The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming panel discussion on the Island’s struggling economy has quickly become a hot ticket event, generating a huge response from the public.The Chamber’s panel event “The Economy Now and a Vision For the Future” will see some of the Island’s top business people examine the issues currently facing the struggling economy and present potential solutions. The event is scheduled for next Wednesday, January 25.The panel line-up includes businessman Sir John Swan, social and political columnist Larry Burchall, economist and Bermuda College lecturer Craig Simmons and Butterfield Bank CEO, Brad Kopp.Co-moderators for the evening will be Chamber president, Buddy Rego and Anchor Investment Management, chief financial officer, Nathan Kowalski.The response to the event has been enough that it has organisers looking to possibly change the venue.“It’s certainly becoming a popular event,” said Joanne MacPhee, executive vice president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, adding that due to the public’s interest, the venue may need to be changed. “We have had many inquiries from members and non-members alike. It may be that we will actually have to revisit the venue as we get closer to the event. Our boardroom only holds 50 comfortably, and early indicators suggest there will be many more who wish to attend. Should this be the case, the Chamber will be certain to keep the public informed.”The panellists will have a lot to discuss with the recent announcements of potential work permit reductions, growing unemployment and the continued downturn of the economy.“I would suggest the panel discussion should not be on just the current situation but what can be done to fix things,” said Mr Kowalski, who will moderate. “Hopefully it will be a session that offers some excellent solutions.”“We are all in this economy together and it is as important for executives as well as their staff, to understand what is driving this recession, why wages have been frozen, why bonus payments have stopped and why so many people have been made redundant,” added Ms MacPhee. “Pointing fingers will not solve anything. We need to have a very frank conversation about where we are now and how, collectively, we are going to get past this failing economy. “According to Diane Newman, co-chair of the economics division of the Chamber, panellists will be asked to give their opinions on the current economic situation and potential solutions.“Each panellist will be asked to discuss what they consider to be the three main forces affecting Bermuda’s economy and their short, medium and long-term vision for addressing these issues,” she said. “It promises to be a very lively and enlightening discussion and we are actively encouraging, not only our members, but also their employees, to attend.”The event will be held at the Chamber of Commerce on Front Street from 5.30pm to 7pm on Wednesday January 25. Space is limited, to reserve a seat by call 295-4201 or email info[AT]bcc.bm