Media
Columbus Economic Forecast 2025
The Butler Center for Research and Economic Development was featured in the Ledger-Enquirer for its Columbus Economic Forecast for 2025. Presented at the Georgia 2025 Economic Outlook event, the forecast provided with both statewide and local economic insights. Academic leaders and researchers highlighted the importance of leveraging Columbus‘ resources to stimulate growth and strengthen the region‘s economic future. .
Columbus Economic Outlook 2024
We are pleased to announce that the Butler Center has recently published a book titled "Columbus Economic Outlook." This publication offers an in-depth analysis of current economic trends in Columbus, Georgia, providing valuable insights into the local economy‘s performance and challenges. It may serve as a useful resource for policymakers, business leaders, and community members seeking to understand and navigate the evolving economic landscape.
Read the Columbus Economic Outlook 2024 (PDF)
Columbus Residents on Port Strike and Economic Concerns
In an interview broadcast last week, Dr. Fady Mansour, Director of the Butler Center for Research and Economic Development, assured Columbus residents that the port strike would soon end. He identified housing inflation as a key factor in worker dissatisfaction and noted that automation will remain a critical issue in future labor negotiations. Dr. Mansour also warned of potential spillover effects into other industries with collective bargaining power, especially as housing costs continue to be a significant economic concern.
Students visit the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Students from the Turner College of Business and Technology had the amazing chance to explore the inner workings of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. This trip provided us with insights into the operations of the central bank and its significant role in shaping our economy.
Tourism Continues to Enrich Columbus‘ Economy and Culture
The Butler Center for Research & Economic Development was recently featured in Columbus State University News for its latest study on the economic impact of tourism in Columbus. The study revealed that 2.07 million visitors traveled to Columbus, spending more than $377 million. This tourism activity created 4,491 hospitality jobs with a payroll exceeding $151 million and generated $20 million in visitor-related county and state tax revenue, which supports essential public services for residents.
Additionally, a previous Butler Center study on the economic impact of hosting the Kayak Championship found that the event created 23 jobs, generated $2.7 million in economic output, added $1,081,000 in income, and contributed $167,000 to local, state, and federal taxes. In another study on occupation and award dynamics in Columbus, the Butler Center identified a growing demand for hospitality management jobs, a reflection of the city‘s vibrant tourism sector.
These findings highlight the vital economic contributions of tourism and the expanding opportunities within Columbus‘ hospitality industry. The Butler Center remains a key resource for understanding local economic trends and supporting sustainable growth throughout Columbus and the surrounding region.
For more information, .
Participating in the Grand Opening of Wealth Intelligence’s New Location in Columbus
The Butler Center at ´ó·¢ÌåÓý¿ª»§ is pleased to announce our participation in the grand opening of the new Wealth Intelligence location in Columbus. We were delighted to engage in a productive discussion with Mr. Bryan Oglesby and Mr. Alfredo Gonzalez during the event, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to fostering strong connections within the business community.
Featuring the Butler Center: Economic Depressions and Their Effects on Business and Consumers
Dr. Fady Mansour, Director of the Butler Center for Research and Economic Development, speaks on the effect of economic recession/depression on business and consumers and how they can survive.
Butler Center Contributes to Bi-State Housing Market Assessment with Georgia Tech and Community Partners
The Butler Center at ´ó·¢ÌåÓý¿ª»§ played a crucial role in the Regional Housing Market Needs Assessment project, collaborating with Georgia Institute of Technology, United Way, and Home for Good. This bi-state initiative, covering Russell and Lee Counties in Georgia and Alabama, aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the local housing market. Led by Georgia Tech's Center for Economic Development Research (CEDR) and supported by Troy University, the assessment seeks to identify key trends, drivers of demand and supply, and assess current and future housing needs, including market-rate and workforce housing.
$350M Development Expected Around Synovus Park, Guided by Butler Center Study
The economic impact study conducted by the Butler Center for Research and Economic Development for the redevelopment of Synovus Park in Columbus, GA was highlighted in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer's coverage of the project. The study, mentioned in the article by Brittany McGee, outlines the plan for the $50 million renovation project scheduled for completion in 2025. It anticipates a phased approach to development, potentially spanning multiple years, aimed at revitalizing the South Commons area and leveraging minor league baseball to catalyze economic growth. The study's findings were cited alongside positive economic forecasts, underscoring the project's potential to attract diverse business ventures and enhance community amenities, such as housing, retail, and recreational spaces.
Columbus Celebrates Braves Double-A Relocation to Synovus Park
Dr. Tesa Leonce, Associate Dean of the Turner College of Business and Technology and representatives from the Butler Center, Jiane Rabara and Oliver Odde recently attended the groundbreaking event for the Double-A Atlanta Braves BallPark! This event marks a significant step forward in the relocation of the Atlanta Braves MiLB Franchise, a move facilitated by pioneering research led by Dr. Fady Mansour and his team at the Butler Center.
