Consumer outlook mixed

Consumer confidence in Middle Tennessee remains strong, according to findings from a recent phone survey conducted by students in MTSU's Office of Consumer Research in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business. Select residents of Davidson, Rutherford and Williamson counties rated the national economy as "good" (23 percent, up from 20 in April), and 37 percent (up from 34) felt that local business conditions were "good." However, future expectations are mixed. The percentage of consumers who said business conditions in the nation would be better six months from now dropped to 51 percent (from 55).

Contact Dr. Tim Graeff, OCR director, at 615-898-5124.
tgraeff@mtsu.edu

From pound sterling to euro

What might the impact be if Great Britain changes from the pound sterling to the euro? The UK has lost the opportunity of $160 billion in foreign investment to EU countries, notes Dr. Tom Tang, professor, management and marketing, and expert on money ethics and cross-cultural studies. Having a single currency in EU countries has its advantages. "The competition will surely get stronger than before across borders if the UK switches to the euro. There will be dramatic movements in money, capital, production facilities and human resources. It may create the same effects as NAFTA." Large corporations will benefit--but it may hurt the employment rate, he adds.

Contact Tang at 615-898-2005.
ttang@mtsu.edu

Reading opens the world

Teachers in the Murfreesboro and Rutherford County schools are receiving instruction in the diagnosis and remediation of reading difficulties for K-5 children. The MTSU Jennings and Rebecca Jones Reading Academy, through July 3 at Bradley Elementary School, is providing opportunities for teachers to have one-on-one sessions with students to tackle reading problems. "We have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of many children," notes Dr. Nancy Crews, program director. Media welcomed.

Contact the NPA office at 615-898-2919.

TR EXTRA

STARTING TODAY--The MTSU Biotechnology Workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 26-28 in the Davis Science Building. Rutherford and Williamson county teachers will gain experience in separating DNA mixtures, transforming bacteria with an animal gene, and more. Contact Dr. Rebecca Seipelt at 615-904-8393 or the NPA office at 615-898-2919. Media welcomed.
TOMORROW--The Pearl Cohn teens involved in the "Gear Up Institute" at MTSU for the past three weeks will go on plane rides at the Murfreesboro Airport, provided by members of the MTSU aerospace department. The "Gear Up" graduation ceremony will be held tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. at Pearl Cohn High School. Contact Dr. Catherine Stogner at 615-898-5522 or the NPA office at 615-898-2919. Media welcomed.