Author: Natalie Hampton

Feb 26, 2014

Is cheap clothing going away?

Host Mary Walden asks, “Mike, for the last couple of decades, clothing prices have been dropping relative to other prices. Their decline has at least helped families deal with rising gas and healthcare prices. But now I understand low clothing prices may soon be a thing of the past. What’s happened?” 

Feb 21, 2014

Disappearing banks

Host Mary Walden fondly remembers opening her first bank account. She asks about the issue of disappearing banks – why are there fewer banks today? Her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, says there are reasons why there are fewer brick-and-mortar banks today. 

Feb 19, 2014

Extension Visioning Team continues its work

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service (NCCES) Strategic Vision & Planning Initiative continues to make significant strides in 2014. In January, the organization’s Visioning Team, made up of about 50 Extension employees, county government partners and volunteer leaders, gathered in Browns Summit to review and synthesize the input from 14 recent public listening sessions and online comments. 

Feb 14, 2014

You Decide: Why is unemployment still so high?

Economist Mike Walden says there is good news and bad news about the North Carolina job market. More jobs have been created in recent years, but there are still thousands of North Carolinians who don’t have jobs and want to work. 

Feb 1, 2014

Nominate faculty for Borlaug Award by March 7

Award nominations are being accepted through March 7 for the Norman E. Borlaug Excellence in Service to Society and the Environment Award. This award, sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources, is open to all tenure-track faculty of N.C. State University and is presented annually. 

Jan 31, 2014

You Decide: Do unemployment benefits increase unemployment?

Like most people, my grandparents struggled during the Great Depression of the 1930s. My maternal grandfather lost his life’s savings in a failed bank. Because he was a widower, his extended family wanted to take his children – including my mother – and raise them. He refused. My paternal grandfather constantly moved between part-time jobs, all the while trying to keep his small farm afloat. 

Jan 27, 2014

Rocky Mount conference, Feb. 12, focuses on growing organic market

The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA), in partnership with North Carolina State University, will host the 5th annual Organic Commodities and Livestock Conference on Feb. 12. The one-day event will take place in Rocky Mount at Nash Community College’s Brown Auditorium Business & Industry Center. 

Jan 17, 2014

YOU DECIDE: What’s the best way to count jobs?

N.C. State University economist Dr. Mike Walden explains the different surveys measuring employment rates. 

Jan 16, 2014

Centennial website provides news, information on Extension’s 100 years

Throughout 2014 as North Carolina Cooperative Extension celebrates its 100th birthday, watch for news and learn more about the organization through Extension's centennial website: ncce100years.ces.ncsu.edu. 

Jan 6, 2014

N.C. Cooperative Extension Service makes progress with reorganization

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has wrapped up a series of 14 public listening sessions and is moving forward on schedule with its system-wide reorganization effort in 2014. Nearly 2,000 employees, volunteers, elected officials, agricultural producers and others participated in listening sessions in November and December. A new plan for Extension is expected by spring.