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Midwest Economy

Information about the Seventh Federal Reserve District states, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin; economic indicators; articles on Midwest issues; and news about conferences and projects.

Features
Data
Articles
Past Projects
Conferences

Bill Testa on the Midwest Economy

Research Vice President Bill Testa and special guest commentators offer unique perspectives on the Midwest economy through this blog. In the latest posting, Bill shares his thoughts about how the Seventh District nonmetro areas are bouncing back.

Beyond Parking Meters: The Future of Public-Private Partnerships in Illinois

On March 14, 2012, the Chicago Fed co-hosted an event with the Civic Federation. This conference considered public-private partnerships — where they have been and where they may be heading.

Michigan Retailers: Holiday Sales Better

"It was a good holiday season, and the second consecutive year of positive holiday results," said MRA President and CEO James P. Hallan. On average, the state’s retailers projected a 6 percent gain over the previous year. While the final average was a 4 percent gain, 53 percent of retailers improved sales by more than 5 percent, and 13 percent by 0.1 to 5 percent.

Industrial Cities Initiative Blog

Community Devolopment and Policy Studies has launched the Industrial Cities Initiative. This project will examine 10 cities in the Seventh District that had populations of 50,000 and 25% or more of their employment in manufacturing in the 1960s. Their new blog will tell us what their journey has been and where those cities stand today. Take a look at their most recent posting, then sign up for email alerts.

Midwest Manufacturing Output Increased in January

The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index (CFMMI) increased 1.3% in January, to a seasonally adjusted level of 90.1 (2007 = 100). Revised data show the index was up 2.2% in December.

Rising Farmland Values: Causes and Cautions

Agricultural land values recorded a year-over-year gain of 25% in the third quarter of 2011 for the Seventh Federal Reserve District. Some have expressed concerns about farmland buyers facing more risks that may result from this increase in the value of their acreage. In this special edition of the Chicago Fed Letter, David Oppedahl summarizes the discussion that took place at the Annual Agriculture Conference that examined this and other issues being addressed by the agricultural industry.

Economic Outlook Symposium: Summary of 2011 Results and 2012 Forecasts

According to participants in the Chicago Fed’s annual Economic Outlook Symposium, the U.S. economy is forecasted to grow at a pace below its historical average in 2012, following a year with an even slower rate of growth; inflation is expected to ease in 2012; and the unemployment rate is predicted to edge down this year. In this edition of the Chicago Fed Letter, William Strauss summarizes the discussions and forecasts that were presented at the symposium.

Midwest Economy Index Shows Midwest Growth Picked Up in December

The Midwest Economy Index (MEI) increased to +0.09 in December from -0.13 in November, rising above its historical trend for the first time in five months.

Data Reports for Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin

Latest Indicators — Feb*
Unemployment		Employment Growth		GSP Growth**
		Monthly	YoY	YoY
US: IL: IN: IA: MI: WI:	8.3% 9.1% 8.4% 5.3% 8.8% 6.9%	0.2% 0.1% 0.0% 0.6% 0.0% 0.3%	1.5% 0.6% 1.3% 1.2% 1.8% -0.6%	1.7% 1.6% 2.1% 3.1% 1.9% 2.2%
All data are seasonally adjusted. *Estimates of annual GSP growth are through 2011:Q4.

Charting the Seventh District Economy

Interactive tool that allows custom charts on key economic indicators in the district states and across the nation.

Midwest Manufacturing by Concentration by Industry

View manufacturing industry results in html format or download the excel file.

Midwest Metropolitan Services by Concentration by Industry

View services industry results in html format or download the excel file.

Quick Definitions

Concentration Index — also called location quotient, this index is created by comparing the ratio of any economic indicator from one region to another. In the charts, the noted industry's employment share of a region is compared to the U.S. equivalent. For example, Illinois' food manufacturing concentration index is equal to the share of Illinois' food manufacturing employment (out of total employment) over the share of food manufacturing employment in the U.S. If the concentration of food manufacturing facilities in Illinois is similar or equal to that of the U.S, then the resulting concentration index would equal one. If there were a larger share of food manufacturing facilities in Illinois than in the U.S, then the concentration index would be above one and vice versa. (For further detail, please refer to Bill Testa's blog.)

Chart Construction

The charts were constructed to split regional economies into four groups. For the x-axis, the chart is centered on 1.0, to divide the concentration indices between industries of higher concentration relative to the U.S. and those of lower concentration. The y-axis is centered on the region's median industry as measured by employment size, which essentially splits the region's industries in half such that those industries with a higher number of employees would appear above the x-axis and a lower number would appear below it. The groupings of the manufacturing industries are defined according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS industries that are most prevalent in a region (both in concentration and size) are labeled. If a region has an especially notable industrial specialization ( beyond the NAICS 3-digit level), it is indicated in parentheses.

