Bureau of Business and Economic Research

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) 

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) is an applied research arm of the Labovitz School of Business and Economics at UMD. The BBER has been in official existence since 1970s, though it began with the Duluth Business Index in the early 1960s. The BBER has become a respected go-to resource for unbiased research and analyses, and directors have long been sought for media responses to current economic issues. Our services include economic impact modeling, survey research, demographic analysis, market research, and more.

The BBER hires UMD students as undergraduate research assistants. These students are trained in applied economics research and gain in-depth hands-on experience working on actual BBER projects. Several BBER students have gone on to graduate school or law school, and many others have pursued careers in research-based fields.

Mission To provide high-quality, unbiased research that promotes economic growth and wellbeing in northeast Minnesota by leveraging the skills and knowledge of LSBE's community of learners and educators.

Vision To be recognized by local businesses, non-profits, government, and tribal communities as the premier community resource for academically rigorous economic and business expertise and analysis.

We are a member of the Association for University Business and Economic Research (Auber). Founded in 1947, AUBER is the premier professional organization for regional economics centers across the United States with members from 75+ leading universities and affiliate organizations.

Read answers to some of the frequently asked questions about our department here.

If you are interested in learning more about the services offered by the BBER and what our research team can do for your organization, please contact us by emailing [email protected].