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Idaho’s December unemployment rate down slightly to 2.9%

NEWS RELEASEIdaho Department of Labor. Brad Little, Governor. Jani Revier, Director.

For Immediate Release: Jan. 20, 2023
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov or John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.9% in December, edging down from 3% in November.

December’s labor force – workers who are employed or unemployed but looking for work – increased by 587 people (0.1%) to 963,957, the smallest increase since the previous December’s decline of 100 (-0.01%).

With the labor force growing at a slower pace than the civilian population, Idaho’s labor force participation decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 62.4%.

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Online employer seminar series kicks off Jan. 25 with focus on labor market information

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 18, 2023
Media Contact: Kandi.Rudd@labor.idaho.gov

Employers across the state are invited to attend a free Zoom seminar Jan. 25, 9 to 10:30 a.m. MT, to learn more about labor market information in Idaho.

Participants will hear about the underlying causes of why help wanted signs are so prevalent in Idaho and the U.S. The seminar will also address why demographics lie at the heart of so many economic concerns.

Sam Wolkenhauer, Idaho Department of Labor economist for northern Idaho, will lead the presentation. A Q&A will follow.

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Multi-employer career fair scheduled for Meridian Library on Feb. 9

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Feb. 2, 2023
Media Contact: Anthony.Deville@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Thursday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Meridian Library Cherry Lane Branch, 1326 W Cherry Lane.

Over 20 employers will be in attendance including ABM Industries, Boise Cold Storage, Bogus Basin, T-Mobile, Silicon Mountain, Home Instead, St. Luke’s RMC, the Treasure Valley YMCA, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, West Ada School District and more.

Positions available include office clerical, bus drivers, equipment technicians, administrative specialists, janitorial, school custodians, caregivers, ski instructors, merchandisers, patient services and warehouse/forklift operators – just to name a few.

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Idaho’s short-term employment growth is expected to continue through 2024

New short-term employment projections from the Idaho Department of Labor show Idaho’s healthy rate of job creation is expected to continue over the next two years. Total employment in Idaho — including self-employed and family businesses — reached a new high of 854,474 in the base period in 2022. This is projected to grow by 1.4% annually, reaching 878,100 in 2024.

The robustness and consistency of Idaho’s labor market has been a shining light in past years, with the state consistently leading the country in job growth. In 2020, COVID-19 led to significant job losses in a very short period of time — with almost all job losses occurring in March and April, but Idaho demonstrated its economic vitality with a quick rebound, returning to rapid job growth the following year. In fact, job growth in Idaho has been so strong that, even with the setback in 2020 during the pandemic, total employment in 2022 still reached and even exceeded forecasts.

Figure 1: Total employment in Idaho 2016-2022, with Idaho Labor 2024 projection

line chart - job growth projectionSource: Idaho Department of Labor

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Snow great for Idaho recreation, economy; housing and staffing challenges remain

Winter weather is well underway in Idaho, bringing long-anticipated seasonal recreation to residents as well as many people across the U.S. who come to Idaho to experience the state’s top-tier ski resorts.

But despite high traffic and the boon to the surrounding economy, Idaho’s biggest winter recreation destinations face housing challenges for workers, especially those in the service sector.

Idaho ski resorts visits and staffing

Schweitzer Mountain above Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho

Nearly half (47.5%) of Idaho ski area visitors came from out of state in the winter of 2020-21 according to a report commissioned by Ski Idaho [2]. The report highlighted Idaho ski resorts as a regional point of pride that attracts visitors from all over the United States, giving this industry an increased customer base.

For the first time, three of Idaho’s ski resorts were listed in SKI Magazine’s 2023 top 30 ski resorts in the West — Sun Valley at No. 1 (third year in a row), Schweitzer at No. 11 and Grand Targhee at No. 24 [1]. Although officially located in Wyoming, many visitors to Grand Targhee stay, dine and shop on the Idaho side of Teton Valley.

