OCALA - To call Vicky Gonzalez an optimist is one serious understatement.

The general manager of Ocala Volvo and Gainesville Volvo has no use for negative economic news.

"We can control our own destiny," she said. "Things are great in our community."

Gonzalez wants to declare Ocala "recession-proof." But that might not be realistic, said David Denslow, research economist at the University of Florida's Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

"I think that would be a stretch to say it's recession-proof," he said. "Ocala won't suffer the recession as severely as the rest of Florida, but it won't escape."

Ocala is buffered from the worst effects of recession by demographics, Denslow said. A significant percentage of retirees helps insulate the economy from layoffs, and provides a steady demand for services.

Despite the reluctance of some economists, Denslow doesn't hesitate to say the nation is in a recession.

"I think we're in one," he said, adding that he expects it to last through the end of the year.

Local business leader stresses optimism - Ocala Star Banner - March 25, 2008