Business owners want economy to bounce back

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Is there an economic revival going on in Connecticut? According to the Governor, the lowered unemployment rate says yes.

However, some small business owners say the revival is taking too long.

Even some economists don't seem to have a very clear view of how Connecticut is doing, but some business owners say they do.

Harvey & Lewis Opticians is a business that has weathered every recession that has struck Connecticut since 1890.

Jim Lewis is the fourth generation in his family to work at this business and says that he believes things are turning around.

"I see a lot more optimism and a lot more activity," said Lewis, "so absolutely, in the last year, last six months, we've seen a real uptick."

"We are making loans, making grants, investing with folks at a record rate to drive employment in our state," said Governor Dannel Malloy, "and...quite frankly to grow business."

Lewis was among many other business owners who heard Governor Malloy explain his "Connecticut is Open for Business" efforts over the past 16 months, and while many groused about taxes, many said they do like his approach.

"He's the first Governor we called to meet with that met with us on his own, no staff...was available," said Len Wolman, Marriot Hotel, "he's direct, he tells you whether he agrees with our ideas or he doesn't, and he gives you good reasoning why."

Malloy also explained that many of the things he and the legislature are doing won't pay dividends for several years and some business owners say it's taking too long.

"It's good to hear what he's saying and it looks like he's on target," said Rhonda Love, Grand Manner Magazine, "but I'm still looking for...I'm a results-oriented person and I think a lot of the small businesses are looking for, now, you know, results...not far down the line."

However, at Harvey & Lewis where the company has withstood over a century of economic ups and downs, the great grandson of one of the founders says business owners need patience.

"I think he's trying a lot of things and I think that sooner or later you get traction on that kind of activities," said Lewis, "so, yeah, I think I'd give him a good grade on that."

There have been at least 25 economic down turns since Harvey & Lewis started in 1890. It's quite clear that Jim Lewis' father, grandfather and great-grandfather, all must have had patience.