STRONG ECONOMY IN TRI-CITIES!

We've been saying that despite a national recession, the Tri-City's economy is staying strong. And now, there's more proof!!!!


KVEW TV Report, September 1, 2009
A new report by Garner Economics names the Tri-Cities as one of the top ten metropolitan areas for job growth in the country.
And with the low cost of living and local resources ready to be tapped, economic developers say they're not surprised.
"We have available land and available industrial land. We have available commercial land, so we just see a lot of folks who are looking to invest in this area" said Gary Ballew, Richland Business and Economic Development.
For the first six months of the year, employment rates have gone up compared to the same months last year.
And the Tri-Cities is the only metropolitan area in the west side of the country with that type of growth.
One of the biggest reasons why is the stimulus money going to Hanford.
About 1,400 jobs have been created so far, and about 300 have been saved.
And aside from Hanford, businesses in the Tri-Cities are growing.
"I think it's economic diversification that we're seeing. This area is becoming more of a hub for not only retail but a variety of service industries" said Carl Adrian, TRIDEC.
The local agriculture industry and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are also playing a part in keeping the local economy strong.
Many expect the job growth to continue during the next six months.
"We're really that kind of shining light in the state in terms of local economies" said Adrian.