California Business Minute™

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organization that formulates public policy strategies and
builds local capacity to address critical workforce issues.
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local workforce development.

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Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

The state’s unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percent to 12.1 percent in August,
3 points higher than the national average.

According to the Employment Development Department, non-farm payrolls dropped by 8,400
jobs between July and August.  Unemployment remains nearly the same from a year ago as
unemployment was at 12.4 percent in August 2010.

Five categories (mining and logging; manufacturing; trade, transportation and utilities;
 professional and business services; and leisure and hospitality) added jobs over the
month, gaining 9,100 jobs. Trade, transportation and utilities posted the largest
increase over the month, adding 5,700 jobs. Six categories (construction; information;
financial activities; educational and health services; other services; and government)
reported job declines over the month, down 17,500 jobs. Construction posted the largest
decrease over the month, down 7,200 jobs.

Marin County had the lowest unemployment rate at 7.8 percent.  Six counties had lower
unemployment rate than the nation.  They include Marin, Napa, Orange, San Francisco, 
San Mateo and Santa Barbara. 

Although the unemployment numbers went up, not every county’s numbers increased. 
For example, Sutter County has seen a decrease of 4.2 percent from July directly related
to the seasonal nature of their agricultural -based economy. 

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.