The three‑county area, that comprises Central Wisconsin showed some improvement in its economic condition which is in contrast to the slowing being experienced by the national economy. For example, unemployment rates fell slightly in the region in a year over comparison. Similarly there was an improvement in the total employment figures for each county. Industrial sector employment struggled but nonetheless managed to grow over the year. However, in the latter case, by just 1.5 percent. 

     Another barometer of the economic conditions facing the area is the business confidence index. Regional business executives say that the national and regional situation is somewhat worse than twelve months ago. However, they do believe that matters will improve in the local area over the next three months. 

     Table 2 presents the unemployment rates for the region, state and nation. The seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.5 and 5.4 percent respectively in Portage and Marathon counties. Wood county's unemployment rate declined even further, all the way down to 5.1 percent. Thus, Table 2 shows a general decline in unemployment rates in Central Wisconsin and for the state as a whole. The United States unemployment rate was also lower this year than last, 5.8 versus 5.7 percent. 

     Total employment as displayed in Table 3 climbed for all reporting units. Portage added 400 people to its payrolls, Marathon likewise expanded adding 2,500 jobs, and Wood county employment increased by approximately 1.000. Thus, our three‑county area added 3,900 jobs or increased employment by 2.9 percent. The U.S. expanded albeit at a slower 1.8 percent pace. 

     Central Wisconsin nonfarm employment is presented in Table 4. Manufacturing and trade expanded by a scant 1.5 and 1.0 percent respectively over the course of the year. Government payrolls did little better rising by 1.8 percent. Only services registered a healthy amount of expansion, growing by 3.2 percent. Lastly, construction was down by about 2.4 percent. Thus, in sum, the industrial sectors of the economy added about 1.8 percent to the total number of jobs in Central Wisconsin. 

     Figure 5A and Figure 5B present Central Wisconsin employment changes over the years. These figures allow us to track the changing composition of area employment for our residents. The predominance of the service sector is clear and apparent in our economy. This mirrors the change at the national level in this regard. 

The CWERB survey of regional business executives discovered that this group was decidedly pessimistic about recent changes at the national level and only slightly more upbeat in their assessment of recent economic changes at the local level (Table 6). When the members of this group were asked to voice an opinion concerning what would take place they indicated that matters would modestly improve. They were most optimistic about the hem they know best, their particular industry.