Local Economy Isn't Bulletproof

From the Tennessean (12-01-07): "'We're going to be affected by the same kind of influences that exist nationally, but to a smaller degree,' said David Penn, director of Middle Tennessee State University's Business & Economic Research Center. Penn cites a slight drop in Nashville-area employment and sales tax collections between the second and third quarters as signs of slower growth. He expects a modest recovery next year in both, after more weakness in the current quarter fueled in part by a ramp-up by builders after the current inventory of homes has been sold off."