Cindy Johnson, the head of the Grand Island Chamber, sends out a periodic business update. Quick way to stay on top of the business going on in that market. - Jerry Slusky
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Central Nebraska Regional Airport experienced an 8% increase in total enplanements in January 2015 over last year. There were 5,395 enplanements.
The following building permits were recently issued:
- Grand Island Mall, 2228 North Webb Road, renovation of existing mall structure/shell convert one building into two separate structures (South building), $2,635,000
- Grand Island Mall, 2228 North Webb Road, renovation of existing mall structure/shell convert one building into two separate structures (North building), $2,310,000
- Heartland Dental, 3327 Capital Avenue West, Build out/expansion, $25,000
- Westgate Properties LLC,1004Diers Avenue North, Suite 140, business additions, interior remodel, $30,000
- Westgate Properties LLC, (Yandas Music), 1004 Diers Avenue North, Suite 150, business additions and interior remodel, $70,000
FORECASTING
Nebraska’s Leading Economic Indicator rose by 0.40% during January 2015. This suggests that economic growth will accelerate in mid-2015. Respondents predicted a strong increase in sales and employment over the next six months. There was a decline in initial claims for unemployment insurance, which suggests strength in the labor market. Building permits also edged up on a seasonally adjusted basis. Among declining components, there was a slight decline in airline passenger counts and manufacturing hours during January. The exchange rate was the largest negative factor.
For the sixth consecutive month, there was a significant increase in the value of the U.S. dollar. The rising value continues to put pressure on Nebraska export businesses.