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70 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, September 16, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend May 22, 2004 County labor force tops 100,000 By GREG STILES Mail Tribune Jackson County’s civilian labor force topped 100,000 for the first time ever and more people found jobs amid strong employment numbers from April. The county’s unemployment rate fell to 6.4 percent, down 1.3 percent from March. April looked even better compared to the 8 percent jobless rate the local economy struggled through a year earlier. Oregon Employment Department figures released Friday show total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 520 jobs in April and jumped by 1,710 jobs from April 2003. The county has experienced job gains in most industry sectors, led by health care and social assistance, which have picked up 480 positions; financial activities, up 350 people; and accommodations and food services with an increase of 340 employees. Dan McFarland, general manager of Anna Maria Creekside, says his industry remains a stable source of employment because state regulations dictate the size of the direct-care staff at senior care facilities. Advertisement "There is a tremendous amount of seniors, or people in their second careers, moving to the valley," McFarland says. "It’s part of the aging population in America, and consequently the need for health care increases. Where you see an increase in new employees is new properties." Arbor Place Assisted Living & Residential Memory Care Senior Community opened last year, boosting employment in the field. Mike Sickels, chairman and chief executive officer at People’s Bank of Commerce, says the local economy is still benefiting from the run of low interest rates over the past couple of years . "Low, stable interest rates have contributed greatly to mortgage loans — refinancing in particular — and that has led to a dramatic increase in mortgage lenders in the area," Sickels says. "It’s also contributed to strong housing construction, which translates to more business for ourselves through commercial lending. "We’re seeing a lot of demand for commercial loans from businesses with 10 to 20 employees. By and large, most of the businesses around here have had reasonable years and have expectations for improvement." North Medford Pizza Hut general manager Eric Rodman isn’t sure what’s fueling the demand, but has noticed there are plenty of people eating out in his part of town, and providing employment. "For whatever reason, there is a lot of discretionary cash for dining here," Rodman says. "I go by Applebees and Olive Garden and their parking lots are full. All of the competitors I have are doing well. Kaleidoscope Pizza opened up huge, and it really didn’t affect me. "We’ve had sales growth for three years in a row and this will be the fourth." The construction trade sector produced 240 more jobs in the past 12 months, retail trade saw a gain of 18 and manufacturing picked up 130. April reports showed the leisure and hospitality industry accounted for much of the gain in jobs over the month, adding 300 positions. Financial activities picked up 60 workers, healthcare services grew by 50 and the federal government added 30 positions. Regional economist Guy Tauer said job counts fell in a few industry sectors during the month. Manufacturing employment fell by 40, with a decline in wood products accounting for most of the loss. Tauer noted that even though a number of mills are reporting strong prices and demand for wood products, they appear to meet their needs through their current work force. Some positions will be filled by temporary help and employee leasing agencies. Such hires would show up in the business services category. Employment in business and professional services, while falling slightly during April, increased by 130 jobs over the past year. Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 776-4463 or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities