National employment declined 0.8 percent in 2010. Year-over-year average annual employment grew a meager 0.4 percent in June 2011, and only modest gains are expected in 2012.

That's according to the 2011 Kansas Economic Outlook, just released by Wichita State University's Center for Economic Development and Business Research.

Continued unemployment claims remain well above average. Housing and mortgage markets continue to falter. And consumer confidence is waning.

Yet, individual businesses boast strong balance sheets and high profitability.

The mixed messages from national indicators cause many to question whether the great recession has ended. Local indicators have been equally confusing.

» Read the full report.