook from a state and national perspective for the board and stressed AAFB’s impact on the local economy.

His detailed powerpoint presentation can be found on the SW WIB website at www.swokwib.org.

In his presentation, Wilkerson breaks down the purposes and structure of the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. economic outlook and the Oklahoma economic outlook.

Wilkerson’s talk also included information about the National Defense in the economy because of the strong partnership between the city of Altus and AAFB.

The Workforce Investment Act requires the creation of local Workforce Investment Boards within each local workforce area. These local boards are responsible for both system building and program implementation within their area.

The Southwest Workforce Investment Area covers Beckham, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills and Washita Counties.

Its members are a majority of local business operators and a minority of public sector entities that are involved in workforce activities in some way.

For more information about the SW WIB, contact Kathie Price, WIB Director at (580) 562-4882.