Economic Round Table |
About the Economic Round Table Founded in 1932, the Economic Round Table brings together leaders from business, government, academia, and the professions for thoughtful discussions on the issues shaping Southern California and beyond. Learn more...
Sixteen of the men accepted the invitation and along with Howes were the seventeen Charter Members of the Economic Round Table. The Economic Round Table – usually just referred to as "ERT" – has evolved over the years to be more than just a forum for discussion of economic issues. The members often talk about non-economic topics. Indeed, many talks are simply about areas that members would like to explore rather than ones in which they already have expertise. The richness of the backgrounds, diversity of interests, and inquisitiveness of the members has enriched the lives of all who have been invited to join. | From the President
Hello Rounders and Visitors to our Website. My name is Michael Bazdarich, and I have to honor to preside over the Economic Roundtable in this our 94th year of fellowship and erudite presentations. While our club started out in 1932 as a discussion forum for the US economy amidst the Great Depression, over the years, we have evolved into a broad-based forum for presentations on all topics imaginable. In my nine years as a Rounder, I have heard talks on topics ranging from Aztec civilization to the development of the Stealth Bomber to the history of moral philosophy, and all points in between. We ask our membership to be open to new ideas expressed humbly, concisely, and in good spirit, and we try to leave our minds and hearts open to contentions with which we might disagree. And when there is disagreement, we try to let good fellowship and honest intellectual curiosity carry the day. That is our intention, and we let our membership and our guests judge as to how well we have succeeded in that intention. For you Rounders, we are all looking forward to another year of excellent presentations and good fellowship. For you visitors to our website, if these prospects intrigue you, we invite you to pursue membership in our club. Like the US Marines, we are always looking for a few good men to add to our ranks. Pictured here are Professor Ed Leamer, our late good friend and fellow Rounder, Steve Saruwatari, our golfing buddy, and myself. Ed passed early this year, and we miss his insights and wit terribly. We hope to see you at our breakfast meetings this year.
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In 1932, seventeen "young" men were sent a penny postcard by Durward Howes.
Durward Awards In honor of ERT's founder, Durward Howes, six "Durward" awards are awarded each year for the best presentations as voted by the membership--three for the first semester and three for the second semester. The awards are announced and presented at the annual Spring Symposium. | 2026-2027 Officers and Curators
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2024-2025 Durward Award Winners Dorn Dean Nick Strimple Carlos Siderman Marty Frank Rob Silverstein George Braunegg |