SYCAMORE – America’s future economic growth and energy independence lies in its vast, untapped reserves of natural gas, according to one economics and banking expert.

Edmond Seifried, a professor emeritus of economics and business at Lafayette College, gave a presentation Wednesday to a crowd of 50 people at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau on the economic outlook for the country. Despite some challenges, Seifried said the economy will get better.

“You’re going to see a change in your wallets, pocketbooks within five years,” Seifried said at the outset of his presentation. “It’s almost unbelievable.”