[DuckCommander]

It has been some time since I have lived in Michigan but, I have been reading some good things about the outlook for the state. Is there any truth to the numbers?

Do ya'll feel the economy is on the rebound yet?

Will the change in Michigan politicians have any effect on the economy?

Good, Bad?

[JimmyInGreatLakes]

My chronically unemployed brother got a couple more leads lately and has a temp job (possibly permanent after 120 days) but that's certainly not a hard and fast indicator. I will find out myself after Dec. as I'm "retiring" from the State of Michigan quite early (48) but have to find some supplemental employment. My search won't have to be for full-time employment but it will still enable me to check out the landscape somewhat.

I'm thinking the new governor will bring a boost to the business prospects in the state, just from the perception of lower taxes/less government that he brings. I say perception because only through experience will we really know if he's the guy to make this a friendlier state for business investments.

[canudigit]

I think that the new governor is such a change from what we have had in the past that there is a sense of freshness and optimism, at least that's what I'm getting when I talk to people here.

As far as job prospects, I have been reading various articles online and in the local newspaper that attest to the fact that things are indeed picking up, although it seems that it is taking a while to trickle down to the average guy and people are also going to have to accept the fact that the decent paying manufacturing jobs that one could actually support a family on and that sustained our economy for decades are gone, most of them never to return. There will be growing pains while the blue collar population adapts to that hard fact, and it's sad that those jobs are gone. I saw a line in today's paper that kind of said it all, at least for the time being, as it referred to our "jobless economic recovery". It sounds like an oxymoron, but think about it and it pretty much sums up what's happening across the whole country, not just here in Michigan.

[AlohaHuey]

The auto companies are showing improvement, but until Michigan truly diversifies, there will always be downturns that disproportionally affect Michigan.

[Cliffie]

Things are looking up a little. Just not enough yet.

[MittenDweller82]

I'm going to say no....13% unemployment rate is just to hight to claim "rebounding". Couple that with nearly 200,000 folks loosing their unemployment now will lead to less money in economy. Are things changing? Yes, the national economy is still restructuring and markets are still changing rapidly. Many other areas of the country are seeing true growth that have more diverse economies, but I'm afraid Michigan will need several more years before the road to recovery can begin.

[tecpatl]

Both GM and Chrysler are adding engineers, etc. as well as assembly people. How can it be bad...though it's far from a big huge deal. But in this state, at this time, ANY jobs coming back is a big deal. Let's hope for lots lots more.

[zthatzmanz28]

Philadelphia Fed Idex has Michigan on Top..


Economic Indicators Rate Michigan ONE

[Coldjensens]

Ford is adding people too.

[actinic]

Nearly 70,000 jobs available in all categories and pay ranges. Start here: Jobs in Michigan | Find Employment & Careers or Search & Hire Employees at Pure Michigan Talent Connect | mitalent.org