Atlanta — The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) reported today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 10.4 percent in January, topping the previous record high of 10.3 percent reported in December. The January jobless rate was up 2.0 percentage points from 8.4 percent at this same time last year.
“Georgia’s unemployment crisis is deepening,” said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. “I’m concerned that thousands of pending state government layoffs will further cripple Georgia’s struggling private job market. Our elected leadership must come together to develop a bi-partisan plan that will balance the state budget and jumpstart private sector hiring.”
The national adjusted unemployment rate is 9.7 percent. For 28 consecutive months, Georgia’s unemployment rate has exceeded the national unemployment rate. And, since the recession began in December 2007, Georgia’s workforce has shrunk by 130,043, or 2.7 percent, from 4,832,698 to 4,702,655.
The number of payroll jobs in January decreased 151,600, or 3.9 percent, from January of 2009. The metropolitan areas with the highest percentage of job losses during the same period are Dalton, down 4.3 percent; Valdosta, down 4.2 percent; and Atlanta, down 4.0 percent.
The metropolitan areas with the smallest percentage of job losses are Warner Robins, 0.0 percent; Augusta, down 0.4 percent; Hinesville, down 0.5 percent; and Columbus, down 0.9 percent. Statewide, the over-the-year losses came in manufacturing and construction, trade, transportation and utilities, along with professional and business services. On a positive note, educational and health services added 6,900 jobs over the year, along with leisure and hospitality which added 800.
Business
January unemployment rate 10.4 percent high
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Business Wish List Results
The results are in from my very un-scientific poll on the businesses that people want to see come to Valdosta. After my comment last week that there seemed to be more requests for retail than restaurants, I was bombarded this week with restaurant suggestions, so I’m guessing even with an OG, readers aren’t quite satisfied yet.
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The Brass Quill Gallery
VALDOSTA — The only way to describe The Brass Quill Gallery to someone who hasn’t witnessed the majesty of its interior is this: If Alice in Wonderland could be interpreted into a modern-day building decorated by the Mad Hatter — that’s The Brass Quill Gallery. It is arguably the most creative decorating scheme in Valdosta. It is because of the business’ unique style, that The Brass Quill Gallery is a metaphorical nest of creativity for those wanting to get inked. -
VIDEO: Social media command center helps Super Bowl visitors
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BlackBerry’s Future?
BlackBerry used to be the “it” phone. Notice I said used to be. Just as video killed the radio star, iPhone killed the BlackBerry.
Blackberry has become the new “flip phone.” It’s ancient. It’s out of date and it can’t compete in the iPhone revolution of the smart(er) phone. -
Business This Week: Wishing and hoping for some new businesses
About another 50 or more readers emailed this week to lend some thoughts on the type of businesses they’d like to see come to Valdosta, and places where there are things to do for kids, especially teens, and adults are high on the list so far.
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Don’t let your taxes outsmart you this year!
With tax season rearing its ugly head out of your already busy life, there’s no need for you to feel like you’re alone.
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Business Wish List: the 2012 version
I received an interesting response last week to my query about what people want now that the OG is finally here.
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Downtown Hahira
HAHIRA — The Voice from “Field of Dreams” once famously intoned, “If you build it, they will come.” Stacey Dershimer hasn’t been Hahira’s downtown developmental coordinator for long — one month — but she’s been here long enough to know, if you build upon what you have, more people and more businesses will come.
- What’s next for Valdosta?
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5 tips to help you land a new job in 2012
Job-hunting websites expect hiring to improve in 2012. So whether you’ve been out of work for a while or are simply looking for a change, here are some tips to ensure a successful job search.
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Business Wish List Results
