MIT Club of Phoenix Presents the Economic Forum "Paint It Black"

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - March 4, 2009) - The MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Club of Phoenix is hosting their second in a series of events for business leaders and entrepreneurs titled "Paint it Black: Avoiding the Financial Beast of Burden in 2009 and Beyond" on Thursday, March 26 at the ASU SkySong Conference Center. The special MIT Enterprise Forum of Phoenix event includes an informative telecast of global economic experts followed by a live panel discussion from Arizona business leaders sharing approaches organizations and start-ups are using to thrive in today's tough economic climate.

Top Arizona technology business leaders and start-up venture experts will candidly share how companies are avoiding dipping too far into the red during challenging economic times and the steps necessary to seize tremendous growth opportunities once the economy shifts to recovery. Panelists will share how to maximize budgets and even grow in a limited capital environment, including funding alternatives, structuring executive compensation and finding stimulus dollars. The live discussion will follow the recorded economic telecast "Paint it Black" and is open to the public. Seating is limited and registration is required.

The engaging array of seasoned Arizona panelists include Chad Little, CEO of FetchBack, Bill Swartz, president of Swartz & Associates, Inc., Armando Viteri, president and CEO of Neubloc, Sandra Watson, director of The Office of Innovation & Technology, Arizona Department of Commerce, Michael Wolf, general partner of Lobodos Ventures, and Ed Zito, executive vice president commercial and corporate banking of Alliance Bank of Arizona.

"We have assembled an incredible group of respected business experts to discuss how they are navigating the waters of extreme economic challenges and masterfully planning for recovery opportunities," said Mark Wlodarczyk, president of the MIT Club of Phoenix. "We have an opportunity to learn from entrepreneurs and capital leaders the vital tactics and strategies they are using to remain focused on prosperity."

The networking session starts at 5:45 PM and includes hors d'oeuvres. The "Paint it Black" telecast will start at 6:45 PM and feature James Poterba, MIT Mitsui Professor of Economics and president of the National Bureau of Economic Research, David Tabak, the senior vice president of the National Economic Research Associates and Alan Cohen, senior managing director of York Capital Management.

To register for the event, visit http://tinyurl.com/bcztvn or call 602-640-9005. Members of the MIT Club of Phoenix and their families, members of the All-Ivy Council of Phoenix pay $30 by pre-registering and all other pre-registrants pay $40 to attend. If seating is available, the cost on the day of the event is $50. MIT students and their parents attend for free. ASU SkySong is located at 1475 North Scottsdale Road. Registration for the event is open through March 23, 2009. Corporate sponsors include Osborn Maledon, Stearns Financial Services and Artful Thinkers.

About MIT Club of Phoenix -- The MIT Club of Phoenix, a chapter in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Alumni Association, has the mission to enhance the value of the MIT degree, build community, and celebrate shared experiences.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Jamie Glass 602-369-5537