Research on the Midwest Economy is published in newsletters, journals and working papers. The articles below have been organized by topic:

Regional Agriculture
Regional Banking
Regional Economic Cycles
Regional Education
Regional Environmental
Regional Foreign Trade
Regional Industry Analysis
Regional Labor
Regional Midwest Economy
Regional State and Local Fiscal
Regional Urban
Regional Energy

Regional Agriculture

*Chicago Fed Letter* Agricultural Markets and Food Price Inflation—A conference summary (Special Issue) David Oppedahl Jan 2009
Food inflation and the consumption patterns of U.S. households Leslie McGranahan Oct 2008
The Role of R&D in Agriculture and Related Industries: Today and Tomorrow—A conference summary (Special Issue) David Oppedahl Jan 2008
Globalization and Rural America Robert L. Thompson June 2007
Globally competitive agriculture and the Midwest: A conference summary (Special Issue) David Oppedahl Dec 2006
The performance of Seventh District food processing Mike A. Singer Sept 1996
Assessing the Midwest flood Gary L. Benjamin Rick Mattoon William Testa Dec 1993
Drought Gary L. Benjamin Oct 1988
*Economic Perspectives* Industrialization in hog production: Implications for Midwest agriculture Gary L. Benjamin 1997 Vol.21
The financial stress in agriculture Gary L. Benjamin 1985 Vol.9
The Farm Credit System: Looking for the proper balance George D. Irwin 1985 Vol.9
Lean years in agricultural banking George Gregorash James Morrison 1985 Vol.9
An ag banker's views C. Robert Brenton 1985 Vol.9
Policy options for agriculture Michael D. Boehlje 1985 Vol.9
Simulating some options Gary L. Benjamin 1985 Vol.9
1980 developments in rural credit markets Gary L. Benjamin 1981 Vol.5
Agriculture: embargo undermines strong world demand for agriculture Gary L. Benjamin Jan 1980 Vol.4
Cattle cycles in perspective Gary L. Benjamin May 1979 Vol.3
Agriculture: farm income recovers Gary L. Benjamin May 1979 Vol.3
Agriculture in the seventies—a decade of turbulence Don Langford Sept 1978 Vol.2
Agriculture: expansions highlighted developments Gary L. Benjamin Jan 1977 Vol.1
Twentieth century trends in farmland values Gary L. Benjamin May 1977 Vol.1
Farm credit concerns rise Don Langford Sept 1977 Vol.1
Working Papers The determinants of state food manufacturing growth: 1982-92 Mike A. Singer 1997
Related Conference(s)
Regional Banking

*Chicago Fed Letter* The Branch Banking Boom in Illinois: A Byproduct of Restrictive Branching Laws Erin Davis Tara Rice May 2007
Corporate governance at community banks: A Seventh District analysis Robert DeYoung Patrick Driscoll Colette Fried Oct 2005
Why Bank One left Chicago: One piece in a bigger puzzle Robert DeYoung Thomas H. Klier Apr 2004
Chicago's financial industries Rick Kaglic William Testa Nov 1995
Banking in the 1990s: challenge and change Carl Quinn Dylan Schulz Oct 1992
*Economic Perspectives* Outsourcing, firm size, and product complexity: Evidence from credit unions Yukako Ono Victor Stango 2005 Vol.29
A current look at foreign banking in the U.S. and Seventh District Linda Aguilar 1995 Vol.19
The geographic distribution of financial institutions in Chicago George Kaufman Larry R. Mote 1994 Vol.18
The geographic distribution of financial institutions in Chicago George Kaufman Larry R. Mote 1994 Vol.18
Wealth effect of geographical deregulation: The case of Illinois John Di Clemente James Kolari 1986 Vol.10
Interstate banking game plans: Implications for the Midwest Chris Pavel Dave Phillis 1986 Vol.10
The Midwest prepares for interstate banking Sue F. Gregorash 1984 Vol.8
Chicago: city of the big straddles Paul Kasriel Randall Merris 1983 Vol.7
First year experience: Illinois multibanks shop carefully Sue F. Gregorash 1983 Vol.7
Small-issue Industrial Revenue Bonds in the Seventh Federal Reserve District David Allardice 1982 Vol.6
District trends in banking concentration Eleanor Erdevig 1981 Vol.5
Structural change in Wisconsin in the 1970s David Allardice 1981 Vol.5
Holding company affiliation and scale economies in banking Dale Drum Mar 1979 Vol.3
Securities losses—a liquidity trap? Elijah Brewer III Nov 1979 Vol.3
Multibank holding company expansion in Michigan Joseph Keating Sept 1978 Vol.2
Banking insights: Trends in capital at District banks: 1965–76 Anne Weaver Mar 1978 Vol.2
Disintermediation again? Eleanor Erdevig May 1978 Vol.2
Convenience and needs: a post-audit survey David Allardice May 1978 Vol.2
Liquidity ratios weakened at district banks in 1977 Elijah Brewer III July 1978 Vol.2
Banking insights: District holding company acquisitions on the rise Eleanor Erdevig Nov 1977 Vol.1
Related Conference(s)
Regional Economic Cycles

*Chicago Fed Letter* Using data and anecdotal evidence to understand the regional economy Rick Kaglic Michael Munley Jan 2003
A regional perspective on the U.S. business cycle Michael Kouparitsas Nov 2002
The new Midwest in recession and recovery William Bergman Robert H. Schnorbus Apr 1992
Caution: state and local governments brake for recessions Rick Mattoon William Testa Mar 1992
Will the Midwest weather the storm? Philip R. Israilevich Robert H. Schnorbus Apr 1991
The ordeal of change: Working it out in the Midwest David Allardice Robert H. Schnorbus Sept 1987
*Economic Perspectives* New evidence on labor market dynamics over the business cycle Bhashkar Mazumder 2007 Vol.31
Understanding U.S. regional cyclical comovement: How important are spillovers and common shocks? Michael Kouparitsas 2002 Vol.26
Evidence of the North-South business cycle Michael Kouparitsas 2001 Vol.25
Regional employment growth and the business cycle Ellen Rissman 1999 Vol.23
Tracking Midwest manufacturing and productivity growth Philip R. Israilevich Kenneth N. Kuttner Robert H. Schnorbus 1993 Vol.17
State and local governments' reaction to recession Rick Mattoon William Testa 1992 Vol.16
Review and outlook: 1981–82 George Cloos 1982 Vol.6
The Midwest and the recession George Cloos 1981 Vol.5
Review and outlook: 1979–80 George Cloos Jan 1980 Vol.4
Cyclical downturn in housing William R. Sayre May 1980 Vol.4
Review and outlook: 1977–78 George Cloos Jan 1978 Vol.2
Related Conference(s)
Regional Education

