TYLER, Texas — The pandemic negatively impacted the nation's economy -- with a loss of jobs, sales revenue and more. However, a state economist shares that in Tyler, things are taking a turn for the better.
At the 38th annual Economic Forecast on Thursday, The Perryman Group CEO and President Dr. Ray Perryman said the city has done 'remarkably well'. He said Tyler has regained all the jobs lost within 15 months. According to Perryman, it took Texas 19 months to recover.
In statistics provided at the conference, Tyler is expected to see a greater increase in employment than the state.
Perryman said the economy will continue to fluctuate until the country is able to overcome the current health care crisis, but immigration can help.
Perryman believes "we need more of it [immigration]" to alleviate the systemic worker shortage.
He added, "people think about low-income, but 25% of our doctors we're not born in United States. Twenty-two percent of our other health care professionals weren't, over 20% of our engineers and scientists were not born in the United States."
Locally, one business owner, originally from Mexico, has seen huge success despite opening during the pandemic.
Ruby Abarca, owner of Ruby's Mexican Restaurant, said the business is "really grateful for the support from everyone."
Abarca said since opening, they've opened patio seating and reopened the restaurant's second location, which burned down last year.
Paying it forward, Ruby's prides itself on pouring back into the community.
"I started in my house so I understand the struggle of people. Even when I can't give money, I can give a plate of food or if there's a cause we can support we always will ask our customers that are like our friends to help" Abarca said.
Abarca plans to open a third location in the future.