Positive signs of economic recovery continue
Baton Rouge, La. (September 29, 2020) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today released its COVID-19 economic indicator dashboard that examines and assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the regional economy. The dashboard is available online at brac.org/recovery.
“Indicators show an improving economy, but one where many Capital Region residents are still out of work,” said Andrew Fitzgerald, senior director of business intelligence for BRAC. “As more federal stimulus looks unlikely before the November election, it is crucial that Baton Rouge Area parishes continue the progress they have made regarding low COVID-19 positivity rates in order to encourage state and local officials to allow more of our hardest-hit sectors to reopen.”
Key findings from this week’s dashboard include:
- Retail fuel sales fell after a hurricane-related spike, but over-the-year weekly sales have been above 2019 number for three weeks in a row, and four out of the last five weeks;
- Weekly unemployment claims have fallen every week for more than two months, and should continue to fall as the economy continues to reopen;
- Hotel occupancy remained strong compared to the same week last year, and revenues were more than $1 million higher for the week ending September 12th;
- Mobility data shows that travel to retail and recreation remains low, but more people are traveling to work.
The dashboard looks at a number of data points to illustrate the economy’s current state. With data from a number of regional stakeholders, the dashboard is the most real-time analysis of the Baton Rouge metro economy available.
To download this week’s indicator dashboard directly, click here.
BRAC is regularly updating brac.org/recovery with business resources and guidance related to COVID-19.
About the Baton Rouge Area Chamber
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) leads economic development in the nine-parish Baton Rouge Area, working to grow jobs and wealth and to improve the business climate and competitiveness in the region. Today, BRAC investors include more than 1,400 small businesses, mid-sized firms, large industry and entrepreneurial startups, as well as individuals and organizations that support business and economic development. In this capacity, BRAC serves as the voice of the business community, providing knowledge, access, services and advocacy. More information is available at brac.org.
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