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.
Quarterly Business Analysis
The program builds networks of leaders from business, academic and governmental sectors in the region while addressing business highlights of the previous quarter, key economic trends and projections and immediate and long-term issues facing the regional and state economy.
Mervin Jebaraj, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, presented the regular Quarterly Business Analysis on Thursday, May 24, 2018.
Networking and registration began at 11:00 am and the program is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Fayetteville, 1325 North Palak Drive.
"The program will took a look at new economic data, tax cuts, tariffs, interest rate adjustments and other factors and at their effect on short-term and long-term growth for the nation, Arkansas and the region," Jebaraj said. "Even in a growing economy, changes in policy and a daily flow of new information can shift the economic outlook." The program also took a deep dive into what kind of pressure Northwest Arkansas' growing population is putting on affordable housing in the region.
Registration Information:
The cost for the Quarterly Business Analysis program and luncheon is $40.
Preregistration by Friday, May 18, is required. Reservations can be made for the luncheon here or call 479-575-4151.
Event is at Capacity
Business Forecast 2018
Program
2018 Business Forecast Luncheon Program
Presentations
Mervin Jebaraj, Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research
Michael Milken, Chairman of the Milken Institute
The 24th Annual Business Forecast Luncheon was held on January 26, 2018 from 11:30
am to 1:30 pm at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers, Arkansas. The luncheon
brings national and international experts to discuss the economic outlook for Arkansas,
the nation, and the world. The sold out event had over 1,100 in attendance, focusing
on current and future trends in the economy. Mervin Jebaraj presented the economic
outlook for the state and highlighted challenges and opportunities for Arkansas and
Northwest Arkansas. Milken Institute Chairman, Michael Milken, was the keynote and
spoke about rebuilding the American dream. Ross DeVol, Walton Fellow and former chief
research officer for the Milken Institute, moderated a question-and-answer session
with Milken following his speech.
2017 State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report
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,
released the seventh annual State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report on Oct.
3, 2017. The report was released during the luncheon program at the Northwest Arkansas
Board of Realtors Event Center at 314 N. Goad Springs Road in Lowell. Speakers at
the event included Nelson Peacock, the Northwest Arkansas Council's new president
and CEO, and University of Arkansas economist Mervin Jebaraj, interim director of
the U of A's Center for Business and Economic Research, and University of Arkansas
Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz, the Northwest Arkansas Council's presiding co-chair.
Nelson Peacock, president and CEO since July 2017, discussed the council's regional
goals and addressed the need to expand efforts to attract federal funding for basic
research to enhance support for local entrepreneurs helping grow and diversify the
region's economy. Jebaraj outlined the economic highlights in the report, as well
as economic data and statistics from the Center for Business and Economic Research's
Quarterly Business Analysis. For additional information about the report and the center,
please contact us at cber@uark.edu or 479-575-4151.
Recent Research
- Results from the 2018-19 Survey of the Labor Market for New PhDs in Economics (January 2018)
- State of the Region Report (October 2017)
- Results from the 2017-18 Survey of the Labor Market for New PhDs in Economics (January 2017)
- Estimating the Demand for and Supply of Early Childhood Education in Northwest Arkansas (September 2016)
- Examining the Status of African Americans and Hispanics in Arkansas (September 2016)
- Economic Impact of the Clean Line in Arkansas (November 2015)
- 2015 State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report (October 2015)
- The Economic Impact of the University of Arkansas (February 2015)
- Results from the 2016-17 Survey of the Labor Market for New PhDs in Economics (January 2016)
- 2014 State of the Northwest Arkansas Region Report (October 2014)
- Arvest Consumer Sentiment Survey (June 2014)
- Economic Impact of Legalizing Retail Alcohol Sales in Craighead, Faulkner, and Saline Counties (May 2014)
- Visitor Spending at the 2013 Bikes, Blues & BBQ Festival (January 2014)
- Economic Impact of University of Arkansas Athletics (October 2012)
- Revisiting the Economic Impact of the Fayetteville Shale (May 2012)
Economic Data
Find economic statistics from national, Arkansas, and specific metropolitan areas.
View the DataOur Staff
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View Staff ListingOur Center in the News
- TalkBusiness and Politics: Springdale summit to focus on vision for downtown development
- NWAhomepage.com: WEB EXTRA: Combating rising housing prices in NWA
- ArkansasOnline: April housing sales rise 4.5% in state
- NWAOnline: Guest commentary: Northwest Arkansas can shape housing future with bold action
- NWAOnline: Local residents call for more affordable, connected, diverse housing
- ArkansasOnline: State's jobless rate stays 3.8% in May
- ArkansasOnline: Food-delivery services making big gains, including in Arkansas
- Arkansas Week:Arkansas weeks tariffs and trades June 8,2018
- Talk Business on KASU: Economist Mervin Jebaraj on shifting Arkansas economy & population
- Talk Business & Politics: Gov. Hutchinson, Arkansas industry officials concerned about new Trump trade tariffs
- NWAOnline: Doug Thompson: Growth vs. decline the state's biggest change goes on
- ArkansasOnline: Memphis overflow into Arkansas slim; river a barrier to suburban growth
- Talk Business & Politics: Farm income contributing to volatility in state GDP
- Talk Business & Politics: New Census research planned on earnings outcomes for college grads
- NWAOnline: Cities face challenges of multifamily housing
- NWAOnline Morning Update: Cities face challenges of multifamily housing
- NWAOnline: Housing obstacles challenge homeless
- The Wall Street Journal: Walmarts hometown has become a mecca for luxury home buyers
- UA Walton College economist Mervin Jebaraj explains what's at work in the Arkansas economy, including GDP, population shifts, and the farm bill
- ArkansasOnline: Arkansas' towns fade as suburbs flourish; census data show metro-area growth
- ArkansasOnline: State's job growth seen as slowing
- Talk Business & Politics: Washington County ranks18th nationally in wage growth wages statewide up 2.5%
- Talk Business & Politics: Northwest Arkansas economy grows despite workforce challenges, housing costs
- NWAOnline: Housing initiative concludes with design competition in Bentonville
- ArkansasOnline: State jobless rate holds at 3.8%
- Arkansas Business: NAFTA talks don't panic PAM Transport
- ArkansasOnline: Tyson's $850M will buy renderer
- University of Arkansas Newswire: Housing NWA professional design competition winners announced
- ArkansasOnline: BEA: Arkansas sees 36th ranking in 2017 GDP growth despite fourth quarter momentum
- ArkansasOnline: In Arkansas, housing sales fall
- Arkansas Business: Residential lots scarce as NWA draws a crowd
- Talk Business & Politics: Morning Briefing: Year over year Arkansas employment growth slowing
- ArkansasOnline: Pine Bluff officials hope to change citgy's image, lift economy
- ArkansasOnline: Analysts note sag in state job growth; unemployment rate remains at 3.8%
- ArkansasOnline: Youth jobs center planned; Saline county aims to keep its graduates from leaving
- Arkansas Newswire: Quarterly Business Analysis Luncheon Set for May 24 in Fayetteville
- Talkbusiness & Politics: Randolph County may vote on alcohol sales in November
- ArkansasOnline: Arkansas woman paid 78¢for man's $1, analysis finds
- KASU: UA economist says regional planning for affordable housing needed before it's too late
- Arkansas Online: Northwest Arkansas wages increase, still low for unemployment rate
- Arkansas Online: Northwest Arkansas job growth remains strong, white collar jobs increasing
- Talkbusiness & Politics: UA economist says regional planning for affordable housing needed before it's too late
- Talkbusiness & Politics: Mixed-use projects offer a solution to rising home prices
- ArkansasOnline: Telecommuting growth slow in state
- ArkansasOnline: Tarrifs opposed by farm coalition
- U.S. News & World Report: Census: Arkansas populations shrink in 40 counties
- NWA Democrat Gazette: Competing for collection: Region's economic growth seen in local sales tax revenue
- NWA Democrat Gazette: Business is Booming: Regional job growth remains strong, white collar jobs increasing
- NWA Democrat Gazette: Recruiting Talent Easy Sell
- NWA Democrat Gazette: Home market keeps tightening
- NWA Democrat Gazette: Wages rise, lag behind peers still, but area boasts lowest unemployment in group
- SFGATE: Census: Arkansas populations shrink in 40 counties
- ArkansasBusiness: Report: NWA sees historically low vacancy rate
- Pine Bluff Commercial: PB area sees largest population drop in state
- TalkBusiness & Politics: Northwest Arkansas leads growth in state, 14th fastest-growing metro area nationwide
- Arkansas Business: DOE drops its deal with clean line wind project won't cross Arkansas
- Russellville Courier: Census: Arkansas populations shrink in 40 counties
- ArkansasOnline: U.S. census data show 40 counties in Arkansas shrank from '16 to '17
- NWAOline: Jobless rate up to 3.8% for state
