MTSU business research center recognized nationally for wage, benefits study

NORFOLK, Va. — The Business and Economic Research Center at Middle Tennessee State University was recently awarded the Community, Economic, and Workforce Research Award for its 2023 Wage and Benefit Survey at the annual Council for Community and Economic Research, or C2ER, Conference in Norfolk, Virginia.

Held this year in mid-June, the C2ER Conference presents awards in six categories, with MTSU’s BERC receiving an award in the category for projects supporting collaborative and community research initiatives that have brought together different groups or organizations to achieve a common goal. BERC was awarded for the project’s response to a demonstrated need, quality and collaborative approach.

In cooperation with the Middle Tennessee Industrial Development Association, BERC’s study surveyed human resource professionals to provide region-specific reports on the human resource practices and compensation structures of manufacturing and industrial companies across Middle Tennessee. To view regional infographics with survey findings, visit https://w1.mtsu.edu/berc/wb2023.php.

Dr. Murat Arik, assistant professor of management, Jones College of Business, and director of the MTSU Business and Economic Research Center — Dr. Murat Arik

Dr. Joyce Heames, dean, Jennings A. Jones College of Business — Dr. Joyce Heames

“The Business and Economic Research Center has always emphasized community collaboration and partnership,” said BERC Director Murat Arik, Ph.D., in reflecting on the center’s achievement. “Being recognized by our peer institutions in this way demonstrates the commitment and dedication of our staff and partners to that mission.”

Joyce Heames, Ph.D., dean of the Jones College of Business where BERC is housed, acknowledged the value of partnering with community organizations, saying, “We are proud of our Jones College of Business faculty and staff working with partners in Middle Tennessee to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Meanwhile, Arik was nominated to the C2ER Board of Directors in April; his three-year term began on July 1.

Dr. Murat Arik, right, director of the Business and Economic Research Center at Middle Tennessee State University, poses with Dr. Fady Mansour, MTSU economics alumnus and director of the Butler Center for Research and Economic Development at Columbus State University, after Arik accepted the Community, Economic, and Workforce Research Award at the annual Council for Community and Economic Research, or C2ER, Conference in Norfolk, Va., in mid-June 2024 in recognition of the center’s 2023 wages and benefits study. (Submitted photo)

About the Council for Community and Economic Research

The Council for Community and Economic Research is the nationally recognized, trusted leader in the community, economic and workforce research field. C2ER is committed to developing and engaging a diverse membership to elevate data-driven decision-making and ensure prosperous communities. It supports community prosperity by promoting excellence and leadership in community, economic, and workforce research. This is accomplished through professional development and networking; unique quality products; and the availability, analysis, and use of data.

For more information on C2ER, visit https://www.c2er.org/.

About BERC

Since its establishment at Middle Tennessee State University in 1970, the Business and Economic Research Center has conducted research on the regional economy as a public service and on a contract basis for clients from the community. BERC has completed research projects for both MTSU and external clients on a variety of topics, including the economic impact of universities, regional population growth, and current trends in various industries.

For more information on BERC, visit https://w1.mtsu.edu/berc/index.php.

— Josh Narrell, (jpn3a@mtmail.mtsu.edu)