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Sponsored by The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship
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MEDC 2015 Winter Conference February 4-6, 2015 at the Hilton Hotel, Jackson, MS.
IEDC True South Basic Economic Development Course September 21-25, 2015
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December 8, 2014
EMSI Analyst to be Incorporated into MSED Research Methods Course
MSED Students in ED 722 Economic Development Theory & Research Methods this spring will get hands-on experience with Economic Modeling Specialist International (EMSI) Analyst, which is a leading provider of workforce and industry data for economic developers. The web-based software  includes data analysis and visualization tools that allow economic developers to understand labor markets, regional industries, and economies. The data includes 2-6 digit NAICS industries, 2001-present historic data, 10-year projections, regionalized staffing patterns by industry, average annual earnings, establishments, unemployment NAICS, occupation data, location quotient, and shift-share. Also, included in EMSI Analyst is an input/output model for conducting economic impact studies.  The students will use the software in various applied cases. By the completion of ED 722 student will have a basic understanding of the primary research methods and data sources used in economic development, including economic base analysis, target industry and industry cluster research, labor market analysis, retail trade area analysis, business and industry site location analysis, and competitor analysis of other geographic areas. The students are required to demonstrate the ability to apply these research methods to real-world economic development projects or situations. 
USM Laying the Groundwork for a "Creative Community Initiative"
Many universities across the nation are striving to better leverage the arts and other creative activities on campus to improve their competitiveness and help the local economy (cf. On Elite Campuses, an Arts Race). Meanwhile the State of Mississippi is undertaking a Creative Economy initiative to better realize the economic potential of creativity in Mississippi. In this context, the USM Faculty Senate is laying the groundwork for a "Creative Community Initiative" intended to explore a number of important questions.  These include:
  • How promoting the arts on campus can be an important factor in raising the overall stature of the university in the Hattiesburg and Mississippi communities
  • How promoting the arts on campus can be vital in supporting overall interest in the university and resulting financial investment
  • How promoting the arts on campus can be an important factor in enriching life on campus and in the recruiting and retention of students, faculty and staff
  • How promoting the arts on campus can assist arts programs in publicity and marketing efforts
  • How USM can contribute more to the creative economy of Mississippi

An initial planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 15th at 2:30 pm at the Trent Lott National Center for interested stakeholders from USM and the community. Contact Dr. Chad R. Miller,  Associate Professor & Graduate Coordinator of the Masters of Science in Economic Development Program for more details at [email protected] 

New Study Raises Concerns about Manufacturing Wages in US
A new study from the National Employment Law Project shows that real wages for manufacturing workers declined three times as much as for workers as a whole. Nine out of ten Americans believe that a strong manufacturing base is extremely important to our country's standard of living and believe it is the best way to create good middle class jobs.
While in the past, manufacturing workers earned a wage significantly higher than the U.S. average, by 2013 the average factory worker made 7.7 percent below the median wage for all occupations. Today, more than 600,000 manufacturing workers make just $9.60 per hour or less. More than 1.5 million manufacturing workers-one out of every four-make $11.91 or less. The downward trend in pay is particularly evident in the new automotive manufacturing sector in the Southeast where Mississippi is the only state where new hire autoworkers earn the statewide average for manufacturing. However, according to study the average wages for motor vehicles parts manufacturing in Mississippi has decreased 13% in the last ten years. One of the main issues is manufacturers heavy reliance on temporary workers. The report recommends that economic developers do a better job of collecting data on temporary versus full benefit jobs and more accountability for subsidies.
Southern Miss Economic Development | [email protected] | 118 College Drive #5191
Hattiesburg, MS 39401-0001

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