*Chicago Fed Letter* Can Higher Education Foster Economic Growth?—A Conference Summary (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon Mar 2007
Measuring Community College Performance Brian Fabes Rick Mattoon Sept 2007
Private schools and school enrollment in Chicago William Sander Oct 2006
Higher education and economic growth: A conference report (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon Jan 2006
Higher education and economic growth (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon Jan 2006
Can higher education foster economic growth? Rick Mattoon Aug 2006
The state of higher education in the Midwest Rick Mattoon Sept 2005
School funding ten years after Michigan’s proposal A: Does equity equal adequacy? Rick Mattoon June 2004
Reform of Midwest Urban Schools—Conference Summary (Special Issue) Nawsheen S. Rabbani Surya Sen William Testa May 2000
School choice and competition (Special Issue) Surya Sen William Testa July 1999
School reform and tax reform: a successful marriage? Paul D. Ballew Rick Mattoon William Testa May 1994
*Economic Perspectives* Midwest approaches to school reform Rick Mattoon William Testa 1995 Vol.19
An analysis of the effect of Chicago school reform on student performance Thomas S. Downes Jacquelyn L. Horowitz 1995 Vol.19
Working Papers A New Social Compact: How University Engagement Can Fuel Innovation Larry Isaak Rick Mattoon Laura Melle Sept 2006
Related Conference(s)
Regional Environmental

*Chicago Fed Letter* Fresh Water and the Great Lakes Economic Future—A conference summary (Special Issue) Martin Lavelle Britton Lombardi Feb 2009
Cost-Effective Carbon Restrictions—A conference summary (Special Issue) Sam Kahan William Testa Mar 2008
Emissions Trading—Lessons from Experience Thomas H. Klier Nov 1998
What can the Midwest learn from California about emissions trading Thomas H. Klier Rick Mattoon Michael A. Prager Aug 1997
Complying with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990: A progress report Thomas H. Klier Rick Mattoon Jan 1995
Brownfield redevelopment and urban economies David Allardice Rick Mattoon William Testa May 1995
Recent developments in clean water legislation David Allardice Thomas H. Klier Rick Mattoon June 1994
Urban ozone regulations Donald A. Hanson William Testa July 1993
How regions can benefit from flexible environmental compliance Thomas H. Klier Rick Mattoon Sept 1993
A market based approach to cleaner air Donald A. Hanson William Testa May 1992
Alternative approaches to meeting economic and environmental challenges David Allardice Rick Mattoon William Testa Nov 1992
Lender liability under environmental law Eleanor Erdevig Sept 1991
*Economic Perspectives* Cost effective control of urban smog: a report of a conference held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, June 7–8, 1993 Donald A. Hanson Richard F. Kosobud William Testa 1993 Vol.17
The 1990 Clean Air Act: a tougher regulatory challenge facing Midwest industry Donald A. Hanson 1992 Vol.16
Lenders and environmental policies Eleanor Erdevig 1991 Vol.15
Agriculture in the seventies—a decade of turbulence Don Langford Sept 1978 Vol.2
Working Papers A mixed bag: Assessment of market performance and firm trading behavior in the NOx RECLAIM program Thomas H. Klier Rick Mattoon Michael A. Prager 1996
Related Conference(s)
Regional Foreign Trade

*Chicago Fed Letter* Midwest manufacturing and trade with China Jay Liao William Testa Alexei Zelenev Nov 2003
Chicago's Global Connections and Challenges (Special Issue) Margrethe Krontoft William Testa June 2001
A regional approach to measures of import activity Jack L. Hervey Nov 1999
Asia and the Midwest Real Economy Jack L. Hervey Mar 1998
The Midwest economy in an interdependent world market Jack L. Hervey Apr 1997
Midwest exports and the declining dollar—Some myths die hard Jack L. Hervey William A. Strauss Dec 1996
Foreign direct investment in the U.S. and Midwest Linda Aguilar May 1996
Midwest Manufacturing Exports: Who Buys? What Sells? Linda Aguilar Oct 1995
International ties Linda Aguilar Oct 1993
NAFTA and the auto industry: boon or bane? Paul D. Ballew Robert H. Schnorbus Dec 1992
The North American Free Trade Agreement: the ties that bind Linda Aguilar Sept 1992
Two good neighbors lower their fences William Testa Sept 1990
*Economic Perspectives* Foreign Growth, the Dollar, and Regional Economies, 1970-97 Jack L. Hervey William A. Strauss 1998 Vol.22
A current look at foreign banking in the U.S. and Seventh District Linda Aguilar 1995 Vol.19
Big emerging markets and U.S. trade Linda Aguilar Mike A. Singer 1995 Vol.19
NAFTA: a review of the issues Linda Aguilar 1993 Vol.17
Assessing global auto trends Paul D. Ballew Robert H. Schnorbus 1993 Vol.17
Preview of The Great Lakes Economy Looking North and South William Testa 1991 Vol.15
The impact of freer trade—the Tokyo Round and the Seventh District George Cloos Nov 1980 Vol.4
Midwest—leading export region Jack L. Hervey May 1979 Vol.3
Related Conference(s)
Regional Industry Analysis

