Sunday, November 22, 2009

Nation

10 Winners in the Recession

The recession is hurting many families across the country, but there are a few bright spots.

Posted March 13, 2009

If there are silver linings to the recession, they're not immediately apparent. After all, the national unemployment rate is 8.1 percent, the highest since 1983, and economists predict it will reach 9 percent by 2010. Gross domestic product is forecast to shrink more this year than at any other time since the Great Depression. And across the country, stores are closing, municipal budgets are tightening, and banks are begging for bailouts.

Slideshow: Recession Winners
Slideshow: Recession Winners

But a handful of industries, companies, and products are doing well—relatively speaking. They run the gamut from Quarter Pounders to contraceptives, but they share a key component: Whether they help people pivot to new careers, cut costs at home, or simply escape from all the bad news, they're poised not only to weather the economic storm but to, in some way, benefit from it. "There always is a silver lining for people who choose to look past the doom and gloom and find one," says Robyn Feldberg, president of the National Résumé Writers' Association, which represents an industry that's bucking the overall trend. "In adversity, there is always potential for innovation."

See the full list of the 10 top recession winners.

Reader Comments

10 Winners in the Recession

I was fascinated with this article. I did see one other company that should have made the list. Liberty Tax Service has amazed me. It is in a recession resistant area (2 sure things in life...death and taxes) and, through its creative marketing has taken business away from competitors. I was amazed to see that in the past several years they have grown by more than both H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt combined. This company should have been on the list. I wish I had purchased one of their franchises last year, but I am certainly going to buy one this year.

Check in help

The temp password does not work.

I would like to be able to choose my own password.

Your system does notmake this possible.

Add your thoughts

Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

advertisement

Crossword Puzzle

Do You Like Crosswords?

We've added a new feature to our weekly digital magazine: an exclusive crossword puzzle!

advertisement

Barack Obama

Obama's Inner Circle

Get to know close advisers, cabinet officials, and more.

Your Photos

President Barack Obama speaks about combat troop level reductions in Iraq as he addresses military personnel at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Obama in Your Town

Has the president visited your town? Send your photos to obamaphotos@usnews.com, and we'll post our favorites online.

Courtesy Greg Meinert

Thousands cheer as Obama becomes the 44th president.

Your Inauguration Photos

Thanks for sending us such great shots from this historic event.


A baby kissing an Obama poster for Washington Whispers.

Your Campaign Photos

We asked to see your personal election pictures and you delivered.

Public Poll

Do you fear losing your job in this market?

View Results

Washington Whispers

Washington Whispers

Pumpkin Dies, but Pecan Still Gobbles

Pumpkin, the Thanksgiving turkey pardoned by Bush, died, but the alternate is alive and pecking.

advertisement

Put U.S. News on Your Site

Keep up with the latest headlines by adding our news widget to your website.
Get this widget ยป


Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
Make USNews.com your home page.