蘑菇TV

Lee EBCS: Second Quarter 2026 Report

May 04, 2026 / RERI Research Team

The national economy entered 2026 on mixed footing, with steady economic growth offset by a softening labor market, above-target inflation, and geopolitical headwinds keeping consumers, business owners and policymakers cautious. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an overall measure of economic activity, grew at an annualized rate of 2.0 percent in the first quarter of 2026, characterized by increases in consumer spending, investment and government spending. The national unemployment rate inched up 0.1 percentage points from March 2025 to 4.3 percent in March 2026, even as total unemployment rose 1.5 percent and employment slipped 0.4 percent, signaling a cool labor market marked with slower hiring and reduced worker turnover. Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, rose by 0.9 percentage points to 3.3 percent in March, likely reflecting early effects of geopolitical tensions, though core inflation has not yet absorbed these pressures. Together, this led the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to maintain its wait-and-see approach, holding the federal funds rate at 3.50 to 3.75 percent for the third consecutive meeting in April 2026.

Lutgert College of Business Leads Largest Cohort at Spring 2026 Commencement

May 01, 2026 / Lutgert News / Tags: 2026, commencement

蘑菇TV celebrated a record-breaking Spring 2026 commencement, with more than 2,500 graduates crossing the stage. The Lutgert College of Business represented the largest group of graduates, holding its own dedicated ceremony鈥攁 reflection of the college鈥檚 continued growth and impact.

$6,200 Raised by Worthington for PGA Golf Management Students

May 01, 2026 / Lutgert News / Tags: Fundraising, PGA Golf Management, Scholarships

The Worthington Golf and Country Club community came together during their annual Closing Scramble on April 25, 2026, to support Eagles Fore 蘑菇TV, raising $6,200 for the program. Located in Southwest Florida, Worthington Golf and Country Club is a member owned golf community known for its active lifestyle, championship course, and strong sense of community engagement. With 230 participants, this year鈥檚 total more than doubled last year鈥檚 contribution and reflects a growing investment in student success.

Issue Brief: 2025 Holiday Shopping Season in Southwest Florida

April 29, 2026 / RERI Research Team

The holiday shopping season is a critical period for retailers and local economies, often serving as a barometer for overall economic health and consumer confidence. Regions like Southwest Florida can be more prone to the effect of this season, as the area caters to snowbirds and other seasonal residents from across the world. Understanding the trends and patterns of previous years becomes valuable for businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike.

Lutgert Faculty Achieve Record 21 Top Tier Research Awards

April 13, 2026 / Lutgert News / Tags: 2025, Academic Journals, LCOB Top Tier Award, Research

The Lutgert College of Business is proud to recognize a record-breaking 21 Top Tier Research Awards in 2025, honoring faculty whose work has been published in some of the most competitive and highly ranked academic journals in the world. This milestone reflects the depth of expertise, innovation, and dedication across our faculty, with research spanning artificial intelligence, global economics, leadership, supply chain, workplace behavior, and more. These awards are reserved for publications in journals recognized by leading rankings such as ABDC, JCR, ABS, and ARES, reinforcing the level of excellence required to earn this recognition.