WHAT: Rhode Island’s newly found economic momentum continued in October. For the sixth consecutive month, the Current Conditions Index beat its year earlier value. The Index rose from 33 in September to 42 in October, with 5 of its 12 indicators improving.

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

WHEN: For release today, Dec. 14, 2009

HOW: Use enclosed information, 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 and Marketing, 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.