Middle Tennesseans feel less sure about the future strength of the area’s economy than in February, according to the latest consumer confidence poll from Middle Tennessee State University.
Tim Graeff is director of MTSU’s Office of Consumer Research. Consumer confidence is rising nationally, and Graeff says even though the indicator is dropping locally, it’s still higher than on the national level. Graeff says indicators such as new home construction are visible reminders of the strength of the local economy.
“We’re not reliant upon any one industry. We’ve got regional medical centers, education, distribution, manufacturing, we make cars around here, hospitality, entertainment. So we’ve got all these different industries and it’s like we’ve got a diversified stock portfolio. Even if one of those industries tends to slow down, we’ve got all these other industries that help maintain the good economy in the area.”
Graeff says rising gas prices and the impact of recent storm damage are the top concerns in Middle Tennessee. MTSU conducts the poll five times per year.
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