Region's Unemployment Still Hovers Near Double Digits

Not so long ago, President Obama came to Allentown to talk job creation.

At the time, the president was optimistic about economic recovery.

But for those out of work, the sentiment is the same.

"Terrible," said Alonzo Branch. "Helpless."

"Pretty hard," said Bonnie Ortiz.

"It's depressing," said Daylena Carney, "especially with kids."

The Lehigh Valley's unemployment rate continues to hover near 10 percent.

"There are six job seekers for every job," said John Haupt.

Nearly 10 months ago, President Obama toured Allentown, talking and taking suggestions from small business.

Rolf Schlake's idea was labor credits for businesses that hire. Despite no word from President Obama, his company, Applied Separations, is expanding and has recently hired.

"We're in a very niche market and that market is growing," said Schlake.

Allentown Metal Works owner Jim Gallagher spoke to the president about the need for banks to start lending again.

It's a business that relies on customer orders. The company said, since Obama's visit, business is still down, banks still aren't lending, and working in this economy is still a challenge.

Today, President Obama once again stressed the need to help small business, where 60 percent of job losses in the final months of last year came from.

"Once again calling on Congress to make passing a small business jobs bill the first order when come back to session," said Mr. Obama.

To get the scoop on the Obama table talk, we stopped in the Ham-Fam Restaurant.

Daytime manager Gloria Jezrick said, for the most part, Mr. Obama is getting support.

"They feel as though he walked into a terrible mess and no way he could clean it up in a short period of time," said Jezrick.

In the current economy and political environment, however, the president might want to grab lunch on Hamilton Street again.