Over a steaming cup of joe and the chatter of early risers, economic conversations buzzed at the University of Arizona, where George Hammond, a noted economist, unveiled his latest findings to a crowd that included Pima County's Economic Development staff. Hosted by the UA Government & Community Relations Department, the "Breakfast with the Economist" event allowed Hammond to deliver his semi-annual economic report, as per Pima County.

The ripple effects of a sturdy Arizona may bolster the mood of a nation straddling the line between growth and uncertainty. According to the report obtained by the Pima County newsroom, Hammond foresees the U.S. sidestepping the recession bogeyman in the immediate frame — a forecast that signals Arizona is not only expected to keep pace but potentially outstrip the rest of the U.S. in economic gains, albeit at a decelerating rate.

For those seeking to explore the nuts and bolts of Hammond's economic forecast, a detour to the Economic and Business Research Center's digital abode offers more than a few breadcrumbs. Here, the harvested data and projections can be perused by curious minds seeking to decode the scribbles of economic soothsayers and translate them into the language of labor and ledger books.