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2008 Regional Outlook Report

Regional Outlook Report The 2008 Regional Outlook Report is here!  This year's Report features a comprehensive economic assesment and forecast along with a myth-busting and illuminating survey of public opinion in the region.

We hope that this document will serve as a valuable tool, allowing the residents of the region to make more informed decisions.

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Bob Dunn: A Conversation About the Business of Business

Bob DunnBob Dunn, Fellow of the Institute for the Economy and the Future, talks about the many challenges entrepreneurs encounter while seeking to turn their ideas into a business reality. In this discussion Bob Dunn explores the details of developing a solid business model and business operations which maximize the potential of a new company's success - as well as maximizing the chances for attracting investors. The importance of defining your operations for market activities, customer transactions, business processes and resource management before you start is greatly emphasized. The audio may be played using the controls below or may be downloaded to your mp3 player by right-clicking here.

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Know Your Region

Recession?The “Know Your Region” project is designed to help economic development practitioners develop forward-thinking regional economic plans and discover the benefits of regional cooperation. New content: a round-table discussion on the likelihood of a U.S. recession in 2008 along with analysis of recent economic policy actions. To learn more, go to: www.knowyourregion.org.

CDE

Workforce DevelopmentThe Center for Digital Entrepreneurship (CDE), a division of the Institute for the Economy and the Future, engages students, faculty and staff with regional businesses and organizations to collaborate on projects within the emerging and rapid growth segments of the digital economy.

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Welcome to the IEF

IEF Mission

We promote economic community and policy development by enhancing public and private sector decision making to achieve sustainable prosperity and quality of life for all.

Western Carolina University’s Institute for the Economy and the Future(IEF) is a regional think tank with capacities for rigorous research, economic base analysis, issue polling and employment trend analysis. The IEF conducts economic policy analysis and applied research; and administers public service projects on economic and community capacity building and strategic development.

The IEF is multidisciplinary with faculty, students and staff from various academic departments. Senior Policy Fellows are selected to serve on one year or longer terms from the private sector and other academic institutions.

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IEF PodCasts

State of the University: Dr. John Bardo
Homeland Security Forum: Chancellor Bardo
Homeland Security Forum: Provost Carter
I7 Podcast: Chancellor's Forum
i7 PodCast: Keynote, McMahan/Carroll

Map Animations

Per Capita Income
Population By County
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Interactive Mapping Tools

Index of Mapping Tools Static and Dynamic Maps
Help for Interactive Mapping Tools
2000 Median Household Income ArcIMS Map
2000 Population / SQMI
Piedmont Megapolitan Population: Years 2000 - 2012

Sponsored Programs

The Office of Sponsored Program (OSP), under the direction of the IEF, partners with the WCU academic and administrative communities to achieve research and community development goals. While working to foster relationships with Federal, State, Foundation, and Corporate sponsors, OSP advances those WCU research, training and service activities promulgated by faculty and staff that benefit our region. OSP invites all WCU faculty and staff to consider our office for all grant seeking and post-award needs.

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Know Your Region Surges Forward

The “Know Your Region” project is designed to help economic development practitioners develop forward-thinking regional economic plans and discover the benefits of regional cooperation. New content: a round-table discussion on the likelihood of a U.S. recession in 2008 along with analysis of recent economic policy actions.


Learn More..