The gymnasium at Concord High School is filling quickly.  People are excited about President Obama’s visit.  But that excitement comes with hardship for many here in Elkhart County.  Unemployment is at 15.2% – twice the national rate. 

Elkhart was once known as the RV Capital of the World.  According to the city, one in four jobs were connected to the RV Industry.  Back in the late 90’s, I worked as a reporter in the South Bend/Elkhart television market.  When the economy was good, times were good here in Elkhart.  Employers had plenty of jobs for workers.  But when the economy starts sinking, one of the first industries hit is the RV Industry.  Boy, was it hard last year.  In 2008, unemployment rose 10 percent in Elkhart.  People are hurting.  They came here today looking for some of that hope President Obama talked about when he was campaigning.   With no job, and few people hiring, many say all they have left is hope.