*Chicago Fed Letter* Automotive industry outlook: Understanding the impact on workers and communities (Special Issue) Martin Lavelle Britton Lombardi 2010
Economy to turn the corner in 2010 (Special Issue) Emily Engel William A. Strauss Aug 2009
Raising automotive fuel efficiency Taft Foster Thomas H. Klier Sept 2009
The 2009 Health Care Leader Forum—A conference summary Sam Kahan Dec 2009
Who really made your car? (Special Issue) Thomas H. Klier James Rubenstein Oct 2008
Economy in lower gear through 2008 (Special Issue) Emily Engel William A. Strauss Aug 2008
Creating value-based competition in health care (Special Issue) Sam Kahan Sept 2008
Transitions: The State of the Automotive Industry—A Summary (Special Issue) Emily Engel William A. Strauss Sept 2007
Whose Part Is It?—Measuring Domestic Content of Vehicles Thomas H. Klier James Rubenstein Oct 2007
Competition and trade in the U.S. auto parts sector Thomas H. Klier James Rubenstein Jan 2006
The supplier industry in transition—The new geography of auto production (Special Issue) Thomas H. Klier James Rubenstein Aug 2006
The U.S. auto supplier industry in transition Thomas H. Klier James Rubenstein May 2006
Challenges and prospects for Midwest manufacturing (Special Issue) Thomas H. Klier Rick Mattoon William Testa Mar 2005
Caution ahead—Challenges to the Midwest’s role in the auto industry Thomas H. Klier Feb 2005
Is manufacturing at a crossroads? (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon William Testa July 2004
Challenges to the U.S. auto industry (Special Issue) Thomas H. Klier Mar 2004
Is Midwest manufacturing at a crossroads? (Special Issue) Thomas H. Klier William Testa Dec 2003
Midwest manufacturing and trade with China Jay Liao William Testa Alexei Zelenev Nov 2003
Analyzing an economic indicator: The Michigan Retailers Survey (Special Issue) Michael Munley William A. Strauss Apr 2002
Manufacturing sector critical in Midwest recovery William A. Strauss May 2002
Structural Change and Cyclicality of the Auto Industry Thomas H. Klier Nov 2000
Midwest Manufacturing Exports: Who Buys? What Sells? Linda Aguilar Oct 1995
The Midwest economy: Still a swan William Bergman William A. Strauss Apr 1995
Auto outlook: Is the engine idling or stalling? Paul D. Ballew William A. Strauss Aug 1995
Assessing the auto recovery Paul D. Ballew William A. Strauss Sept 1994
The impact of the auto industry on the economy Paul D. Ballew Robert H. Schnorbus Mar 1994
The revival of the Rust Belt: fleeting fancy or durable good? William Bergman William A. Strauss Apr 1994
Tracking the Midwest recovery: output and employment William Bergman Apr 1993
Auto industry restructuring and the Midwest economy Paul D. Ballew Robert H. Schnorbus June 1993
The effect of defense cuts on the Chicago economy Philip R. Israilevich David D. Weiss Jan 1992
NAFTA and the auto industry: boon or bane? Paul D. Ballew Robert H. Schnorbus Dec 1992
The new Midwest in recession and recovery William Bergman Robert H. Schnorbus Apr 1992
Chicago's economic transformation from 1970 to 2000 Geoffrey J. D. Hewings Philip R. Israilevich Ramamohan Mahidhara Aug 1992
Will the Midwest weather the storm? Philip R. Israilevich Robert H. Schnorbus Apr 1991
The Midwest struggles with a national slowdown Philip R. Israilevich Robert H. Schnorbus Apr 1990
The Midwest looks to R&D for a payoff William Testa David D. Weiss June 1990
Midwest manufacturing: Shining up the Rustbelt Philip R. Israilevich Robert H. Schnorbus Apr 1989
New! Improved! The MMI gets a different look Philip R. Israilevich Robert H. Schnorbus Aug 1989
Telling fortunes: Manufacturing and the Great Lakes region William Testa Sept 1989
Midwest manufacturers outpaced U.S. in 1987 Philip R. Israilevich Robert H. Schnorbus Apr 1988
Fishing for work: The Midwest looks at possible job lures William Testa July 1988
The ordeal of change: Working it out in the Midwest David Allardice Robert H. Schnorbus Sept 1987
Robots—Ours are smarter; theirs sell better William Testa Nov 1987
*Economic Perspectives* From tail fins to hybrids: How Detroit lost its dominance of the U.S. auto market Thomas H. Klier 2009 Vol.33
The geographic evolution of the U.S. auto industry (Part 2) Thomas H. Klier Daniel McMillen 2006 Vol.30
The geographic evolution of the U.S. auto industry (Part 1) Thomas H. Klier Daniel McMillen 2006 Vol.30
Determinants of supplier plant location: Evidence from the auto industry Thomas H. Klier 2005 Vol.29
Outsourcing, firm size, and product complexity: Evidence from credit unions Yukako Ono Victor Stango 2005 Vol.29
House prices and the proposed expansion of Chicago's O'Hare Airport Daniel McMillen 2004 Vol.28
Agglomeration in the U.S. auto supplier industry Thomas H. Klier 1999 Vol.23
Chicago's economic transformation: past and future Geoffrey J. D. Hewings Philip R. Israilevich Graham R. Schindler 1995 Vol.19
The geography of lean manufacturing: Recent evidence from the U.S. auto industry Thomas H. Klier 1995 Vol.19
Demographic changes, consumption patterns, and the Midwest economy Paul D. Ballew 1994 Vol.18
Realignment in the auto supplier industry: the rippling effects of Big Three restructuring Paul D. Ballew Robert H. Schnorbus 1994 Vol.18
The impact of lean manufacturing on sourcing relationships Thomas H. Klier 1994 Vol.18
Assessing global auto trends Paul D. Ballew Robert H. Schnorbus 1993 Vol.17
Trends and prospects for rural manufacturing William Testa 1993 Vol.17
How lean manufacturing changes the way we understand the manufacturing sector Thomas H. Klier 1993 Vol.17
Tracking Midwest manufacturing and productivity growth Philip R. Israilevich Kenneth N. Kuttner Robert H. Schnorbus 1993 Vol.17
Producer services: trends and prospects for the Seventh District William Testa 1992 Vol.16
The going gets tough: State and local governments confront the nineties Linda Aguilar Rick Mattoon William Testa 1991 Vol.15
Hog butchers no longer: 20 years of employment change in metropolitan Chicago Philip R. Israilevich Ramamohan Mahidhara 1991 Vol.15
Chicago's economy: Twenty years of structural change Philip R. Israilevich Ramamohan Mahidhara 1990 Vol.14
Technology and manufacturing in the Seventh District Alenka S. Giese William Testa 1987 Vol.11
Service sector growth in the Seventh District Eleanor Erdevig 1987 Vol.11
Nothing is forever: Boom and bust in Midwest farming Peter J. Heffernan 1987 Vol.11
Is the Seventh District's economy deindustrializing? Alenka S. Giese Robert H. Schnorbus 1987 Vol.11
Small business, big job growth Eleanor Erdevig 1986 Vol.10
Steel fights back George Cloos 1985 Vol.9
High speed rail in the Midwest Herbert Baer 1984 Vol.8
Capital spending—the national need George Cloos Nov 1980 Vol.4
Review and outlook: 1977–78 George Cloos Jan 1978 Vol.2
Business insights: Big year for cars and trucks George Cloos Nov 1977 Vol.1
Working Papers The Price of Gasoline and the Demand for Fuel Economy: Evidence from Monthly New Vehicles Sales Data Thomas H. Klier Joshua Linn Nov 2009
Evolving Agglomeration in the U.S. Auto Supplier Industry Thomas H. Klier Daniel McMillen Nov 2006
Supplier Switching and Outsourcing Yukako Ono Victor Stango Nov 2005
Clustering of Auto Supplier Plants in the U.S.: GMM Spatial Logit for Large Samples Thomas H. Klier Daniel McMillen May 2005
Comparing location decisions of domestic and foreign auto supplier plants Thomas H. Klier Paul Ma Daniel McMillen Nov 2004
Where do manufacturing firms locate their Headquarters? (REVISED March, 2005) J. Vernon Henderson Yukako Ono Nov 2004
Spatial Organization of Firms (REVISED June, 2006) Kristin Aarland James Davis J. Vernon Henderson Yukako Ono 2003
Location of Headquarter Growth during the 90s Thomas H. Klier 2002
Outsourcing Business Services and the Role of Central Administrative Offices Yukako Ono 2002
Outsourcing Business Service and the Scope of Local Markets Yukako Ono 2001
Geographic concentration in U.S. manufacturing: Evidence from the U.S. auto supplier industry Thomas H. Klier 1998
Related Conference(s)
Regional Labor

*Chicago Fed Letter* Why do firms use temporary workers? Yukako Ono Mar 2009
Public and Private Sector Compensation: What is Affordable in This Recession and Beyond?—A conference summary (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon Lise Valentine May 2009
Looking for diamonds in the rust: Midwest cities and job growth Michael Munley July 2006
Job loss: Causes, consequences, and policy responses Kristin Butcher Kevin Hallock Oct 2004
Strategies for improving the Midwest workforce (Midwest Infrastructure Issue) Rick Mattoon Feb 2003
Strategies for improving the Midwest work force Rick Mattoon Feb 2003
Help Wanted in the Midwest Rick Kaglic Jan 1998
Work force issues Rick Mattoon William Testa Nov 1996
The revival of the Rust Belt: fleeting fancy or durable good? William Bergman William A. Strauss Apr 1994
Industry targeting: a new approach to local economic development Virginia L. Carlson Rick Mattoon Jan 1994
Unemployment Insurance: Countercyclical or counterproductive? Linda Aguilar William Testa July 1991
Fishing for work: The Midwest looks at possible job lures William Testa July 1988
*Economic Perspectives* How do EITC recipients spend their refunds? Andrew Goodman-Bacon Leslie McGranahan 2008 Vol.32
New evidence on labor market dynamics over the business cycle Bhashkar Mazumder 2007 Vol.31
Who are temporary nurses? Andrew Goodman-Bacon Yukako Ono 2007 Vol.31
Unemployment and wage growth: recent cross-state evidence Daniel Aaronson Daniel G. Sullivan 2000 Vol.24
Slow work force growth: a challenge for the Midwest? Rick Kaglic William Testa 1999 Vol.23
The impact of lean manufacturing on sourcing relationships Thomas H. Klier 1994 Vol.18
Realignment in the auto supplier industry: the rippling effects of Big Three restructuring Paul D. Ballew Robert H. Schnorbus 1994 Vol.18
Trends and prospects for rural manufacturing William Testa 1993 Vol.17
Unemployment insurance and regional economic development Natalie A. Davila William Testa 1989 Vol.13
Economic recovery and jobs in the Seventh District Jerry Szatan 1984 Vol.8
Working Papers Manufacturing Plants’ Use of Temporary Workers: An Analysis Using Census Micro Data Yukako Ono Daniel G. Sullivan Nov 2006
Related Conference(s)
Regional Midwest Economy

