Our Work
WIndicators Volume 2, Number 6: Business Expansions in Wisconsin: Part 2
August 2019 — In recent decades, significant resources have been devoted to entrepreneurship, and studies find net annual job creation is positive only for startups (Economic Innovation Group, 2017; Conroy and Deller, 2015). As a result, growth potential of existing firms is sometimes overlooked. Expansions, existing firms adding jobs, create 75% of gross new employment […]
The Contributions of Agriculture to the Wisconsin Economy: An Update for 2017
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY October 2019 — This study provides an update of the Contribution of Agriculture to the Wisconsin Economy undertaken by Deller (2014) using data for 2017, the most current available. Despite currently weak commodity prices, particularly within dairy, agriculture (defined to include on-farm activities, food processing, forestry and horticulture) remains an important part of […]
A Trade Area Analysis of Wisconsin Retail and Service Markets: Updated for 2018
For the updated Trade Area Analysis (TAA) of Wisconsin counties we use the sales tax data as reported by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for 2017. Only those counties that have elected to collect the optional county sales tax are included in the analysis. Because sales tax data are used one must keep in mind that the analysis focuses only on taxable sales and may not reflect the total level of activity in the county. Using Pull Factors and measures of Surplus and Leakage, the relative strengths and weaknesses of local retail markets are identified. An example of how to explore changes in Pull Factors over time to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and potential threats is also provided.
WIndicators Volume 2, Number 5: The Competitiveness of the Wisconsin Economy
July 2019 — Patterns of uneven economic growth and development across the U.S. have been well established in the popular press and academic literature. Some states, such as Mississippi, Alabama and New Mexico, continue to experience higher rates of poverty, lower rates of worker productivity, and modest income growth. Other states, such as Arizona, Colorado […]
Walkability Means Better Business (Issue 188, July 2019)
(Image Source: Frank Busch / Unsplash) July 2019 — Walkability is a measure of how friendly an area is for walking. Factors influencing walkability include the presence or absence and quality of footpaths, sidewalks, or other pedestrian rights-of-way, traffic and road conditions, land use patterns, building accessibility, distance, and safety. The friendlier a place, the […]
WIndicators Volume 2, Number 4: Business Expansions in Wisconsin
June 2019 — Much attention has been paid to the role of entrepreneurship as a source of job creation in recent years. While this is warranted, expansions of existing businesses are also inseparable from job creation and economic growth. In terms of gross job creation, firm expansions contribute a significantly higher number of jobs than […]
The State of Wisconsin Manufacturing
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY May 2019 — The following analysis explores the status of manufacturing in Wisconsin by examining long term trends and benchmarking against comparable states in the Midwest region and the U.S. more generally. Key Findings: Despite fluctuations, the recent number of manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin is close to the level in 1970 at 500,000. […]
WIndicators Volume 2, Number 3: How Diverse is the Wisconsin Economy, and Why Should We Care?
February 2019 — The relationship between the diversity of a regional economy and economic growth, stability, and resiliency has been at the center of a large academic literature for over 70 years. Drawing on the idea that a diversified portfolio of investments (e.g. stocks, bonds, etc.) can minimize risk and foster sustainable returns (growth) many […]
Design Wisconsin: Ellsworth
January 2019 — On October 18, 2018, a group of 17 planning and design professionals found their way to Ellsworth, Wisconsin to dedicate their time and expertise in hopes of helping the community discover their shared vision for the future. Assisted by Extension’s Community Vitality & Placemaking Signature Effort, the following report documents the process […]
WIndicators Volume 2, Number 2: Childcare as an Economic Development Strategy
December 2018 — With unemployment rates at historical lows and many employers having difficulty finding workers to fill their open positions, policymakers and employers alike are looking for available labor. In Wisconsin, the labor force participation rate is already well above the national average. Given the age structure and historical trends identified by Kures, Deller, […]
Dollar Stores in Small Communities: Are They a Good Fit for Your Town? (Issue 187, December 2018)
(Image Source: Claudio Schwarz / Unsplash) December 2018 — The three largest dollar store chains, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree, have found ways to stay relevant in the changing, post-Great Recession. As the popularity of online shopping is increasing, some large retailers, like Sears and JC Penney, have closed many of their stores. […]
Shifting Wisconsin Labor Resources: A Review of Educational Attainment
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY November 2018 — If the vision for Wisconsin’s future economy is one of competitive wages, innovative industry, and an entrepreneurial culture, then there are challenges on the horizon. From the perspective of developing an educated labor force that supports both innovation and entrepreneurship, the metrics presented in this report are troubling. The education […]
