.

Please contact Jannet Walsh, Community Relations/Communications Manager at Workforce Connection, for
additional information at 352-873-7939 ext. 1234 or e-mail jwalsh@clmworkforce.com.

Regional Unemployment Remains Steady

Todays release of unemployment data for Citrus, Levy and Marion
Counties from the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) indicated that
unemployment rates in the Workforce Connection Region stayed constant at
15.1 percent from January to February 2010. Citrus and Levy Counties each
showed unemployment dropping slightly. Citrus dropped from 14.6 to 14.5
percent. Levy County dropped from 14.3 to 14 percent. Marion Countys rate
remained the same at 15.4 percent, an all-time high unemployment rate since the
current series going back to 1990.
The State of Floridas rate remained constant at 12.2 percent. This month,
Florida showed slight job gains, even though the state has overall job losses for
the year, according to Rebecca Rust, AWI's chief economist during todays
conference call. The United States unemployment remained at 9.7 percent from
January to February.
Nearby, the Gainesville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) still has the
lowest unemployment rate in the state at 8.9 percent. Marion County is now third
behind Flagler County (17 percent) and Hernando County (15.6 percent). Rust
confirmed that these three counties unemployment has been impacted by
construction, manufacturing and financial services job losses. Taylor, Bean and
Whittaker released approximately 50 workers during the month in Marion County,
as the firm wraps up some of their closing activities.

Rusty Skinner, Workforce Connection Chief Executive Officer, stated,

Even though unemployment remained steady in the region, we are encouraged
by new employer activity and an increase number of job orders. In the Ocala
MSA, we had a mixed month with construction dropping 100 jobs, retail
employment dropping by 300, probably due to seasonal adjustments, and the
areas of leisure and hospitality (+200), professional and business services
(+200), and government (+100) showing increases in employment over the
month.
To get a full copy of the February Unemployment Data or to find out more
about upcoming job fairs and services, go to www.clmworkforce.com or call toll
free 1-800-434-JOBS and speak to a Workforce Representative.
Workforce Connection is a member of the Employ Florida network of workforce services and
resources. Workforce Connection is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers listed above may be
reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. If you need
accommodations, please call 352-840-5700, ext. 7878 or e-mail accommodations@clmworkforce.com.
Please make request at least three business days in advance.

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