A top regional economic analyst sees signs that the economy is recovering. The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank’s Luke Tilley said recently there is slow growth in production and an improving jobs picture.

“The last three months we’ve had a growth of about 250,000 jobs each month, so a growth of 750,000 jobs over three months is a significant number.  We’re far from getting back the 8 ½ million jobs that were lost, but it’s gotten a lot better.”

Tilley made a presentation to more than 100 local business owners at a seminar sponsored by Univest.  A home improvement contractor who attended, Gary Volpe of Volpe Enterprises in Worcester, agreed that the economy is recovering, and an up-tick in his business has prompted plans to expand.

“We purchased a new facility on Church Road which we’re now renovating.  We’re going to be into kitchens and bathrooms and home remodeling showrooms so that people can come in there and actually see it.  I’m very encouraged by not only what Luke talked about but where we’ve gone in the last couple of years.”

Volpe said one key to getting through the recession is hard work.