CRER research scholar Bento Lobo recently appeared on WUTC’s Scenic Roots to speak about his research on the benefits of broadband investment in Chattanooga. Among his findings are that “Since EPB launched its fiber optic network and automated electric grid here in Chattanooga in 2010, those investments have generated 5.3 billion dollars of economic gains…
12/30/25: Make it Make Cents: Now-Retired Pennies Pose Puzzle for Chattanooga Consumers, Businesses
Newschannel9’s story on the penny shortage included comments from CRER director and chief economist Howard Wall: (T)he penny shortage was inevitable. He explained that the Federal Reserve stopped distributing pennies months ago and added, “Now, the other part of it is that a penny just isn’t worth what it used to be. So that’s really…
12/8/25: The Economy During the Holidays
CRER director and chief economist was a guest on TalkRadio 102.3’s Jed and JR in the Mornings. They talked about the state of the economy and things to be worried and not worried about. Listen to the conversation here.
11/25/25: Turkey Prices Drop, Veggie Costs Rise this Thanksgiving for Shoppers in Tennessee, Georgia
Newschannel9’s story on the costs of Thanksgiving quoted CRER director and chief economist Howard Wall: University of Tennessee Chattanooga Director of the Center for Regional Economic Research Howard Wall says it all depends on what families buy and where they shop.“If I went to a different store, I could maybe find a cheaper Thanksgiving. I’m…
11/22/25: Tariffs Pull Plug on NoogaLights in Northwest Georgia
A piece in the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported on and unexpected effect of President Trump’s tariff war: But one local lighting company, NoogaLights, canceled a planned show for Fort Oglethorpe’s Barnhardt Circle. NoogaLights’ owner, John Haustein, said the show would have been the first of its kind at the site and was designed to run alongside…