- KNWA: NWA sees population rise
- ArkansasOnline: Northwest Arkansas nears home crunch as new lots dwindle, sales stay brisk
- ArkansasOnline: Northwest Arkansas job growth remains strong, white collar jobs increasing
- NWAOnline: From the Agenda: Fayetteville Chamber Events-Combined C & D Committee & Transportation Committee meeting; Invited speaker Mervin Jebaraj, Executive Director, for the University of Arkansas Center for Business and Economic Research
- ArkansasOnline: Arkansas home sales start the year up 6.7%
- KNWA: Law from 2008 financial crisis may be undone
- 40/29tv: Toys R Us closing could benefit locally-owned stores
- ArkansasOnline: State's jobless rate stays put at 3.7%
- KFSM5newsonline: UA Economist sees tariffs leading to consumer price hikes retaliation from other countries
- TalkBusiness & Politics: UA economist sees tariffs leading to consumer price hikes, retaliation, from other countries
- ArkansasOnline: Northwest Arkansas schools expand health care education to meet demand
- TalkBusiness & Politics: Arkansas workers see weekly wages stall in late 2017; Washington County among nation's top decliners
- TalkBusiness & Politics: Credit card debt surpasses record $1 trillion in the fourth quarter
- NWAOnline: Senior housing booms in NW Arkansas
- TalkBusiness & Politics: UA Walton College economist MervinJebaraj discusses President Trump's tariff proposal and what it could mean for the economy
- NWAOnline: Assisted-living housing growing in NWA
- NWAOnline: Northwest Arkansas schools expand health care education to meet demand
- TalkBusiness and Politics: Credit card debt surpasses record $1 trillion in the fourth quarter
- NWAOnline: Dillard's renews stock-buyback plan
- NWAHomepage: Report: NWA housing market tightening
- KUAF: Home prices expected to rise again
- TalkBusiness & Politics: NWA residential lot supply falls 25%, prices for available lots rise
- Arkansas Business: Report: Lot supply shrinking in Northwest Arkansas
- TalkBusiness & Politics: Panelists say NWA's housing issues require public-private coordination
- NWAOnline: Search for affordability-Region pursues collaborative response on housing
- TalkBusiness & Politics: Economist outlines 2018 expectations, federal tax cut impact
- nwahomepage.com: Drop in the stock market grows concern on economy
- ArkansasOnline: Food trucks booming, but it's hard work
- TalkBusiness & Politics: Panelists say NWA's housing issues require public-private coordination
- NWAOnline: Commercial rent rising as downtowns change in Northwest Arkansas
- KUAF: Talk Business on KASU: Economist Mervin Jebaraj breaks down Arkansas' economy for '17, '18
- KNWA: Drop in the Stock Market Grows Concern on Economy
- TalkBusiness & Politics: Economist outlines 2018 expectations, federal tax cut impact
- ArkansasOnline: Arkansas-based Tyson invests in lab-grown meat
- NWAOnline: Report: Housing needed in downtowns
- TalkBusiness & Politics: UA Walton economist Mervin Jebaraj shares insight on how he expects the 2018 economy to perform
- ArkansasOnline: Tyson's earnings a record for a 1Q
- ArkansasOnline: Arkansas' jobless rate holds at 3.7%
- TalkBusiness & Politics: Growth to continue during 2018 in Northwest Arkansas, state; human and and financial capital key to long-term growth
- TalkBusiness & Politics: NWA residential sales hit $2 billion milestone in 2017
- ArkansasOnline: Arkansas' jobless rate holds at 3.7%
- NWAOnline: NWA Mall owners sue to lower property value millions
View Archive
New & Noteworthy
Quarterly Business Analysis Luncheon Set for May 24 in Fayetteville
Mervin Jebaraj, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, will present the regular Quarterly Business Analysis on Thursday, May 24.
Jebaraj Named Director of Center for Business and Economic Research
Mervin Jebaraj has been named director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas following a national search. His new role begins effective Jan. 1.
Jebaraj Named Employee of the Second Quarter by Walton College
Mervin Jebaraj, assistant director in the Center for Business and Economic Research, has been named employee of the second quarter by the Sam M. Walton College of Business.
Quarterly Business Analysis Luncheon Set for May 24 in Fayetteville
Mervin Jebaraj, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas, will present the regular Quarterly Business Analysis on Thursday, May 24.
Jebaraj Named Director of Center for Business and Economic Research
Mervin Jebaraj has been named director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas following a national search. His new role begins effective Jan. 1.
Jebaraj Named Employee of the Second Quarter by Walton College
Mervin Jebaraj, assistant director in the Center for Business and Economic Research, has been named employee of the second quarter by the Sam M. Walton College of Business.
