Economists optimistic about outlook

Economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City say the Kansas and Missouri economies stayed on stride during the past year, enabling the region to gain a modest lead on the nation. And the regional and national economies look forward to another solid year in 1996.

The economists, Alan Barkema and George Kahn, assistant vice presidents, and William Keeton, senior economist, addressed banking, business and community leaders during a series of eight economic forums conducted in Kansas and Missouri.

Barkema, in discussing the regional economic outlook, said that while the pace in the U.S. economy slowed, the Kansas and Missouri economies stayed on stride, enabling the …