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Forbes puts area on fastest recovery list

Forbes magazine’s midrange ranking of region points to its stability, official says.

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By Ryan Gauthier, Staff Writer Updated 8:53 AM Thursday, December 3, 2009

The Cincinnati-Middletown metropolitan area ranks in the middle of a group of America’s fastest-recovering cities, according to a recent list by Forbes magazine.

Forbes put it at No. 55 of 100 recovering metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S. — formed using September unemployment rates, the gross metropolitan product change between first and second quarter of 2009 and foreclosure rates as of September. The magazine also compared 2008 and 2009 housing prices, and the average length of time properties on sale remain on the market.

The Cincinnati-Middletown area is listed at 63rd concerning GMP, 60th in foreclosure and 53rd in unemployment. But it ranks 40th in home prices and 26th in sales rate, according to Forbes.

Mike Robinette, Middletown’s economic development director, said he is glad Forbes gave the region a somewhat favorable spot on the list, but noted he does not put much stock in analysis based on “narrow pieces of data.”

“I don’t put a lot of credibility in studies that draw broad, general conclusions about how all of those regions compare to each other in terms of recovery based on four or five pieces of data,” Robinette said. “It’s a good way to sell magazines, but it doesn’t really mean anything in terms of what we’re doing on a day-to-day basis to create jobs in Middletown.”

Mike Juengling, Butler County’s development director, said he thinks the mid-range rank points to the region’s stability during relatively unstable times.

“We’re always near the middle,” Juengling said. “We have a number of people living in the area that are on the upper end of the middle class and there are quite a few people getting back to work who can afford to buy houses. That’s probably a big factor.”

Other Ohio MSAs making the list include Columbus at 47, Cleveland at 60, Akron at 73, Dayton at 89 and Toledo at 92.

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SIr, don't act like a fool. stop and think before you spew your hate. I find your racist posts and views threatening to not only me but to the people of the 2nd. I am going to use the full extent of my authority and powers to get this situation under control. You will no longer use these venues to incite hatred and racism. I have friends in high places in the journal. Racism stereotyping and bigotry arent a fault they are caused and perpetuated by a man named walt.

THE BISHOP
8:24 AM, 12/8/2009

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it will be a cold day in you know where sir! the disdain in which you look at me and my neighbors in the 2nd is deplorable. my people are hard working when given the chance. you will see when brother barack starts developing jobs we will thrive again! I envision the 2nd to start booming like Harlem in the 20s. What will the haters think then? SIr, in my day this would be settled not on line but man to man. It would end with my size 10 stacy adams in your face, now do you want to talk about race

THE BISHOP
7:43 AM, 12/8/2009

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And stop disrespecting me by calling me sir. Refer to me as the Reverend.

rev.walt
3:48 PM, 12/7/2009

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it's the free loading degenerates from places like the second ward that have messed things up. If the poor would put value on education instead of things like 20" wheels, cell phones, stereos, dancing and gold teef, we would all be better off together. Stop looking to President Obama to solve you problems and take control of your own life. That is what this country is all about. Everyone has the ability to succeed or fail. You life is only as good as you make it. May god bless you

rev.walt
1:08 PM, 12/7/2009

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Sir, you have NO rights to practice the scriptures! Blasphemous!!! Your on line "degree" is as worthless as your racist rants. As for respecting the president I doubt you ever gave the brother a chance. Let that man do what he does!You have had your turn and messed this country up.

THE BISHOP
12:46 PM, 12/7/2009

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