In recognition of a generous gift and support from longtime faculty member J. Fred Giertz, IGPA has dedicated the conference room in its Urbana office building in his name.

In recognition of 28 years of service and of his generous support to IGPA, director Robert F. Rich dedicated the conference room at the institute's Urbana office building in honor of economist J. Fred Giertz on Wednesday (Sept. 3).

"Fred Giertz has provided incredible service to IGPA the University and the state of Illinois," said Rich. "He is without peer in his knowledge of the economy and tax structure of our state and it is our honor to have him with us. It is really appropriate that we name our conference room in his honor."

Giertz joined the economics department faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1980, joining IGPA at the same time. He has produced the monthly U of I Flash Index, an indicator of the Illinois economy, since 1995 and currently serves as interim head of the economics department.

Giertz and his wife Donna have made several charitable contributions to the University of Illinois through the years, primarily in support of the arts. They recently made a provision in their estate plan to support IGPA and its public policy research work.

"This early support for the new development program of IGPA is providing a wonderful example to share with others as we work together to expand the base of support for our programs and initiatives," said Rich.

The new plaque marks the entrance to the conference room at IGPA's office in Urbana, which is used for classes, meetings and panel discussions throughout the year.