Chicago Fed Official Discusses Fiscal, Economic Policy During Triton College 'Executive Series'

River Grove, Ill. - A group of about 100 business and accounting students gained an eye opening understanding of the Federal Reserve System during the latest installment of the Triton College School of Business' Executive Series on Oct. 31.

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Economic Outreach Specialist Cindy Ivanac-Lillig engaged the group by breaking down the Fed's role in creating and implementing fiscal policy as well as economic policy.

"People come together to protect and promote our standard of living," Ivanac-Lillig told the group of the importance of fiscal policy. "Money is a really good proxy for standard of living"

As for monetary policy, she gave examples of how the government's investments lead to economic growth opportunity.

"Forty or 50 years ago, you invested in a space program that brought you the internet," she remarked during her presentation.

Triton's School of Business Faculty Chairperson Dr. William Griffin says he appreciated the presenter's ability to present complicated information in a relatable way.

"She talked about it in terms that students can understand - jobs, the economy, a paycheck," he said. "Those are the kinds of things that she brought to life and breathed life into the material we lecture on in the classroom"

Ivanac-Lillig leads a variety of economic education programs aimed at educators, students and professional associations across the Midwest. She frequently speaks at professional development seminars on the role of the Fed and monetary policy. She is currently launching a Business School Speaker Series that aims to bring the Fed onto campuses throughout the district. Her background also includes a number of years in financial consulting and work abroad for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

"It was very informative," said Bashaer Diab, a political science and paralegal studies student at Triton College. I am interested in economics in general and it was nice hearing about the differences in monetary policy and fiscal policy."

In addition to Triton students, a group of aspiring business students from Oak Park River Forest High School also attended the presentation.

Triton's School of Business' Executive Series was launched in 2013, and is intended to inspire and encourage individuals to think about academic and career paths that can help prepare them to succeed in the global workforce. Past Executive Series speakers include former U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, John Marshall Law School professor Michael Schlesinger, and former Chicago Bull Bob Love.

"The Executive Series really has grown to be a significant part of our business curriculum and what we can offer to our students," Dr. Griffin said. "To see people in the real world doing real things and allowing our students to hear from someone who is in the business world and what it really means."

For more information about Triton's School of Business, including degree and certificate options, call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3579, or email williamgriffin@triton.edu.