Regional Economics Commons^™

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: November 24, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 0.61% during October 2021. The increase in the leading indicator, which is designed to predict economic activity six months in the future, signals moderate economic growth in Nebraska during the spring of 2022. There was an increase in building permits for single-family homes in October and positive business expectations. There also was a decline in initial claims for unemployment insurance. However, several indicator components worsened during October. Airline passenger counts and manufacturing hours worked both declined slightly. There also was a modest uptick in the value of the U.S. dollar. A higher dollar is challenging for …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: October 27, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N fell by 0.91% during September 2021. The decline in the leading indicator, which is designed to predict economic activity six months in the future, suggests that economic growth will slow significantly in Nebraska during the first quarter of 2022. While business expectations remained solid, other components of the leading indicator worsened. Manufacturing hours worked, airline passenger counts, and building permits for single-family homes all declined. There also was an increase in initial claims for unemployment insurance during the month.

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: September 22, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 0.79% during August 2021. The increase in the leading indicator, which is designed to predict economic activity six months in the future, suggests that economic growth will be moderate in Nebraska during the first months of 2022. Growth will decline from the rapid increases seen during 2021. Three components of the leading indicator improved during August. Building permits for single-family homes bounced back in August after weak permit activity in July. There also was growth in manufacturing hours worked during the month. Finally, respondents to the August Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: August 25, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N fell by 0.17% during July 2021, the first decline in ten months. The decline in the leading indicator, which is designed to predict economic activity six months in the future, suggests that economic growth will slow in Nebraska during the first months of 2022. Four components of the leading indicator worsened during July. Building permits for single-family homes declined while there was a small drop in manufacturing hours-worked. Initial claims for unemployment insurance and the value of the U.S. dollar also rose during July. A rising U.S. dollar is challenging for Nebraska businesses, which compete in international markets. …

Sales Capture Patterns Among Nebraska Counties, Eric Thompson, Spencer Cook

Business in Nebraska

Sales capture, the share of local spending power that is captured by area businesses, is an important measure of economic activity. Greater sales capture, which is typically measured using data on local taxable sales, creates multiple benefits for the economy. 1. EMPLOYMENT: Greater sales capture means more employment in retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses subject to sales tax. 2. TAX REVENUE: Taxable sales are an important part of the tax base of many city governments. 3. QUALITY OF LIFE: Retail and hospitality (restaurants, lodging, amusement, and recreation) businesses account for a significant share of taxable sales. These industries …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: July 28, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 1.17% during June 2021, the ninth consecutive monthly increase. Steady improvement in the leading indicator implies that economic growth will be strong in Nebraska during the second half of 2021. Three components of the leading indicator rose during June. Business expectations, airline passenger counts, and initial claims for unemployment insurance all showed improvement. Specifically, respondents to the June Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales and employment in the state over the next six months. Airline passenger enplanements rose sharply as the industry moved closer to pre-pandemic levels of activity. Initial claims for unemployment …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: June 30, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 2.33% during May 2021, the third month in a row of rapid growth and the eighth consecutive monthly increase. Rapid improvement in the leading indicator implies that economic growth will be strong in Nebraska during the second half of 2021. All six components of the leading indicator rose during May. Business expectations, manufacturing hours-worked, and airline passenger counts were the strongest components. Respondents to the May Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales and employment over the next six months. Manufacturing hours-worked grew rapidly while airline passenger enplanements also rose sharply as the industry …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: May 26, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 1.96% during April 2021. The leading indicator rose due to strong business expectations, increased manufacturing activity, and growing airline passenger counts. Respondents to the April Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales and employment over the next six months. The value of the U.S. dollar also fell during April, improving prospects for Nebraska businesses that compete in international markets. The composite LEI-N has risen during each of the last seven months, suggesting that the Nebraska economy will expand at a robust pace through the second half of 2021.

