Business Commons^™

St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report Vol. 20, No. 4, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report

After strong regional economic performance throughout 2018, area business leaders are preparing for slower growth and rising prices by the spring of next year. While growth is expected to slow, the area economy still remains on solid foundations as 2019 approaches. The continuing uncertainty over national trade policy, rising inflationary pressures (and associated increased interest rates), ongoing health insurance cost concerns and the looming future closure of Electrolux all create headwinds, however, that will likely cause the area economy to grow less rapidly in 2019. Current economic conditions over the past three months are strong as local employment grew at …

St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report Vol. 20 No. 3, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report

Area firms reported strong economic conditions over the past three months as local employment grew at a 1.9 per­cent rate over the year ending July 2018. Results of the St. Cloud Area Business Outlook Survey indicate strong current business activity by area firms despite historic difficulty finding qualified workers. The six-month ahead future business activity outlook was weaker for surveyed firms as 30 percent offirms expect decreased business activity by February 2019. As the future closure of Electrolux approaches and the impact of national tariffs begins to be felt, the area economy is entering a period of heightened uncertainty that …

The Slave Trade Route: A Regional And Local Development Catalyst, Chukwunyere Ugochukwu

Geography and Planning Faculty Publications

The conservation of and focus on slave export points turned tourist monuments in Cape Coast and Elmina, Ghana, are incomplete without linkages to other complicit places in the interior that together completes the chain of darkness, the trade in humans along the Atlantic coast of Ghana, as well as in the interior. Completed, it will highlight the infrastructure of the slave business, the domestic, as well as the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. When the chain (route) of the different complicit communities in the interior to these export monuments along the Atlantic coast is conserved, it shall herald a completeness to the …

St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report Vol. 20 No. 2, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report

Despite heightened uncertainty from recent retail store closings, looming na­tional tariff policies and the future clo­sure of Electrolux, area firms continue to report strong optimism about future business activity. Area firms reported continuing difficulty attracting qualified workers, which appears to be restraining local employment growth. Local employ­ment grew at a tepid 0.4 percent rate over the year ending April 2018 as worker shortages limit firms' growth poten­tial. The manufacturing, education/health, wholesale trade, and transportation/warehousing/utilities sectors led local job growth, while the retail trade, mining/logging/construction, and leisure/hospitality sectors' employ­ment contracted.

A new St. Cloud Index of Leading Economic Indicators is unveiled …

Will Weed Put America To Work?, Christian Ward, Lynn Macdonald

Huskies Showcase

Award for "Runner-Up Undergraduate Oral Presentation".

Abstract

The Marijuana Policy Group created an economic impact model for the marijuana industry in Colorado that analyzed its effects on the state's economy. There are other models that predict how many jobs will be created by the marijuana industry but nothing that predicts the unemployment rate. My research branches off that impact model and drives it in one direction. This project synthesizes the very little information we have about the marijuana industry and connects it to one of best economic tools for analyzing the economy.

Central Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report Fourth Quarter 2017, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Central Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

The Central Minnesota planning area is expected to experience continued economic growth over the next several months according to predictions of the Central Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). The leading index rose by 3.32 points in the most recent period, with three components producing positive readings. Increased St. Cloud area residential building permits contributed to this quarter’s rising LEI. In addition, an uptick in national durable goods orders and lower regional initial jobless claims also helped drive the index higher.

There were 1,331 new business filings with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State in Central Minnesota …

Southwest Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report Fourth Quarter 2017, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Southwest Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Despite a negative reading of the fourth quarter St. Cloud State University Southwest Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI), economic fundamentals in Southwest Minnesota appear to be sufficiently strong to see a continuation of steady regional economic growth over the next several months. Two of four LEI components were positive in the fourth quarter. An increase in residential building permits in the Mankato MSA and higher new business filings of incorporation and LLC in Southwest Minnesota contributed favorably to the LEI. A weaker rural Minnesota economic outlook and higher initial jobless claims in recent months helped drag down this …

Twin Cities Area Economic And Business Conditions Report Fourth Quarter 2017, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Twin Cities Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Despite a fourth quarter decline in the Twin Cities Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI), economic growth is expected to remain steady in the Twin Cities over the next several months as overall economic fundamentals remain strong in this part of the state. The Twin Cities LEI registered a -3.07 reading in the fourth quarter. Three of five index components turned down in the fourth quarter, with recent weakness in the Minnesota Business Conditions Index-a general measure of statewide business conditions—and a reduction in the number of residential building permits in the Twin Cities metropolitan area having the largest negative …

Southeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report Fourth Quarter 2017, King Banaian, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Southeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Steady economic growth over the next several months is expected in the Southeast Minnesota planning area according to the prediction of the Southeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). After two consecutive quarterly declines in the LEI, the fourth quarter leading index rose by 1.18 points as two index components recorded positive values. Increased new filings of incorporation and LLC in the Southeast Minnesota planning area and an improvement in consumer sentiment helped lift this quarter’s LEI. A lower number of residential building permits in the Rochester area and a decline in the Minnesota Business Conditions Index (which serves …

Northeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report Fourth Quarter 2017, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Northeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

A steady pace of economic growth in Northeast Minnesota is expected over the next several months according to the predictions of the Northeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). Two of the five components of the LEI increased as the overall index was basically flat in the fourth quarter. A surge in Duluth metropolitan area residential building permits and lower initial jobless claims in the region contributed favorably to this quarter’s outlook, while weakness in a general measure of statewide business conditions, a lower reading on a supply manager’s index, and declining new business incorporations weighed on the leading …

St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report Vol. 20, No. 1, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report

The St. Cloud area economic outlook has been clouded by the announced future mass layoff of workers at the St. Cloud Electrolux plant. The planned closing of this manufacturing facility is estimated to cause a job loss of 860 workers by the end of 2019.

While respondents to the St. Cloud Area Business Outlook Survey express concern about the economic impact of the upcoming plant closing, the future outlook of surveyed businesses is strong as we enter a time of the year in which the area economy typically enjoys seasonal strength.

Revised employment data suggest the area labor market was …

Northeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report First Quarter 2018, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Northeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

A steady pace of economic growth in Northeast Minnesota is expected over the next several months according to the predictions of the Northeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). Two of the five components of the LEI decreased as the overall index was basically flat for the second consecutive quarter. A decline in Duluth metropolitan area residential building permits and recently higher initial jobless claims in the region weighed on this quarter’s outlook, while recent strength in a general measure of statewide business conditions and improved new business filings contributed favorably to the leading index.

There were 643 new …

Southeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report First Quarter 2018, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Southeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Steady economic growth over the next several months is expected in the Southeast Minnesota planning area according to the prediction of the Southeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). After a quarter in which the LEI was largely unchanged, the first quarter leading index rose by 0.77 points as three index components recorded positive values. Increased new filings of incorporation and LLC in the Southeast Minnesota planning area, a rise in the Minnesota Business Conditions Index, and an improvement in consumer sentiment helped lift this quarter’s LEI. A lower number of residential building permits in the Rochester area and …

Southwest Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report First Quarter 2018, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Southwest Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

After experiencing a negative reading in the fourth quarter of 2017, the St. Cloud State University Southwest Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) turned positive in this year’s first quarter, indicating continued economic growth in Southwest Minnesota over the next several months. Three of four LEI components were positive in the first quarter. A larger number of new business filings of incorporation and LLC in Southwest Minnesota and a stronger outlook for rural Minnesota helped drive the leading index higher in the current quarter. A decline in initial jobless claims also helped lift the index. A decrease in the …

Twin Cities Area Economic And Business Conditions Report First Quarter 2018, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Twin Cities Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Strong economic growth is expected to continue in the Twin Cities planning area according to the predictions of the Twin Cities Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). The Twin Cities LEI registered a 4.94 reading in the first quarter of 2018 as four of five index components showed strength. An increase in the Minnesota Business Conditions Index—a general measure of statewide business conditions—and improvement in the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Minnesota Leading Economic Indicators Index each contributed favorably to this quarter’s LEI. In addition, an increase in the number of residential building permits in the Twin Cities metropolitan area …

Northwest Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report First Quarter 2018, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Northwest Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Strong economic growth is expected in the Northwest Minnesota planning area over the next several months according to the predictions of the St. Cloud State University Northwest Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). Four of five index components increased in the most recent quarter as the LEI rose 7.02 points. An increase in the Rural Mainstreet Index (which signals a more robust macroeconomic environment for rural America) and a larger number of residential building permits in Fargo/Moorhead and Grand Forks/East Grand Forks were among the positive components in this quarter’s leading index. A rise in the number of new …

Central Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report First Quarter 2018, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Central Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

The Central Minnesota planning area is expected to experience steady economic growth over the next several months according to predictions of the Central Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). The leading index rose by 0.94 points in the most recent period, with four components producing positive readings. Decreased St. Cloud area residential building permits are the only component to weigh on this quarter’s leading index. An uptick in national durable goods orders, lower regional initial jobless claims, an increase in the Minnesota Business Conditions Index, and an improvement in new filings of incorporation all helped drive the index higher. …

Northeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report Third Quarter 2017, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Northeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Steady economic growth in Northeast Minnesota is expected over the next several months according to the predictions of the Northeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). Two of the five components of the LEI increased as the overall index rose 2.59 points in the third quarter. An improvement in a supply managers’ survey and lower initial jobless claims in the region helped lift this quarter’s index.

There were 491 new business filings with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State in Northeast Minnesota in the third quarter of 2017 — representing a 2.5 percent increase from one year …

Northwest Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report Third Quarter 2017, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Northwest Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Somewhat slower economic growth is expected in the Northwest Minnesota planning area over the next several months according to the predictions of the St. Cloud State University Northwest Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). Three of five index components decreased in the most recent quarter as the LEI fell 1.31 points. A decrease in the Rural Mainstreet Index (which signals a more challenging macroeconomic environment for rural America), a lower number of residential building permits in Fargo/Moorhead and Grand Forks/East Grand Forks, and declining new filings for LLC and incorporation in Northwest Minnesota all helped drag down the third …

Southeast Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report Third Quarter 2017, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Southeast Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Despite a decline in the Southeast Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI), strong economic fundamentals are expected to continue to drive positive economic performance in the southeast portion of the state over the next several months. After a quarter in which the LEI fell by 1.25 points, the third quarter leading index contracted by 8.11 points as several index components recorded negative values. A rise in initial claims for unemployment benefits, a smaller number of residential building permits in Rochester, decreased new filings of incorporation and LLC in the Southeast Minnesota planning area, and a decline in the Minnesota …

Southwest Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report Third Quarter 2017, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Southwest Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Steady economic growth in Southwest Minnesota is expected over the next several months according to the predictions of the St. Cloud State University Southwest Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). Two of four LEI components were positive in the third quarter. An increase in residential building permits in the Mankato MSA and lower jobless claims in Southwest Minnesota contributed favorably to the LEI in the third quarter. A decrease in new business filings of incorporation and LLC and a weaker rural Minnesota economic outlook weighed on the leading index in the current quarter. After falling by a revised 4.82 …

Twin Cities Area Economic And Business Conditions Report - Third Quarter 2017, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Twin Cities Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

Despite a third quarter decline in the Twin Cities Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI), economic growth is expected to remain steady in the Twin Cities over the next several months. The Twin Cities LEI registered a -5.41 reading in the third quarter after a revised 1.47 point decline in the previous quarter. Four of five index components turned down in the third quarter, with recent weakness in the Minnesota Business Conditions Index--a general measure of statewide business conditions—having the largest negative impact on the LEI. Increased new filings of business incorporation and LLC had a positive effect on the …

School Of Public Affairs 2018 Annual Report, Danae Swanson

School of Public Affairs Annual Reports

The School of Public Affairs’ annual report presents a magazine-style look back at the school’s year. Contents include the stories and accomplishments of current students, alumni, faculty, and other community partnerships. It also celebrates the generous giving of donors. A limited amount of print copies are produced and mailed to constituents. Support and collaboration of the annual report is regularly given by University Communications, the St. Cloud State University Foundation, St. Cloud State University Alumni Relations, University Archives, and the Departments of Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography & Planning, and Political Science.

Note: The School of Public Affairs annual report evolved …

Central Minnesota Economic And Business Conditions Report Third Quarter 2017, King Banaian, Richard A. Macdonald

Central Minnesota Economic and Business Conditions Report

The pace of economic growth in the Central Minnesota planning area is expected to slow over the next several months according to predictions of the Central Minnesota Index of Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). The leading index fell by 3.28 points in the most recent period, with two components producing negative readings. A decline in a general measure of statewide business conditions and a recent slowing of St. Cloud area residential building permits contributed to this quarter’s decline in the LEI. On the positive side were an uptick in national durable goods orders, lower regional initial jobless claims, and increased new …