News

Mar 14, 2013

Coping with graying

It’s forecasted that by the year 2050, people over age 60 in the world will outnumber children under the age of 14. Some predict the planet’s population will actually begin to drop. Should we be worried? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 13, 2013

Why nations succeed

Why do some nations succeed economically and others fail? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden shares highlights from a new book that explores the reasons. 

Mar 12, 2013

Did the tax hike hurt?

Most workers saw a 2 percentage-point increase in the payroll tax they pay this year. Some worry this will be bad for the economy by causing a reduction in consumer spending. Have we seen any evidence of this adverse effect yet? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 11, 2013

Agbiosciences drive economic growth, job creation in the Southern U.S.

Amid news of a still sputtering U.S. economic recovery, a report released today shows the nation’s agbioscience industries are growing, especially in the South. According to a Battelle study, agriculture, forestry and fisheries production generates $240 billion in regional economic activity within the Southern region and supports over 2.2 million jobs with labor income totaling $62 billion. 

Mar 11, 2013

Rules of the investment road

There’s always uncertainty in investing. One particular problem today is that safe investments pay very low returns, and yet investments like stocks that have done better can always retreat. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden offers five simple rules for the average investor. 

Mar 8, 2013

Extension Administration connects with employees live online

N.C. Cooperative Extension administrators embarked on a new strategy to communicate directly with all Extension employees twice each year. On Monday, March 11, they held the first Extension-wide webinar on N.C. State University’s Blackboard Collaborate system, and the meeting recording is now available for employees who were not able to attend. 

Mar 8, 2013

Banking on manufacturing

In his State of the Union Address, President Obama called for a return to manufacturing and factory jobs as a way to economic recovery. The same recommendation has been made here in North Carolina. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether manufacturing can really lead an economic revival. 

Mar 7, 2013

Another positive sign for the job market

There’s a little more optimism about the employment situation today as we are seeing businesses adding positions and jobless rates trending down. However, one of the scary statistics for the job market has been the length of time folks have been out of work. Are we seeing any progress here? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 6, 2013

VetPAC networking event draws record attendance

More than 100 pre-veterinary track students took advantage of the opportunity to hear from a diverse range of veterinary professionals Jan. 31, at the annual networking event hosted by the Veterinary Professions Advising Center. 

Mar 6, 2013

N.C. State, UT scientists received grant to improve produce safety

KANNAPOLIS – A group of scientists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and North Carolina State University are working together to improve the safety of organic produce – naturally. Their study, “Alternative Post-harvest Washing Solutions to Enhance the Microbial Safety and Quality of Organic Fresh Produce,” began last fall.