Site Selection and Workforce Development Strategies

Our webinar “Site Selection and Workforce Development Strategies,” was presented on June 23rd from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. (E.T.), by Philip Meneghini, an associate at REMI.   

Mr. Meneghini analyzed the factors surrounding site selection and workforce development strategies using the electric vehicle battery producer Proterra as an example. We used our PI+ model aided by our SEI model to build the base of our analysis. The PI+ model helps model and examine regions’ economic future, and SEI helps evaluate the socio-economic indicators and implications of projects. These tools are powerful and can be utilized across various industries.   

Electric vehicles have dramatically increased demand due to higher gasoline prices, government restrictions on combustion engines, and environmental concerns. Based in Burlingame, California, Proterra is building a third factory in Greer, South Carolina, to increase its capacity of electric batteries to meet this demand. The factory will create over 200 new jobs for the Greer community. Proterra is already at the forefront of innovation for commercial vehicle electrification technology. This new factory will now allow them to produce batteries on the east coast, close to their own Proterra Transit electric bus manufacturing facilities.   

Click here for a video recording of the webinar.

Click here for the slides from the webinar.

Rising Gas Prices Effect On Transportation Industry

[SLIDES] Rising Gas Prices Effect on Transportation Industry[RECORDING] Rising Gas Prices Effect on Transportation IndustryDavid Cassazza and Philp Meneghini presented “Rising Gas Prices Effect on Transportation Industry” to discuss the effect of inflation on the transportation industry.

In February, when Russia declared war against Ukraine, it affected multiple resources and pushed inflation higher globally. This war caused severe sanctions to isolate, causing the U.S. to participate in de-globalizing gas and oil exchanges with Russia. Since Russia is a top gas distributor, in March 2022, a global increase cost of gas occurred. The average price per tank increased by ten dollars per fill in less than one month in the U.S. The transportation industry has been battling high inflation concerns since 2020 and now has a new challenge with the uproar of gas prices.

Global Events: How Resilient is the US Economy Against War

[SLIDES] Global Events: How Resilient is the US Economy Against War[RECORDING] Global Events: How Resilient is the US Economy Against WarREMI hosted a webinar, Global Events: How Resilient the U.S. Economy is Against War. This presentation will lead by our Chief Economist and CEO, Frederick Treyz. On February 24th, Russia invaded Ukraine and announced war. Due to severe sanctions isolating Russia, the global economy is struggling with supply-chain shocks that have agitated food, energy, and other commodities markets.

This war has forced the U.S. to participate in de-globalizing specific resources, pushing inflation even higher. The sanctions on Russia and a lack of alternatives have caused the prediction of oil prices surpassing $200 a barrel. There is a global shortage of microprocessors for video games used in phones and cars. Intel has invested $20 billion in a new computer chip facility in Ohio.

Examine Economic & Environmental Impacts of Military Bases

[SLIDES] Examine Economic & Environmental Impacts of Military Bases

[RECORDING] Examine Economic Environmental Impacts of Military Bases

Our REMI staff presented “Examine Economic & Environmental Impacts of Military Bases.” Based on a directive from the Biden Administration, they focused on the economic and environmental impacts of making military bases greener via the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

When the Biden Administration entered the White House, they immediately set a 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target and signed an executive order to help reduce emissions created in America. The U.S. military has been a significant contributor to the nation’s carbon footprint. For example, they were responsible for approximately 52 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2020 — more than other countries, such as Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. As a response to climate policy priorities, the Department of Defense has plans to develop an electrified zero-emissions non-tactical vehicle fleet, to replace fossil-fueled vehicles by 2035 completely. The question is, how will this and other associated changes affect their economic footprint?

Fiscal and Economic Effects of Medicaid Expansion

[SLIDES] A Fiscal and Economic Analysis of Medicaid Expansion – Sondra Collins, Senior Economist at University Research Center[RECORDING] A Fiscal and Economic Analysis of Medicaid Expansion – Sondra Collins, Senior Economist at University Research Center Dr. Sondra Collins, Senior Economist at University Research Center (URC), a Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) division, will be presenting “Fiscal and Economic Effects of Medicaid Expansion.” This discussion explored the fiscal and economic impacts of Medicaid expansion in Mississippi on revenue, real GDP, employment, and labor force changes.

In addition, Dr. Collins provided an overview of the “A Fiscal and Economic Analysis of Medicaid Expansion in Mississippi under the Affordable Care Act” study completed by her and her team. You can view the full report by clicking here.