Hamilton, a city much like Johnstown, lies in southwestern Ohio. Kenny Craig, president of the local chamber of commerce, describes the community of 62,130 as an “older, industrialized city.”

Craig said Hamilton was once the highest per capita manufacturing city in the United States.

Since those boom years, Hamilton has been working toward a new image by bringing in fresh industries and striving to keep art as a priority.

Craig said companies from France and Germany have helped to create jobs, while some traditional manufacturing companies such as SMART Papers remain.

Richards Pizza has been part of the community since the manufacturing heyday of the mid-1900s.

“We have been in business since 1955 and have a good reputation in our community,” said owner Karen Underwood. “We have had customers for decades and second and third generations.”

Underwood said that she has seen some economic trials recently in Hamilton.

“A car dealership I know is down significantly,” she said. “However, our local bank that did not involve itself in high-risk loans is doing very well.”

Underwood said her business hasn’t felt the financial strain.

“(Richards Pizza) doesn’t seem to be affected by the economy,” Underwood said. “We’re the weekly tradition for a lot of families.”

As for the future, Craig hopes to see a revitalized downtown area, complete with entertainment destinations and residential properties. The city already boasts a wide variety of sculptures downtown – something that Craig feels Hamilton can continue to build around.

Diverse economy helps in Martinsburg

Some 350 miles east of Hamilton lies the small city of Martinsburg, W.Va. Unlike many cities in the region, Martinsburg has experienced rapid growth this decade, with population in the county increasing by 30 percent.

One key to Martinsburg’s recent growth spurt has been the influence of Washington, D.C., which is about a two-hour drive to the east. Spill-over from the nation’s capital, coupled with the community of blue-collar workers, has forged a city with a wide range of employment opportunities.

“We are very diverse in businesses,” said Tina Combs, Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce president. “We’ve lost jobs here and there, but nothing severe.”