Nationally known columnist and CNBC contributor Michael Santoli will present his outlook for the New Jersey economy as the keynote speaker of the NJBIA-Merrill Lynch Economic Forum entitled “CEOs Speak Out.” He will be followed by a panel of top executives from three of New Jersey’s top companies, who will share their outlook for the State economy and for their own industries. They will also discuss New Jersey’s business climate.

The forum will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 4, at the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place, Iselin. Members of the media wishing to attend should contact Steve Wilson at ext. 245.

Michael Santoli is the author of the nationally renowned Streetwise column, published in Barron’s weekly magazine. He also appears regularly on CNBC as an analyst and commentator. The panelists will be Douglas Conant, President & CEO of Campbell Soup Company; William Marino, President & CEO of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield; and J. Larry Sorsby, Executive Vice President & CEO of Hovnanian Enterprises. The panel will be moderated by Bonnie Shamblin Graziano and Karen Kjorlien Phillips of Merrill Lynch Global Private Client.

Ed Onofrio, Director of Merrill Lynch’s Global Bank Group, Northeast Region, will give the welcoming address.