At a 7.5% unemployment for Laconia, and Belknap County, that makes Belknap County the 2nd highest out of all 11 NH counties behind the 9.5% Coos County, which is way up north.
I wonder why the rate for Belknap is so high? A couple reason are: the closing of the State Prison in Laconia, and closing of Freudenburg-NOK , a car-parts maker, in Laconia. Both employed over 100 people with good pay.
The slowdown in residential construction and remodeling is probably a big factor too.
For the waterslide location, maybe Dunkin Donuts will move in? I already have a maroon red Dunkin Donuts sport-shirt that says DUNKIN DONUTS- Five Years, that I bought for a dollar at the Etcetera Shoppe, as a joke. So, when DD opens I'll be right there, look'n for a job!
