Productivity, not jobs, prods growth.

• Position: North Carolina - economic aspects - Brief Article

A study of western North Carolina's economy concludes that an increase in productivity--not job creation--is keeping the region afloat. Appalachian State University economist Todd Cherry concluded that economic growth in 25 counties took place at an annual rate of 5.2% based on the fourth quarter of 2003, despite a 0.4% decrease in employment. Four counties had unemployment rates above 8.1% in January. In Rutherford, it was...