And as we gather here to talk about the current state of our economy, and the prospects for the future, Sturbridge reminds us that building for the future also entails preserving the qualities and character of our unique and distinctive past. I would like to thank Paul LePenas and the Quoboag Valley Chamber, and Paul Kolesnikovas and the Tri-Community chambers of commerce for inviting me. I would like to recognize the new town manager of Southbridge who is here, Mike Coughlin. I would like to congratulate you on this first joint Expo to highlight all the great things that are happening in this region. And the state is pleased to be an active partner with your communities as you seek to maximize your economic potential.
Times are good in Massachusetts.
As I am sure you saw last week, unemployment in January hit a 13 year low, at 2.9 percent. That continues a winning streak that now extends 59 consecutive months where our jobless rate is lower than the U.S. rate. The 3,600 new jobs that were created in January means that since the last recession in 1991, our roaring economy has created nearly a half a million jobs. I think its more important to build on those numbers. This week we held the first meeting of the Governor's Economic Development Council to help us maintain our prosperity, and share our good fortune with parts of the state that have been left behind.