Perryman issues Tyler's Economic Forecast

Tyler—

Like most venues: whether kitchen table, bar or church pew: talk here at Tyler's annual Business Expo turned toward the economy and the eternal question: "hows bidness?"

Kevin Lewis with Cutter's Equipment said, "Business is slow. but it's pickin' up. People are sayin' the economy is slow and hopefully it'll pick up soon."

Depending on who you ask, vendors thought's on the future of more black ink than red are as diverse as their wares.

Charlotte Rodden with Advance'd Temporaries sells people: part-time people...and says her business is booming.

"People are more apt to use temporaries instead of hiring-out, because of the cost of putting a person on full time. so, it's kine of like test-driving the employee."

Across the street where the rubber meets the rose garden: copies of noted economist Dr. Ray Perryman's forecast ready for hundreds of Tyler business people.

I spoke with Perryman before his lunch date about a generally fair five year forecast after this rough patch...for both Texas and Tyler.

A forecast not read through rose-colored glasses, but Perryman peers say is spot on.

Head of Tyler Economic Development; Tom Mullens says "You look at some of the growth projections he made of Tyler-East Texas' economy over the last ten years, they've been pretty close to what he said."

Perryman's forecast points to old staples like oil and gas as well as health and bio-medical as anchors for this current rough patch and future growth.

Perryman spoke of how these days are devastating for so many, he said; "I've had elderly people during the question and answer periods literally get tears in their eyes when they ask questions. People are concerned. These are serious times."

A forecast in a time of dire straits for some; these lunch-guests left breathing a sigh or relief...