Tagged: Michael Pakko

Preston: Arkansas Ready to Serve Employers, Workers

Preston: Arkansas Ready to Serve Employers, Workers

Health CareTransportationCover Story

Arkansas Commerce Secretary Mike Preston says the COVID-19 pandemic is an “unprecedented” challenge to the state’s economy, but the state is in a good position to cushion the blow to businesses and employees. read more >

Unemployment Rates Trend Lower in Arkansas

Unemployment Rates Trend Lower in Arkansas

Banking & FinanceHealth CareLegalRestaurants & FoodTechnology & TelecomTransportation

The unemployment rates in most of Arkansas’ metro areas continued to move downward or stay stable in June, with Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Little Rock and Texarkana seeing declines. read more >

Arkansas GDP Grows 2.5% in Q1

Arkansas GDP Grows 2.5% in Q1

Transportation

Arkansas’ gross domestic product expanded by 2.5% during the first quarter of 2019, the highest quarterly growth rate for the state since the fourth quarter of 2016, Michael Pakko noted recently on his Arkansas Economist blog. read more >

And Now: Good News (Editorial)

And Now: Good News (Editorial)

OpinionBanking & FinanceHealth CareLegalRestaurants & FoodTechnology & TelecomTransportation

We have suggested to Michael Pakko, the state economic forecaster, that the volume of Movers & Shakers landing in our queue be considered an economic indicator. By that indication, Arkansas’ economy is humming. read more >

Arkansas Personal Income Soars 7.5%

Arkansas Personal Income Soars 7.5%

Total personal income in Arkansas jumped at an annual rate of 7.5% in the fourth quarter of 2018, outpacing the U.S. growth rate of 5.2%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. read more >

State Home Sales Return to Pre-Recession Levels

State Home Sales Return to Pre-Recession Levels

Banking & Finance

The Arkansas Realtors Association says Arkansas home sales in June weighed in at 3,542 — ahead of the 3,493 sold in June 2006, before the recession rocked the national residential real estate market. read more >

Focus On The Economy of Jonesboro

Focus On The Economy of Jonesboro

Jonesboro

In an economic expansion that has generally been lackluster across the state and the nation, the Jonesboro region stands out as one of the more dynamic and growing local economies. read more >

The In-Person Experience (Gwen Moritz Editor's Note)

The In-Person Experience (Gwen Moritz Editor's Note)

OpinionTechnology & TelecomEditor's Note

My first reaction to the long movie line was simple: Just hire some more people, whydoncha? But if the answer were that simple, people whose livelihoods depend on retail sales could have figured that out. read more >