Center for Business & Economic Research

Located in the Sam M. Walton College of Business, the Center provides applied economic and business research to federal, state, and local government, as well as to businesses currently operating or those that desire to operate in the state of Arkansas. The Center further works to improve the economic opportunities of all Arkansans by conducting policy research in the public interest.

State of Northwest Arkansas Region Report Release, Quarterly Business Analysis Set for October 27, 2021

U of A economist joined by Northwest Arkansas Council CEO Nelson Peacock to discuss economic trends and efforts to address housing affordability in the region.

The Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, in collaboration with the Northwest Arkansas Council, will release the tenth yearly State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report on Oct. 27.

The State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report, first published in 2011, will be shared during a Zoom webinar beginning at 11:30 a.m. Registration in advance is required for the event.

Mervin Jebaraj, the center’s director, will outline the economic highlights in the State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report and will report on economic data and insights regarding regional housing affordability and the continued impacts of the pandemic.

The State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report is viewed as one of the best measures of the area’s economy, comparing that to peer regions such as Madison, Wis.; Raleigh, N.C.; Provo-Orem, Utah; Des Moines, Iowa; and Austin, Texas.

Northwest Arkansas Council President and Chief Executive Officer Nelson Peacock will give an update on efforts of the workforce housing center announced earlier this year to address housing affordability in the region. Through unique collaboration with community partners, the center is working to develop a strategic plan specific to housing needs and priorities. It will promote housing development in proximity to job centers, lifestyle amenities, downtowns, bus stops, and bicycle and pedestrian trails.

The deadline for pre-registration is Tuesday, Oct. 26.

Nelson Peacock
CEO
Northwest Arkansas Council

Greg Pogue

Mervin Jebaraj
Director
University of Arkansas
Center for Business and Economic Research

2021 Arkansas Business Forecast
January 29, 2021

2021 Business Forecast Program and Slides

Each year, the Center for Business & Economic Research hosts the Arkansas Business Forecast event, bringing together national and international experts to discuss the economic outlook for Arkansas, the nation and the world. The event typically draws more than 1,200 business and community leaders.

The event was held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Due to the current risk from the pandemic, the event was held virtually via Zoom. For questions please call 479-575-4151 or email cber@walton.uark.edu.

Registration is Closed

Panelists for the luncheon this year are:

Global Forecaster: Catherine Mann, global chief economist at Citibank.

Domestic Forecaster: Mark Palim, vice president and deputy chief economist at Fannie Mae.

State and Regional Forecaster: Mervin Jebaraj, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research.

Detailed biographies of the speakers are HERE.

Thank you Arkansas Business Forecast 2021 Sponsors!

We are extremely grateful to our Business Forecast Sponsors.
Please call the Center for Business and Economic Research for additional sponsorship opportunities at 479-575-4151.

2021 Busines Forecast Sponsor Logo