(MOBILE, Ala.) Sept. 30 -- This financial crisis has most people asking one question: is my money safe? Tuesday the University of South Alabama sponsored an event with one goal in mind: to reassure Alabamians.
Darron Chapman is a junior at USA. With graduation day not too far away, he's not letting the nation's poor economy stand in the way of his dream job as a banker. Instead, he's doing just the opposite.
"For me, it's actually motivating," Chapman said. "I want to get better and as a nation we have to look at it that same way too. We have to find a way to get out of it."
But Chapman may not have to worry about having a bright future. During a Coastal Economic Symposium held Tuesday, Chapman learned economists are bullish on Alabama's economic future. Tim Russell is the Alabama State Revenue Commissioner. He says the coastal economy is outperforming the national economy.
"Why do you think all these people came out today," Russell said. "Just look at the economy and look at what's happening here. It's fabulous."
Dean of USA's College Of Business Carl Moore says he agrees. "Alabama's a great state to be in when economic times are tough in the world," he said. He said he's seen firsthand how capital investment and employment in Alabama far outpace the rest of the nation and he says Mobile is at the center of Alabama's growth.
"Mobile is growing and we think it's important that we focus on the coastal economy and not always look at the state economy or the southeast," Moore said.
For Chapman, the bright economic news means his state, Alabama, could help the nation recover.
"We're gonna bounce back eventually no matter what the outcome is but how long will they be, those are the questions I kind of want answered today," Chapman said.
