The unemployment rates for August in the three counties that comprise the WORKFORCE plus region were 11.0 percent in Gadsden, 8.7 percent in Leon and 8.6 percent in Wakulla. Gadsden County's unemployment rate is 1.4 percentage points higher than the year-ago rate. Leon County's unemployment rate is 1.3 percentage points higher than the year-ago rate but .2 percentage points lower than last month. Wakulla County's unemployment rate is 1.3 percentage points higher than the year-ago rate.

Trade Transportation & Utilities, Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality are the major industries that gained jobs over the month/year. The area's highest over-the-year growth in the Leisure & Hospitality industry (5.2 percent) is overall better than the statewide growth rate in this industry 1.5 percent.

There are a number of challenges that the current economy has presented. Despite the ebb and flow seen in the labor market numbers locally, our small businesses continue to be the engine generating jobs and creating pockets of opportunities for those seeking employment.

One such challenge noted is the need for computer skills. Over eighty percent of the jobs listed with WORKFORCE plus require computer knowledge. In an effort to ensure that job seekers increase their overall marketability, WORKFORCE plus now offers Microsoft Office Specialist classes at no cost in Leon County. Instruction is being provided in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook.

WORKFORCE plus strives to continue providing real-time solutions to both employers and job seekers in today's economic climate.

The Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) recently recognized WORKFORCE plusfor providing outstanding services to veterans over the past year. WORKFORCE plus will receive a little over $32,000 in incentive dollars.

Under the federal Jobs for Veterans Act, states can designate up to one percent of their Jobs for Veterans state grant allocation for incentive awards. This year, Florida recognized three workforce boards categorized by size of veterans' population served (large, medium and small).

The Veterans Incentive Award program encourages workforce boards to strive for superior performance in all areas of service delivery for veterans and recognizes workforce development partners for excellence or demonstrable improvements. To learn more about the service that WORKFORCE plus provides veterans, visit our website.

With access to over 40,000 registered job seekers, WORKFORCE plus wants to make finding the right employee simple. WORKFORCE plus recognizes the importance of providing employers with the right tools to support and assist them in remaining competitive in today's economy.

One such tool is the Help Wanted Online release published by The Conferencing Board in partnership with WANTED Technologies Corporation, leading supplier of real-time data from thousands of online job boards and websites. According to the most recent Help Wanted Online report, the gap nationally between the number of unemployed and advertised vacancies stands at 3.51 unemployed for every vacancy in August (most recent unemployment data available). Locally, the WORKFORCE plus Region (Gadsden, Leon and Wakulla counties) saw a slight decrease of jobs posted since August (-47 jobs) but saw a slight increase over the year (+842 jobs).

WORKFORCE plus recognizes the challenges that public and private organizations face every day. Through the Center for Business & Employer Services, WORKFORCE plus provides employers access to local workforce solutions and statewide services in one location. Services include: on-site recruiting, interviewing and hiring, employer/employee matching, wage and labor market information, customized training programs, Training and tax incentive programs and more. WORKFORCE plus also encourages employers to list their job openings for free in the statewide job database, Employ Florida Marketplace.

Employers and job seekers are encouraged to participate in the multitude of events held. Events include onsite recruitments, workshops, job fairs, lunch and learns and more.

WORKFORCE plus is gearing up for their largest event of the year and we want you to be a part of it! Employers looking to connect with experienced job applicants are invited to take part in the 8th Annual Job Fair - "Get Connected." More than 1,500 job applicants attended in 2010 and the number is expected to increase. The job fair is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Leon County Civic Center.

If you would like to join us or know of someone who may be hiring, we encourage you to complete the registration found at our website and fax to 850-922-6747, Attention: Get Connected Registration or call 850-413-0315. Please submit the form prior to October 30.

WORKFORCE plus CEO Kimberly A. Moore was recognized as the recipient of the "Reginald L. Rolle Economic Development Champion of the Year" award at the Big Bend Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week luncheon held on October 13, 2010.

The Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week was established by Presidential Proclamation in 1983 to recognize the outstanding achievements of MBEs and to honor those corporations and/or financial institutions that support minority business development. The "Reggie Rolle Award" was created to honor the memory and hard work of the first Chairman, the late Rev. Dr. Reginald L. Rolle and is given to a recipient who has demonstrated excellence in the Big Bend community.