America’s employers added 311,000 jobs in February, less than January’s big gain but easily enough to keep pressure on the Federal Reserve to aggressively raise interest rates to fight inflation. The unemployment rate rose to 3.6% from a 53-year low of 3.4% as more Americans began looking for work, but not all found work.
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The Labor Market Information Center has released the latest Online Job Openings Report – a monthly summary of online job openings and active resumes from Job Service North Dakota. The numbers show that North Dakota had a total of 17,111 jobs open and available online in February 2023. That’s up 9.3 percent (+1,460) from last month and -12.7 percent (-2,489) from same time a year ago.
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Minnesota gained 14,100 jobs during the month in January, up 0.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to numbers released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state’s private sector gained 12,000 jobs. From December to January, Minnesota’s unemployment rate stood at 2.9%.
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According to a report released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), exports of agricultural, mining and processed products will reach a record $27 billion in 2022. The state’s exports continued their streak of growth that from 2021, jumping 16% over the year.
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The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose for the fifth week in a row. The 30-year rate climbed to 6.73%. Home sales have been falling for the past 12 months.
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North Dakota Health and Human Services is reaching out to employers to participate in a new pilot program for Working Parents’ Child Care. The program will match employer-led child care benefits of at least $300 per month. The new public-private partnership could help employers attract and retain the workforce while offering working parents financial relief from the high cost of childcare. The pilot program will run until September 2026 or until funding is exhausted.
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The East Grand Forks Council will discuss allowing electric scooters in the city when they meet this week. Bird Rides Inc. already offers service in Grand Forks and hopes to expand across the river. During Tuesday’s meeting, the council will consider several points in an MoU with the company. The scooters were introduced to Grand Forks last September.
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The Grand Forks Council is expected to approve a new Class 3 liquor license for Kaizen Sushi & Ramen Restaurant. The restaurant will be located at N. 108 3rd Street. The location was formerly known as Shing Ya. The council will consider the Beer and Wine license on Monday night.
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Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport in Dickinson, ND has been recognized as North Dakota’s “2022 Commercial Service Airport of the Year.” This award is sponsored annually by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission in partnership with the North Dakota Airport Association. Watford City Municipal Airport was named North Dakota’s “2022 General Aviation Airport of the Year.”
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The University of Minnesota Crookston has selected Rosemary Erickson Johnsen, Ph.D., as the next Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Johnsen currently serves as division head for Business, Arts and Education and will begin her new role May 1. Johnsen came to Crookston in 2022 and previously served as associate provost and associate vice president for academic affairs at Governor’s State University in Chicago, Illinois.
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The National Potato Council has installed its 2023 Executive Committee members. During the Annual Voting Delegates Meeting, RJ Andrus of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was elected to serve as Council President for the next 12 months and TJ Hall of Hoople, North Dakota was named to the Executive Committee as Vice President of Grower Outreach and Industry Research.
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Yeti is recalling 1.9 million soft coolers and gearboxes due to magnet-coated fasteners that can fail and detach. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and contact YETI to receive a full refund or replacement product.
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The USDA has issued a new regulatory requirement to better align the voluntary “Product of the USA” label claim with the consumer’s understanding of the meaning of the claim. The claim for meat, poultry, and egg products can only be used when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States.
