The Role of Microenterprises in Economic Growth: A Panel Study of Wisconsin Counties 1977 to 1997

In this study I examine the role of microenterprises (firms with between one and four employees) in Wisconsin economic growth. Using a panel of Wisconsin counties from 1977 to 1997 I estimate an expanded Carlino-Mills type model of growth. Results suggest that nearly 50 percent of all businesses in Wisconsin are microenterprises and this share is relatively stable over time. Results also indicate that a higher percentage of businesses classified as microenterprises tend to be associated with counties with lower population levels, slower population growth, but higher levels of employment and income growth. Results also vary by type of industry. These results suggest that care must be taken when promoting microenterprises as a major engine of economic growth: results vary by measure of economic growth as well as type of industry.

Wisconsin and the Agricultural Economy

In this applied research project I attempt to explore general trends within the Wisconsin agricultural sectors as they relate to the larger Wisconsin economy. Using two metrics of economic activity, income and jobs, I explore recent historical trends. In essence, the analysis finds that production agriculture went through a significant downward phase that has appeared to stabilize over the most recent period. Income from agriculture has become increasingly unstable adding significant uncertainity to the industry. Agricultural processing, however, remains a strong source of income and employment growth. While production agriculture appears to have stabilized and food processing has grown, the rest of the state's economy has grown at a much greater clip, meaning that agriculture as a percent of the Wisconsin economy has declined over time. In addition to the historical analysis a detailed economic impact assessment was undertaken using the most recent data available; 2000. I examine on-farm dairy production and processing, farm production broadly defined and agricultural processing broadly defined. In addition, I examine the role of horticulture, a small but growing part of Wisconsin's agricultural economy. In general, farm production is a modest contributor to the the Wisconsin economy, but food processing is a more significant part of the economy.

A Trade Area Analysis of Wisconsin Counties: Updated for 2010

For updated Trade Area Analysis (TAA) of Wisconsin counties we use the sales tax data as reported by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for 2010. Only those counties that have elected to collect the optional county sales tax are included in the analysis. Because sales tax data are used one must keep in mind that the analysis focuses only on taxable sales and may not reflect the total level of activity in the county. Using Pull Factors and measures of Surplus and Leakage the relative strengths, and weaknesses, of local retail and service markets are identified. Changes in Pull Factors from 2005 to 2010 are provided to gain insights into growing and declining sectors. Finally, an update of simple Wisconsin retail market thresholds estimates (i.e., number of customers required to support an establishment) is also provided.

The Economic Impact of Milk Production on the Wisconsin Economy

The intent of this study is to introduce and report a new method for assessing the economic impact of milk production on the Wisconsin economy. Previous agricultural impact studies have used methods with inherent lags in the timing of the relevant data. In addition, previous studies treated dairy farms as a single entity and did not separate out milk production. Dairy farms are multi-product firms producing milk, cull cows for meat as well as crops. This study focuses on just milk production. By using current annual data from the Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics a more timely analysis is provided. In addition an annual moving average of production levels is used to minimize the role of yearly fluctuate.

Trade Area Analysis of Select Wisconsin Counties: Update for 1999

The development of a community's retail market should be an integral part of the community development process. Some, however, might argue that the retail sector develops naturally following other types of economic development such as growth in the manufacturing sector or an influx of tourists. To a degree this is true. Several factors, however, may prevent this process from being completely efficient.

An Updated Trade Area Analysis of Wisconsin Counties for 2006

The intent of this functional research project is to apply the tools of Trade Area Analysis (TAA) to retail and service sales data for Wisconsin Counties. For this analysis we use the sales tax data as reported by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for 2006, the most current year the data are available. Only those counties that have elected to collect the optional county sales tax are included in the analysis. Through Pull Factors and measures of Surplus and Leakage the relative strengths, and weaknesses, of local retail and service markets are identified.

The Fiscal Health of Wisconsin Municipalities: An Update for 2007

A web-based survey of fiscal health was administered to Wisconsin cities and villages during the spring of 2007. A total of 200 communities responded to the survey. Of those responding, 49 percent reported that their current revenue base is inadequate and more than 64 percent responded that their fiscal condition in five years will be inadequate. Some of the strategies most actively pursued in response to fiscal stress include delaying capital expenditures, targeted budget cuts and delaying routine maintenance expenditures. Strategies least likely to be pursued include reducing hours of public facilities, eliminating services and pursuing regional cooperation agreements. The same survey was administered in 2004 and while statistical comparisons are not permissible due to differences in responding communities, a few points are noteworthy. Compared to 2004, communities are slightly more optimistic today about their current financial condition (46 percent had adequate revenues in 2007 compared to 51 percent in 2004). Conversely, communities have dimmer prospects looking out the next five years today compared to 2004 (64 percent foresee having inadequate revenues in 2007 compared to 54 percent in 2004).

The Specialist in Today's University of Wisconsin--Extension

As part of a comprehensive strategic planning effort undertaken by the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension Service (UWEX-CES), a web-based survey of state specialists was undertaken in the fall of 2007. This manuscript represents the "reporting-out" of the survey results. Based on the work of the strategic planning committee this survey covers a range of issues, but focuses on the role of the specialist in today's UW-Extension as well as the notion of scholarship. Specialists in general reported that they felt comfortable in their own roles but expressed concern that non-Extension colleagues lacked an appreciation for Extension work and notions of scholarship. While specialists general enjoy wearing numerous "hats" they expressed concern that an increasingly smaller resource pool is pulling them in too many different directions. Specialists strongly subscribe to the idea that Extension educational programming is research based and that research must stand the test of peer review. There is disagreement, however, on what constitutes peer review. Many specialists have the opinion that publishing their work in appropriate scholarly journals is the standard barer of peer review while others disagree. Many noted in written and verbal comments, however, because of the wide heterogeneity of specialists it is difficult if not dangerous to talk about the "representative" specialist. Yet, the survey results suggest that on a range of issues, the specialists are generally in agreement.

Government, Effectiveness, Performance and Local Property Values

We offer a practical test of local government effectiveness in the provision of public services. Building on the work of Brueckner (1979, 1982, 1983) and Henderson (1990, 1995) we offer a property value maximization model where levels of local public services are capitalized into property values. Using data for Wisconsin municipalities we demonstrate that service expenditure levels, and corresponding taxation levels, should be increased. In other words, the property value maximization test suggests that local public services in Wisconsin are consistently under-provided. By monitoring local property values officials can objectively determine if public services are being provided in an optimal manner.

Employment Trends in the Public Sector

A detailed assessment of employment trends in the public sector from 1979 to 2001 is provided. Particular attention is paid to the relative level of public sector employment is Wisconsin . The analysis also examines the relationship between the size of state and local government and overall employment growth from 1979-2001. Results suggest that growth in total employment and employment in the public sector are highly correlated; higher shares of total employment in the public sector in the beginning of the period are not correlated with subsequent growth rates; but a state that sees the public sector grow faster then overall employment growth tends to be associated with slower overall growth. In addition, when measuring the size of the public sector in terms of employment, Wisconsin does not appear to be out of balance when compared to other states. Employment growth in state government over the period 1979-2001 is one of the lowest in the country and employment growth at the local government level is slightly above the national average. Detailed changes in employment by category are also examined for the US and Wisconsin from 1993 to 2002. These data suggest that there has been significant disinvestment in several areas that contribute to the overall quality of life in Wisconsin which may in turn hinder the future potential for economic growth and development.