Middletown Planning, Conservation & Development Newsletter- February 11, 2011
( as reported by Michiel Wackers)
MIDDLETOWN STATISTICS REPORT- FEBRUARY 2011
↔ Local Economy- While the unemployment rate increased 0.3% in December, all other indicators related to employment showed significant gains that should push unemployment down in the coming months. Job vacancies increased 9% in the past month and are up 99% from a year ago. Also of note, has been the increase of positions outside of Healthcare. A year ago, Healthcare accounted for nearly 75% of job vacancies, now that percent is less than 50%. Aerospace and defense jobs are up 137% and Retail jobs are up 75%. The Business Starts recorded by the CT Secretary of State’s office show a 20% increase in business starts in Middletown for 2010.
↔ Housing- Prices continue to remain depresses. January 2011 foreclosures are down 60% versus January 2010. Inventories have shrunk, but so have sales, which results in a modest surplus of housing on the market.
↑ Web Presence- Web presence is up over the last year. Liberty Bank has entered the ranks of the top rising search trends in Middletown.
MIDDLETOWN SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS- APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
The City of Middletown has two new grant programs to help start-ups or expanding small business.
The first program provides up to $1,500 to small business for a wide range of operating cost on a reimbursement basis after qualification using program guidelines. An additional $500 grant is available after successfully taking advantage of Middletown's free small business development center.
The second program provides customized employee training through designated service providers for new hires. Middletown's partners are Middlesex Community College, Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, Russell Library and United Labor Agency.
Both programs provide funding on a first-come-first-serve basis and are funded through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant program.
For an application or more information please contact either Michiel Wackers or Rick Kearney at
We can also be reached by email at:
For a one-page summary of both programs go to: http://www.middletownplanning.com/documents/CDBG_ED_Program.pdf
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