Local business leaders contributed their time and knowledge to help future leaders develop their business acumen at the annual Economics Forum held at Arizona Western College.

More than 100 economic students attended this year's annual Economics Forum, which took place on Nov. 6 in the Schoening Conference Center. Students were able apply their own knowledge and discuss the economic situation of this nation as well as other issues with a panel of key decision makers from around Yuma.

The panel was made up of 10 distinguished business and economic experts including Terry Frydenlund, President and CEO of 1st Bank Yuma; Bill Gresser, owner of Papa- San Rice Bowl; Dr. Stephen Cummings, doctor or Cummings Chiropractic Office; Julie Engel, President of Greater Yuma Economic Development Program.

"It's an honor to be part of this event because it's wonderful to see students get connected with the real world," says Professor of Economics, Michelle Sims. Professor Sims has been one of the organizers since the event first started back in Fall 2009.

Every year, this forum has been fortunate to be able to include such a diverse panel of presidents, CEOs, Vice-presidents and directors.

"This event is great," says Dr. Cummings. "Students come in off-time to learn about new things, and anything they can get from this is a good thing."

Students were able to participate by asking the panelists a variety of questions and getting input on real-life economic situations through the eyes of experienced business and economic experts; from discussing the housing market to business do's and don't to the Affordable Health Care Act.

Even though many students who attended were in search of a few extra credit points, many of them received a lot more than they had expected.

"It provided me with a wider outlook on current issues that concern us as a society in order to better prepare us for the future as productive members of our community," says economics student Hiram Aguilar.

All in all, it was very beneficial event for students who will be our future business and economic leaders.

Photo by Karla Aguilar