Over the past year, towns across the Alleghenies have been struggling to emerge from a recession.

U.S. Rep. John Murtha said Johnstown's diversity will bring in jobs, especially in the defense industry.

Murtha made the announcement during and economic summit in Johnstown where Cambria County business leaders met to assess the area's future.

Summit Chairman Dave Fyock said, while Johnstown is suffering during the economic downturn, the city's unemployment rate is lower than the national average. Fyock said the city is doing far better than in past recessions when it comes to unemployment and housing foreclosures.

"I think it's safe to expect that our economy will grow the defense industry. This area is stronger and getting stronger so I think we can expect people with high level skills will find less problems finding jobs," said Fyock, chief executive officer of Mountaintop Technologies Inc.

Murtha said he expects more defense jobs to come to the Alleghenies because of the area's labor base. That, he said, saves the government money.

The summit has been held each year since 1994 and its goal is to give local businesses the "inside scoop" on vital information so they know which way the economy is turning.