Center for the Study of Free Enterprise
Dedicated to providing economics research and education to the students, faculty, and community of Western Carolina University. Our WorkFor Students
Scholarships, fellowships, post-baccalaureate opportunities, and educational lectures for students.
For Faculty
Information, tools, classroom materials, and lesson plans for educational professionals of all levels.
For the Community
Grants for individuals hoping to advance economic understanding through peer-reviewed research and public promotion.
Director’s Blog
Thoughts from our Founding Director, Dr. Edward Lopez, and invited contributors.
There’s something interesting happening with North Carolina’s case numbers
There's something interesting happening with North Carolina's new coronavirus cases. The pattern was different in June than it has been so far in July, and we may be seeing the early signs of cases subsiding. 1. First, notice the sharp hi-lo weekly cycle in the data....
How Restrictive Are North Carolina’s COVID-19 Policies?
WalletHub released the latest edition of its 50-state ranking on restrictive COVID-19 policies. Many of the variables used in the study are heavily controversial in public discourse, including masking and school opening. Each of the many variables the authors cram...
WNC breweries seeing impact of can shortage
A perfect storm is brewing for beer producers in the form of short supply vs. high demand when it comes to packaging their products. Manufacturers of aluminum cans used for canning beer and soft drinks are in overdrive trying to keep pace with increased demand. A...
Why are recoveries increasing in the Sunbelt, especially in North Carolina?
In a new study as part of CSFE's COVID-19 research initiative, with co-authors Stephen Miller and Craig Richardson, we find that surging cases in Sunbelt states are not leading to surging hospitalizations or deaths. If anything, the growth rate of deaths is declining....
Do spikes in COVID-19 cases lead to spikes in deaths?
One crucial question is whether spikes in new daily cases are followed by later spikes in hospitalizations and deaths. Many have expressed grave concern about this possibility. Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb told Face the Nation last Sunday, “We’re right back...
Local businesses and chains are feeling the effects of economic rebalancing
Several local and chain businesses in Western North Carolina have announced permanent closures in recent weeks as the economy continues to struggle with the impact of the pandemic. In its recent coverage, WLOS News 13 reached out to Center For the Study of Free...
What’s New
Wrap up of Davis — Cawthorn Debate
The march to Washington for NC District 11 Congressional candidates Moe Davis and Madison Cawthorn made a stop Saturday night at WCU for the second of two scheduled forums hosted by local media. The...
Grant to fund COVID-19 economic impact study
The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise's research on the economic impacts of COVID-19 got a boost recently thanks to a grant from the NC Policy Collaboratory. The $109,000 grant will enable the...
CSFE Director Edward Lopez, Political Science Professor Chris Cooper, panelists for candidate forum
Center for the Study of Free Enterprise Director Edward Lopez and political science and public affairs department chair Chris Cooper are slated as panelists on the second of two scheduled forums in which candidates for the NC Congressional District 11 seat will debate regional topics.
Do spikes in COVID-19 cases lead to spikes in deaths?
One crucial question is whether spikes in new daily cases are followed by later spikes in hospitalizations and deaths. Many have expressed grave concern about this possibility. Former FDA...