ROME, GA -- The Campbell School of Business at Berry College is partnering with the IRS to offer free tax preparation services to local residents.

The initiative is part of the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program.

Through Friday, Apr. 15, a group of specially-trained Berry business students will be available on Fridays (12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Saturdays (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) in the Green Hall computer lab to provide tax help. There will be no sessions on Mar. 11-12 and 18-19 because of Berry's spring break.

Services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

"This program provides a wonderful experience for students," said John Grout, dean of the Campbell School of Business. "They gain important real-world experience and provide service to the community.

CARROLLTON, GA -- The economy began recovering in 2010 from the deepest recession since the 1930s, but that recovery seemed to go in fits and spurts with no clear trajectory.

As for 2011, expect more growth, but with a continued pattern of uncertainty, said Bill Schaniel, an economist with the University of West Georgia.

"This year will be a year that will be remembered as being both not as good as some hoped -- there was no significant reduction in the unemployment rate -- but not as bad as many feared, as there was no double dip in the recession," said Schaniel. "This year did see the technical end of the recession, but for most people, the recession will end when there is significant job growth."

In 2010, the economy grew at a steady rate in the January-March quarter.