Rates Decrease in 17 Counties, Increase in 72, Remain the Same in 6

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 10.1 percent, down three-tenth of a percentage point from the May rate of 10.4 percent. The national unemployment rate for June 2010 was 9.5 percent.

County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for June 2010, released today, show that the rate decreased in 17 counties, increased in 72 counties and remained the same in six counties.

Lincoln County registered the state’s lowest county unemployment rate at 6.8 percent, up from 6.6 percent in May. Scott County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 20.9 percent, up from 19.6 percent in May, followed by Marshall County at 16.7 percent, up from 16.6 percent in May.

Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate of 7.8 percent, up from 7.7 percent in May. Davidson County was 9.1 percent, up from 8.9 percent in May. Hamilton County was 9.1 percent, up from 8.6 in May, and Shelby County was 10.6 percent, up from 10.0 in May.

NOTE: Information is available on the Internet for other Tennessee counties and cities; enter  http://www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/june2010county.pdf

Data is from the following links –  2009, June 2009, July 2008, August 2009, Sept 2009, Oct 2008, Nov 2009, Dec 2009, Jan 2010,  Feb 2009, Mar 2010,  April 2010, May, 2010, June, 2010

Seasonally Adjusted Rate Down 0.3 Percentage Point from May

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for June was 10.1 percent, down three-tenths of a percentage point from the May rate of 10.4 percent. The June 2009 rate was 10.9 percent. The national unemployment rate for June 2010 was 9.5 percent, down 0.2 percentage point from the May rate of 9.7 percent.

“The unemployment rate in Tennessee fell to 10.1 percent in June as a result of moderate growth in employment,” reported Labor Commissioner James Neeley. “Modest gains in areas like construction and leisure/hospitality were offset by job losses in education and census workers.”

Major Changes in Estimated Nonagricultural Employment
May 2010 to June 2010

According to the Business Survey, leisure/hospitality increased by 5,000; mining/construction added 2,500 jobs, and healthcare/social assistance increased by 2,300. Major employment decreases occurred in government (primarily educational services), down by 34,700; administrative/support/waste services declined by 6,100; and private educational services declined by 3,000 jobs.

Major Changes in Estimated Nonagricultural Employment
June 2009 to June 2010

Year-over-year increases occurred in administrative/support/waste services, up by 10,000; federal government gained 6,700; and retail trade was up by 5,100. Year-over-year decreases occurred in transportation/warehousing, down by 6,200; mining/construction lost 5,100; and accommodation/food services decreased by 5,000.

More Than 15,000 E-Learning and Certification Vouchers Available

NASHVILLE – There is one month left for Tennesseans to receive free technology training through Microsoft’s Elevate America Program. Governor Bredesen, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Microsoft announced the innovative public-private partnership in April to distribute 25,875 vouchers for free online technology training and certification. Tennessee has more than 15,000 vouchers remaining including the following: 6,500 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification training, 7,900 vouchers for Microsoft Business Certification exams, and 800 vouchers for advanced Microsoft IT Professional online learning. The last day to apply for a training and certification voucher is July 26, 2010.

“Time is running out for those interested in taking advantage of these online courses and certifications,” said Labor Commissioner James Neeley. “This kind of skills training, especially while it’s free, should be something that jobseekers can use to compete for jobs.”

Vouchers can be used for the following training and certifications:

· Computer Basics for Beginners – Access basic computer concepts and skills. Perfect for those new to computers. No voucher is required for the beginner courses.

· Intermediate Level, Business Worker Online Learning – Select from Microsoft Windows Vista, Office 2003 or Office 2007 online training. Voucher must be activated by July 26, 2010. E-Learning is accessible for 12 months from activation date.

· Intermediate Level Certification Exams – Certification exams must be taken at a Certiport Testing Location. Select from Office 2003 or Office 2007 exams. Voucher must be activated by July 26, 2010. Certification exams must be completed by July 26, 2010.

· Advanced Level IT Professional Online Learning – Select a training from Microsoft’s online learning library for IT Professionals and Developers. The cost of certification exams at this level is not covered by this program. Voucher must be activated by July 26, 2010.

