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Econ 2009 Outlook

THE ORACLES
What will the region look like in 10 years?
We asked five local financial, civic, development, and nonprofit movers and shakers what their vision was for the region by 2018.
" ... There's a nice potential upside .... Not skyrocketing, but some solid things."
"We'll be stronger because of regionalism...."
"In terms of city vibrancy, I think we are unmatched."
"So our position in terms of being very, very competitive as a region is great...."
"The region has tremendous assets that can allow it to be more prosperous...."
THE SECTORS
How the region shapes up
For most, just surviving the recession will be the primary goal. The area should fare better than the nation. A report on 13 sectors:
Independence Hall is a draw for visitors. It’s unclear how the hospitality industry will fare. According to some estimates, the U.S. hotel business is likely to drop as much as 20 percent through 2009. All of the region´s economic sectors are bracing for change in the next year. (Peter Tobia / Staff Photographer)
Independence Hall is a draw for visitors. It’s unclear how the hospitality industry will fare. According to some estimates, the U.S. hotel business is likely to drop as much as 20 percent through 2009. All of the region's economic sectors are bracing for change in the next year. (Peter Tobia / Staff Photographer)
CHAT TRANSCRIPT
Financial planner Robyn E. Jameson, CFP, CFBS, CLTC, answered readers' questions and offered advice.
CREDITS
Graphics: John Duchneskie, John Tierno, Alan Baseden
Photo editing: Cheryl Shugars
Editors:
Roslyn Rudolph, Tracy Koontz, Sue Weston, Thomas Ginsberg
Produce terminal officials foresee huge growth for their sector. (Jonathan Wilson / Staff Photographer)
Produce terminal officials foresee huge growth for their sector. (Jonathan Wilson / Staff Photographer)
THE PORTS
From a superefficient produce terminal pumping 70 million cases of apples, lettuce and Asian pears throughout the East Coast to Comcast Corp.'s data-operations center tracking the nation's Internet pulse, there's something going on in Philadelphia.

Can a Portal Economy become our growth edge?
INTERACTIVE
Between 2004 and 2007, a stark shift in job concentration, worker earnings and number of business establishments rippled across the region. Look up recent changes to job and wage changes in your own zip code.


Interactive map by Alan Baseden, John Duchneskie and John Tierno / Inquirer staff
NEWS
The rumored trade of Cole Hamels to somewhere for something has gotten back to Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. In short: It's not happening. Amaro envisions Hamels bouncing back from a disappointing season and being a top-of-the-rotation twin with Cliff Lee next year.