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Double-digit January jobless rates in Bartow, Chattooga, Gordon
| Employed in January | Unemployed in January | Percent Jobless | Dec. 2008 % jobless | Jan. 2008 % jobless | |
| Bartow | 41,276 | 5,017 | 10.8% | 9.4% | 5.9% |
| Chattooga | 9.944 | 1.382 | 12.2% | 11.2% | 6.1% |
| Floyd | 43,733 | 4,568 | 9.5% | 8.0% | 5.5% |
| Gordon | 23,916 | 2,873 | 10.7% | 9.9% | 6.2% |
| Polk | 19,598 | 1,991 | 9.2% | 8.2% | 5.1% |
| Georgia | 4,383,333 | 423,993 | 8.8% | 7.8% | 5.3% |
Source: Georgia Department of Labor
As the numbers in red show, January's jobless rate climbed above 10 percent in three Northwest Georgia counties and Rome/Floyd County was just a half-point below that mark. The increases versus the same month last year were dramatic, with some jumping four or more percentage points.
The February numbers could be even more brutal. Rome, Calhoun and Cartersville all saw Goody's stores close last month, and Circuit City is in its final days.We'll have a better idea on what to expect with the February report when the first-time jobless claims report is released soon.
Several job expos have been organized in recent weeks in Floyd and Bartow counties but they've focused more on job-finding skills and not outright opportunities. Meanwhile, some employers are continuing hiring freezes and worker furloughs, both chilling prospects of immediate employment.
>Bartow Together: Re-Employment Resources Expo March 17> Update
>Statewide snapshot: Georgia's unemployment rate rose to a record-high preliminary 8.6 percent in January (seasonally adjusted). This is the highest rate recorded in Georgia since 1976 when the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics began standardizing unemployment rates among all states. The previous record high was 8.3 percent, recorded in January of 1983. At present, 412,770 unemployed Georgians are looking for work, an increase of 62.9 percent over the year. Of that number, 183,829, or 44.5 percent, are receiving unemployment insurance benefits.
Hardin's closing at Central Plaza after six decades: A note sent to e-mail subscribers late Wednesday states that "after 60 years of business, we are sad to announce that Hardin's of Rome is closing the doors. Liquidation specials are available to the public beginning immediately. All merchandise and fixtures must go! Please come by our shop in Central Plaza and check out the dramatic savings! Thank you for the many years of patronage and friendship!" We have calls in for additional details.
-Cartersville's Spirit Gear & Apparel closing: The last day of the store at 30 E. Main St. is March 28, a note to chamber members says. "Entire store up to 90 percent off. Everything must go "
Better days on the way? UGA dean thinks so:The turn-around will occur by year end, says University of Georgia business Dean Robert Sumichrast. "You need to prepare - right now - to take advantage of the economic recovery that is on the way," he said. "It is not too early to get ready for an upturn."> Athens
Weekend basketball tournaments should have nice bounce on the economy: Three basketball tournaments are set for this weekend in Rome. Berry College is host to the 2009 SSAC women's basektball tourney beginning at the Cage Center. At Shorter, the men get under way tonight as well. Both tournaments end Saturday as a champion is crowned. In high school hoops, The Forum in downtown Rome will be home to a Georgia High School basketball tournament Saturday with up to 3,500 guests expected. All three tournaments are expected to bring a few visitor dollars to Rome.
>For more on the college tournaments, including schedules, click Campus
>For more on the high school matchups, click GHSA
Coosa Valley Technical College classes resume today following spill: The Rome campus of Coosa Valley Technical College is back at full swing today after a hydrochloric acid spill at Bekaert triggered a campus shutdown, road blocks, lockdowns at Darlington and St. Mary's and other problems. About a dozen people sought treatment for respiratory concerns or related ailments.
The other 'Dr. P hil': U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey will host the Washington Journal program on C-SPAN at 8 this morning. He will be leading a discussion on health care reform. For more, click C-SPAN
ABC names Paul Harvey replacements: WRGA listeners will be hearning from Gil Gross in the morning and Doug Limerick in place of the late broadcast legend. Reports Radio Ink: "ABC Radio Network has told affiliates that it will be feeding programming hosted by ABC News Radio's Gil Gross and Doug Limerick in the three daily time slots where Paul Harvey's 'News & Comment,' noon report, and 'Rest of the Story' formerly aired> Story.
-Greater Rome chamber delegation in D.C., meets with Gingrey> Business
-Annual MS walk set for April at Berry College> Details
-Now posted: Latest Rome/Floyd Library newsletter> Click
-Now posted: Latest edition of Stargazer's Journal> Romesg
Our third snapshot from Dahlonega's wine country. This week: BlackStock Vineyards & Winery
WeatherCenter, brought to you by Roman Court
-Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. Gusts to 15 mph.
-Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.
-Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.
-For more, click Weather Center
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable / brought to you by Riverside Toyota
- How bowling can be a losing proposition; what's brewing with Dean Combs? Click Arey
Downtown Headlines
-The lowdown on downtown entertainment from MullinsMania.com's Bryan Mullins. Click Downtown
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