*Chicago Fed Letter* High-technology in the Midwest—Biotech and beyond (Special Issue) William Testa Nov 2005
Challenges and prospects for Midwest manufacturing (Special Issue) Thomas H. Klier Rick Mattoon William Testa Mar 2005
Linkages across the border (Special Issue) Thomas H. Klier William Testa July 2002
The Great Lakes border and economy (Special Issue) Thomas H. Klier William Testa July 2002
Slower economic outlook for the Midwest (Special Issue) Michael Munley William A. Strauss May 2001
Midwest Prospects and The New Economy William Testa Oct 2000
Binational Great Lakes Economy Loula Merkel David Oppedahl William Testa May 2000
What's Ahead for the Midwest Economy? William A. Strauss Apr 1999
Interstate Trade Among Midwest Economies Geoffrey J. D. Hewings Philip R. Israilevich Graham R. Schindler May 1998
Assessing the Midwest economy: Looking back for the future-A summary Thomas H. Klier Rick Mattoon William Testa June 1997
Assessing the Midwest Economy-A longer view Thomas H. Klier July 1996
The Heartland keeps beating William A. Strauss June 1996
The Midwest economy: Still a swan William Bergman William A. Strauss Apr 1995
The revival of the Rust Belt: fleeting fancy or durable good? William Bergman William A. Strauss Apr 1994
*Economic Perspectives* Reversal of Fortune: Understanding the Midwest recovery Thomas H. Klier Rick Mattoon William Testa 1997 Vol.21
Can alternative forms of governance help metropolitan areas? Rick Mattoon 1995 Vol.19
Demographic changes, consumption patterns, and the Midwest economy Paul D. Ballew 1994 Vol.18
Tracking Midwest manufacturing and productivity growth Philip R. Israilevich Kenneth N. Kuttner Robert H. Schnorbus 1993 Vol.17
Shaping the Great Lakes economy: a conference summary Rick Mattoon William Testa 1993 Vol.17
Trends and prospects for rural manufacturing William Testa 1993 Vol.17
Preview of The Great Lakes Economy Looking North and South William Testa 1991 Vol.15
Chicago Fed and University of Illinois form regional research lab David Allardice 1990 Vol.14
Reconsidering the regional manufacturing indexes Philip R. Israilevich Peter R. Schneider Robert H. Schnorbus 1989 Vol.14
The geography of value added Philip R. Israilevich William Testa 1989 Vol.13
The Midwest Manufacturing Index: The Chicago Fed's new regional economic indicator Philip R. Israilevich Robert H. Schnorbus 1987 Vol.11
Federal funds flow no bargain for Midwest Eleanor Erdevig 1986 Vol.10
The bucks stop elsewhere: The Midwest's share of federal R&D Eleanor Erdevig 1984 Vol.8
Economic recovery and jobs in the Seventh District Jerry Szatan 1984 Vol.8
Economic upheaval in the Midwest George Cloos Philip Cummins 1984 Vol.8
Review and outlook: 1979–80 George Cloos Jan 1980 Vol.4
Working Papers The Price of Gasoline and the Demand for Fuel Economy: Evidence from Monthly New Vehicles Sales Data Thomas H. Klier Joshua Linn Nov 2009
Related Conference(s)
Regional State and Local Fiscal

