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Thursday, September 10, 2009
Columbus among best places to get a job
It is debatable how much these lists of best cities to live, best places to raise a family, fastest dying cities, etc., can help the average consumer and how much they serve as purely conversation fodder.
But this latest list from U.S. News & World Report might be of use.
With employment at a premium, it is interesting to see where there reportedly are good jobs to be found for those who are willing to relocate.
And I was buoyed to see one on the list that is not too far away from us here in Dayton.
Here are, according to U.S. News, the top 10 places to find a job in America in 2009:
Anchorage, Alaska. “This is a young city, where the median age is just about 33, and payrolls continue to grow. Last year, in the depths of the recession, Anchorage officials proudly marked their city’s 20th consecutive year of job growth.”
Arlington, Va. “(The) concentration in government jobs has helped cushion Arlington during the downturn. But … private companies have a significant place here as well. An excellent public transit system and a variety of housing options tend to lure talented workers — who are a major lure for employers.”
Columbus. “You can … thank the city’s diverse economy for much of its resilience. Healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and even the tech industry contribute plenty of jobs. Some of the city’s major employers include Ohio State University, OhioHealth, Nationwide Insurance, JPMorgan Chase, Bob Evans, and Limited Brands. Employment in information technology occupations is significantly higher than in comparably sized regions.”
Honolulu: “Honolulu’s unemployment rate hadn’t hit 5 percent before the start of 2009, and it’s still nestled below 7 percent. … (The) government is nearly a quarter of the city’s employment, which helps bring stability to the larger economy. The most in-demand jobs over the next decade are expected to be in retail, higher education, and nursing.”
Houston. “Texas has proved enormously resilient during this recession. The state’s economy has performed in stark contrast to the rest of the nation — many counties in the state have even eked out job gains during the downturn. … You can also thank the world’s dependence on fossil fuels for the state’s success. … Houston is home to 27 Fortune 500 companies, including ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil.”
Oklahoma City. “This capital city has gotten its fair share of the spotlight in this recession, as its job market has powered through the peak of the recession with a 6 percent unemployment rate — one of the country’s lowest. Energy is a big driver of the city’s stability. … The strongest near-term growth will come from the professional and business services sector and the healthcare sector.”
Salt Lake City. “Salt Lake City has squeezed through the recession with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation — now still below 6 percent. … Salt Lake City boasts a diversified economy and is another spot rich in natural resources, including the one of the world’s largest copper mines. The city’s largest employers include Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, Intermountain Healthcare, and the Utah state government.”
Shreveport, La. “Thanks to a thick package of tax incentives, Louisiana boasts one of the nation’s most thriving film production industries. … Leisure and hospitality employment has actually grown in the past 12 months.”
Tallahassee, Fla. “Tallahassee has seen job growth in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and in the government sector. … The city has also been helped by its universities … as well as an economy driven largely by small businesses that may not have contracted as much in the recession.”
Wichita, Kansas. “The Wichita housing market has resisted the wild swings in value that have done so much damage to other U.S. cities. The city even managed to add jobs last year. … Boeing, Cessna, and Hawker Beechcraft maintain a strong presence. … Wichita’s health care sector may be the strongest in the state — education and health services employment has risen 4 percent in the past year.”
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Kellogg’s Eggo waffles recalled
This month, it was reported that Listeria was found in a sample of Kellogg’s Buttermilk Eggo Waffles manufactured at an Atlanta plant.
None of those waffles were shipped into the marketplace.
However, out of an abundance of caution, the Food & Drug Administration has reported that Kellogg is voluntarily recalling a limited number of the following products produced in the same facility:
— Kellogg’s Eggo Cinnamon Toast waffles, 10-count package (UPC code 3800040440 with “Best If Used Before” dates beginning with:NOV22 10 EA, NOV23 10 EA and NOV24 10 EA.)
— Kellogg’s Eggo Toaster Swirlz Cinnamon Roll Minis eight-count package (UPC code 3800023370 with a “Best If Used Before” date beginning with NOV15 10 EA.)
Kellogg reportedly has ceased production at the plant, is investigating the cause of contamination and began a regimen of cleaning and sanitizing.
The FDA said Kellogg will execute its hygienic restoration plan before it resumes production at the plant.
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Volkswagon recall of note; Toyota recall for colder states
Toyota has issued a recall for 95,700 Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix and Scion xD vehicles equipped with the 1.8 liter engine.
However, for those of us in “balmy” Ohio, the recall reportedly does not affect us.
As Consumer Reports notes: “This recall only affects vehicles in 19 states where temperatures can reach lower levels. The states include Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.”
I thought it got pretty cold in Ohio, but I’m from California so my perspective may be tainted.
Another recall that reportedly does can affect Ohio car owners is one by Volkswagen.
VW is recalling 13,500 vehicles equipped with DSG transmissions built between September 2008 and August 2009, according to CR.
“The transmission has a faulty temperature sensor that could result in a warning light on the dashboard and may shift the vehicle into neutral.”
For more info on the VW recall, call (800) 444-8982.
And, if you have questions about the Toyota recall, call (800) 331-4331 or Scion at (866) 707-2466
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Fall Mom’s Market set for Saturday
It’s that time again — time to find great deals on items for children and help support Children’s Medical Center in Dayton at the same time.
The Fall Mom’s Market will be held at Clearcreek Elementary School in Springboro from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.
The Mom’s Market is organized and executed by the Springboro TWIGs (Terrific Women in Giving) group twice a year.
According to TWIGs member Dorie Watts, “Sales from the Spring Mom’s Market in March were nearly $40,000 for a four-hour sale! Approximately $6,000 was donated to Dayton Children’s.”
Watts said that the fall sale will have thousands of items for sale from more than 100 sellers.
“It’s a great opportunity to find some amazing deals on gently used children’s clothing (sizes newborn to 14/16), shoes, toys, and infant/toddler needs,” Watts said. “Many items are brand-new and unworn/unused.”
Watts added that TWIGs holds their sellers to a high standard.
“All clothing items must be on hangers (no tables piled high with clothes for buyers to sort through), all toys must be complete and packaged properly, and shoes must be in nearly mint condition.”
Watts said that shoppers from out of state have been known to arrange a visit to the area during the Mom’s Market weekend but, despite the volume of shoppers, the group is able to keep the crowds moving.
“We have been handling the sale so many years that the checkout process has become very smooth,” said Cathy Bemis, another TWIGs member. “For those shoppers who want to avoid the lines altogether, arrival after 11 a.m. will allow a much less crowded shopping experience with plentiful selection.”
Admission to the Mom’s Market is $1 cash, which is then donated to Dayton Children’s. “The only cash required is at the entry door, and it will speed your way in if you have a $1 bill handy instead of waiting for change,” Bemis said.
Accepted methods of payment for items in the sale are cash, personal check and Visa or Mastercard.
Clearcreek Elementary School is at 750 S. Main St./Ohio 741, just south of historic Springboro. The school offers plenty of free parking.
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