Dr. Mansour‘s study, conducted through the Butler Center, provided invaluable insights that influenced Columbus‘ decision to welcome the Mississippi Braves, the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves to Golden Park, which has now been renamed Synovus Park. Backed by a $50 million bond from the Columbus Consolidated Government and a hefty $300 million investment in Synovus Park‘s refurbishment, this relocation holds immense potential to breathe new life into the region and ignite economic development.
Butler Center’s Study Highlights Economic Boom in Columbus
Discover key findings from the ´ó·¢ÌåÓý¿ª»§ Butler Center's recent study, spotlighted in a comprehensive article detailing Columbus' economic revitalization. With insights into job creation, private investments, and community development, this study shows collaborative strategies propelling Columbus towards a brighter economic future.
Understanding Student Loan Repayment Dynamics
´ó·¢ÌåÓý¿ª»§'s (´ó·¢ÌåÓý¿ª»§) Butler Center offers valuable insights into the economic impact and student loan payment strategies in a recent interview by Hannah James. Dr. Fady Mansour, Associate Professor of Economics at ´ó·¢ÌåÓý¿ª»§, highlights the rising costs of education and the necessity of a degree in today's job market. With loan repayments projected to impact disposable income and overall spending, Dr. Mansour emphasizes the potential economic repercussions, particularly for lower- and middle-income borrowers.
Atlanta Braves MiLB Franchise Relocation Facilitated by the Butler Center’s
Dr. Fady Mansour's study, conducted through the Butler Center, offered significant insights that influenced Columbus' decision to welcome the Mississippi Braves, the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves to Golden Park. Backed by a $50 million bond from the Columbus Consolidated Government and a $300 million investment in Golden Park's refurbishment, this relocation holds the potential to revitalize the region and stimulate economic development.
Butler Center Highlights Columbus State's FY22 Economic Impact: $290M and Growing
Identifying Employment Gaps in Columbus Area
The findings of the recent report by the Butler Center for Research and Economic Development focused on employment trends in the Columbus area. Highlighting 10 significant occupational gaps, the report indicates the need for targeted strategies to address shortages in crucial sectors like software development, healthcare management, and business operations. Director Fady Mansour provides actionable recommendations, emphasizing the importance of tailored educational programs to bridge these disparities and promote workforce development in the region.
Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Utilization
New study led by Dr. Fady Mansour from the Butler Center for Research and Economic Development, and colleague Dr. Nour Kattih of Middle Tennessee State University, explores how the COVID-19 pandemic affected healthcare usage, spending, and health metrics in the U.S.The study, set to appear in a future issue of Research in Economics, applies data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to a propensity score matching techniques in order to analyze the variation in healthcare outcomes due to the pandemic.
Wage, Inflation, and Middle Class
In an article published by the Ledger-Enquirer, Dr. Fady Mansour, director of the Butler Center for Research and Economic Development at ´ó·¢ÌåÓý¿ª»§, explains that while wages have risen, they haven't kept pace with inflation. This has resulted in a decrease in real purchasing power. The discussion touches on the changing dynamics of the middle class. Dr. Mansour emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between nominal and real wages to grasp the true impact of inflation on financial well-being.
Columbus Tech Meetup: Exploring the Future of Technology
The inaugural Columbus Tech Meetup successfully brought together industry leaders, academics, and professionals to discuss transforming Columbus into a major technology hub. Key speakers, including Dr. Fady Mansour, Dr. Rania Hodhod, and Curtis O'Neal, shared valuable insights on emerging trends and opportunities. The event facilitated meaningful networking and collaboration, setting the stage for future innovation and growth in the region.
In this meeting, Dr. Mansour discussed that technology isn't just a tool; it's the engine of productivity. Research indicates a strong correlation, with a 70 percent link between productivity growth and digitization over the past three decades.
The average productivity growth in the United States from 1948 to 2019 stood at 2.2%. However, recent years have seen a slowdown, with growth diminishing to 1.4% between 2005 and 2019. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that maintaining the long-term average of 2.2% productivity growth could add a staggering $10 trillion to the US GDP by 2030, translating to $15,000 per household.
While the US as a whole has shown notable productivity growth, regional variations are significant. Georgia, for instance, recorded a productivity growth of only 1.3% from 2007 to 2019, trailing behind states like California (2.14%), Colorado (1.77%), and Texas (1.33%). Bridging these gaps necessitates focused efforts to strengthen technological infrastructure, foster innovation, and enhance workforce skills.
Butler Center Featured in Turner College’s 2023-2024 Brag Book
The Butler Center has been featured in Turner College's 2023-2024 Brag Book. The feature highlights the significant contributions of Dr. Fady Mansour and his team in promoting sustainable economic growth and informing public policy in the Columbus area. Key projects include an impactful economic study that supported the return of professional baseball to the Chattahoochee Valley, expected to generate substantial economic benefits and job creation. Additionally, the impact of hosting the kayak championship were also discussed—where the project is expected to generate $2.7 million in output, primarily from direct spending. The feature also addresses employment trends, wage trends, and industry snapshot, showcasing the Center’s significant role in addressing labor market gaps through educational programs and community engagement.
