Dorinda Heiden-Guss, president of the Economic Development Corp. of Elkhart County, said that the RV industry had been devastated by high gas prices and then a tightening of credit to buy the large vehicles.
"It's discretionary income being spent on larger-priced items," she said.
More than 480 companies in the area have let go of one or more employees, she said.
Donnie Gaut worked for 13 years at RV-maker Travel Supreme before losing his job in April.
"I've been job hunting and haven't found anything," Gaut said. "It's just been such a blessing to be able to help other people out. You don't think about your situation."
On Monday night his wife learned that her company will close and that she will likely lose her job.
"What really helps me out the most is having trust in God and believing he will provide. That's what carries me through every day as far [as] keeping joy in my heart and peace in my mind," Gaut said. "It's what we need around this area right now because every week you hear about somebody else shutting down."
Like many other communities around the country, Elkhart has adapted to a recession that is looking longer and deeper each week.
The local Chamber of Commerce has launched a new Buy Local campaign, telling residents that patronizing area businesses is one way to help fight further local job losses.
The City Council this fall passed a new law limiting residents to one garage sale a month. For many residents it was the only source of income, but they also became a nuisance.
Crime is also on the rise. The 7-Eleven on Main Street has been hit seven times so far this year. And just last week a downtown school was locked down as police searched for two men who robbed a nearby bar.
Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.
Quotes delayed 15 minutes for NASDAQ. 20 minutes for NYSE and AMEX. Market Data provided by Interactive Data. Terms & Conditions.
Powered and implemented by Interactive Data Managed Solutions
