Pulse On Our Local Economy

​The Indiana University East Business and Economics Research Center

​Generates comprehensive economic data to support the vitality of the Eastern Indiana and Western Ohio regions.
Goal 1.1: Establish a centralized digital dashboard to house regional economic indicators, ensuring that 100% of data sets for the majority of IU East service counties in Eastern Indiana by mid-2031 and, phased in thereafter, those remaining counties in Eastern Indiana and Western Ohio, are updated on a rolling basis as new federal and state data becomes available. [Vision]
Goal 1.2: Disseminate the collected economic data and business survey findings through the annual “Futurecast” event, local talks, and/or contributions to newspaper articles. [Impact]

Conducts targeted research and studies to capture the "pulse" of the local and regional economies.
Goal: Publish the annual Richmond Forecast and Business Survey Report by mid-December of the year and mid-May of the following year, respectively, maintaining a high standard of internal and external peer review. [Discipline]

Collaborates with community organizations to enhance public understanding of the local business environment.
Goal: Partner with local economic development organizations in at least three new counties in the IU East service region in Indiana to expand the geographic impact of BERC’s research. [Growth]

Engages alumni networks to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world regional business applications.
Goal: Develop an "Alumni Research Liaison" program to integrate at least two distinguished alumni into the external review process for major economic reports. [Legacy]

Leverages student effort in promoting economic development in the community.
Goal: Organize activities/events in which students can contribute meaningfully to the economic development of the region and their residing counties. [Contribution]

The BERC delivers on its mission through six strategic pillars: Vision through our new digital dashboard; Impact by disseminating research through community engagement and media; Discipline in our peer-reviewed reporting; Growth through expanded regional partnerships; Legacy by integrating our alumni back into the research process; Contribution by promoting regional economic development.

Find the Full 2025 East-Central Indiana Survey Report Here