About the Center

The Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), formerly the Bureau of Business Research, has been working with businesses for more than 30 years. Economic research, analysis, and forecasting are just a few of the services that make us a trusted resource to the communities we serve.

Research and Analysis – The CBER research staff performs customized studies for state and local government, federal agencies, local and regional economic developers, businesses, and business associations.  Research in the center focuses on a broad range of topics including healthcare, public finance, regional economics, tourism, transportation, manufacturing and energy.

Our clear, comprehensive analysis makes local, state, and national public policy issues accessible to community leaders, policy makers, and the general public.  To initiate a project, please contact CBER Director Michael J. Hicks.

Data Delivery and Web Tools – Easily access national data sets, economic calculators and socioeconomic statistics through the web tools of the CBER Data Center.  Know when the latest data sets are released through posts on our Twitter feed.  Find reliable community data for grants with the EPA Grant Writers' Tool.  Stay current with public policy and business issues by subscribing to the Indiana Business Bulletin—a brief newsletter delivered weekly through email.

Forecasting Events – We hold the Indiana Economic Outlook—an annual luncheon and presentation to predict the state's economic climate in the upcoming year—and the Business Roundtable—a quarterly meeting covering local economic forecasts.  For more information, please contact CBER Secretary Lisa Goodpaster.

We also present regional economic forecasts and industry-specific forecasts for audiences ranging from local to national.  To initiate a new forecast or request a speaker, please contact CBER Director Michael J. Hicks.

Survey Data Collection – The CBER staff can assist in the development, distribution and analysis of electronic, on-site or telephone surveys.  For more information, please contact CBER Secretary Lisa Goodpaster.

Publications Design – The CBER publications staff has been recognized for excellence in publications design. We translate CBER data and research findings into  visual displays that speak to an audience of community leaders, policy makers, industry executives, and the general public.

To initiate a project with our center, please contact CBER Director Michael J. Hicks.