Microsoft Elevate America vouchers can be obtained online at http://elevateamerica.tn.gov. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities at the Tennessee Career Center nearest you. For a list of Tennessee Career Center locations, visit http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/cc/cccounty.htm.

Rates Decrease in 86 Counties, Increase in 7, Remain the Same in 2

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s unemployment rate for May was 10.4 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point from the April rate of 10.5 percent. The national unemployment rate for May 2010 was 9.7 percent.

County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for May 2010, released today, show that the rate decreased in 86 counties, increased in seven counties and remained the same in two counties.

Lincoln County registered the state’s lowest county unemployment rate at 6.6 percent, down from 7.1 percent in April. Scott County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 19.8 percent, down from 20.2 percent in April, followed by Marshall County at 16.7 percent, down from 17.3 percent in April.

Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate of 7.7 percent, down from 8.2 percent in April. Davidson County was 8.9 percent, unchanged from the April rate. Hamilton County was at 8.6 percent, down from 9.0 in April, and Shelby County was 10.0 percent, down from 10.2 in April.

NOTE:  Information is available on the Internet for other Tennessee counties and cities; enter http://www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/may2010county.pdf

Data is from the following links –   May, 2009, June 2009, July 2008, August 2009, Sept 2009, Oct 2008, Nov 2009, Dec 2009, Jan 2010,  Feb 2009, Mar 2010,  April 2010, May, 2010

Seasonally Adjusted Rate Down 0.1 Percentage Point from April

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for May was 10.4 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point from the April rate of 10.5 percent. The May 2009 rate was 10.7 percent. The national unemployment rate for May 2010 was 9.7 percent, down 0.2 percentage point from the April rate of 9.9 percent.

“Gains from the Census jobs aside, the modest employment growth in Tennessee continues to be positive,” reported Labor Commissioner James Neeley. “The state’s unemployment rate is trending downward, and we are experiencing slightly higher monthly job growth than the national average.”

Major Changes in Estimated Nonagricultural Employment
April 2010 to May 2010

According to the Business Survey, Federal Government increased by 10,100 due to the hiring of temporary Census workers. Leisure and Hospitality; added 7,200 jobs and Professional and Business Services increased by 5,200. Major employment decreases occurred in Educational and Health Services, down by 3,800 and State Government Educational Services declined by 1,600 jobs.

Major Changes in Estimated Nonagricultural Employment
May 2009 to May 2010

Year-over-year increases occurred in Federal Government, up by 10,600; Administrative, Support, and Waste Services gained 9,800; and Retail Trade was up by 5,400. Year-over-year decreases occurred in Transportation and Warehousing, down by 7,200; Durable Goods Manufacturing lost 6,600; and Mining and Construction decreased by 6,500.

Rates Decrease in 89 Counties, Increase in 3, Remain the Same in 3

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for April 2010 was 10.5 percent, down from the March rate of 10.6 percent. The United States unemployment rate for the month of April was 9.9 percent.

County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for April 2010, released today, show that the rate decreased in 89 counties, increased in three counties and remained the same in three counties.

Lincoln County registered the state’s lowest county unemployment rate at 7.1 percent, down from 7.4 percent in March. Scott County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 20.3 percent, up from 19.8 in March, followed by Marshall County at 17.3 percent, down from 18.4 percent in March.

Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate of 8.2 percent, unchanged from March. Davidson County was 9.0 percent, down from 9.1 in March. Hamilton County was at 9.0 percent, down from 9.4 in March, and Shelby County was 10.3 percent, down from 10.5 in March.

