Unemployment Rate Drops Below 5 Percent

Northwest Arkansas is following the national trend of a declining unemployment rate.

The local Metropolitan Statistical Area's unemployment rate fell to 4.9 percent, and the number of people working grew to 215,500, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The August 2013 numbers were 5.8 percent and 212,500 respectively.

The area's unemployment rate last fell below 5 percent in May.

The federal agency reported nearly 87 percent of metropolitan areas, 322 of the 372, had lower year-over-year unemployment rates.

Northwest Arkansas' Metropolitan Statistical Area includes Washington, Benton and Madison counties in Arkansas and McDonald County, Mo.

Kathy Deck, director of the Center for Business and Economic Development at the University of Arkansas, said the declining rate doesn't keep people from looking for jobs. She said the opposite is true.

"In a healthy market people do quit their jobs," she said. "Job fairs can show opportunities people may not know about."

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2014 Northwest Arkansas Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the John Q. Hammons Center in Rogers.

Steve Cox, vice president of economic development at the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, said he expects the event to attract more than 1,500 people.

"Our busiest time is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., because that is when people can get away form their jobs for lunch," he said. "This is not just for those who are unemployed, but also for those looking for a new opportunity."

Cox said there is no charge to get in and people should bring resumes.

The Northwest Arkansas Human Resources Association is providing resume assistance and mock interviews.

More than 70 companies are taking part in the job fair with positions ranging from part-time temporary positions to full-time manufacturing jobs. Area schools and training agencies will also be on hand.

"Job fairs are important because a lot of people can get that face-to-face interaction with potential employers at a one-stop shop," Cox said.

There were 55 participating businesses last year, he said. This year's event includes more manufacturing employers than previous years, he said.

Glad Manufacturing, Bekaert Corp. and Tyson Foods are among this year's participants.

The pool of workers with manufacturing skills grew substantially after Superior Industries announced June 30 it will close its Rogers plant by year's end. The plant has about 500 workers.

Melissa Turner, general manager of Superior's Rogers plant, said 32 companies participated in a job fair held at the plant last week. She said many of those companies have asked to come back.

"We've had a lot of manufacturing companies talk to our employees," she said, adding Walmart's distribution center has made some good connections. "Our people are used to working in an environment like that and are a good fit."

Turner said jobs for a large number of workers will end sometime around Nov. 10 and the remaining employees will stay until the plant is completely shut down.

"Communication is key, and we are making sure everyone knows the plans," she said. "We are trying to help everyone get ready for their next step."

NW News on 10/02/2014