2014

Mar 13, 2014

Can financial crisis be avoided?

"Fortunately we are now several years past the virtual collapse of our financial system in 2008," says host Mary Walden. "Lending has gradually been increasing, and legislation has been enacted to try to prevent future downturns." She asks husband N.C. State University economist Mike Walden why some analysts say this won’t prevent a repeat sometime in the future. 

Mar 12, 2014

The new health law and jobs

Host Mary Walden asks about the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, which has the task of analyzing the economic impacts of federal programs, and recently issued a report, saying that the new healthcare law -- the Affordable Care Act -- could actually lead to fewer jobs in the economy. Needless to say this report has been debated and analyzed ever since its release. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, to help us understand this report. 

Mar 11, 2014

New thoughts on retirement planning

The traditional recommendation for the investment of a retiree’s money was to move away from riskier investments and focus on "save assets" to preserve their nest egg, says host Mary Walden. “But now I understand some financial experts say this might not be the best approach. What are they saying?” she asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Mar 10, 2014

$3 million gift to CALS from alumni couple will seed rural student access initiative at N.C. State University

The gift from Dr. Joseph K. and Deborah Kapp Gordon of Raleigh to the university’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will support a number of initiatives to better prepare rural North Carolinians for acceptance to – and then the rigors of – N.C. State. 

Mar 10, 2014

A new manufacturing paradigm

Host Mary Walden quotes economists as saying that manufacturing is in a transition phase; indeed, they say there is a new model or paradigm for manufacturing of the future. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “What is this model and what does it mean for the U.S. and North Carolina?” 

Mar 7, 2014

Slow job growth

The good news is that the economy is adding jobs; but the bad news is that the job gains appear to be on the low end by historical standards, says host Mary Walden. She asks her husband, economist Mike Walden, “Do we have an easy answer as to why?” 

Mar 6, 2014

N.C. Cooperative Extension shines in JOE

A number of North Carolina Cooperative Extension professionals authored articles that appear in the February 2014 issue of the Journal of Extension. 

Mar 6, 2014

RAFI offers farm advocacy webinars, beginning March 11

Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) is offering a series of webinars on farm advocacy for family farmers beginning March 11. The first webinar, Farm Advocacy 101, will be held on March 11, at 3:00 - 3:45 pm EST. 

Mar 6, 2014

Extension Centennial Celebrations to be held in May

Mark your calendars now to join N.C. Cooperative Extension for two centennial celebrations May 19 and 20. Extension employees, as well as county stakeholders and partners are invited to attend. 

Mar 6, 2014

Economic clusters

Host Mary Walden asks about a buzz phrase heard often in discussions about economic development -- economic clusters. Her husband N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds.