e-connection (August 2011 Edition, Vol. 6, No. 8)

Wichita Industry News and Developments, 2nd Quarter 2011

The 2nd Quarter 2011 issue of Wichita Industry News and Developments, which provides a brief overview of statistical trends and major announcements by industry sector, is now available.  The report covers the Wichita MSA, which is comprised of Butler, Harvey, Sedgwick and Sumner counties in Kansas.

Time for the Wichita Area Economic Outlook Conference Draws Near

On Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, the Center for Economic Development and Business Research, W. Frank Barton School of Business, Wichita State University, will host the 32nd Annual Wichita Area Economic Outlook Conference in the Century II Convention Hall from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $95 through Sept. 16 and $125 after that date. Breakfast is included with tickets.  

To see the agenda for the conference, click here. 

To make reservations, call 316-978-3225 or click here.

Employment and Wage Data Now Available by Kansas County

The Center for Economic Development and Business Research has added another look-up tool to its tool box.  The tool provides establishment, wage, employment and location quotient data by major industry code for all counties in Kansas. The tool is available on CEDBR's Web site in Excel format. Data for the tool comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages program. 

Access this new tool.

WSU Current Conditions Index Maintains Slow, Steady Growth

From December to June, the WSU Current Conditions Index grew 2.9 percent, and from first to second quarter, it grew 1.3 percent. Seasonally adjusted outbound airline passengers at Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport increased 6 percent, seasonally adjusted home sales increased 2.7 percent, the seasonally adjusted hotel occupancy rate increased 0.8 percent and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased 0.6 percent. Current Index performance indicates relative stability in the Wichita economy.  

Read the entire second quarter Index report.

WSU Leading Economic Indicators Index Continues in Growth Mode

From second quarter 2010 to second quarter of this year, the WSU Leading Economic Indicators Index grew 12.3 percent. The Index indicator with the greatest percentage gain was the Kansas City Board of Trade’s real value of wheat futures, which increased 69.5 percent. Also, a 14.4 percent decline in Kansas initial unemployment claims had a positive impact on the Index. The Index’s consistent growth over the past year suggests Wichita’s economy should remain sound through the rest of 2011.

Read the second quarter Index report in its entirety.

Indicators