Kathy Gaalswyk, Initiative Foundation president, just told us about a website that shows how unemployment rates have evolved over the last few years. As you'll see, it's gotten darker and darker - not only in Minnesota, but nationwide.
Will the future be brighter? We sure hope so.
Our latest issue of IQ focuses on this exact topic - sharing the latest employment trends as well as inspiring stories about everyday people doing what they can to make ends meet.
And DEED just came out with the October unemployment numbers (something we weren't able to include in IQ) - rates increased from 7.4% in September to 7.6%. Central Minnesota actually saw a slight improvement though, dropping from a regional average of 7.9% to 7.8%.
But that still leaves 30,613 people in the 14 county area without jobs!
We still have a long ways to go so please read and share some IQ...
My coworker and "office neighbor", Chris Fastner, just shared a great resource with me - the Northwest Area Foundation just released the findings of their 2009 National Poll: Struggling to Make Ends Meet. I ordered the report that summarizes Minnesota's results (it's free through their website) and here are the things I found most surprising:
- 63% say they've cut back on spending,
- 44% have lent money to family or friend,
- 74% say they're worried that their local economy may get worse in the upcoming year,
- 80% say they're willing to volunteer for an organization that helps people who are struggling,
- 94% say local elected officials have big responsibility to attract businesses with good paying jobs.
If you'd like to learn more or get your own copy visit the NWAF website and you'll find a lot - highlights from the nation, other states, toolkits for action, the full database, etc.
It's an amazing piece of work that I think could really help decision makers, leaders and everyone in our communities understand how this tough economy is affecting people. Please share!!
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