Economy
Archived Posts from this Category
November 17, 2011
Small business Saturday, the day after Black Friday
Posted by Mark under Business, Economy, Marketing, retail[2] Comments
November 8, 2011
Roseburg, DC, economic update deadline is Nov. 9
Posted by Mark under Business, Economy, Local EventsLeave a Comment
You have until end of day Wednesday, November 9 to register for Economic Forecast.
Five speakers will bring a wide range of information and knowledge to this half-day event. Speakers are: Fred Dickson, economist and senior VP at D.A. Davidson & CO.; Raymond P. Davis, president & CEO of Umpqua Holdings Corporation; Paul Owen, president of Vanport International; John H. Brown, partner of Evans, Elder & Brown Real Estate Brokerage; and Graham Slater, Oregon Employment Department’s Director of Research.
The cost of the program is $35 for members, $30 for three or more members and $40 for non-members with continental breakfast included. Register online at http://www.roseburgareachamber.org/chamber/events.php, or call 541-672-2648, ext. 22.
Sponsors include: Avista Utilities, C&D Lumber Company, Douglas Timber Operators, Oregon Pacific Bank, Seven Feathers Casino Resort, Slight, Klimowicz & Friel, CPA, Umpqua Insurance Agency, Umpqua Training & Employment and Watkinson, Laird, Rubenstein, Baldwin & Burgess, PC.
REMEMBER THE ECONOMIC FORECAST IS HELD AT:
Douglas County Fairgrounds, 7:45 a.m. to noon
November 1, 2011
A skunk by any other name – Americans describe the economy
Posted by Mark under EconomyLeave a Comment
6,059 respondents participated in the 2nd October American Pulse conducted 10/25-10/26/2011. The latest results show that very few Americans have positive things to say about the economy. Many say their standard of living has dropped, most would support tax system reform and the majority thinks the government needs to spend less to get the economy back on track.
Worthington, OH (PRWEB) November 01, 2011
What one word best describes the economy? If you said something like bad, sucks, poor, terrible or depressing, you’d be right in line with the top 5 descriptions, according to the latest American Pulse™ Survey of 6,059 respondents. In fact, a positive word doesn’t even make it into the top 10 responses:
What ONE WORD describes your feelings towards the economy?” TOP 15 (Adults 18+)
What ONE WORD describes your feelings towards the economy?” TOP 15 (Adults 18+)
1) Bad: 11.9%
2) Sucks: 6.3%
3) Poor: 4.8%
4) Terrible: 4.1%
5) Depressing: 4.1%
6) Sad: 3.8%
7) Horrible: 2.6%
8) Scary: 2.4%
9) Worried: 2.2%
10) Disappointing: 2.0%
11) Crap: 1.7%
12) Hopeful: 1.6%
13) [Profanity]: 1.5%
14) Lousy: 1.4%
15) Frustrating: 1.4%
Source: American Pulse™ Survey, October-2011
For a full, complimentary report, click here.
Hopeful is the first positive word mentioned at #12, with only 1.6% saying so, followed closely by foul language with 1.5%. Americans’ frustration with the economy could be the result of a sharp drop in the standard of living. Before the start of the recession, the majority said their standard of living was positive. 17.1% said it was “Excellent” while 55.9% rated it as “Good.” 22.0% were in the middle and said their life was “Fair” while only 5.0% described their pre-recession life as “Poor.” Currently, however, only 3.6% say their standard of living is “Excellent” and 1 in 4 (25.6%) say “Good.” 42.3% now rate their standard of living as “Fair” and a whopping 28.5% say their life is “Poor.”
Other Key Findings:
- To get the economy back on track, 68.6% think the U.S. government should spend less. 18.8% think the government should spend more while 12.7% aren’t sure.
- To get citizens to help the economy, 39.6% say consumers should spend more while 30.5% think they should spend less. 29.9% aren’t sure.
- If given an extra $100 a month, 42.8% would pay down debt, 41.8% would put it towards every day expenses and 32.7% would save it. 14.3% would splurge on something for themselves or their family.
- Most (79.2%) think the current tax system is unfair, and 86.1% agree the system needs to be reformed. If given the option of a flat tax, 35.5% would prefer it while 39.7% would rather reform the current system. 24.8% aren’t sure.
- The majority (58.5%) don’t identify with radical groups fighting for major changes in government and big business. However, 21.1% admit they identify with the Occupy Wall Street participants and slightly fewer (20.4%) identify with the Tea Party.