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: April 28, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 1.49% during March 2021. The indicator has risen during each of the last six months, suggesting that the Nebraska economy will expand at a robust pace through the summer of 2021. In March, the leading indicator primarily rose due to strong business expectations and rising airline activity. The pace of recovery in airline passenger enplanements improved during March. In addition, March respondents to the Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales and employment over the next six months. Manufacturing hours worked also rose in March while there was a small decline in initial claims …

Nebraska Recovers From The Pandemic Economy, Eric Thompson

Business in Nebraska

The COVID-19 Pandemic threw the United States economy into a severe and sharp recession during the first half of 2020. A combination of government “shutdown” restrictions and private actions led to a particularly severe decline in economic activity in late March and April. The lifting or reduction of government restrictions across the United States led to a fast recovery in subsequent months, especially as businesses and consumers learned to adapt to their new operating conditions. However, the rate of recovery has slowed recently as the spread of Covid-19 has accelerated and many businesses have curtailed travel, maintained “work from home” …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: March 31, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 1.05% during February 2021. The indicator has risen during each of the last five months, suggesting that the Nebraska economy will expand solidly through the summer of 2021. In February, the leading indicator primarily rose due to increased manufacturing activity and strong business expectations. There was a large increase in manufacturing hours worked and respondents to the February Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales and employment over the next six months. Airline passenger counts also rose modestly, while there was a small decline in initial claims for unemployment insurance on a seasonally-adjusted basis. …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: February 24, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 0.72% during January 2021. The indicator has risen during each of the last four months, suggesting that the Nebraska economy will expand solidly through mid- 2021. In January, the leading indicator primarily rose due to strong business expectations. Respondents to the January Survey of Nebraska Business reported plans to increase sales and employment over the next six months. Overall, three of the six components of the leading indicator improved during January. Airline passenger counts rose modestly, while the value of the U.S. dollar fell. A weaker dollar is positive for Nebraska businesses which compete in international …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: January 29, 2021, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 0.36% during December 2020. The indicator has risen during each of the last three months. The rising indicator suggests that the Nebraska economy will expand solidly over the next 6 months. Three of the six components of the leading indicator improved during December. Building permits for single-family homes and airline passenger counts both rose modestly. Further, the value of the U.S. dollar dropped sharply in December, which will improve competitive conditions for agricultural producers, manufacturers, and other Nebraska businesses that export. Business expectations, however, were one area of concern. Respondents to the December Survey of Nebraska …

Well-Being In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: 2021 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Heather Akin, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Timothy Meyer, Steven A. Schulz

Nebraska Rural Poll

This year, rural Nebraskans gave similar assessments of their current situation as they did last year. However, their optimism about their future is slightly lower than last year. And, this year, more rural Nebraskans agree that people are powerless to control their own lives as compared to last year.

Residents of the North Central region are the regional group most likely to believe they will be better off ten years from now. And, residents of both the North Central and Panhandle regions are more likely than residents of other regions of the state to believe they are much better off …

Well-Being Of Metropolitan And Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans [Research Brief], Rebecca J. Vogt, Heather Akin, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Timothy Meyer, Steven A. Schulz

Nebraska Rural Poll

Provides a synopsis of the report on Well-Being of Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans by Nebraska Rural Poll researchers.

Includes details about general well-being, perceptions of powerlessness, and specific aspects of well-being.

The Nebraska Rural Poll sampled residents from non-metropolitan counties and regional trade centers in the state. The Nebraska Metro Poll sampled the seven counties that comprise the Lincoln and Omaha metropolitan areas. Both polls sent four mailings regarding or containing the surveys in the spring of 2021 and had an online response option.

Trust In Media, Institutions And Health Information In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: 2021 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Heather Akin, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Timothy Meyer, Steven A. Schulz

Nebraska Rural Poll

Rural Nebraskans’ confidence in many institutions has not changed much during the past four years. However, more rural Nebraskans have a great deal of confidence in the public safety agencies in their community than they did in 2017. Conversely, fewer rural Nebraskans express a great deal of confidence in the presidency than they did in 2017.

Overall, most rural Nebraskans have confidence in their local institutions (public safety agencies in their community, public schools in their community, and voting and election systems in their county). However, most have very little confidence in many national institutions (the Presidency, the U.S. House …

Life In Metropolitan And Nonmetropolitan Nebraskan Communities [Research Brief], Rebecca J. Vogt, Heather Akin, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Timothy Meyer, Steven A. Schulz

Nebraska Rural Poll

Provides a synopsis of the report on life in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan Nebraskan communities by Nebraska Rural Poll researchers.

Includes details about community change, community social attributes, community powerlessness, satisfaction with community services and amenities, attachment to the community, discrimination in the community, plans to leave the community, and individual and community political views.