NOTE:  Information is available on the Internet for other Tennessee counties and cities; enter http://www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/april2010county.pdf

Data is from the following links –   April 2009, May, 2009, June 2009, July 2008, August 2009, Sept 2009, Oct 2008, Nov 2009, Dec 2009, Jan 2010,  Feb 2009, Mar 2010,  April 2010

Michigan-based Insurance Company to Hire Up to 750 Employees Over Three Years

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber today joined the president and CEO of Lansing, MI-based Jackson National Life Insurance Company, along with elected officials from Williamson County and the city of Franklin to announce the company has agreed to locate a regional headquarters employing up to 750 workers at the One Greenway Building in the Cool Springs area of Franklin, Tennessee. Jackson National’s growth plans call for the company to occupy 90,000 square feet of office space by January 2011, adding 30,000 square feet in 2012 and another 30,000 square feet in 2013.

“With this announcement, Jackson National Life Insurance becomes the 51^st company to locate a corporate or regional headquarters in Tennessee since 2003,” said Governor Bredesen. “The state of Tennessee’s ongoing partnership with government and economic development officials in Franklin and Williamson County is creating skilled, good paying jobs for the people of Tennessee and we’re grateful for Jackson National Life’s investment in our state and our people.”

“Tennessee’s nationally recognized business climate continues to be a magnet for corporate headquarters,” said Commissioner Kisber. “We’ve demonstrated that Governor Bredesen’s Jobs Cabinet approach and strong partnerships between the state and local communities can yield positive results when it comes to new jobs and investment.”

“Given Jackson’s rapid growth — which resulted in record sales and deposits of more than $15 billion last year — and our expectations for future growth opportunities, we must proactively expand our operational capacity, so we will be able to continue to deliver the award-winning service that advisers and their clients have come to expect from Jackson,” said Clark Manning, Jackson’s president and chief executive officer.

Jackson National Life Insurance Company has national headquarters in Lansing, Michigan and offers variable, fixed and fixed index annuities and life insurance products through banks, independent financial advisors, regional brokers and dealers, wire houses and independent agents. The company was founded in 1961 and named after president and Tennessean Andrew Jackson. The company has assets of nearly $88 billion and operates in ten locations across the U.S. with more than 3,700 employees.

“Middle Tennessee has a large and well-educated workforce and is home to many institutions of higher learning,” said Jackson Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Mike Wells. “With several insurance and financial services companies located in and around Nashville, we expect to be able to attract numerous experienced, qualified job candidates.”

Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson said Jackson’s decision to locate their operations in Franklin reflects positively on Williamson County’s reputation as the location-of-choice for headquarter operations.

“The Nashville region in general and Williamson County in particular is a magnet for regional, national and international corporate headquarters,” said Anderson. “Jackson’s decision to locate their operations here reflects the economic diversity of Williamson County and reinforces our understanding that great schools, great amenities, and superior talent are the primary attractors for corporate locations.”

“The City of Franklin is well known for our rich history and quality of life. It’s no surprise Jackson National Life Insurance Company chose our fine city to locate their regional headquarters. They will be a welcome addition to our global corporate community. Franklin offers a top-notch talented workforce that will compliment Jackson’s high quality service record,” Franklin Mayor John Schroer said.

“It is very exciting news that Jackson National Life Insurance Company is locating their regional headquarters in Williamson County,” said John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development. “TVA is glad to be on the economic development team with the Williamson County Office of Economic Development, City of Franklin, the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to bring quality jobs and investments which will boost the area’s economy.”

Seasonally Adjusted Rate Down 0.1 Percentage Point from March

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Commissioner of Labor & Workforce Development James Neeley announced today Tennessee’s unemployment rate for April was 10.5 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point from the March rate of 10.6 percent. The April rate last year was 10.5 percent. The national unemployment rate for April 2010 was 9.9 percent, up from the March rate of 9.7 percent.

“The unemployment rate fell a tenth of a percentage point from last month and is the same as a year ago,” reported Labor Commissioner James Neeley. “The good news in this monthly report is that employment growth was very strong. The unemployment rate stayed about the same because of a substantial increase in the number of people reentering the labor force.”

According to the monthly Household Survey, the Tennessee labor force (3,028,500) is the highest since May 2009. The number of unemployed persons (318,300) is the lowest since March 2009.