American Pulse™
The American Pulse™ Survey is collected online twice a month exclusively utilizing SSI’s U.S. panel covering topics such as politics, pop culture and the economy. 6,059 respondents participated in the 2nd October American Pulse conducted 10/25-10/26/2011. Margin of error is +/- 1.3%. http://www.biginsight.com
Survey Sampling International (SSI)
Bringing together Survey Sampling International and Opinionology, SSI is the premier global provider of world-leading sampling, data collection and data analytic solutions for survey research. SSI reaches respondents in 72 countries via Internet, telephone, mobile/wireless and mixed access offerings. Value-add services include questionnaire design consultation, programming and hosting, data processing and real-time reporting. SSI serves more than 2,000 clients, including the top 50 research organizations. It has 30 offices serving clients around the world.
October 19, 2011
Where the jobs went – where the jobs are
Posted by Mark under Consumer research, Demographics, Economy[2] Comments
In 1940 manufacturing was the largest share of U.S. employment at 30.4%, it rose to 32.7% by 1970. In 2000, as U.S. consumers migrated to foreign manufactured cars and shopped Wal-Mart for inexpensive Chinese goods,manufacturing dropped to 21.3%.
The second largest employment category in 1940 was transportation, communication and finance at 30.4%, almost exactly the same percentage as today. It was higher in 1970 at 35%. Agriculture rounded rounded out the next largest source of employment in 1940 at 19.1%; today it is barely measured.
Professional services has been the biggest beneficiary of the change as the percentage in 1940 was 7.5% and in 2000 was measured at 29.2%.
For those looking at government employment the percent in 1940 was 3.9%; in 1970 5.5%; and in 2000 it was 4.8%.
These a many other measures of U.S. population, dating back to 1790, can be seen in graphical form at this very useful website, demographic chartbook.
September 16, 2011
Hummel report – August 2011 real estate update; UCC progress
Posted by Mark under Business leadership, Economy, Real EstateLeave a Comment
By Neil Hummel, Century 21
Greetings:
Good News! I have been selected to be the chairman of the upcoming bond measure in May 2012. Umpqua Community College will request authorization from the voters of Douglas County in May 2012 to finance $40,000,000 in general obligation bonds to build a Regional Allied Health & Science Training Center, an Industrial Arts & Technology Training Center, and to repurpose vacated spaces, including the infrastructure on the campus.
The bond would also enable Umpqua Community College to purchase a facility or build a facility to provide programs and services in South County. The tax rate is anticipated to be $.33 per $1000 assessed value of property in Douglas County. The median home value in Douglas County is $176,700 and at $.33 per $1000 that equates to $58.08 per year for 25 years to support the bond levy. I am often asked,“ why would the College put a bond levy to vote under the worse economic conditions in our nation, in our state and in our county? “ In my opinion, we need to do it now more than ever! We really don’t have any other choice! If we don’t do something constructive who will help us? I feel strongly that our college is the catalyst for economic growth in our community by offering students the curriculum to survive and thrive in the workplace.
The citizens of Douglas County are a very resilient and self supporting group, and with the successful passage of this bond levy, we will offer hope for not only now but into the future. To me, this is more than a bond levy or another tax, it is an investment now for the future citizens of this county.
What we are asking in this bond levy reminds me of what was asked of our community in 1964 when the college was established. Douglas County was fortunate to have the conscientious and futuristic leaders back then to secure the location of a community college here. They invested then and we are being asked to invest now for bigger dividends into the future of our community. A recent study conducted by EMSI concluded that the college has a $196.7 Million impact on our local economy annually. Folks, that is huge. Please help me and the college get this measure passed in May 2012, the future of Douglas County depends on it. If you would like to help me, please call me.
Residential real estate in August 2011 compared to a year ago saw that our closed sales went up from 75 to 77. Also, compared to last month our closed sales rose as well from 65 to 77 (+18.5%). Pending sales also grew from 79 to 102 (+29.1%). However, when look at year to date to closed sales compared to this time last year we are down -4.9%. (585vs615).
The average sales price has decreased by -8.6% compared to last year at this time to $152,200 vs. $155,600. As you can see, when prices decrease our sales increase. Today’s prices are where they were in August 2004 and down from the high of $251,000 in February 2007.
I am very encouraged to see the upward trends in our market, which can be attributed to lower prices, lower interest rates and sellers that are willing to work toward getting their houses sold. Sellers are pricing their homes to sell rather than just to see if they sell. I often tell sellers that even if they take less in the sale of their property more than likely wherever they are moving to, they will buy at a lower price as well.
