Forbes.com recently published its annual rankings of the "Worst Big Cities For Jobs" and Cleveland placed third. The city's ranking was based on high unemployment rate, negative job growth and high foreclosure rate. Other neighboring cities to make the list were Detroit at the top of the list and Warren, Michigan placing eighth.
The article written by Joel Kotkin claims that Cleveland "Could spark a renaissance by revamping its port and nearby industrial hinterland. Once the world economy improves, it could re-emerge--building on the existing knowledge and skills of its production- and design-savvy population--as a hub for manufacturing and exports."
The unemployment rate in Ohio was 9.7 percent in March, which is up from the revised rate of 9.5 percent in February according to data released by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
"Ohio's labor market experienced additional job losses in March," ODJFS Director Douglas Lumpkin said. "The unemployment rate rose to 9.7 percent as employment continued to decline in both the service-producing and goods-producing sectors."
The number of workers unemployed in Ohio in March was 578,000, up from 567,000 in February. The number of unemployed has increased by 211,000 in the past 12 months from 367,000. The March 2008 unemployment rate for Ohio was 6.1 percent.
Job losses declined to the lowest level in six months but the U.S. jobless rate rose to 8.9 percent, the highest since 1983. It will probably keep rising the rest of the year, even if monthly job losses continue to slow. Companies are not likely to hire until they feel confident that we are in an economic recovery. Yet confidence is building that the recession, the longest since the Great Depression, will end this summer or fall, setting the stage for a slow recovery.
The Fed says unemployment will remain elevated into 2011. Economists say the job market may not get back to normal - meaning a 5 percent unemployment rate - until 2013.
With all the gloomy economic predictions, Cleveland will need to wake up and realize that it must develop its lakefront and utilize its resources. Until that happens, this city will remain in 3rd place as the "Worst Big City For Jobs."
Comments
While the lakefront is a unique resource compared to many states, it is only a very small area with limited opportunities. I believe Ohio's greatest resource is it's people. With the diverse backgrounds and work ethics of our people, we need to convince companies they will have a stronghold by coming here instead of over seas. We have to remember there is a lot of work out there. It may not be in your "specialized field", but temp companies are very busy right now. I began working 40hrs a week for an agency in March and recently converted to full time with the company I was sent to work for. While working with the other temp employees, I learned of other places they work in the Cleveland area. There were several complanies they have worked for on a regular basis, getting 40 hrs and sometimes even overtime. Some prefer the flexibility of being a temp worker because of family duties, some are working as a temp to make contacts and experience for a forthcoming opportunity. Again, this is an example of our greatest resource, people. People who are willing to work, to do their best and give it their all. We need to get this out to companies
The lakefront is certainly not the key to turning Cleveland around. They have been trying to convince us for the last 20 years of the vitality of the flats and yet that, at best, prospers only in spurts. This city has been set up for heavy industry for the past 100 years, and it will take decades for that to change. Even moderately technical jobs will have a hard time taking root here considering the lack of an educated labor pool.
By the way, I like the way you try to generate traffic by cross forum posting of your link on Craigslist.
The Ohio Conference on Labor in the New Energy Economy takes place Monday, May 18th at Crowne Plaza City Center. For info about this day-long discussion about strategies to rebuild Ohio's prosperity with jobs in the (renewable) energy sector, call 216.361.9801. Keynote speaker is Sen. Sherrod Brown.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!