Monthly Archives: September 2024

Around Idaho: Economic activity, September 2024

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of September and includes professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South central Idaho
Southeastern Idaho
Eastern Idaho

 

 

 

 

 

NORTHERN IDAHO

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties

Region

  • Labor demand in northern Idaho remained stable in August 2024, with a total of 1,923 unique job postings in the region – a slight decline from 2,043 in July. The unemployment rate rose slightly in August from 4.8% to 4.9%, increasing by 0.8% from August of last year. Overall, total employment has increased slightly over the last year.

Region News

Bonner County

  • The Idaho Department of Lands auctioned off eight (now-former) endowment lots on Priest Lake, netting more than $11.4 million, which was more than $500,000 above the appraised value of the lots. Source: Bonner County Daily Bee

Continue reading →

Over 300 positions available at Rexburg hiring event, Oct. 1

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 27, 2024
Media Contact: Maria.Martin@labor.idaho.gov

The labor market in Rexburg remains tight with job postings being filled in an average of just eight days, according to Help Wanted Online.

To connect job seekers in Rexburg with open positions, the Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event, Tuesday, Oct. 1.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Occasion’s Group located at 1 Stationery Road.

Continue reading →

Idaho Department of Labor Council mobile location moves to 110 Moser Ave.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 26, 2024
Media Contact: Daniel.Holmes@labor.idaho.gov

The department’s Council mobile location has moved to 110 Moser Ave.

The office is open to customers Thursdays, from 9:30 am. to 12:30 p.m. The location is shared with WICAP.

Customers will get the same assistance with resume writing, job applications, interview preparation, job training opportunities, community resources and filing for unemployment insurance benefits that was available at the previous location.

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Idaho employee turnover rates decline with economic diversification

*The charts in this article are sourced by the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Workforce Indicators*

Compared to three decades ago, employee turnover rates among Idaho private companies have declined in 11 of the 19 industry sectors, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Workforce Indicators. This decline is a sign of added job stability created by Idaho’s expanding industries.

Figure 1.

Idaho turnover rates by select industry

Generally, employee turnover rates are defined as the percentage of a company’s or industry’s annual workforce changes. The change occurs when there is a new hire or a separation, where the separation can be caused by three occurrences: a quit, a discharge or a death. Continue reading →

Idaho’s August unemployment rate remains at 3.5%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 20, 2024
Media Contact: William.Winkle@labor.idaho.gov or Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5% in August, unchanged from July.

The state’s labor force increased by 3,851 people (0.4%) to 985,722 while the labor force participation rate — the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are either employed or looking for work — increased from 62.9% to 63.1% between July and August.

Total employment increased by 2,983 (0.3%) to 950,781 as unemployment increased by 868 (2.5%) to 34,941.

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Free hamburgers and job opportunities available at Caldwell’s hiring event, Sept. 26

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 19, 2024
Media Contact: Kara.Jenkins@labor.idaho.gov

Approximately 2,300 Canyon County employers continue to search for qualified candidates. There are currently 9,300 unique job postings in the area.

To connect job seekers with these various career opportunities, the Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event, Thursday, Sept. 26.

The event is from 3 to 6 p.m. at the department’s Caldwell office, located at 4514 Thomas Jefferson St.

“This hiring event will offer Canyon County job seekers an opportunity to connect with employers across various industries,” Labor Economist Jan Roeser said.

Continue reading →

The Trade Adjustment Assistance program changed this Idahoan’s life

Bonners Ferry resident, Josh Florea, didn’t know what his future held when he was laid off from his job in the fall of 2009.

But with a mix of grit and perseverance, along with assistance from the Idaho Department of Labor, he made his dream come true.

Josh Florea

Josh Florea in uniform for the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.

Florea attended North Idaho College for two years starting in the spring of 2010. In 2012, after completing classes at North Idaho College and with the help of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program, he got a call from the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office offering him employment.

Florea is now a lead detention deputy and combatives instructor for Bonner County. He has been a deputy ever since he left North Idaho College.

“I really enjoy what I do. I put my heart and soul into what I do every day,” Florea said. “I learned there are still things you can accomplish even after 12 years.” Continue reading →

Idaho ranked 4th nationally in family income growth

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 13, 2024
Media Contact: Jan.Roeser@labor.idaho.gov

Median family income

Idaho experienced statistically significant changes in its median family income from 2022, rising by 2.7%. The state ranked 4th in growth nationally, according to the latest American Community Survey from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Montana was the only other western state that ranked in the top 10.

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Approximately 125 jobs available at Post Falls hiring event, Sept. 18

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 11, 2024
Media Contact: Jaquetta.Banks@labor.idaho.gov

Kootenai County currently has over 1,400 job postings and 522 employers looking to fill positions.

“The top five hiring industries include administrative and support services; hospitals; ambulatory health care services; professional, scientific and technical services; and food services and drinking places,” said Sam Wolkenhauer, labor economist for the Idaho Department of Labor.

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Department of Labor names new economist for southeastern Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 10, 2024
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

Brandon Duong is the new Idaho Department of Labor regional labor economist for southeastern Idaho, covering Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power counties. He replaces the previous economist, Matthew Paskash.

Brandon Duong

Duong earned a bachelor’s degree in statistics with an emphasis on actuarial science from Utah State University in May. After graduating, he decided to return to his roots in Pocatello to serve Idahoans.

He also interned with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services where he assisted checking compliance of Medicare Part C plans.

Continue reading →