Gadsden is one of 22 cities listed nationwide at risk of slipping into recession again, according to Moody's Economy.com

(New York, NY - August 19, 2010) Moody's Economy.com is predicting the Gadsden metro area will be one of 22 cities at risk of slipping back into a recession within the next three months or more.

That report, based on the evaluation of a team of economists considered employment, housing and industrial production.

Also included in the list from the Southeastern US region are: Anderson, SC; Athens, GA; Gulfport-Biloxi, MS; Macon, GA and Mobile, AL. More than half of the cities are in the traditional "South" of the United States, with five cities concentrated in the Midwest.

The author of the report, Andrew Gledhill, says there is a 25% chance of a national "double-dip" recession, while he estimates Gadsden and 21 other cities in the nation are likely to experience another dip in the economy between now and the first half of 2011.

Part of Gledhill's evaluation is based on hiring in those communities. According to his report, employment has been tapering off when compared to earlier months this year.

Gledhill says Gadsden's chances of a double-dip recession will increase significantly if there is not a "substantial" increase in hiring in the metropolitan area.

The report indicates part of the problem is a strong reliance on manufacturing for employment, which will cause the localized recession - one that likely will not result in a national recession.

Gadsden Industrial Development Authority Director Mike McCain says he has problems understanding the negative report in light of various articles and papers indicating the strength of Gadsden to attract re-locating industries, such as an 2007 article in Expansion Management magazine.

That article showed the strengths of the region in attracting industries interested in re-locating, according to McCain. While the article is no longer available from the link on the Gadsden Industrial Development webpage touting the findings of the report, it indicates the area ranked 11th in a national list of small communities poised for recruitment and attraction of industrial re-locations.

McCain points to a recent announcement of Fehrer Automotive to build a Tier-1 level manufacturing operation in Gadsden that will supply just in time delivery of molded foam products for Mercedes in Tuscaloosa and Volkswagen in Chattanooga, TN.

McCain stresses that the county's unemployment rate remains below the statewide rate, and that the three industrial development announcements this year will result in an increase in employment opportunities in the region starting next year.

According to Moody's Economy.com website, Gadsden's economic outlook ranks slightly above the 50% mark. That report indicates the metro area has a relatively high cost of doing business and cost of living, mostly due to tax structures.

It lists the recent decision by Goodyear to remain in the area as an immediate strength in the Gadsden economy, while it also says the region's "high exposure to secularly declining old-line manufacturing" is one of the county's weaknesses.

While listing affordable housing as a strength, it also reports low per capita income, preventing many in the area from being able to purchase a home. A third weakness reported by the website is "poor demographics."

The website offers several economic evaluation products for purchase to help clients including businesses, governments and professional investors evaluate regions for strategic planning purposes, sales forecasting, and investment research.

(Piedmont, AL - August 18, 2010) The Alabama Department of Public Safety is issuing a missing child alert for a 16 year old boy last seen in Piedmont, Alabama on July 10.

The alert indicates that James Micheal Devoe, a 16 year old white male is considered a runaway and may be in the states of Alabama, Louisiana or Texas. He is described as a white male, 5 ft 7 in, with blue eyes and black hair. It is unclear how Devoe is traveling at this time.

If you have any information leading to the recovery of the teenage boy, please call Officer Carolyn Durham at (256) 447-0901.

MISSING PERSON REPORT

Category: Unknown Status: Active Case Number: M908974932 Date Issued: 08/18/2010 Comments: James Michael Devoe was last seen in Piedmont, Alabama on July 10, 2010. He is considered a runaway and may be in the states of Alabama, Louisiana, or Texas. His mode of travel is unknown.
Contact Information Contact: Officer Carolyn Durham Phone: (256) 447-9091 Alternate Contact: Alternate Phone:
Person Information Status: Missing Name: Devoe , James Michael Gender: Male Race: White Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Black Height: 5'7 Weight: 177  lbs. Current Age: 16 Year(s) Age Last Seen: 16 Location Last Seen: Piedmont, Alabama NCIC Number: M908974932 Comments: Picture(s)

(Gadsden, AL - August 17, 2010) The Gadsden City Council typically spends between five and fifteen minutes of each week's meeting on dealing with property abatement or grass cutting abatement issues. Today's meeting is no different.

The council held one public hearing ordering abatement of a nuisance on property at 107 East Kyle Place and two public hearings assessing nuisance abatement liens on property located at 817 S. 12th Street and 610 Polk Street.

During one of the public hearings, a family member asked the council to give them time to repay the lien. Typically, the city assesses liens on property where the city has to demolish or repair buildings, or are required to cut grass on the property due to unkempt yards and property. Once the liens are attached to the property, they can not be sold or transfer hands until the city's lien is paid.

Council members explained to the property owner that she should approach the Building Department about satisfying the lien, "you might be better off doing that," explained District 2 Councilman J.R. Countryman.

Shortly after the three public hearings on nuisance abatement and liens, the council agreed to sell more than $5,589.57 in liens held on property located at 1318 Cansler Avenue to Jim and Shirley Dates for $500. The city's liens were for abatement of a structure nuisance ($4,557.57), and an additional $1,032 in grass cutting and overgrown lot nuisance abatement charges since 2006 on the property.

Councilman Countryman says the city is typically willing to sell nuisance liens for much less than the value of those liens "just to get them back on property tax rolls."

(Gadsden, AL - August 17, 2010) An unofficial and unscientific poll on GadsdenMetro.com shows a slight tightening of a lead for former Gadsden Mayor Steve Means in the upcoming city race.

The poll, which has been accepting votes since Monday, August 9 shows a slight lead by Means, 118 - 92.  However, individuals are allowed to re-vote every 24 hours in the poll and is, of course, open to individuals who live outside the city limits.

If you'd like to vote in the GadsdenMetro.com online poll, you can do so by visiting this page and making your selection.