The Nebraska Rural Poll sampled residents from non-metropolitan counties and regional trade centers in the state. The Nebraska Metro Poll sampled the seven counties that comprise the Lincoln and Omaha metropolitan areas. Both polls sent four mailings regarding or containing the surveys in the spring of …

Impacts Of The Pandemic For Metropolitan And Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans [Research Brief], Rebecca J. Vogt, Heather Akin, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Timothy Meyer, Steven A. Schulz

Nebraska Rural Poll

Provides a synopsis of the report on impacts of the pandemic for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan Nebraskans by Nebraska Rural Poll researchers.

Includes details about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, health and economic impacts experienced during the pandemic from the 2021 metro and rural polls, the extent elements of life were affected or disrupted by the pandemic, frequency of working from home, changes in consumer habits during the pandemic, the likelihood of making consumer choices going forward, and the limitations of home internet service.

The Nebraska Rural Poll sampled residents from non-metropolitan counties and regional trade centers in the state. …

Impacts Of The Pandemic In Nonmetropolitan Nebraska: 2021 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Heather Akin, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Timothy Meyer, Steven A. Schulz

Nebraska Rural Poll

Most rural Nebraskans felt various impacts from the pandemic. While many rural Nebraskans had someone in their household that quarantined because of possible coronavirus exposure or who contracted COVID-19, most have friends or family in their community that quarantined or contracted the virus. Many rural Nebraskans also have friends or family both inside and outside their community who were hospitalized as a result of COVID-19 or who died as a result of it.

Most rural Nebraskans say the following were affected a fair amount or a great deal by the pandemic: their socialization with others, their life overall, and their …

Life In Nonmetropolitan Nebraskan Communities: 2021 Nebraska Rural Poll Results, Rebecca J. Vogt, Heather Akin, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Timothy Meyer, Steven A. Schulz

Nebraska Rural Poll

Rural Nebraskans are less positive about the current change and expected future change in their communities this year. The proportion believing their community has changed for the better has typically been greater than the proportion believing it has changed for the worse. However, this year the proportion believing their community changed for the worse was slightly more than the proportion believing it had changed for the better (similar to what occurred in 2003 and 2009). The proportion viewing positive change in their community sharply declined from last year. The proportion believing their community has stayed the same increased sharply. Despite …

Trust In Media, Institutions And Health Information For Metropolitan And Nonmetropolitan Nebraskans [Research Brief], Rebecca J. Vogt, Heather Akin, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Bradley Lubben, L. J. Mcelravy, Timothy Meyer, Steven A. Schulz

Nebraska Rural Poll

Provides a synopsis of trust in media, institutions, and health information for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan Nebraskans from Nebraska Rural Poll researchers.

Includes details about confidence in institutions, trust in media, and health information.

The Nebraska Rural Poll sampled residents from non-metropolitan counties and regional trade centers in the state. The Nebraska Metro Poll sampled the seven counties that comprise the Lincoln and Omaha metropolitan areas. Both polls sent four mailings regarding or containing the surveys in the spring of 2021 and had an online response option.

Profit Efficiency Analysis Of Cassava Production In Enugu State, Nigeria, Oguejiofor J. Okorie, Ubokudom E. Okon, Anselm A. Enete

Journal for the Advancement of Developing Economies

This study analyzed the profit efficiency of smallholder cassava farmers in Enugu state, Nigeria. The study employed a multi-stage random sampling technique in selecting 240 cassava farm households who are registered in the Enugu State Fadama III project during the 2019 farming season. Data were collected using copies of structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (stochastic frontier profit function model). Results showed that the majority (73.3%) of the household heads were male, with a mean age of 52 years. Additionally, the majority (78.5%) of the respondents were married, mean farm size of …

Export Promotion As A Development Strategy: Evidence From Selected Southeast Asian Countries And Lessons For Ghana, Ohenewaa B. Newman

Journal for the Advancement of Developing Economies

Developing countries have adopted various development strategies such as import substitution industrialization (ISI) and export promotion strategies. For Latin-American and developing countries, some level of economic growth was experienced using ISI after the Second World War. However, these countries could not attain the needed economic growth, technological advancement or guarantee food security with the adoption of ISI. It led to unequal income distribution, less internal competition, and distortions of their economy, among others. The rise of export promotion strategies in the 1970s was evidenced by an impressive economic growth and a decline in poverty in jurisdictions like Taiwan, Tanzania and …

