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• Phone Number:
  (678) 466-4500

June 16, 2009   

Bank of America Supports Economic Research Center at Clayton State University

    The Center for Research on Economic Sustainability and Trends (CREST) at Clayton State University received a $25,000 grant from Bank of America to further its work of conducting in-depth and meaningful economic research and analysis leading to sustainable economic development within Southern Metro Atlanta.

    Originally established to help local Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Authorities, and city and county officials by conducting primary and secondary economic research and analysis, CREST is a program of the School of Business at Clayton State. The sub-regional focus allows CREST to develop a depth of expertise and level of detailed analysis in economic research that few centers are able to achieve. Additional CREST partners include; Henry County Chamber of Commerce; Rockdale/Conyers Chamber of Commerce; Clayton County Chamber of Commerce; Spalding County Chamber of Commerce; Coweta/Newnan Chamber of Commerce; Fayette County Chamber of Commerce; and the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce.

     “CREST helps local officials better leverage their human and financial capital while working to achieve economic growth,” notes Dr. Jacob Chacko, dean of the School of Business. “These services include, but are not limited to, basic economic data collection, economic trend analysis from CPS data, employer needs assessments, economic impact studies, and consumer confidence surveys.”

    According to CREST economist and director, Dr. Nikki Finlay, “CREST is important because we will be able to help the local business community understand what is going on in their area more quickly than they could using only national data.  Recent US Census data suggests that while 24% of the Atlanta metro population lives in the southern metro area, only 16% of the Atlanta metro businesses are located in the southern metro area.  We’ll be able to take local information and data, such as demographics or employee/employer relationships, show where problems lie, analyze the situation, and offer solutions that will work best for the area.  CREST is also good for the School of Business because it helps the business community understand the resources we make available.” As part of the planning process, Dr. Finlay and CREST’s assistant director, Dr. Reza Kheirandish, are putting together survey instruments to distribute to the local business community.  Chacko notes that, “with the support of the wonderful team at Bank of America, CREST will have a tremendous economic impact on the southern metro Atlanta and help develop the local economy.” 

    For more information contact; Dr. Michael Tidwell at (678) 466-4500 or go to: business.clayton.edu.

    A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.