Economist says recession over in Central New York, but economy still not strong

Central New York economy slowly improving

By Marisa DeCandido (NCC News)

October 28, 2010, 8:00 p.m.

At a roundtable discussion at Syracuse University Thursday morning, a New York Department of Labor economist had a simple message: the recession may be over, but the economy in Central New York is not back to normal yet.

Roger Evans, the Department of Labor's Central New York representative, explained that Syracuse came into the recession late, and thus will be leaving it late as well.

"Being in a recovery doesn't mean the economy is strong. The economy is still very weak, we're not far ahead of our low point in the business cycle. And that's what we talked about today, the difference between doing well and doing better," Evans said.

Despite the recovering economy, there are still jobs out there, he said.

The discussion was part of a weekly civic forum about local issues at S.U.

Manufacturing main cause of recession in Syracuse

The reason for Syracuse entering the recession late is the area's history with manufacturing, Evans said. In the current recession, manufacturing was not the sole cause.

"Generally speaking, this recession began with the banks and the housing market. Manufacturing was number three on the list," Evans explained.

Syracuse did not experience a housing bubble, and did not have nearly the amount of financial damage from big banks as the rest of the nation did, he said.

People should not shape job search around the economy, Evans says

Despite the slowly improving economy, there are jobs in Central New York, according to Evans. Skilled positions are wanted, and people should look for jobs that agree with their expertise and education, regardless of the industry.

"Manufacturing is declining but that does not mean you should give up on manufacturing as a career if that's where your strength lies," Evans said.

Only 1 in 4 four job losses are due to the economy in Central New York. The rest are a result of regular, day-to-day turnover such as retirement, Evans said.

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