Wayne Miller

ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF IN-MIGRATING RETIREES ON LOCAL ECONOMIES

There is growing interest in the economic impact of retirees consumption expenditures on the output, income, and employment of local and state economies. The purpose of the study is to present, analyze, and compare the economic impact of increased elderly in-migrant spending in nine counties in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The economic impacts are calculated using an input-output model and survey data collected on elderly in-migrant spending in the nine counties. Although all nine counties experienced a substantial benefit from in-migrant spending, the benefit varied substantially among counties. The number of new jobs created in the county of residence as a result of retiree spending was estimated to range from one-half to one job per household. This is consistent with the findings of similar studies of the economic impact of retirees.

Identification and Attenuation of Barriers to Entrepreneurship Targeting New Destination Latino Migrants

Results are reported from a Latino immigrant entrepreneur needs assessment survey. The research project was conducted to identify barriers to business formation and continuation within the target population. A total of 171 surveys representing more than 200 businesses from 39 communities in 21 counties in western Arkansas were collected. Nearly 42% of respondents cited start-up capital as their biggest barrier with another 15% naming it as the second biggest barrier. Understanding government regulations and tax information rated as the second biggest barrier that Latinos encountered. This barrier is more pronounced in rural areas than in urban areas. Other top concerns include advertising, location, and obtaining licenses and permits. A closer examination of barriers finds nuanced differences between rural and urban entrepreneurs. Outreach programs and materials developed in response to research findings are presented.

Regional growth and Beaver Lake: a study of recreation visitors

Beaver Lake is the primary water supply for a rapidly growing region in Northwest Arkansas. The lake is a popular tourist destination and land surrounding it is highly sought after for development. Some voice concern that development could affect lake water quality negatively and threaten future regional growth. The results of the study presented here suggest the spending of 2.4 million annual visitors to Beaver Lake generates 600 jobs, US

Impact of the Agricultural Sector on the Arkansas Economy

12.9 million in income and US

Standard Procedures and Methods for Economic Impact and Contribution Analysis in the Forest Products Sector

20.9 million in value added to the region. However, this economic activity is not likely to offset the costs to the region of maintaining the water supply and the water quality of the lake.