Manufacturing Powers Rockford's Economic Surge

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Rockford, IL

When it comes to the economy, the city of Rockford attracts headlines for its consistently high unemployment rate. But a new federal report says the area’s GDP rate posted a strong gain in 2011, beating the national average.

That information from the Bureau of of Economic Analysis was highlighted in a recent article from Register Star reporter Alex Gary.

He spoke with WNIJ’s Mike Moen about what’s driving Rockford’s economy.

Some highlights from the BEA report:

* Rockford's GDP increased by 4.26 percent in 2011.

* Rockford’s GDP in 2011 was $12.9 billion. That meant the area ranked 150th out of the nation’s 366 metropolitan areas.