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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 21, 2006 September job numbers best since '00 Jackson County's unemployment rate dips to 4.7 percent, data show By GREG STILES Mail Tribune Jackson County's unemployment rate sank below 5 percent for the first time in September since 2000. The state Employment Department reported a jobless rate of 4.7 percent in September, the lowest since a 4.2 percent reading in September 2000 that was followed by a 4.5 percent rate that October. During the past 12 months, payroll employment grew by 1,430 jobs, a growth rate of 1.7 percent. The unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in September 2005 and 5.5 percent in August. One observer said the economy has held on despite a downturn in housing sales. "Tourism, agriculture and construction are all still pretty darn strong," said local business consultant Mark Dennett. Advertisement Although the tourist season got a late break out of the gate, July, August and September were strong. Despite seasonal changes, leisure and hospitality showed a 30-person gain in jobs over the previous year. "It's been a very, very good tourism year," Dennett said. "My clients don't want to brag because as soon as you do it's like being on the cover of Sports Illustrated and battling the jinx. The traditional layoffs you see in the fall just haven't happened; it's been strong enough to keep people on." Construction employment fell slightly in September, but remained 180 jobs ahead of September 2005. Employment Department regional economist Guy Tauer attributed the sector's strength to a variety of civil and commercial projects picking up declines in residential work. Building permits continued to tail off, Tauer noted, with 101 residential unit permits issued in August, down from 184 a year earlier. "A lot of construction work was in the pipeline before the real estate slowdown came and it's still going," Dennett said. "I think six months from now you might see it really slow down. But it's kind of like a big ship, where you can't stop it right away. It takes six to eight months for things to happen." Spurred by new commercial complexes and national chains setting up shop in the Rogue Valley, retail trade employment rose by 1,020 last month over August, pushing the figure 590 positions above September 2005. "When retail is up, that means more people are employed or you have more visiting," Dennett said. "I don't think the retirement draw is declining at all." Manufacturing added 150 jobs in September, despite a loss of 30 in wood products manufacturing. Tauer said anecdotal reports of reduced hours, less overtime and other production curtailments are beginning to surface from around the Northwest. The concentration of lumber and wood products jobs in Jackson County is 61„2 times the U.S. average. Josephine County's jobless rate dipped to 5.6 percent, down from the August 6.1 percent mark. September 2005's mark was also 6.1 percent. Payroll employment rose by 70 in September, giving Josephine County a 360-job gain and a growth rate of 1.4 percent over the past year. Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 776-4463 or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help