The Effects Of Tax Policies On Entrepreneurship In Emerging Versus Mature Economies: Do Differences Exist Between Nascent And Established Firms?, Benjamin B. Boozer, Taleah H. Collum

Journal for the Advancement of Developing Economies

An extensive body of research defines various levels of entrepreneurship and considers emerging trends. This study uses data from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) in developing a model that measures the impact of taxes and bureaucracy on entrepreneurship. The analysis considers effects by type of firm – nascent and established – and type of economy – emerging and mature. The aim of the manuscript is to test directional impact of tax policies on entrepreneurial activity. The model utilizes counter and dichotomous variables to measure effects before, during, and after the 2008-2009 Financial Crisis. Tax policies adversely impact both nascent and established …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: December 23, 2020, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 0.61% during November 2020. The rising indicator suggests that the Nebraska economy will expand over the next 6 months. Five of the six components of the leading indicator improved during November. Manufacturing hours-worked and building permits for single-family homes both rose. Business expectations also were positive, with respondents to the November Survey of Nebraska Business reporting plans to increase employment. The value of the U.S. dollar also declined in November, which will improve competitive conditions for agricultural producers, manufacturers, and other Nebraska businesses which export. Airline passenger enplanements were the only component to decline during November.

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: November 25, 2020, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose during October 2020, by 1.83%. The rising indicator confirms that the Nebraska economy should continue to expand over the next 6 months. Five of the six components of the leading indicator improved during October. Manufacturing hours-worked rebounded in October after declining over the previous 3 months. Business expectations also were positive, with respondents to the October Survey of Nebraska Business reporting plans to increase employment over the next 6 months. The value of the U.S. dollar also declined, which will improve competitive conditions for Nebraska businesses that export. Building permits for single-family homes and airline passenger enplanements …

Producer Services: An Engine For High-Wage Job Growth, Spencer Cook, Eric Thompson

Business in Nebraska

Producer services providers are firms that sell services primarily to the business community rather than to individuals and households. Many producer services businesses are classified in the professional, scientific, and technical service (PSTS) industry. Accounting firms, consultants, and computer design services are prominent examples of PSTS businesses that are worth studying for three reasons:

1. SUPPORT OF OTHER INDUSTRIES: PSTS industries supply the broader business community, making them a critical segment of the economy.

2. RAPID HIGH WAGE JOB GROWTH: Many PSTS industries are rapidly growing and pay high wages. The producer services sector, in fact, is the principal source …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: October 28, 2020, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose slightly during September 2020, by 0.09%. While the pace of improvement has slowed, September marks the fifth consecutive increase in the leading indicator after sharp declines in March and April. The September result indicates that the Nebraska economy will grow at a modest pace over the next 6 months. Four of the components of the leading indicator improved during September. Airline passenger enplanements grew slowly after seasonal adjustment, but there was a drop in initial claims for unemployment insurance during the month. The value of the U.S. dollar also declined, which will improve competitive conditions for businesses …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: September 23, 2020, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

e LEI-N rose by 0.85% during August 2020. August marked the fourth consecutive increase in the leading indicator after sharp declines in March and April. The August result indicates that the Nebraska economy will grow over the next 6 months, continuing a steady recovery from large economic losses in March and April. Five of the six components of the leading indicator improved during August. Airline passenger enplanements grew modestly after seasonal adjustment, and there was a modest increase in building permits for single-family homes. There also was a drop in initial claims for unemployment insurance and the value of the …

Nebraska Monthly Economic Indicators: August 26, 2020, Eric Thompson

Leading Economic Indicator Reports

The LEI-N rose by 0.59% during July of 2020. July marked the third consecutive increase in the leading indicator after sharp declines in March and April. The July result indicates that the Nebraska economy will grow over the next 6 months, continuing a steady recovery from large economic losses in March and April. Five of the six components of the leading indicator improved during July. Airline passenger enplanements continued a steady rebound, and there was a modest increase in building permits for single-family homes. There also was a slight drop in initial claims for unemployment insurance and a drop in …