*Chicago Fed Letter* Assessing the State and Local Sector—Where Will the Money Come from?: A conference summary (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon July 2009
Should the federal government bail out the states? Lessons from past recessions Rick Mattoon Aug 2009
Facing the Challenge of Retiree Health Care: Liabilities and Responses of State and Local Governments—A conference summary (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon May 2008
The Value Chain Case for Health Care Reform—A conference summary Sam Kahan William Testa Mar 2008
Using Payment Innovations to Improve Transportation Networks: A conference summary (Special Issue) Gene Amromin Carrie Jankowski Elizabeth Nieman Richard Porter William Testa Sept 2007 Using Payment Innovations to Improve Transportation Networks
Future State Business Tax Reforms: A conference summary (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon Dec 2007
A Forum on Medicaid and State Budgets: A summary (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon May 2007
New Developments in State Business Taxation: A conference summary (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon William Testa July 2007
Inducing more efficient payment on the Illinois Tollway Gene Amromin Carrie Jankowski Richard Porter Apr 2006
State and Local Government Public Pension Forum: A conference summary (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon May 2006
State and local business taxation: Is there a better way? (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon Dec 2004
State budgets and the economy (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon Mar 2004
Maintaining and financing infrastructure in tough budgetary times (Midwest Infrastructure Issue) Rick Mattoon Dec 2002
Reining in Medicaid spending—States respond Rick Kaglic Mar 2002
Midwest infrastructure: Assessing the contribution of basic infrastructure to economic growth (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon Dec 2002
The Debate on Internet Sales Taxation Leslie McGranahan June 2000
Welfare reform and state budgets Leslie McGranahan Jan 1999
Changing Fiscal Policy in the Seventh District William Testa Apr 1998
Public finance in the Midwest: The calm before the storm? Rick Mattoon Sept 1995
Buy now, invest later: state and local government spending strategies Rick Mattoon July 1992
Caution: state and local governments brake for recessions Rick Mattoon William Testa Mar 1992
Tracking by the North Star David Allardice Oct 1990
Bidding for business David Allardice William Testa Dec 1988
*Economic Perspectives* Issues facing state and local government pensions Rick Mattoon 2007 Vol.31
Transforming payment choices by doubling fees on the Illinois Tollway Gene Amromin Carrie Jankowski Richard Porter 2007 Vol.31
The state of the state and local government sector: fiscal issues in the Seventh District Rick Mattoon 2004 Vol.28
Unprepared for boom or bust: Understanding the current state fiscal crisis Leslie McGranahan 2002 Vol.26
State budgets and the business cycle: implications for the federal balanced budgets amendment debate Leslie McGranahan 1999 Vol.23
State-local business taxation and the benefits principle William H. Oakland William Testa 1996 Vol.20
Does business development raise taxes? William H. Oakland Daniel G. Sullivan 1995 Vol.19
Economic development policy in the 1990s—are state economic development agencies ready? Rick Mattoon 1993 Vol.17
Can the states solve the health care crisis? Rick Mattoon 1992 Vol.16
State and local governments' reaction to recession Rick Mattoon William Testa 1992 Vol.16
The going gets tough: State and local governments confront the nineties Linda Aguilar Rick Mattoon William Testa 1991 Vol.15
Balancing act: Tax structure in the Seventh District Rick Mattoon 1991 Vol.15
Unemployment insurance and regional economic development Natalie A. Davila William Testa 1989 Vol.13
Economic development efforts in the Seventh District David Allardice Alenka S. Giese 1987 Vol.11
Updates: Public utility taxation in Illinois Diane Siegel William Testa 1986 Vol.10
Working Papers Revenue Bubbles and Structural Deficits: What’s a State to Do? Rick Mattoon Leslie McGranahan 2008
Transforming Payment Choices by Doubling Fees on the Illinois Tollway Gene Amromin Carrie Jankowski Richard Porter Nov 2006
Creating a national state rainy day fund: a modest proposal to improve future state fiscal performance Rick Mattoon 2003
Can the benefits principle be applied to state-local taxation of business? William H. Oakland William Testa 1998
Related Conference(s)
Regional Urban

*Chicago Fed Letter* Looking for diamonds in the rust: Midwest cities and job growth Michael Munley July 2006
The changing relationship between headquarters and cities (Special Issue) Thomas H. Klier Yukako Ono William Testa Mar 2005
Understanding isolation and change in urban neighborhoods (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon June 2003
Understanding isolation and change in urban neighborhoods: A research symposium (Midwest Infrastructure Issue) Rick Mattoon June 2003
The changing face of Chicago: Demographic trends in the 1990s Kenneth Johnson Apr 2002
Headquarters wanted: Principals only need apply (Special Issue) Thomas H. Klier William Testa July 2001
Are central cities coming back? The case of Chicago (Special Issue) Margrethe Krontoft Daniel McMillen William Testa Dec 2001
Emerging Urban Markets in the Midwest (Special Issue) Loula Merkel William Testa July 2000
Should Governments Try to Control Suburban Growth Edwin S. Mills Mar 1999
Two paths to prosperity Paul D. Ballew William Testa Jan 1993
Chicago's economic transformation from 1970 to 2000 Geoffrey J. D. Hewings Philip R. Israilevich Ramamohan Mahidhara Aug 1992
*Economic Perspectives* House prices and the proposed expansion of Chicago's O'Hare Airport Daniel McMillen 2004 Vol.28
Employment subcenters in Chicago: Past, present, and future Daniel McMillen 2003 Vol.27
Estimating U.S. metropolitan area export and import competition Thomas H. Klier William Testa Alexei Zelenev 2003 Vol.27
Location trends of large company headquarters during the 1990s Thomas H. Klier William Testa 2002 Vol.26
The center restored: Chicago's residential price gradient reemerges Daniel McMillen 2002 Vol.26
Are the large central cities of the Midwest reviving? William Testa 2001 Vol.25
Polycentric urban structure: the case of Milwaukee Daniel McMillen 2001 Vol.25
Can alternative forms of governance help metropolitan areas? Rick Mattoon 1995 Vol.19
Chicago's economic transformation: past and future Geoffrey J. D. Hewings Philip R. Israilevich Graham R. Schindler 1995 Vol.19
An analysis of the effect of Chicago school reform on student performance Thomas S. Downes Jacquelyn L. Horowitz 1995 Vol.19
Hog butchers no longer: 20 years of employment change in metropolitan Chicago Philip R. Israilevich Ramamohan Mahidhara 1991 Vol.15
Chicago's economy: Twenty years of structural change Philip R. Israilevich Ramamohan Mahidhara 1990 Vol.14
Chicago: city of the big straddles Paul Kasriel Randall Merris 1983 Vol.7
Working Papers Where the Headquarters are – Evidence from Large Public Companies 1990-2000 Tyler Diacon Thomas H. Klier Dec 2003
Related Conference(s)
Regional Energy

