PRINCETON: Signs of optimism at some local businesses

By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
   When Princeton businesswoman Rita Conallen was looking to hire a manager for her clothing store, the Palmer Square merchant was not inundated with job seekers the way she thought she would be.
   Ms. Conallen, owner Urban Grace, said she found that surprising given all the news of people unable to find work. Next to her business, the Chez Alice Gourmet Café & Bakery has a help wanted sign in the window of the front door.Even if some are hiring, the state’s jobs picture remains somewhat dreary.
   In Mercer County, the unadjusted unemployment rate was 8.9 percent for July, according to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. While that’s better than the state figure of 10.1 present, it still means 18,600 county residents are unemployed.
   Monthly unemployment totals were not available for the borough or the township. But according to the state, 180 township residents and 140 borough residents were collecting unemployment last month.
   However, some see signs for optimism.
   Peter M. Crowley, president and CEO of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce, said a lot of small businesses are still investing. Chamber membership will grow by 8 to 10 percent, a “net” increase of 85 to 90 businesses, he added.
   In recent weeks, the area has seen its share of new businesses open its doors or announce plans to open. Mr. Crowley said that earlier in the week, he was at the Bobby Flay’s restaurant opening at MarketFair Mall in which people were lining up to get in.
   David Newton, vice president of Palmer Square Management, said Thursday that he is seeing “a general move towards improvement.” The upscale shopping area is due to welcome Brooks Brothers and Urban Outfitters.
   Looking ahead, Mr. Crowley said businesses still face unknowns about their health care costs and what their tax structure will be.