The global economy has been rocked over the last several months by the financial meltdown. In the spring of 2009, is a recovery just around the corner? Or is it too soon to say the worst of it is over? What lies ahead for the US, Canadian, and Alberta economies in the months ahead? Our speaker, Todd Hirsch received his BA Honors in Economics from the University of Alberta, and an MA in Economics from the University of Calgary. Since completing his education in 1993, he has held a series of economist positions at a variety of for-profit and public sector organizations, including the Canada West Foundation, the Canadian Pacific Railway, and the Bank of Canada. Todd joined ATB Financial in May 2007 as Senior Economist where he provides economic information and intelligence to the various lines of business at ATB. He also tracks current developments in Alberta's and North America's economy and delivers presentations to both internal and external audiences. Todd appears regularly as an economic commentator on CBC radio, the Globe and Mail, and various local and national news programs. He also teaches two economics courses at the University of Calgary, acts as a mentor for the Economics Society of Calgary's student mentorship program, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Calgary Arts Academy.