Governor Warner Hails New Record-high Employment Level
Governor Warner Hails New Record-high Employment Level
June 2005 employment level of 3,674,600 breaks November 2004 record
Governor Mark R. Warner today applauded the announcement that Virginia's nonagricultural employment rose to an all-time high of 3,674,600 jobs in June 2005. That represents 26,800 more jobs than the previous all-time high payroll employment level of 3,647,800, set in November 2004. According to today's announcement from the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), the Commonwealth's annual job increase from June 2004 to June 2005 was 50,300 jobs.
"Virginia's economy is very strong right now, and we continue to see remarkable employment growth in Northern Virginia," Governor Warner said. "As I meet with employers to pitch Virginia as an ideal choice for relocation and expansion, I emphasize our quality workforce and our excellent public schools and system of higher education. I also point to our sterling Triple-A bond rating and our recent ranking as the country's best managed state' as compelling evidence that Virginia has its act together, and places a premium on fiscal responsibility.
"While virtually every region of Virginia recorded job growth, we continue to face some challenges in Southside, where the economy is based largely on traditional textile and tobacco employment. Our administration is working hard every day to diversify the economy of Southside, finding creative partnerships that have expanded access to workforce training, educational opportunity, and new technology for these residents. In the past year alone, we have announced 10 successful economic development projects in the Southside region representing $66 million in new investment. As these projects come on-line in coming weeks and months, they will create more than 1,550 new jobs for Southside."
For more detailed information on Virginia's nonagricultural employment growth, read the VEC's press release (pdf format) or contact VEC Chief Economist William F. Mezger at (804) 786-5669 or (804) 786-7496.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Aug05/0812.htm