In recent years, there have been very few signals that the economy — both locally and statewide — is improving.

However, two developments lead us to believe that 2011 could bring a better economy for Griffin as well as the state.

A Halpern Enterprises official last week confirmed that Marshalls will be moving into the former Goody’s building in the Griffin Crossroads shopping center on the North Expressway.

Marshalls will occupy 24,500 square feet in the building, which had been vacant since 2008, and the store is expected to open in May.

Marshalls spokeswoman Thea Houghton said a typical Marshalls employs 60 full-time and part-time employees.

While the opening of Marshalls will not be a cure-all for the local economy, it is certainly a step in the right direction. The creation of jobs by any business should be applauded at a time when so many people are out of work.

And, at the recent Eggs and Issues meeting at the Griffin Regional Welcome Center, state Rep. David Knight, R-Griffin, pointed out that Georgia’s tax revenue rose 8.2 percent in October, compared to October 2009.

For the state’s fiscal year, which began July 1, collections are up by 7.6 percent over the same four months of last year.

This clearly is an indication that the state economy is moving in the right direction. However, the state’s unemployment rate remained at 9.9 percent in October, higher than the national unemployment rate.

Clearly, the economy is still lagging at both the local and state levels. But a little good news is better than no good news. We’re hoping this is the beginning of better days ahead.

THE GRIFFIN DAILY NEWS