As preparations begin to welcome SRI International to the valley, it brings the promise of new jobs, and a shot in the arm to the economy. But some valley residents can't help but be a little disappointed.

State wide, unemployment numbers are impressive. In fact, the unemployment rate in the Harrisonburg metropolitan area, is the seventh lowest in the county. But that brings little comfort to married father of three David Lantz, who is looking for work two weeks before Christmas.

The governor said yesterday that SRI would create what he termed 'spin off' opportunities. But even those opportunities, are likely to require a college education. At yesterday’s press conference, Kaine said, "The project would not only bring research opportunities to our universities. But it would spin off opportunities to attract and retain college graduates in Virginia."

Bill Mezgor, chief economist for the state employment commission, says that all in not lost. He says although the governor did not address is directly, the arrival of SRI in the valley is likely to help keep those looking for work, working. He says that anytime a technology firm moves in to an area, it requires support, support that is often times supplied by traditional blue collar workers. But like all change, it will take time.