By every measure of economic performance Central Wisconsin's economy advanced forward. The unemployment rates in the region were substantially lower and employment levels were much higher than in First Quarter 1994. Further, industrial sector employment, for almost all sectors, was well ahead of last year's totals. Historically speaking the growth in our industrial sectors over the 1985‑1995 time period has been dramatic. Finally business executives believe that the local economy has strengthened over the past year and they also hold the opinion that the future bodes well for their particular industry. 

     Unemployment rates in the area are much lower in First Quarter 1995 compared to those of last year (Table 2). Marathon, Portage, and Wood Counties seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates now stand at 6.2, 6.0, and 6.0 percent respectively. The labor force weighted unemployment rate for Central Wisconsin plunged from 6.6 to 6.1 percent. The state rate was even lower at 4.8 percent and the U.S. rate declined to 5.7 percent. Traditionally the winter results in higher rates in our area than the rest of the country due to the seasonal nature of many businesses. 

     As somewhat of a surprise, employment in our region expanded more rapidly than the state during First Quarter (Table 3). Marathon, Portage, and Wood County payrolls expanded by 1.1, 3.3, and 1.9 percent in a year over comparison basis. For Central Wisconsin employment progressed from 133.4 to 135.9 thousand or 1.9 percent. Portage County led in the expansion when it grew by 1,100 positions. Marathon and Wood Counties are each estimated to have added 700 jobs to their employment base. 

     Table 4 presents Central Wisconsin employment change by industrial sector. A very healthy amount of growth took place in the region's industrial sectors. Employment surged ahead rising from 125.1 to 129.3 thousand or 4.2 percent. Every sector except government registered substantial increases in its payroll. Trade, manufacturing, and services respectively added 1.7, 1.3, and 1.2 thousand people to their employment rosters. 

     Table 5A and Table 5B show how these major industrial sectors have tracked employment wise from 1985‑1995. These seasonally adjusted data clearly depict for the reader the amount of job growth that has taken place in our region over the time period. Of special note is the huge increase in service sector employment and the almost nonexistent increase in government payrolls over this time frame. 

     Table 6 presents the CWERB's business confidence index. Regional business executives express the belief that national economic conditions have not progressed appreciably but do say that recent improvements in local conditions are clearly identifiable. When asked to give their opinions concerning the course of future economic events they said that the local area and their industry conditions should strengthen in the months ahead. Generally, this group was more optimistic this quarter than in December when accessing economic conditions.