Wisconsin Economic Recovery Has Begun

Analysts report that Wisconsin’s economic recovery has begun and will continue to gain momentum throughout the new year. In recent surveys, 86 percent of BizTimes.com readers say their company will either add jobs or at least maintain the status quo in 2010. In addition, 76 percent say they are optimistic about how their business will do in the year ahead. The number of first-time unemployment claims in the state is on the decline, as is the number of company job layoff notices filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. This all bodes well for the state’s housing stock. On the downside, Wisconsin’s market for new commercial development is flat. Additionally, some of the banks around the state remain on shaky financial footing. Finally, because employment is a lagging indicator, researchers say it may take a few more months before there is a clear and definite reversal out the Great Recession. OnMilwaukee.com (01/06/10) Jagler, Steve