Association for University
Business and Economic Research
A national association of regional
economic research centers
Boise 2024 Program
Planning for this conference is ongoing. All details are tentative. Boise, Idaho is on U.S. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).
Saturday, October 19, 2024
9:00 AM – Noon • Boise Centre East, Room 420 B
AUBER Board Meeting
9:30 AM – 1:30 PM • The Grove Plaza
Saturday Outdoor Market
About Capital City Public Market
- The Capital City Public Market is held Saturdays (April-Dec.) in The Grove Plaza, just steps from our conference hotel! The market offers local produce and goods from more than 150 rotating vendors, farmers, and artisans—all from Idaho.
- The Grove Plaza, 827 W. Main St. • Parking • Market Map
Noon – 1:00 PM • Boise Centre East, Northwest Foyer (near Room 420)
Boxed Lunch for AUBER Board Members & Workshop Attendees
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Room 420 B
Crafting Impactful Data Stories: Designing Visualizations & Presenting with Impact (Workshop w/ Marc Schaffer)
Unlock the power of storytelling through data in this dynamic workshop! Whether you’re a data analyst, educator or center director, this workshop will elevate your ability to communicate insights effectively.
Select “Workshop” when registering for the conference. Additional fee required ($75).
- Boxed lunch included (noon – 1:00 PM).
- Participants will receive an AUBER certificate of completion.
About the Workshop
Unlock the power of storytelling through data in this dynamic workshop! • Learn how to create visually captivating data presentations that resonate with your audience. • Dive deep into design principles, from choosing the right chart types to structuring your visualizations for maximum impact. • Explore storytelling techniques to weave data into compelling narratives that engage and inspire.
Whether you’re a data analyst, educator or center director, this workshop will elevate your ability to communicate insights effectively.
Join us and transform your data presentations into powerful stories that drive action and decision-making!
About the Instructor
Marc Schaffer, PhD • Director of the Center for Business & Economic Analysis, St. Norbert College
Marc is a professor of economics & data analytics with extensive teaching and research experience in data analytics, economics, and finance at St. Norbert College. He is also the executive director of the Center for Business, Economics, and Analytics and has led over 50+ consulting projects (data science & economic) and delivered over 70+ presentations.
Marc is an experienced keynote speaker specializing in economic and data-rich topics with a passion for presenting data from a compelling storytelling perspective and is founder of arc & line, a data visualization training consultancy.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM • Location TBD
Conference Check-In & Info Table
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM • Location TBD
Welcome Reception
- Greet friends, new and old, at this cocktail reception for all conference attendees. Registered guests welcome.
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM • The Grove Hotel
Hospitality Suite
Sunday, October 20, 2024
All Day • Boise Centre East, North West Foyer
Conference Check-In & Info Table
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM • Room 420
Breakfast Buffet Line
8:15 AM – 9:15 AM • Room 420
Sunday Breakfast w/ Keynote
About the Keynote
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Biography
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Room 410 A
1A. The Energy Economy
- Session Chair – Vanessa Fry, Boise State University
- Geoff Black, Boise State University
- Michael J. Hicks, Ball State University
Presentation Title - G. Black
Geoffrey A. Black, PhD, Professor, Department of Economics, and Senior Research Affiliate of the Center for Advanced Energy Studies Energy Policy Institute, Boise State University
Abstract for presentation
Towards the Economic Effects of Renewable Energy Restrictions: Evidence from Indiana - M. Hicks
Michael J. Hicks, PhD, Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University
and Visiting Professor, Virginia Military Institute
Abstract
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Room 410 B
1B. Technology
- Session Chair – University
- Dominique Halaby, Georgia Southern University
- Benjamin Larsen, Boise State University
How technology and AI are helping to enhance business development and broaden research revenue - D. Halaby
Dominique Halaby, Georgia Southern University
The Business Innovation Group (BIG) serves as the business and economic development outreach arm for Georgia Southern University. BIG is comprised of the EDA University Center, Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research, UGA Small Business Development Center, Innovation Incubator, Fab Lab, Retail Recruiter Program, and Technology Transfer Office. Since its founding in 2014, BIG has assisted more than 3,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners in accessing more than $186 million in debt and equity funding. BIG has also secured in excess of $10 million in grant support to grow its economic development and entrepreneurial efforts and hosted more than 500 events that were attended by more than 6,000 people.
