Published: Fri, 6 Nov 2009
Description: (NECN: Brian Burnell, New Britain, Conn.) - Stanley Tools was founded in New Britain, Connecticut 150 years ago. Over the years, Stanley's footprint has shrunk as has its work force in New Britain. NECN's Brian Burnell takes the puls...
Automatically Generated Transcript (may not be 100% accurate)
" Yorktown New Britain, Connecticut home to the Stanley Works for 150 years. And over the years Stanley Works footprint has shrunk in the city as has its workforce. And he CNN's Brian -- Al takes the pulse of New Britain headed down a --"
" Stanley tools is a prominent presence in New Britain, Connecticut put more in name that in fact. Thousands drive by the corporate headquarters on interstate 84 every day but a few miles away the factories where the tools are made tell the real story. At one time the company employs fifteen to 20000 people here that number has shrunk to about thirteen hundred. Not that mayor Timothy stewardess complaining jobs -- jobs especially in these tough times."
" We have a higher unemployment rate than than than the average in the city Connecticut which is probably than 9% range but Britain's probably up -- the 1213%. Range. And yet people are hurt and foreclosures are also -- the mayor says things have stabilized you can gauge the economy based on. Tax collection rates things like that and infirmity. In a building department you can see what's going on -- community based on. At the level of -- this issue in the course of the month so we checked that quite regularly so we know what's happening. And things are pretty stay."
" Over the past year we probably learned more than we ever thought we would about economic indicators gross domestic product housing starts interest rates. Well here's an economic indicator for yet the breakfast special at the miss Washington diner. Lori Fey and Jimmy has worked here for eighteen years she can judge the local economy based on how regular her regulars are and what they order."
" We do a great breakfast special 2:45 this morning to express tells him with -- 345. People cannot afford it. Or that's all they can afford all -- time for that. Because. It's just another question."
" She says folks she used to see every day or cutting down to once or twice a week some don't -- it at all anymore. What kind of stories personal story can you hear about people get laid off from businesses will lose and lose and this I usually get the -- those people."
" Okay I won't you come back I got laid off. A couple of hours so I don't know what appeared -- promise you."
" The news is not all bad in New Britain. Across town east side restaurant is doing well. Owner -- August you know has just completed renovations that included German beer garden upstairs that focuses on good German food. And cold cold here."
" System that puts up 32 degree beer. Not only that the system tempers blouses. When I put it over here -- will end up doing is we'll take this class from room temperature. Following down to around 34 degrees not going to give -- 32 degree on the tap. But I also puts no rails and so we keep in years faced 32 degrees -- started this work with the economy in the tank and that worked to his advantage I couldn't buy this. I -- working good times. I couldn't touch everybody will be by -- and -- now no one's -- Iowa I am I -- have been out there I'm gonna get a real good price to keep good people working."
" He says other contractors hungry for work -- of a better deal was well and her bidding process was easier because the city is processing fewer votes. It's also allowed him to advertise more east side billboards seem to be everywhere."
" You can drive and any highway. In the city Connecticut in New York in Massachusetts and find. My -- said restaurant somewhere I mean I'll be in Ansonia I'll be in Bridgeport now seaside restaurant thinking -- come to -- That's a great thing."
" Economists are saying the recession is over. -- from Jeremy -- Augustine you know and mayor Timothy Stewart will tell you that's not true not a New Britain. But they're getting by and looking forward to better times ahead. In New Britain, Connecticut -- for now any CN."