Major Changes in Estimated Nonagricultural Employment
March 2010 to April 2010

According to the Business Survey, 9,000 job gains occurred in leisure and hospitality; 5,100 in administrative, support, and waste services; and 3,000 in trade, transportation and utilities. Major employment decreases occurred in health care and social assistance, down by 1,100; general merchandise stores declined by 800 jobs; and professional, scientific, and technical services decreased by 800.

Major Changes in Estimated Nonagricultural Employment
April 2009 to April 2010

Year-over-year increases occurred in administrative, support and waste services, up by 9,100; educational and health services gained 8,300; and retail trade was up by 5,900. 
Year-over-year decreases occurred in durable goods manufacturing, down by 10,800; mining and construction lost 8,700; and transportation and warehousing decreased by 8,300.

2,000 Immediate Openings Offered at Tennessee Career Centers

NASHVILLE- Tennessee Career Centers are announcing the availability of more than 2,000 area jobs to assist in the cleanup and restoration of flood-damaged properties. The jobs are mostly temporary, do not require experience, and offer pay rates averaging $8-10 per hour.

“These jobs provide opportunities for people to help with projects that are important to communities working to clean up and rebuild,” said Labor Commissioner James Neeley. “This obviously is tough work; however, we’ve received calls from all over the state from motivated individuals who are looking for ways to help in the clean-up effort as well as earn an immediate income.”

The recent flooding has resulted in demand for a wide range of workers including general laborers, movers, plumbers, electricians and carpenters. Tennessee Career Centers take job orders directly from employers and screen prospective workers at no charge. In the last 12 months, the Tennessee Career Center system has served approximately 523,000 job seekers with more than 48,000 job listings.

Jobs can be found on the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Internet site at www.tn.gov/labor-wfd or viewed at any Tennessee Career Center. Most applications must be completed in person at the Tennessee Career Center, or applicants will be directed to the proper contact with the employer. Applicants should bring identification such as driver’s license or social security card.

To find Tennessee Career Center nearest you, please call (615) 741-6749 or find a directory of locations at http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/cc/.

The 10 best-paying jobs for women were ranked by data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on the median weekly earnings of female full-time wage and salary workers in 2009. And this year’s list looks very different from last year’s tally. Human resource managers fell off the list, computer programmers moved on and chief executives moved up.

See the list at Forbes.com

1. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, Mich.
2. Morristown, Tenn.
3. Elkhart-Goshen, Ind.
4. Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, Mich.
5. Holland-Grand Haven, Mich.
6. Kokomo, Ind.
7. Janesville, Wis.
8. Dalton, Ga.
9. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, N.C.
10. Waterbury, Conn.

See the following links for more information

• The Worst Cities for Jobs
• In Pictures: 10 Worst Cities For Jobs
• In Pictures: 10 Worst Mid-Size Cities For Jobs
• In Pictures: 10 Worst Big Cities For Jobs
• In Pictures: Best Mid-Sized Cities For Jobs
• In Pictures: Best Small Cities For Jobs

Rates Decrease in 85 Counties, Increase in 7, Remain the Same in 3

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for March 2010 was 10.6 percent, down from the February rate of 10.7 percent. The United States unemployment rate for the month of March was 9.7 percent.

County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for March 2010, released today, show that the rate decreased in 85 counties, increased in seven counties and remained the same in three counties.

Lincoln County registered the state’s lowest county unemployment rate at 7.4 percent, down from 8.0 percent in February. Scott County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 19.8 percent, up from 18.4 in February, followed by Marshall County at 18.4 percent, down from 19.0 percent in February.

Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate of 8.2 percent, down from 8.4 percent in February. Davidson County was 9.1 percent, down from 9.2 in February. Hamilton County was at 9.4 percent, down from 9.6 in February, and Shelby County was 10.6 percent, down from 10.7 in February.

NOTE: Information is available on the Internet for other Tennessee counties and cities; enter http://www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/march2010county.pdf

Data is from the following links –   Mar 2009, April 2009, May, 2009, June 2009, July 2008, August 2009, Sept 2009, Oct 2008, Nov 2009, Dec 2009, Jan 2010,  Feb 2009, Mar 2010