August 2012

Aug 27, 2012

The tax-free holiday

Many states, including North Carolina, now have a limited number of days where certain retail purchases will not be subject to a sales tax. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden outlines the impact of these so-called tax-free holidays. 

Aug 26, 2012

New and better ways

In a milestone year, Bob Patterson reflects on the differences made by the land-grants through ag education — yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

Aug 26, 2012

From the Morrill Act, research; from research, prosperity

The Morrill Act helped make publicly funded research possible, and that research ushered in an era of American prosperity. For that reason, retiring CALS research director and associate dean Dr. David Smith calls the act "the single most impactful economic development legislation in the history of this country." 

Aug 24, 2012

The economic value of social media

Most users of social media -- such as Facebook and Twitter --probably look at them as ways to have fun and communicate with friends and family, but is there a serious side to these technologies, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. They are becoming a big part of the business world. 

Aug 23, 2012

More QE?

Many people speculate that the Federal Reserve will soon embark on another round of QE, or quantitative easing. What would this mean? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Aug 22, 2012

WVa workshop will address firewood processing

Extension agents and firewood-related businesses are invited to attend the Profitable Firewood Processing Workshop, Sept. 27, at the Wood Education and Resource Center, Princeton, W.Va. The day-long workshop (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) is hosted by the Wood Products Extension Department at North Carolina State University, Wood Education and Resource Center and Independent Sawmill and Woodlot Magazine. 

Aug 22, 2012

Charles Stuber receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Charles Stuber, professor emeritus of genetics and director of the North Carolina State University Center for Plant Breeding and Applied Plant Genomics, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Plant Breeders. 

Aug 22, 2012

Big changes are happening

Much of the economic news we hear is dismal, yet often we can see a glass half full rather than half empty. N.C. State University economist provides some glass-half-full examples… 

Aug 21, 2012

N.C. State's 'Pack 'N Cool' provides farmers with mobile refrigeration solution

N.C. State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) has developed a new mobile cooling unit for farmers. The five-by-eight-feet refrigerated trailer – called the “Pack ‘N Cool” – is designed to keep fruits and vegetables at ideal temperatures during transport to and from farmers markets or as they’re harvested in farm fields. 

Aug 21, 2012

Why does manufacturing matter?

Manufacturing is relatively a much smaller part of our economy than in the past. Some worry that eventually manufacturing in our country will disappear entirely. What would we lose if this happened? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.