Skip to main content

August 2010

Aug 31, 2010

Spending shifts

Electronic products such as cell phones, computers, and digital video disc players have become a part of most household purchases today. Have we seen these purchases change people's spending habits? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden explains the results of a recent analysis. 

Aug 30, 2010

NC State University names first Murdock professor

Dr. Mary Ann Lila, Director of North Carolina State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute on the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, has been named the first David H. Murdock Distinguished Professor. 

Aug 30, 2010

Fears of deflation

Economists have been using the d-word -- deflation -- more frequently. Deflation means that prices are falling; what can be wrong about that? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Aug 27, 2010

‘Unleash Your Potential’ at CALS Career Expo

Mark your calendars for the 19th annual CALS Career Expo, "Unleash Your Potential," on Thursday, Oct. 28! 

Aug 27, 2010

Tax-free holidays

Shoppers in North Carolina got a break earlier this month: During the first weekend in August no sales tax had to be paid on lower-priced clothing, school supplies and certain computers. What is the purpose of these tax breaks, and what is their impact? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Aug 26, 2010

Growing New Farmers

Though North Carolina is among the nation’s largest agricultural states, it is rapidly losing farms and farmers. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, between 1999 and 2006, the state lost 10,000 farms and close to 500,000 acres of farmland. The losses are even greater among African-American farmers. In response to such statistics, N.C. Cooperative Extension initiatives and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ education programs are helping to ease new and young farmers into agriculture. 

Aug 26, 2010

10% Campaign hosts sign-up at Raleigh market

The 10% Campaign was on hand at the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market Wednesday, Aug. 25, to sign up new participants. Since the campaign website opened in July, nearly 1,000 participants have signed up and reported spending more than $60,000 on local food. 

Aug 26, 2010

Two new CALS degree programs have begun: Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Master of Environmental Assessment

The selection of degrees to pursue has increased by two for students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University -- a bachelor of science degree in genetics and a master’s degree in environmental assessment. The new degree in genetics will be the first major in genetics in the UNC system. The Master of Environmental Assessment Degree is designed as a completely online degree. 

Aug 26, 2010

Business incentives

Before completing its short session the North Carolina General Assembly approved a new group of business incentives. These incentives are used to attract new businesses by reducing their tax payments to the state. How can the state afford this kind of program? N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden lends his perspective.