EATON, Ohio -- Preble County has been hit the hardest by job losses in the Miami Valley.

The unemployment rate for the county is 12.7 percent; which is 2 percent higher than Montgomery County.

Businesses in cities from Easton to West Alexandria to Lewisburg are struggling to survive.

Workers said they are also struggling to survive a tough economy right now. Joyce and Gary Black said they have felt the pinch in their area.

Preble County Commissioner Chris Day said the goal right now is to keep the jobs already in the county, as well as create new ones.

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