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Boosted by summer construction and tourism hires, Jackson County’s employment figures reflected a solid local economy in June. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics remained 4.4 percent in June, and 0.3 percent lower than June 2017. But with smoke filling the Rogue Valley, invading tourism spaces at every turn, the summer employment could be disrupted. While construction operations can take steps to protect workers, if tourists and other customers decide to forgo rive trips, concerts or other outdoor activities, it can hit businesses squarely in the balance sheet. “If we get locked into long-term smoke, business owners may have to make decisions for the involving the overall viability of their company,” said Brad Niva, executive director of Travel Southern Oregon. “That means cutting staff or cutting hours, if necessary. I’ve run into that reality before in my business.” In June, payroll employment rose by 1,020 jobs with typical summer seasonal hires — mostly jobs in accommodation and food services — accounting for half of the increase. Construction also continued to add jobs in June, up by 190 over the month. Niva remains optimistic that the fires will be quelled and the smoke will clear before long. “We’re all being positive that this will be a one-week event and that we’ll see the visitors planning vacations in Southern Oregon,” Niva said. “Fire season came a month early, but there are still six weeks of summer left. We’re hoping this is a little blip on the radar.” The danger of trimming hours is that it might be hard to recall some employees. “Kids might decided to go on family vacations because the smoke is effecting their jobs,” Niva said. “Staffing continues to be a major issue for this industry. In the outlying area like Shady Cove, Union Creek, even Crater Lake, they have a hard time finding people. When you bring in staff and house them, it’s always a bigger challenge.” Outside of retail, most sectors saw employment gains in June. Transportation, warehousing and utilities employment rose by 90 jobs in June. Manufacturing remained on a steady upward trend, adding 70 jobs over the month. Government employment grew by 70 positions, including 40 at the local level. The county saw 2.7 percent job growth during the past year, led by private eduction and health services, which combined for an additional 1,420 jobs. The county’s civilian labor force topped 105,000 in June with 100,357 people on payrolls, up 1,407 from June 2017. Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness or www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31.