Rotarians welcome special guest Delphi Rotarian Gerry Underhill (left) welcomes Purdue economist Dr. Chris Hurt to the Delphi club's Farmer Appreciation Day celebration. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe Delphi Rotary Club members and guests heard Purdue University Economist Dr. Chris Hurt speak about the present economic situation in the U.S. at the Feb. 17 Rotary meeting for "Farmers Appreciation Day." Approximately 40 farmers were in attendance for the celebration.

The meeting theme was to honor the valuable contribution Carroll County farmers and those in agri-businesses provide to the county economy.

"Our Carroll County farmers are clearly a world class act and among the best farmers and agri-businesses on the planet," Rotary president Gerry Underhill said. "We are truly blessed and should be thankful and proud of each and everyone of them."

Hurt indicated the current recession should show signs of improvement between this fall and next spring. He said recession could be compared to the one in the 1980s.

Hurt said the stimulus package is designed to inject funds over the next two-andone half years in an effort to generate business. He indicated to what extent the stimulus package would be helpful was unknown.

Hurt explained unemployment is expected to continue to rise until the fall of 2009 or spring of 2010 when economic improvement is expected. He suggested it would take roughly a year to realize signs of recovery.

Hurt advised audience members to understand the process would be rugged the first year, but opportunities would be waiting when it concluded.