ACG Academy to Present Insider's View of Fed's Actions on OC Business Outlook.

TUSTIN, Calif. -- The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Orange County Chapter's Academy Program will offer a unique insider's view of the impact of the Federal Reserve Bank's policies and recent actions on the local business economy and long-term outlook in "The Fed Speaks," featuring Fed Senior Economist Gary Zimmerman. The event will be held on Thursday, February 28, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Center Club in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Zimmerman will provide one-of-a-kind insights into key OC business concerns such as interest rates, the value of the dollar, the real estate/subprime markets, green technologies, and the price of oil. He will also address the ways in which current economic developments affect the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) market that drives business growth in the county and beyond.

"In a time of economic and investment uncertainty, and particularly in an election year, Gary's observations will be invaluable in helping Orange County business leaders plan for sustained growth for today and tomorrow," said Tracy Albert, ACG OC president. "This event also reinforces the fact that the ACG Academy is the first and foremost source for business intelligence and professional development in Orange County. Whether you're a banker, investor, CPA, business owner, or service provider, ACG is the premier organization for business education and networking."

"Irwin Union Bank is pleased to partner with ACG to bring Gary Zimmerman to this forum to help us understand the Fed's perspective and role in shaping the economy in these changing times," said Elisabeth Schutz, vice president of Irwin Union Bank.

The event is sponsored by Irwin Union Bank, a Platinum Sponsor of ACG Orange County. Other ACGOC Platinum Sponsors include Barney & Barney, LLC; Hein & Associates, LLP; Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin; RSM McGladrey; Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth; and Tatum.

ACGOC Gold Sponsors include Aon Risk Services, Inc.; Ballenger Cleveland & Issa LLC; Business Wire; Daly-Swartz PR; DLD Insurance Brokers, Inc.; First Bank & Trust; Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP; Jackson DeMarco Tidus & Peckenpaugh; Janes Capital Partners; RSM EquiCo; Singer Lewak Greenbaum & Goldstein LLP; Snell & Wilmer LLP; Squar Milner Reehl & Williamson LLP; and Union Bank of California.

Admission to the event is free for ACG members, $35 for non-members, and $15 for invited guests. For more information or to register, go online to http://www.acgoc.org/ or email [e-mail].

About ACG Academy

The Academy is ACG OC's professional development program series that features growth strategy topics for members and non-members. This bi-monthly morning event provides Orange County professionals with information, training and business intelligence that can be leveraged to create tangible value in their professional lives.

About ACG Orange County

Founded in 1954, the Association for Corporate Growth (http://www.acgoc.org) is a global association for professionals involved in corporate growth, corporate development, and mergers and acquisitions. Today ACG stands at more than 10,000 members from corporations, private equity, finance, and professional service firms in North America and Europe.