News

Dec 15, 2011

Christmas hiring

Hiring usually picks up around the Christmas season as retailers and other businesses gear up for the extra buying that’s expected. But with the economy still challenged and unemployment near 10 percent, will we see much additional hiring this year? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Dec 14, 2011

North Carolina's productivity

One of the ways states compete for business is on the quality of their workforce. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in on how North Carolina ranks on a key workforce measure. 

Dec 13, 2011

Who pays for Medicare?

As our federal elected officials look for ways to reduce the growth in the national debt, big federal medical programs like Medicare have come under scrutiny. Why is Medicare being included in these discussions? 

Dec 12, 2011

Good news on GDP

Most economists seem to cheer the latest news on the economy. Gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the economy, rose 2.5 percent on an annual basis in the third quarter. What does this mean? Why is it important? And should we be happy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Dec 12, 2011

Scholarship to honor innovative agribusinessman

The late Livio Ferruzzi, an agricultural business entrepreneur and innovator with a global reach and local presence, was honored Dec. 8 when family, friends and associates gathered at the Center for Marine Science and Technology in Morehead City to establish an N.C. State University scholarship endowment in his name. 

Dec 9, 2011

Right as rain

When it comes to lessening the effects of water pollution, residential and commercial rain gardens are becoming increasingly popular in North Carolina, thanks in large part to N.C. State University and its Cooperative Extension Service. 

Dec 9, 2011

YOU DECIDE: Why is it hard to get a loan?

Why aren't banks and other institutions making loans? Mike Walden discusses. 

Dec 9, 2011

New poverty measures

Poverty is a major barometer of our economy, but measuring it can be tricky. The U.S. Census, which counts poverty, made some major changes in its calculation methods. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Dec 8, 2011

Organic meat processor approved, NC Choices announces

In a boon to the local and niche meat industry in North Carolina, a Taylorsville meat processing company has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to process certified organic meats. 

Dec 8, 2011

The age wealth gap

A report was just released documenting how differences in wealth between the young and the elderly have changed in recent decades. In terms of wealth, are we coming together or growing apart? N.C. State University economist answers.