Monthly Archives: October 2022

Idaho’s construction industry on the rise

Idaho’s construction industry practically doubled employment over the past 10 years from 2011-2021, growing by 94% or 28,525 more workers. This is the largest percentage growth among Idaho industry sectors.

The construction industry stalled nationally and in Idaho during the Great Recession of December 2007 to June 2009. A slow construction recovery finally kicked in after jobs bottomed out in 2011 and 2012, with just under 30,000 in statewide employment.

Employment

Construction has always been a volatile industry with seasonal swings based on weather and business cycles affected by financing, consumer confidence and the national economy. Idaho’s construction employment history in Chart 1 cites longer expansionary periods than downturns over the past 20 years. The Great Recession recovery coincides with competitive hiring among most industries contributing to a well-documented labor shortage.

Chart showing growth of Idaho private construction jobs 2001-2021 Continue reading →

Around Idaho: Economic Activity, October 2022

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

Kootenai County

  • Northwest Specialty Hospital has sold its facilities and property to a Milwaukee-based investment company. The hospital will now be a tenant in the buildings which it formerly owned. The hospital is physician owned and opted to sell as many of the founding providers are nearing retirement and wish to sell their shares. Source: Journal of Business
  • The Athol Retail Park is expanding, with a variety of new businesses planned for the growing commercial zone. New businesses include a Northwest Specialty Hospital clinic, a physical therapy office and a variety of retail and restaurant establishments. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Josephs’ Clinic is now open in Post Falls. The new clinic treats ear, nose, throat and allergy conditions and offers relevant outpatient procedures and surgeries. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • North Idaho College is moving forward with its long-term expansion and renovation plans. Two openings were celebrated – including the expansion of the Meyer Health and Sciences Building and the grand opening of the new Dental Hygiene Clinic. The college’s trustees approved the purchase of additional adjacent residential property to support the college’s long-range strategic plans. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

Openings – Coeur d’Alene

  • Terroir Fine Wine
  • Olive + Arrow Boutique
  • Northwell Medical Solutions
  • Coeur Climbing Company
  • Back Pocket Bakery
  • Soul Tribe Collective

Openings – Area

  • The Den, Post Falls
  • Fish On, Rathdrum
  • Platinum Construction, Hayden

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

Continue reading →

Idahoans receive awards for volunteerism and philanthropy

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 21, 2022
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov

Volunteers and philanthropists from across Idaho will be honored at the Idaho Philanthropy Day virtual award ceremony on Nov. 15.

Idaho Philanthropy Day“Volunteering is an important aspect of the Idaho way of life. Every year, we take time to honor our neighbors who donate time and talent to help their communities thrive,” Gov. Brad Little said.

Winners were chosen by the Idaho Philanthropy Day judges after studying each nomination to decide which ones best encompass the spirit of philanthropy including time, talent, treasure and involvement in the community.

All winners for each category have been published except the Gov. Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year award, which will be announced live at each celebration. The list of winners can be found at IdahoNonprofits.org.

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Idaho’s September unemployment rate sees slight uptick to 2.8%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 21, 2022
Media Contact: Salvador.Vazquez@labor.idaho.gov or John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up from 2.7% in August to 2.8% in September – the eighth consecutive month the state rate has been below 3%.

Idaho county map-September unemployment rates by countySeptember’s labor force saw gains in both employed and unemployed workers. The number of Idahoans employed or looking for work grew by 2,938 people (0.3%) to 959,734. Total employment grew by 1,714 (0.2%) to 932,813. The total number of unemployed increased by 1,224 (4.8%) to 26,921. Labor force participation remained at 62.7%.

Idaho’s nonfarm jobs exceeded seasonal expectations in September, showing an adjusted increase of 3,000 jobs to 828,400. Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month gains include information (4.9%); arts, entertainment and recreation (4.5%); private educational services (2.8%); other services (2%); nondurable goods manufacturing (1.9%); real estate and rental and leasing (1.0%); construction (0.8%); local government (0.8%); healthcare and social services (0.7%); transportation, warehousing and utilities (0.6%); and durable goods manufacturing (0.5%).

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Employer workshops focus on unemployment insurance

The Idaho Department of Labor is presenting a series of free three-hour workshops throughout the state in October about unemployment insurance for employers.

The workshops will be led by unemployment insurance specialists, who will discuss the process followed when employees file for unemployment benefits and how that affects the employer.

Other topics include:

  • Using E-services
  • Claimant eligibility
  • Employer attachment
  • Investigating unemployment claims
  • Discussing separations — when laid off, discharged or quit
  • Determining claim outcome
  • Understanding a chargeable determination
  • Learning about the appeals process
  • Recent law changes
  • Discussing fraud

Schedule and locations are:

Nov. 17, ONLINE ZOOM MEETING – 9 a.m. to 12 Noon
Supervisors, managers, human resource officers and others are encouraged to attend. Contact Salvador Martinez at 208-332-3570 ext. 3473 or by email at Salvador.Martinez@labor.idaho.gov

Oct. 18, Lewiston, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Hells Canyon Grant Hotel, 621 21st St.
RSVP 208-799-5000 ext. 3524

Oct. 19, Post Falls, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Idaho Department of Labor Post Falls office
600 N. Thornton St.
RSVP 208-457-8789 ext. 4142

Oct. 20, Twin Falls, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
College of Southern Idaho
Taylor Building, Room 276
315 Falls Ave.
RSVP 208-735-2500 ext. 3784

Oct. 20, Sandpoint, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Edgewater Resort
56 Bridge St.
Sandpoint
RSVP 208-457-8789 ext. 4142

Oct. 25, Idaho Falls, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Idaho Department of Labor Idaho Falls office
1515 E. Lincoln Road
RSVP 208-557-2500 ext. 3966

Oct. 27, Caldwell, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Idaho Department of Labor Caldwell office
4514 Thomas Jefferson St.
RSVP 208-364-7781 ext. 3932

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Idaho’s unemployment insurance programs are 100% funded by U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration grants totaling $40,761,255.

Three factors give cause for optimism about American manufacturing

Demographic changes, technological development and changing global cost structures now promise to make America among the most competitive manufacturing nations in the world.

For decades, manufacturing has been viewed by many people as an industry on the decline in the United States. As the American economy shifted ever more heavily towards services, factory employment in the country has steadily deteriorated. American manufacturing employment peaked at nearly 19.5 million in 1979, and has been steadily on the decline since then, averaging around 12 million throughout the 2010s.

In addition, the past several decades saw the emergence of substantial, low cost, rival manufacturing centers around the globe – particularly in Asia.

Despite this there are indications manufacturing in America has a dynamic future. There are at least three reasons to be optimistic about the future of manufacturing in America.

1) Energy Prices

Manufacturing is a very energy-intensive economic sector. Not only are electricity demands for industrial production enormous, but natural gas and other petroleum inputs are foundational raw materials for many products. Numerous chemicals, including plastics and fertilizer, are manufactured using natural gas. In 2021, the U.S. Energy Information Agency reported industrial energy consumption was 25% greater than residential and commercial consumption combined.[1]

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