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Room 410 C
1C. Impact Analysis
- IMPLAN team
- Jennifer Green, Jacksonville State University (Chair)
Presentation Title - IMPLAN
Presenter Name, IMPLAN
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM • Room 410 A
2A. The Social Impacts of Research
- Michael J. Hicks, Ball State University (Chair)
- Vanessa Fry, Boise State University (Chair)
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM • Room 410 B
2B. The Politics of Taxes
- Ben McKay, Georgia Southern University (Chair)
- Amir Neto, Florida Gulf Coast University
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM • Room 410 C
2C. Economic Forecasting
- Session Chair –
- Shannon Harris, University of North Carolina
- Rajeev Dhawan, Georgia State University
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
12:15 – 12:30 PM • Room 420
Lunch Buffet Line
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM • Room 420
Sunday Lunch w/ Keynote – Bina Patel Shrimali, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
About the Keynote – Dr. Bina Patel Shrimali
Bina Patel Shrimali, DrPH, Vice President, Community Development, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Bina Patel Shrimali is Vice President of Community Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and serves as the Bank’s Community Affairs Officer. In this role, she provides leadership and strategic direction for the community development team’s research and engagement initiatives to advance economic resilience and mobility of low-income communities by addressing barriers to economic participation. She oversees the team’s efforts in priority areas of healthy and resilient communities, a thriving labor force, and an inclusive financial system.
Dr. Shrimali previously managed the community development research team at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, providing guidance for the department’s research agenda and publications. Prior topics of her own work include systemic economic barriers that drive racial birth disparities and implications for labor market outcomes, child care’s role in enabling economic participation, and estimations of state-level GDP gains from closing gaps in the labor market.
Prior to joining the San Francisco Fed, Dr. Shrimali worked at the Alameda County Public Health Department where she launched projects focused on addressing neighborhood and economic factors to improve health for young children and families, several of which have been nationally recognized and duplicated in other parts of the country. She led the implementation of a national neighborhood-based project in East Oakland called Best Babies Zone.
Dr. Shrimali received her BA in Economics and English, Masters in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Doctorate in Public Health, all from UC Berkeley.
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM • Room 410 A
3A. The Natural Resource Economy
- Juliette Tennert, University of Utah (Chair)
- David Aadland, University of Wyoming
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM • Room 410 B
3B. Transportation
- Fred Treyz, REMI
- REMI Speakers
- Jennifer Green, Jacksonville State University (Chair)
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM • Room 410 C
3C. Promoting Your Work – Communications Training
- Erik Jeffries, University of Colorado Boulder (Chair)
- James McCafferty, Western Washington University
- Victoria Meldrum, Ball State University (Chair)
- Nicholas Thiriot, University of Utah
Panel - E. Jeffries, et al.
Erik Jeffries, University of Colorado Boulder; James McCafferty, Western Washington University; Victoria Meldrum, Ball State University; & Nick Thiriot, University of Utah
This session includes a panel discussion about the challenges centers face in promoting their work and hands-on training for attendees to practice their pitches.
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM • Room 410 A
4A. Housing
Rod Motamedi, University of Massachusetts Amherst (Chair)
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM • Room 410 B
4B. Working with Primary Data
- Diego Mendez-Carbajo, Federal Reserve Economic Data
- Olivier Leroy, Center on Rural Innovation – Rural Innovation Strategies, Inc.
- Bureau of Economic Analysis
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Michael J. Hicks, Ball State University (Chair)
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM • Room 410 C
4C. Communications Training Part 2
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM • The Grove Hotel
Hospitality Suite
Monday, October 21, 2024
All Day • Boise Centre East, North West Foyer
Conference Check-In & Info Table
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM • Room 420
Breakfast Buffet Line
8:15 AM – 9:15 AM • Room 420
Monday Breakfast w/ Keynote
About the Keynote
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Biography
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Room 410 A
5A. Geographic Data Projects
- Placer.ai Speaker
- Jennifer Green, Jackson State University (Chair)
- Douglas White, Louisiana State University Shreveport
- Victoria Meldrum, Ball State University (Chair)
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Northwest Louisiana Economic Dashboard - D. White
Presenter Name, Affiliation
This presentation will highlight how we combine public, Census, and city data to create a snapshot of the local economy. We will also show how we use Tableau to make the data current and updated more frequently than the quarterly report we release. This is a project we undertook with the encouragement of the local Chamber of Commerce.
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Room 410 B
5B. State & Local Economic Development
- Heather Stephens, West Virginia University
- Amanda Weinstein, Center on Rural Innovation
- Michael Hicks, Ball State University (Chair)
How Economic Development Incentives affect Racial and Gender Segregation of Employment and Wages - H. Stephens
Heather Stephens, RRI, West Virginia University
How Economic Development Incentives Affect Racial and Gender Segregation of Employment and Wages
Neighborhood Quality of Life and the Role of the ’Third Place’ - A. Weinstein
Amanda Weinstein, Center for Rural Innovation
Neighborhood Quality of Life and the Role of the ’Third Place’
Spatial Equilibrium and Quality of Life (1980-2019) - M. Hicks
Michael J. Hicks, PhD, Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University
and Virginia Military Institute
Spatial Equilibrium and Quality of Life (1980-2019)
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Room 410 C
5C. Healthcare Research
- Sakiru Oladele Akinibode, Federal University of Agriculture (Nigeria)
- Amir Neto, Florida Gulf Coast University
- Catherine Bass, Belmont University
Official Development Assistance for Health and Maternal Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa - S. Akinbode
Sakiru Oladele Akinbode, Department of Economics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Maternal mortality is high in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). From the turn of the millennium and birth of the MDGs focus has being on key health indicators as means for achieving human development, and this has continued into the SDG. To ensure that targets are met in SSA there have been influx of official development assistance for health (ODAH). Meanwhile, little attention is usually given to maternal mortality in the study of effects of ODAH because focus has mostly being on infant and child mortality. Therefore, knowledge of the impact of ODAH on maternal health outcome is limited. The study employed data from 2000-2021 for 46 countries analyzed with system Generalized Method of Moment while Pooled OLS and Fixed Effect models were analyzed to confirm robustness. The AR-tests were conducted to examine the existence of autocorrelation while validity of instrumental variables employed were also tested. Results revealed that ODAH, domestic health expenditure and per capita GDP significantly reduced maternal mortality while fertility rate and corruption significantly increased it. It was concluded that though ODAH significantly reduced maternal mortality the effect was small. Political will to curb corruption and increased domestic public health expenditure were recommended in order to reduce maternal mortality.
