Employment: A double dose of good news in April
1) Number of first-time unemployment insurance filers down 44 to 53%
| April 2010 | March 2010 | April 2009 | 12-month % | |
| Bartow | 823 | 933 | 1,464 | Down 43.8% |
| Chattooga | 114 | 105 | 114 | No change |
| Floyd | 864 | 1,415 | 1,570 | Down 45% |
| Gordon | 614 | 733 | 1,232 | Down 50.2% |
| Polk | 435 | 776 | 923 | Down 52.9% |
| Georgia | 60,661 | 69,265 | 84,346 | Down 28.1% |
Source: Georgia Department of Labor
April's first-time unemployment stats were much better than most had assumed. In four of five local counties, the number of filers dropped significantly--by almost 44 percent in Bartow to almost 53 percent in Polk. Chattooga stayed the same as it was a year earlier. Statewide, the drop topped 28 percent.
-The actual numbers are more dynamic than the percentages: from 1,570 filers in April 2009 in Floyd County to 864 last month or from 1,464 in Bartow County to 823 or from 1,232 in Gordon County to 614 in April of this year.
-What it means: We might seen some improvement on the monthly jobless rates, which have been in the 10-plus percentage range for months.
-But more bumps ahead: Coming this summer--350 jobs lost at Pierre Foods plus the exodus of CCH Small Firm Services (up to 400 jobs heading to Kennesaw)
2) Rome/Floyd's labor force GROWS by 400 jobs in April:
39,700 people had jobs here last month vs. 39,300 a year earlier. That's an increase of 1 percent.
The chart to the right shows how Rome/Floyd's labor force has climbed and dropped in the past 13 months. April was tied for the third best month in the past year.(Labor Department chart).
How the state Department of Labor sees it:
-State picture--jobless rate declines: The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 10.4 percent in April, down one-tenth of a percentage point from a revised 10.5 percent in March. The April jobless rate was up 1.2 percentage points from 9.2 percent at this same time last year.
-First-time jobless claims dip: 60,661 laid-off workers filed initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits, a decline of 8,604, or 12.4 percent from 69,265 in March. There was also a decline of 23,685 initial claims, or 28.1 percent, from 84,346 filed in April 2009.
-Most of the first time claims were filed in trade, manufacturing, construction, and administrative and support services.
-Better days? Georgia's job market showed a modest improvement for the third consecutive month. The number of payroll jobs in April increased 26,900, or seven-tenths of a percentage point, from 3,794,700 in March to 3,821,600. However, the number of jobs remains less than in April 2009, when there were 3,912,700 payroll jobs, 2.3 percent or 91,100 more than this year.
-Says Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond: "Although our job market is slowly improving, the continuing increase in the number of long-term unemployed Georgians is troubling," said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. "The specter of structural unemployment is beginning to cast a long shadow across the American workplace."
So who is hiring right now?
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-Also drawing attention is the sign at Taco Bell on Turner McCall, advertising for managers for the "new store." The new store will be at the same location later this fall, next to the recently opened Zaxby's and Ace Hardware.
-So, who is hiring now? We took a look at local job sites to find out:
The Rome News/Monster site showed 30 jobs posted since the first of the month in a 10--plus mile radius of the city. A cross-section, from medical to water-blasting technicians. Click Jobs
-CareerBuilder (Hometown Headlines' partner): 17 jobs placed in the past three weeks including medical, retail and restaurants. Click Career
-HotJobs (Yahoo!): 9 jobs including nursing positions, physical therapy. Jobs
Political Buzz
-Business connection draws political crowd, too: Tuesday's Bartow Business Connection gathering at Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse in Euharlee grew a solid crowd, especially among politics. Attending were state Senate hopeful Barry Loudermilk and two of the men trying to replace him in the state House: Christian Coomer and Greg Bowen. Photos . . . Crowded District 9 congressional race gets slimmer: Republican Bill Stephens has left the race to replace Nathan Deal in Georgia's Ninth Congressional District as has Dr. Bert Loftman. That leaves five in the race, all Republicans, including Ranger's' Tom Graves. . . Another cup of tea? Given Tuesday's big showing by Tea Party-friendly candidates, look for tonight's local meeting to have even more energy. Details ... First candidate to lose our vote this season (i.e., 'robo' political call): Stephen Dale Northington, insurance commissioner wannabe.
Thursday's Buzz
-Highlands does OK after all when it comes to funds for new year. CH
-May 20/Heyman HospiceCare at Floyd will remember former patients and honor their families at its semi-annual candlelight memorial service Thursday. The ceremony is free and open to the public and will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 6 p.m.
-April Camp new volunteer coordinator for Heyman HospiceCare. Health
-Habitat's Second Annual Smoked Boston Butt Sale under way: The Memorial Day sale includes a nine-pound butt for $25. Tickets are on sale at Home Mart, 10 central Plaza. Tickets must be purchased in advance for pickup between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, May 29. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity's 2011 Women Build House. Details
PowerBall jackpot climbs to $170 million Saturday> Lottery
Your latest forecast:
-Thursday: High of 85, low of 63; 60% rain chance overnight.
-Friday: 70% chance of storms, high of 78. Low of 65; 30% storm chance.
-Weekend: Slight chance of rain Saturday; mid 80s, mid 60s at night.
-Extended forecast> Click / Regional radar
Norman Arey's Sports Roundtable> Arey
-The top offensive coordinator in the country may practice at Auburn.
Rome Braves> Sports
-Braves finish four-game sweep of Riverdogs, 12-5.
-Braves on the road until Friday, May 28 vs. Savannah.
-Mills Fitzner's recent game photos> Click
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