*Chicago Fed Letter* Cost-Effective Carbon Restrictions—A conference summary (Special Issue) Sam Kahan William Testa Mar 2008
Household energy expenditures, 1982–2005 David B. Cashin Leslie McGranahan June 2006
Natural gas prices—National and regional issues Lynne Kiesling Rick Mattoon Oct 2003
Shaping electricity policy in the Midwest (Midwest Infrastructure Issue) Rick Mattoon June 2002
Midwest infrastructure: Shaping electricity policy (Special Issue) Rick Mattoon June 2002
Electricity and the Midwest: A Survey of Conditions and Issues Rick Mattoon Oct 2001
Higher energy prices in the Midwest Thomas H. Klier William Testa Aug 2001
Complying with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990: A progress report Thomas H. Klier Rick Mattoon Jan 1995
*Economic Perspectives* Energy markets and the Midwest economy Rick Mattoon 2005 Vol.29
The electricity system at the crossroads - Policy choices and pitfalls Rick Mattoon 2002 Vol.26
The 1990 Clean Air Act: a tougher regulatory challenge facing Midwest industry Donald A. Hanson 1992 Vol.16
Public utility taxation in Illinois Diane Siegel William Testa 1985 Vol.9
State taxation of energy production: Regional and national issues William Testa 1984 Vol.8
Natural gas policy and the Midwest William Testa 1983 Vol.7 Related Conference(s)

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago periodically launches special projects examining certain aspects of the Midwest economy.

Midwest Economy past events dating back through 2010 are available below. Many of our earlier events are available on our Past Events page and our conference series pages (links in the sidebar).

2012

Beyond Parking Meters: The Future of Public-Private Partnerships in Illinois

The Civic Federation, in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, presented a half-day conference on the subject of public-private partnerships.

March 14, 2012

2011

Twenty-Fifth Annual Economic Outlook Symposium

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago hosted its twenty-fifth annual Economic Outlook Symposium to focus on the forces shaping the U.S. expansion as it enters 2012.

December 2, 2011

Midwest Economy: Outlook for 2012 and Beyond

The Regional Programs team hosted a conference to discuss the outlook for the Midwest.

December 1, 2011

Rising Farmland Values: Causes and Cautions

The annual agriculture conference will explore the factors contributing to large increases in agricultural land values and cash rental rates in the Midwest.

November 15, 2011

Food Safety: Policy Changes, Science-Based Opportunities

This program was designed to provide a forum for meaningful interactions between key executives and scientists, with a view to creating new products and novel, effective solutions to improve food safety.

July 19, 2011

State Budgets under Stress: Paths to Sustainability

This program looked at the current state of budgets and long-term challenges.

June 24, 2011

Eighteenth Annual Automotive Outlook Symposium

This year's symposium focuses on the near-term automotive outlook and the long-term structure of the industry.

June 2-3, 2011

2010

Economic Outlook Symposium

The symposium focused on the forces shaping the U.S. recovery during 2011.

December 3, 2010

Annual Agriculture Conference

The theme of this year's Agriculture Conference examined the intersections of Midwest agriculture and rural development.

November 9, 2010

Charting Illinois's Fiscal Future: Dealing with Structural Deficits and the Implications of High Levels of Future Debt

This conference was co-sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois and was designed to investigate the implications of fiscal insolvency.

June 17–18, 2010

Seventeenth Annual Automotive Outlook Symposium

This year's symposium focused on the near-term outlook for sales and the long-term landscape of automotive production.

June 3– 4, 2010

After the Perfect Storm: Competitive Forces Shaping the Auto Industry

This conference focused on the question of which factors will shape the industry's competitiveness going forward.

May 10-11, 2010

Health Care, the Employer and Insurance

This year’s program analyzed the role of insurance in the health care system.

April 26-27, 2010

New Perspectives on Health and Health Care Policy

Leading researchers on health care policy discussed new perspectives on important policy topics.

March 22-23, 2010

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Midwest Economy

Charting the Seventh District Economy

Midwest Manufacturing by Concentration by Industry

Midwest Metropolitan Services by Concentration by Industry

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2012

Beyond Parking Meters: The Future of Public-Private Partnerships in Illinois

2011

Twenty-Fifth Annual Economic Outlook Symposium

Midwest Economy: Outlook for 2012 and Beyond

Rising Farmland Values: Causes and Cautions

Food Safety: Policy Changes, Science-Based Opportunities

State Budgets under Stress: Paths to Sustainability

Eighteenth Annual Automotive Outlook Symposium

2010

Economic Outlook Symposium

Annual Agriculture Conference

Charting Illinois's Fiscal Future: Dealing with Structural Deficits and the Implications of High Levels of Future Debt

Seventeenth Annual Automotive Outlook Symposium

After the Perfect Storm: Competitive Forces Shaping the Auto Industry

Health Care, the Employer and Insurance

New Perspectives on Health and Health Care Policy

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