March jobless numbers high but 'fledgling recovery may be gaining traction'
| March 2010 Employed | March 2010 Unemployed | March '10 % jobless | Feb. 2010 % jobless | March '09 % jobless | |
| Bartow | 39,835 | 5,517 | 12.2% | 12.7% | 10.7% |
| Chattooga | 9,000 | 1,463 | 14.0% | 12.4% | 13.7% |
| Floyd | 43,964 | 5,356 | 10.9% | 10.8% | 9.3% |
| Gordon | 20,971 | 3,359 | 13.8% | 14.1% | 11.9% |
| Polk | 18,623 | 2,373 | 11.3% | 11.2% | 9.9% |
| State | 4,192,977 | 509,353 | 10.8% | 10.8% | 9.1% |
Source: Georgia Department of Labor. County-by-county results> Click
-Local overview: Let's get the bad news out of the way first. Northwest Georgia counties continued to see unemployment rates from almost 11 to 14 percent. Bartow and Gordon counties saw a slight February-to-March drop while slight increases were posted in Floyd and Polk counties. Chattooga soared to 14 percent. All five counties were up in March vs. the same month in 2009.
-The bottom line:18,000-plus Northwest Georgians were looking for jobs last month.
-From the labor department: The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to a record 10.6 percent in March, up from 10.5 percent reported in February and from 9 percent a year earlier. For 30 consecutive months, Georgia's unemployment rate has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which was 9.7 percent in March.
-On the plus side: Georgia's job market continues to show modest improvement as the number of payroll jobs in March increased by 10,500. The gains came mostly in seasonal leisure and hospitality industries, along with trade, transportation and public utilities.
-On the minus side: The total number of payroll jobs decreased 112,300, or 2.9 percent. Losses came in manufacturing, construction, trade, transportation and utilities, along with financial activities and professional and business services.
-Says state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond: "Georgia's unemployment rate continues to rise, however, the pace of new layoffs is slowing significantly. More importantly, our state has experienced modest job growth for two consecutive months, suggesting that a fledgling recovery may be gaining traction."
Business updates:
-Rome City Market site foreclosure date is May 5: Unless a buyer or additional financing is found, the schedule foreclosure of 238 Broad St.--the planned home of Rome City Market--is Tuesday, May 5. There's a lot of speculation out there about potential buyers should the property indeed move to that point.
-233 Broad St. deal close to complete: A related property, the building housing the booming Johnny's New York Style Pizza shop, is under contract with a closing possible by month's end. The site is owned by United Community Banks Inc.
-El Toro opening delay: The Shorter Avenue Tex-Mex restaurant in the former Pizza Hut location was to open Wednesday; a new opening date has not been set, according to the message on the answering machine (706-291-6200).
Thursday's Buzz:
-Berry's 'Ag Week' a great escape for Greater Rome's future farmers> Kids
-United Hospice brings tomato gardens to seniors, assisted living> Health
-Rise 'N Shine Organic Farm in North Floyd brings more organics to local 'share holders'> Business
Also today:
-CRBI competing for grants from winery: Redwood Creek Wine's Greater Outdoors Project is offering $140,000 in nonprofit grants to 10 organizations that share its mission to preserve, protect and provide access to the great outdoors. Among those up for consideration is Coosa River Basin Initiative. The grand prize is $50,000 grant; the nine remaining finalists will take home $10,000 each. To vote, register at the following site: Here.
-Redmond Regional marks National Cancer Registrars Week> Health
-Fair association presents $1,000 check to Rome City Schools> Click
-Earth Day(s) at the library: What's on the way-- Resplendent Reflections by the the Spade and Trowel Garden Club, 3-6 p.m. April 21 and 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. April 22. Plus on April 22: Georgia Power will talk with patrons about reducing energy needs and getting people to sign the CFL pledge. And: Master Gardeners will discuss Plant A Row for the Hungry. Both are from 1-3 p.m.> Library
-Shorter offering more than a dozen online courses this summer> Shorter
-Latest legislative update for Rep. Barbara Massey Reece> Click
-Now on Facebook: Sara Hightower Regional Library System> Click
PowerBall jackpot jumps to $212 million Saturday night. Wednesday's numbers: 06-14-32-38-52 and PowerBall 20> Lottery
-Bartow woman wins $257,400 in Fantasy 5 game> Bartow Headlines
Rome Braves drop second game in a row: 6-2 loss to Greenvllle> Sports
Weather: Some rain, cooler temps on the way this weekend
-Thursday: Sunny, high of 82.
-Thursday night: Mostly clear, low of 50.
-Friday: High of 81.
-Friday night: Low of 50.
-Extended forecast> Click / Regional radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey
-If a beef jerky company jerks you around, it means you're a jerk.
Rome Braves> Sports
-Tonight at Greenville. First home game: April 16 vs. Savannah.
-Fast Ryde to sing anthem at Rome Braves' home opener Friday.
-Pete Van Wieren to throw ceremonial first pitch.
-Rome Braves' single-game tickets on sale.
-Braves announced 2010 promotional schedule.
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