Despite the economic blow experienced by Wichita’s manufacturing sector, total nonfarm employment is expected to increase 0.5 percent in 2011, for a total gain of 1,315 jobs.

That’s according to the 31st Annual Wichita Area Economic Outlook Conference, held Thursday, Oct. 7, and presented by the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University.

Job gains in nondurable goods manufacturing will help counteract job losses in durable goods manufacturing, holding total manufacturing employment to a 0.7 percent decline.

The production sector, as a whole, will lose 110 jobs, or 0.2 percent. Trade, transportation and utilities are forecasted to decrease by 100 jobs, or 0.2 percent. This decline will be driven by continuing employment losses in retail trade.

The service sectors are forecasted to increase 0.7 percent in 2011, while the government sector is expected to increase 1.4 percent.

For more information and a copy of the center’s 2010 review and 2011 forecast report, go to www.cedbr.org.