WHAT: The value of November’s Current Conditions Index, 8, masks the overall and growing economic weakness in Rhode Island. While the state has been stuck at this value for almost all of last year (with the exception of two zeros), what is inescapable this month is how much worse several key indicators have gotten.

WHO: URI Professor Leonard Lardaro, creator and author of the Current Conditions Index.

WHEN: For release today, Jan. 15, 2008

HOW: Use linked report, including summary and charts prepared by Lardaro for news reports. He is available for broadcast and print interviews. The new information and other historical information can also be found on Lardaro’s web site at http://members.cox.net/lardaro/current.htm.

FOR INFORMATION: Leonard Lardaro, office, 401-874-4128, home, 401-783-9563

Dave Lavallee, URI Department of Communications, 401-874-2116.

BACKGROUND: The Current Conditions Index, created by Lardaro, measures the strength of the present economic climate in R.I. by following the behavior of 12 indicators.

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