The Center for Economic Development and Business Research
The mission of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR) is
to enhance the region's economic growth and development by collecting, analyzing and
disseminating business, economic and demographic information, conducting applied business,
economic and demographic research, and serving as a vital link between the business
and economic development community, Wichita State University and the W. Frank Barton
School of Business.
The novel Coronavirus has likely created an indelible mark on the global economy.
But understanding how it has affected industries and occupations remains somewhat
elusive, although more clarity is revealed daily, according to Jeremy Hill, director
of Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research
(CEDBR).
From the start of the global pandemic, health experts warned about public gathering
places. Those same warnings gave rise to the now infamous phrase – “social distancing.”
As public health experts warned about highly trafficked areas, and states implemented
stay-at-home orders, the manual service sectors that require face-to-face interactions
were the first to see the economic ramifications, Hill says.
Following are the top 10 hardest-hit sectors:
accommodations
air transportation
entertainment venues
food services
museums
performing arts
personal care services
sightseeing transportation
temporary help services
travel arrangements services
The CEDBR has created three visualizations to help policymakers, businesses and economic
developers across the nation understand the level of economic vulnerability, broken
out by state and industry.
The customizable infographics allow for in-depth comparisons. Each tool identifies
not only the total number of jobs and wages, but also the level of concentration within
each state.