Again, please keep our brave young men and women who are serving our country along with their families in your thoughts and prayers for all their sacrifices in keeping our nation free. Also, remember those families and survivors of 9/11, ten years later. God Bless you and the USA!
September 14, 2011
The “average American” – facts you didn’t know
Posted by Mark under Business, Consumer research, Demographics, EconomyLeave a Comment
By Cheryl Russell, editorial director, New Strategist Publications
To see this newsletter in your browser, click here.
To see Cheryl Russell’s Demo Memo blog, click here.
(Mark’s note: Cheryl is one smart lady and I appreciate her letting me use some of her material. I’d suggest subscribing to her blog using the link above to see all of her free information.)
It is painfully clear that the nation’s politicians and business leaders are not demographers. If they were, they would not be so far off the mark in their positions and policies, products and promotions. Simply put, they do not have a feel for the average American.
Like most of the public, politicians and business leaders get the bulk of their information about the population from television shows and news stories–a frightening thought since both grossly distort the characteristics of the average American. From reading business stories in the news, for example, you might think the average American actually owns stock (wrong) or runs a business rather than works for one.
There is no single source of information on the average American. To know him (or her), you have to follow the demographics. To that end, here is a sampling of just a few of the characteristics of the average American (adult) or household.
1. The average American makes $735/week.
2. The average American has $34 in his/her wallet.
Survey of Consumer Payment Choice
3. The average American spends $69 a day.
4. The average American has a job (58%).
5. The average American thinks hard work is the way to get ahead (70%).
6. The average American thinks the government’s number-one priority should be to help keep and create jobs in America (51%).
7. The average American has employer-provided health insurance (56%).
8. The average American household spends $3,126 a year out-of-pocket on health care.
9. The average American has a landline telephone (70%).
National Health Interview Survey
10. The average American has a cell phone (87%), but does not own a smart phone (only 35% own one).
National Health Interview Survey, Pew Research Center
11. The average American says the economy/jobs will be the top issue in the 2012 election (60%).
12. The average American has less than $100,000 in savings (54%).
13. The average American does not directly own any stock. (Only 19% of households own stock directly.)
14. The average American household is $75,600 in debt (including the mortgage).
15. The average American has been to college (56%), but does not have a college degree.
16. The average American owns a desktop (59%) and/or laptop computer (52%).
Pew Internet & American Life Project
17. The average American used the Internet today (59%).
Pew Internet & American Life Project
18. The average American says he/she is in very good or excellent health (56%).
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
19. The average American is overweight (63%).
National Health Interview Survey
20. The average American eats at least two snacks a day (65%).
21. The average American drinks alcohol regularly (52%).
National Health Interview Survey
22. The average American goes to the doctor at least twice a year (65%).
National Health Interview Survey
23. The average American is taking at least one prescription drug.
24. The average American sometimes or often has trouble sleeping (55%).
25. The average American is currently married (51%).
Families and Living Arrangements
26. The average American has never divorced (only 21% have ever divorced).
Survey of Income and Program Participation
27. The average American lives in one of the top 50 metropolitan areas (54%).
28. The average American is a homeowner (65%).
29. The average American lives in an 1,800 square foot house.
30. The average American lives in a house built before 1975.
31. The average American believes the effects of global warming have already begun or soon will (53%).
32. The average American household is air-conditioned (87%).
33. The average American watches 2 hours and 49 minutes of television a day.
34. The average American has two or more children (57%).
35. The average American favors spanking children, if necessary (69%).
36. The average American was born in-state (52%).
37. The average American’s parents were born in the United States (78%)
38. The average American’s grandparents (all four) were born in the United States (59%).
39. The average American household owns two vehicles.
40. The average American household owns at least one pet (62%).
American Pet Products Association
41. The average American pays his/her credit card bill in full each month (54%).
National Bureau of Economic Research
42. The average American household has a net worth of $96,000.
43. The average American believes in God without a doubt (59%).
44. The average American believes in evolution (56%).
45. The average American favors the death penalty (68%).
46. The average American often or always recycles (64%).
47. The average American wants the government to spend more on education (74%), health care (60%), and the environment (60%).
National Opinion Research Center
48. The average American is worried about being able to maintain his/her standard of living (58%).
49. The average American believes the honesty and ethical standards of Congress are low (57%).
Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics
50. The average American does not know which political party controls the House of Representatives (62%).
By Cheryl Russell, editorial director, New Strategist Publications. For more about the the average American, see the 10th edition of The American Marketplace: Demographics and Spending Patterns , available in hardcopy or as a PDF download with links to Excel files of each data table. If you have questions or comments about the above editorial, contact demographics@newstrategist.com.