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Homedale Labor mobile location open to support Idaho job seekers

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 26, 2023
Media Contact: Robert.Vetter@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor has a new mobile location to further support residents in Owyhee County. The Homedale mobile location is open every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Gypsy Jackson Memorial Library. A workforce consultant will be on site.

Services from a workforce consultant include support in looking for a new job, such as writing resumes, filling out job applications and preparing for a job interview. All mobile locations help job seekers access training resources.

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Around Idaho: Economic Activity, January 2023

Information provided in these news updates is from professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North Central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South Central Idaho
Southeastern
Eastern Idaho

 

NORTHERN IDAHO – Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai & Shoshone counties

Region

  • The Idaho Department of Lands purchased 18,050 acres of timberland spread around the five northern Idaho counties. The land, acquired for $50.4 million, will support state endowment beneficiaries, especially Idaho’s public schools, and boost long-term timber sales. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

Kootenai County

  • Great Homes of Idaho is now operating in Post Falls. A builder of manufactured and modular homes, Great Homes started in Missoula and has now expanded to northern Idaho. This new supply of affordable housing is greatly desirable, with Kootenai County experiencing serious shortages of workforce housing. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • The Coeur d’Alene Airport is evaluating adding a commercial terminal. The current proposal would permit Avports, an airport operations management firm based in Virginia, to construct a new terminal, which would service commercial flights connecting northern Idaho to regional locations like Boise and Seattle. A measure is currently before the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners which would approve a 25-year lease for the project. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • The Hayden City Council denied a zoning amendment which would have allowed for a new subdivision to be built on the arterial Ramsey and Hayden intersection. Council members cited serious traffic concerns. The city’s capital improvement plan has already identified the intersection as a priority for improvement. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

Openings

  • Bruchi’s, Post Falls
  • Club Pilates, Hayden
  • Parallel 47, Coeur d’Alene
  • Pizza Hut, Hayden
  • The Wellness Bar, Coeur d’Alene

Sam.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 457-8789 ext. 4451

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Recruiting, retaining baby boomers brings value to nonprofit organizations

Baby boomers are typically hard-working individuals, resourceful, experienced and they value relationships, according to research from Indeed.com. These and other characteristics make them ideal for volunteer opportunities.

This age group, generally classified as ages 59-77, are often retired and looking to volunteer at organizations where they can make an impact and use their skills. To broaden an organization’s scope of skills consider recruiting older volunteers (55 and older) who are experienced, highly responsible and will commit long-term to an organization. In order to attract this demographic, there are some key factors the organization can focus on to recruit and retain these volunteers.

Recruitment

When recruiting baby boomers emphasize the organizations’ values and impact on the community. To do so, consider the best way to reach volunteers who are 55 and older.

For non-profits in an area with limited internet access consider advertising. Look to the local newspaper or a free ads paper, like the Penny Saver. To get the word out, consider hosting a get-to-know the organization session or ask to share information volunteer opportunities with the local senior center or church.

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Committee presentation explores Idaho’s expected labor market growth, need for more workers

decorativeIdaho’s continued low unemployment rate is one of many aspects of the state’s economy presented to the Idaho Legislature’s Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee Jan.5, 2023. Labor’s presentation covered the outlook for the state’s labor participation rate, its ongoing need for more workers, expected growth and decline in specific industries, population, housing issues impacting the economy and more.

Find the full presentation on Labor’s website.

Idahoans can get help with unemployment insurance at Labor mobile offices

NEWS RELEASEIdaho Department of Labor. Brad Little, Governor. Jani Revier, Director.

For Immediate Release: Jan. 19, 2023
Media Contact: Pam.Rogers@labor.idaho.gov

Idahoans out of work through no fault of their own can get help filing for unemployment insurance through Idaho Department of Labor staff in local and mobile office locations throughout the state.

Labor staff, known as unemployment insurance navigators, are available by appointment or through walk-in consultations during certain hours. Those in need of assistance can find hours and phone numbers for their nearest office at labor.idaho.gov/officedirectory.

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