Data Resources at Your Fingertips

Ball State University's Center for Business and Economic Research is a federally designated state data center, providing public access to official government data and other trusted primary sources. We also provide insight and context for what these numbers mean. Explore the entire CBER Data Center or browse the projects below.

Community Asset Inventory and Rankings

This report provides an objective, data-focused assessment of the factors that influence the quality of life in Indiana and the economic conditions within each county. This report is produced every four years in collaboration with the Indiana Communities Institute. View the report. 

Conexus Indiana Manufacturing & Logistics Report

Produced for Conexus Indiana, this annual report evaluates state-level performance and issues grades for all 50 states on a number of factors that affect the health of the manufacturing industry. View the report. 

Projects & Publications Library

CBER publishes a wide variety of unbiased, data-driven projects and publications that are useful to policy makers, industry experts, community leadership, consultants, and informed citizens. View the library.

Weekly Commentary by Michael J. Hicks

Michael J. Hicks delivers his personal perspective on current issues in business, government, and society. This weekly op-ed is published in newspapers across Indiana, including the Indianapolis Star. Hicks’ column is also included in CBER’s news digest, the Indiana Business Bulletin. Read his commentary.

Indiana Business Bulletin

The Indiana Business Bulletin is a weekly email featuring commentary from researchers and news about CBER events and publications. Subscribe to receive the IBB in your inbox at the beginning of each week.

Other Resources

Looking for more? We’ve compiled a list of outside resources to assist you in your research.

Ball State University Libraries Digital Media Repository

Ball State University Libraries houses a digital collection of archived photos and documents pertaining to the Center for Business and Economic Research and the former Bureau of Business Research. Some discontinued gems include the Muncie Business Index and the Ball State Business Review. View the repository.

C2ER Cost of Living Index

Economic Research Guide

Exclusive Databases