Gulf South Index
Built from research, local perspective and decades of regional experience, the Gulf South Index helps leaders better understand the people, trends and decisions shaping our region.
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We are back in the cone of uncertainty
While the summer started off on an optimistic note with COVID-19 cases declining, mask mandates lifting and people setting off for long-overdue vacations, August seemed to come in and knock us back six months in the progress we were making thanks to the introduction of the Delta variant. Now, 80% of adults are concerned about the latest variant, with concern growing among both vaccinated and unvaccinated adults in the past week, according to research by Morning Consult.
Back-to-school: Consumers are shopping early, spending more
Parents are gearing up for students to head back to in-person learning in the coming days and weeks. Some, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began. How the school year will play out is anyone’s guess as re-emerging pandemic concerns linger in the background. But for now, parents are spending early and big – more than ever before – to get their children back to the classroom.
Local News: Meeting people where they are
Fair and accurate dissemination of information is a hot button issue. Who people trust to deliver this information is an important part of the narrative. A recent Politico opinion piece by Jack Shafer says local news is collapsing and that readers are to blame for the downfall. The article also suggests that there is just not enough local news to cover to make it of value to readers.
On the road again
We have reached a turning point when it comes to consumers venturing back out into the world. A renewed demand for leisure activities and many of the things that make the Gulf South distinct – tourism, entertainment and outdoor activities – is evident according to the 2021 Gulf South Index Report. People are heading back to bars and restaurants and planning road trips this summer to driving destinations like our Gulf Coast beaches.
New data shows being local more important than ever
The Gulf South is emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic in better shape than some other parts of the country. People are resuming some of their regular activities, many students have been back in the classroom for a while now and the overall economic picture is bright, according to new data in the 2021 Gulf South Index Report.
Businesses key to Gulf South vaccination
As mass vaccination events draw crowds, the Gulf South still has many residents that are not on board with the vaccine. New Gulf South Index research from March 15 shows that while 13% in the Gulf South feel the COVID-19 situation is getting a lot worse compared to just 7% nationwide, our region is still much less likely to get the vaccine. What do we need to do to get more people vaccinated in our region?
People are on the fence about the COVID-19 vaccine
While more people are rolling up their sleeves to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, some Americans are still deciding if they will take the shot. Our upcoming 2021 Gulf South Index report sheds new light on where people stand in our region in terms of getting the vaccine. The latest results reveal that 51% of those surveyed in the Gulf South would be willing to get an FDA-approved vaccine today if it were available at no cost.
Who We Allow into our Information Circle of Trust
Today, everything and everyone has become a news source and consumers are yearning for a return to factual, reliable news they can trust. We are constantly on information overload. It can be a daunting task to decipher what is real and what is considered misinformation. Who should we turn to as our trusted news sources?
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