By John Byczkowski
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Northern Kentucky's economy is expected to recover faster than the nation overall - if a war doesn't get in the way, according to an economic forecast released Tuesday by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Though the local economy has been hit hard by the recession, it also faces a number of factors that will boost activity, said Tom Zinn, a University of Cincinnati economist and consultant to the chamber.

Those factor include a growing population, low interest rates, stimulus from the Federal Reserve, the likelihood of federal tax cuts, improving consumer confidence, improving stock markets and a rebound in business travel.

Add to that "a vibrant riverfront retail district" as well as new construction projects, and Northern Kentucky appears poised for a rebound, Mr. Zinn said.

E-mail jbyczkowski@enquirer.com