Covid-19 shocks and Mitigation Policies in Southwest Florida: An input-output analysis - A. Neto
Amir Neto, Regional Economic Research Institute, Florida Gulf Coast University
This paper presents a simulation of the pandemic’s impact on Southwest Florida’s (SWFL) economy using the input-output hypothetical extraction method and public data, including the Pulse Survey. The simulations analyze job losses due to lockdown policies and the effects of mitigation measures like stimulus checks and unemployment insurance. Sequential scenarios illustrate the economic impact of Covid-19 on SWFL in 2020. The contribution of this study lies in adapting the partial hypothetical method to utilize publicly available data, and applying it to a developed region in a nowcasting impact simulation setting. The findings reveal industry-heterogeneous impacts, with a severe decline in value-added during Q2. Mitigation policies offered just a partial recovery to this SWFL economy.
Connecting the Dots: Mental Health and Student Success in Tennessee - C. Bass
Catherine Bass, Belmont University Data Collaborative
Connecting the Dots: Mental Health and Student Success in Tennessee
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM • Room 410 A
6A. Demographics of Migration
Rod Motamedi, University of Massachusetts Amherst (Chair)
Presentation Title - R. Motamedi
Rod Motamedi, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM • Room 410 B
6B. Wages & Labor
Nicole Gislason, University of West Florida (Chair)
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM • Room 410 C
6C. The Economics of Sports
- Don Bruce, University of Texas
- Vanessa Fry, Boise State University (Chair)
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
12:15 PM – 12:30 PM • Room 420
Lunch Buffet Line
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM • Room 420
Monday Lunch w/ AUBER Awards & Reports
- Committee Reports
- Results Summary of Annual Member Survey
- Preview of Missoula 2025
- Publications & Individual Awards (view guidelines, due Aug. 1)
- Group Photo
Agenda
Committee Reports
Preview of Missoula 2025
Publications & Individual Awards (view guidelines, due Aug. 1)
Group Photo
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Afternoon Break (30 min)
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Local Excursion – The Power of THE BLUE
- Tour the signature blue turf field in Lyle Smith Field, home of Boise State Football.
- Learn more about the role athletics and sports tourism plays in local/regional economics.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dinner Celebration – Basque Block
- Details posted closer to event. Registered guests welcome.
- Learn about the cultural Basque Block.
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM • The Grove
Hospitality Suite
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
All Day • Boise Centre East, North West Foyer
Conference Check-In & Info Table
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM • Room 420
Breakfast Buffet Line
8:15 AM – 9:15 AM • Room 420
Tuesday Breakfast w/ Keynote
About the Keynote
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Biography
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Room 410 A
7A. AI & Machine Learning
Session Chair – Marc Schaffer, St. Norbert College
TBD - S. Quintinar
Sarah Quintinar, University of North Texas
Abstract for presentation
TBD - M. Schaffer
Marc Schaffer, St. Norbert College
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM • Room 410 B
7B. Session Title
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
Presentation Title - Last Names
Presenter Name, Affiliation
Abstract for presentation
About Boise Centre East – Details & Maps
195 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83706
Boise Centre East is around the corner from The Grove Hotel and Idaho Central Arena. See map below.
- From the hotel lobby, exit onto Capitol Street.
- Turn left and take the pedestrian alley to enter The Grove Plaza.
- Boise Centre East is on the right. Use the Plaza Entrance to enter the Centre 1st Floor Lobby, then take the elevator to the 4th Floor.
- The AUBER Conference is on the 4th Floor of Boise Centre East. Walk past the escalator to reach Rooms 410, 420, and the North West Lobby.
- Meals and keynote programs in Room 420.
- Concurrent sessions in Rooms 410 A, B, & C.
- AUBER Check-In & Info Table in the North West Lobby.
- Wi-Fi is available throughout the conference facility.
Conference 4th Floor Map
