<img src="//bat.bing.com/action/0?ti=5564067&amp;Ver=2" height="0" width="0" style="display:none; visibility: hidden;">

IMPLAN Blog

Understanding IMPLAN: Direct, Indirect, and Induced Effects

Posted by Joe Demski on October 31, 2024

“How can $1 of spending support more than $1 in the local economy?”

We get questions like this about economic impact analyses all the time. The answer is very straightforward. The results of an input-output (I-O) analysis are broken down into direct, indirect, and induced effects. The combination of these overarching economic effects often total greater than the initial economic input. Each level of effects captures a different portion of the complete economic portrait. In order to understand the totality of an impact, you must conceptualize how each value is defined and what they represent.  

Read More

Topics: Data, Economics, Technology, Methodology, Impact

Closing Campus Doors: A Growing Threat to Local Economies

Posted by Candi Clouse, Kristen Blazek, and Chandler West on October 17, 2024

The educational landscape in the United States is changing rapidly, and for many small colleges and universities, the outlook is bleak. While large institutions may thrive, smaller liberal arts colleges have been facing mounting challenges that are pushing many toward closure. Over the last few decades, these colleges have played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and stability in the small towns and cities where they are located. However, shifting demographics, rising operational costs, and other factors have combined to create a climate in which many schools are struggling to survive. What happens to the local economy when these institutions shut their doors?

Read More

Topics: Economics, Impact

The Tax-Exempt Tip Plan: A Mixed Bag for the U.S. Economy

Posted by Jenny Thorvaldson & Chandler West on August 15, 2024

As the 2024 election looms, one of the most debated policy proposals is the "No Tax on Tips" plan championed by former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. This initiative, which aims to eliminate federal income tax on tip income, is designed to bolster the take-home pay of millions of American workers in the service industry. While the plan promises immediate benefits for tipped workers, its broader economic implications raise questions about long-term impacts on the U.S. economy. 

Read More

Topics: Data, Economics, Impact, policy

Announcing New Quick Start Guides: University Impacts & Simplified Tourism Impacts

Posted by Chandler West on August 7, 2024

We’re thrilled to announce the latest additions to IMPLAN’s Quick Start Guides: the University Impacts Guide and the Simplified Tourism Impacts Guide. Like our other Quick Start Guides, these new guides are designed to make economic analysis accessible to everyone, regardless of their background in economics. By following a series of on-screen prompts, users can easily analyze the impacts of various economic events and projects.

Read More

Topics: Data, Economics, Tourism, Impact

The Economic Ripple Effect of Wildfires: An IMPLAN Analysis

Posted by Candi Clouse and Chandler West on July 30, 2024

Wildfires are devastating for communities, ecosystems, and the economy. They lead to significant property losses, industry disruptions, and income reductions. However, the aftermath of these natural disasters also triggers substantial economic activity, particularly through rebuilding efforts and support systems. This dual nature of impact—both negative and positive—on the economy has been highlighted in a recent analysis using IMPLAN data.

Read More

Topics: Data, Economics, Natural Disasters

Understanding the Farm Bill: How SNAP and Commodity Prices Shape America's Job Market and Economy

Posted by Bjorn Markeson & Chandler West on July 30, 2024

The Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that governs various agricultural and food programs, including SNAP, and has significant implications for the agricultural sector and the broader economy.

Read More

Topics: Data, Economics, Agriculture

Extreme Heat: The Cost of Climate Change

Posted by Chandler West & Maria Lucas on July 23, 2024

This summer, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that residential customers will see their monthly electricity bills average $173 from June to August, up from last summer's $168. This 3% increase is due to households consuming an additional 30 kilowatt hours of energy each month compared to last year. Some estimates predict an even sharper rise, with costs expected to be 8% higher from June to September compared to the previous year.

The Energy Hardship Report by the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate and the National Energy Assistance Directors Association revealed that in March, 34.3% of households reported forgoing basic necessities to cover their energy bills at least once in the past year. To understand the impact of rising cooling costs, we assume that 34.3% of American households, or nearly 44 million households, will reduce non-electricity spending by 3% from June to August.

Read More

Topics: Data, Economics, Environmental, Methodology

Expanding Horizons: Updated IMPLAN International Product

Posted by Chandler West on July 11, 2024

We're thrilled to announce a significant enhancement to our International Product – an expansion that opens up a world of possibilities for economic analysis. With the addition of 10 new countries to our database, we're now covering a total of 76 countries, empowering users with broader insights and deeper understanding across diverse economies.

Read More

Topics: Data, Economics, Technology, Methodology

NAICS Codes 101: Understanding Industry Classification with IMPLAN

Posted by Chandler West on July 3, 2024

When you’re delving into economic analysis, you'll often encounter North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. NAICS codes (pronounced like “snakes” without the “s”) are essential for categorizing businesses and understanding economic data. 

In today’s blog, we’ll break down what NAICS codes are, how they correspond with IMPLAN sectors, and why they matter for your economic impact analysis.

Read More

Topics: Data, Economics, Technology, Methodology

Understanding IMPLAN: Measures of GDP

Posted by Joe Demski on June 30, 2024

If you review the results of an IMPLAN economic impact study, you will not find GDP listed in the results. Naturally the question arises, "What is the GDP?" Within IMPLAN results, that value is actually demonstrated in multiple ways. 

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is defined as the total market value of all final goods and services produced within a region in a given period of time (usually a quarter or year). GDP is the sum of value added at every stage of production (the intermediate stages) for all final goods and services produced within a region in a given period of time. In other words, GDP is the wealth created by industry activity.

Read More

Topics: Data, Economics, Technology, Methodology, Impact

Why IMPLAN?

Put simply, IMPLAN is built for everyone.

Together, our software and data give you a window into your region of study — like one gigantic transaction log for the local economy. Chances are that if your project or business has a financial component, then IMPLAN can reveal some sometimes surprising detail about how your project relates to the local, state, or national economy.

What used to take economists weeks can be done in minutes. By anyone!

But you're not alone, IMPLAN's best benefits go beyond the work done in the tool:

  • Easy to learn and use
  • Outstanding customer support
  • Access to orientations, trainings, and project consultations
  • Instills confidence in your analyses

Book a Demo

Recent Posts