Yes, it is true...it is far different here in East Texas than most elsewhere in the country.  Although East Texas is enduring our share of unemployment and general economic slow-down, we aren't bearing near the brunt that other parts of the country are bearing.  Even though we have seen lay-offs area wide, upwards of twenty companies are still hiring.  Local employers are looking for new and creative ways to keep their employees working such as eliminating or reducing overtime; some are shortening the work week to four days rather than five...yes, this does lessen everyone's income but EVERYONE KEEPS WORKING and they share the burden.  When people are working they spend money....thus, the economy continues to be stimulated.  National umemployment as of December 2008 was 7.2%; state-wide it was 5.7 %; but locally Longview Metropolitan Statistical Area (LMSA) showed 4.5% for the same time period.  Longview city officials, in preparing for the 2009 budget predicted a 2% increase in sales tax; thus far that increase has been 3.9%.  Longview sales tax revenues for 2008 set a new record of 28.6 million... a 6.7% increase over 2007.  LEDCO is emphasizing the importance of educating our young people to meet specific industry needs, which is equally as important as recruiting new business.  Eighty percent of the jobs in Texas do not require a college degree...it is imperative to meet the basic needs of the area's job market.   At the recent Boat and RC show held in early January at Marde Cobb and hosted by the Longview Partnership, all display spots were sold out by mid December.  Most dealers and vendors stated they were preparing for a business-as-usual year, and are already seeing many buyers.

Our housing market remains very strong!  The foreclosure rate in Texas is approximately 1 in 76 compared to 1 in 176 in many other states.  Although from November 2007 to November 2008 homes sales were down by 1.3 %, the average selling price of a home was up during that same time  period by 4.1%.  Data compiled by The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University confirms the strength in our regional market.  Housing prices in East Texas are expected to appreciate faster than the rest of the nation due to affordability and strong job growth.