Feb. jobless rate: Floyd sees increase; dips in Bartow, Gordon
| Feb. 2010 Employed | Feb. 2010 Unemployed | Feb. 2010 % jobless | Jan. 2010 % jobless | Feb. 2009 % jobless | |
| Bartow | 39,833 | 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
>Regional report: Floyd County's jobless rate creeped upward again in February to 10.9 percent, vs. 9.3 percent a year earlier. January saw several retail closings--The Gap, Chico's--which could have some impact on the overall numbers.
-Bartow County saw a month-to-month drop, 12.7 percent to 12.5 percent, while Gordon County also saw a slight dip.
-Chattooga County's jobless rate climbed to 14 percent while Polk County saw the largest year-to-year increase.
-Bottom line: 18,068 people were without jobs in the five-county market while the state total topped the half-million mark: 509,353.
>Georgia's report: The state's unemployment rate rose to a record 10.5 percent in February vs. 9.1 percent a year earlier.
-Who sought help: In February, 1,012 laid-off workers in Rome filed initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits, a decrease of 482, or 32.3 percent, from 1,494 in January. There was a decrease of 358, or 26.1 percent, from 1,370 claims filed in February 2009. Statewide 66,069 laid-off workers filed initial claims, a decrease of 29,195, or 30.6 percent from 95,264 in January. And, there was a decline of 20,450, or 23.6 percent, from 86,519 claims filed in February 2009.
-Lost jobs: Most of the first-time claims filed were in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, construction, and administrative and support services.
-Says Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond: "Georgia's job market has reached a critical inflection point. Stabilizing unemployment rates and significant declines in new layoffs suggest that we are on the threshold of sustainable job growth."
Unity/Bank of the Ozarks, one week in:
As the first week of new ownership comes to an end, we take a closer look at the Bank of the Ozarks' immediate plans for the former Unity National Bank: -Troubled loans are being reviewed to determine 'best, ultimate resolution.'
-The bank is eager to loan money, to serve as an 'economic engine.'
-Unity's president and CEO has not been retained.
-Growth--locally and in the state--is a key goal.
-Ozarks' performance: 9 straight years of record profits; 28% 'Texas ratio.'
-For more, click Business.
Politics/May 11 special elections
-Eight qualify to seek U.S. House District 9 seat in May 11 election.
-Three candidates in state House District 12 race.
-Details> Gordon Headlines
Thursday's Buzz:
-Planning commission meets at 2:30 p.m. Thursday: Several sites on Bells Ferry on the agenda> Planning Commission
-Shorter students' work now on display> Click
-The Berry College Board of Trustees has granted honorary emeritus titles to Dr. Thomas J. Mew III, Dr. Lee R. Clendenning and Dr. William D. "Bo" Sockwell, distinguished faculty members retiring this year> Berry
-Saint Mary's students slam-dunk fund-raiser helps Chile quake victims> Saint Mary's
Easter Weekend updates:
-City of Rome and Gordon County governments will be closed to observe Good Friday.
-Some merchants will be closed on Easter as well. Open for business at Prime Outlets in Calhoun (noon-6 p.m.) Old Navy, Nike, IZOD, Van Heusen, Bass, Gymboree and rue 21.
-Holy Week services continue> Click
-Egg hunts set for Friday night, Saturday> Rome Kids
-Weekend forecast looks pretty good (below)
Your latest forecast:
-Thursday: Sunny with a high of 82.
-Thursday night: Crystal skies with a low of 45.
-Friday: 86 degrees under sunny skies.
-Friday night: Low of 50.
-Saturday: 20% rain chance, high of 80.
-Saturday night: 30% rain chance; 49 degrees.
-Sunday: Partly sunny, high of 78
-Extended forecast> Click / Regional radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey
-What a week for college coaches. Would Bruce Pearl really go to Boston College?
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