September 14, 2011
DOUGLAS COUNTY – Some numbers
|
July 2011 |
July 2010 |
July 2009 |
|
| Civilian Labor Force |
46,362 |
47,026 |
47,250 |
| Employed |
40,557 |
40,509 |
40,152 |
| Unemployed |
5,805 |
6,517 |
7,098 |
| County
Unemployment Rate |
Seasonally Adjusted: 13.4% |
Seasonally Adjusted: 14.9% |
Seasonally Adjusted: 15.9% |
| State
Unemployment Rate |
Seasonally Adjusted: 9.5% |
Seasonally Adjusted: 10.7% |
Seasonally Adjusted: 11.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
| Population – 2010
Census |
Census 2010 107,667
21.4 people/square mile |
Census 2000 100,399 Unincorporated: ~ 54.7% 19.9 people/square mile |
2000-2010 change +7,268 (7.2%) |
| Average Pay per Job: |
Douglas 2010 $33,341 |
Oregon 2010 $41,667 |
Douglas 2009 $32,742 |
|
July Gains and Losses: (these are preliminary estimates and will be revised)
For additional information: http://www.qualityinfo.org/olmisj/BIC or The Douglas County Labor Trends publication: http://www.qualityinfo.org/olmisj/PubReader?itemid=00000046
Oregon Labor Trends (statewide) : http://www.qualityinfo.org/olmisj/PubReader?itemid=00000051
If you would like to regularly receive this monthly update, please drop me an e-mail or phone!
Annette.I.Shelton-Tiderman@state.or.us Workforce Analyst, Oregon Employment Dept.; 541-530-0605 (cell) |
|||
September 14, 2011
Home ownership trends – Neil Hummel
Posted by Mark under Demographics, Economy, Real EstateLeave a Comment
By Neil Hummel, Century 21
I read in today’s Register Guard an article about the changing trends in home ownership that is occurring in America. After the housing bust, some choose to rent longer while new homes tend to be smaller and simpler, the article says.
People who buy today are buying simpler more modest priced homes that are smaller. The trend toward more space and the most elaborate home in the neighborhood are giving in to a modest home that will fit the needs of the American family as we are beginning to recognize.
More and More households are headed by one parent so the need for a smaller home fits their needs and pocket books better. Also, homeowners are staying in their homes longer that only 11% of sellers surveyed last year have owned their homes for less than 3 years as opposed to 30% in 2006.
Increasingly, consumers are seeing their houses simply as a place to live, not as lucrative investments as in the past few years. Prior to that the last 50 years have seen nothing but real estate appreciate. Now that is not true. Many Americans are underwater in their home purchase and many are walking away. Thus prices continue to drop because of the increase in for closured properties a trend that will continue for some time into the future.
Historically, home ownership hovers around the 60% level for all Americans. From 2000-2006 that level jumped to 70% which we discovered was unsustainable. We have all witnessed (more…)
September 14, 2011
The future of the store – what is ahead for retail
Posted by Mark under Business, Economy, retail, Retail TrendsLeave a Comment
Retail health plays a pretty important role in the health of retail advertising in the newspaper so I try to pay attention to what is happening and predictions of the future. Like most sectors the economic downturn hasn’t been good for most retailers and rapid adoption of online purchasing has become a significant new source of sales leakage. Worse, online sales leakage hits high margin sales hardest leaving retailers with lower margin goods that must be sold in higher volumes.
Retail is changing and predicting the future in a dynamic environment brings its own risks, but Adrian Lai gives it a shot on the PSFK blog. The blog includes a link to their report on the future of retail.
September 14, 2011
Any reason for economic optimism over the next 12 months? Bill Connerly thinks so
Posted by Mark under Business, Economy[2] Comments
We’ve made telling ourselves how miserable everything is a national past-time. Turn on your television and you will either be greeted by cheap reality programming or news commentators squawking about the latest bad economic, political, or natural disaster news. Breaking bad news has become as common and ubiquitous as fall yellow jackets in Roseburg.
Bill Connerly says there is good news in the changing money supply and tells why. Check it out on his Businomics blog.
Bill Connerly, chairman of the board of the Cascade Policy Institute, provides regularly good and insightful information in his blog, Businomics. With a Ph.D. in economics and a long background in policy work his insights are worth a look.
If you’d like support for the opinion that we’re headed for even more economic bad news, John Mauldin from Business Insider can provide it. His article, “And now comes the recession of 2011 …” He provides even more nifty charts.
