By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County’s unemployment rate hit a worrisome high of 10.8 percent during the Great Recession in 2009.
A decade later, the county’s jobless rate has plunged to 3.4 percent.
“That’s probably below full employment,” Wood County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Wade Gottschalk reported Thursday to the county commissioners.
The benefits of the low rate are that not only can most people find employment, but also that most jobs coming into the county now will offer better wages.
“The jobs we attract are going to pay more,” Gottschalk said. “It offers people an opportunity to move up.”
The unemployment rates in counties surrounding Wood are also relatively low – with Lucas County at 5.2 percent, Henry at 3.5 and Hancock at 2.7. The national jobless rate in June was at 3.6 percent.
And more jobs are coming to Wood County at large manufacturing and distribution sites like NSG, an Amazon fulfillment center, and First Solar.
First Solar employment is up 1,300 from last year, and Amazon is expected to create about 1,000 jobs.
“Obviously, we look forward to that coming out of the ground soon,” Gottschalk said.
Other manufacturers are looking at possible expansions in Wood County, he told the county commissioners Doris Herringshaw, Ted Bowlus and Craig LaHote.
“We’ve been busy,” Gottschalk said.
“That’s good news,” Herringshaw said.
But concerns loom on the horizon as many employers are already having trouble filling positions and “help wanted” signs sit for long periods in front of businesses.
“It’s a national issue,” Gottschalk said of the labor shortage after his meeting with the commissioners.
One effort to counteract that shortage is the county’s “Manufacturing Camp” for middle school students. The third annual camp is planned for next week and will include 30 students from across the county.
The students will visit industries like O-I, Principle Business Enterprises, NSG and Northwood Industries.
“We hope to raise awareness for the manufacturing jobs out there,” Gottschalk said. “There’s a lot of interest from the manufacturers.”
The economic development commission is assisted by the Wood County Educational Service Center on the educational component of the camp.
“It’s a good opportunity for kids,” Herringshaw said, since the perceptions of manufacturing jobs are much different than the reality of those jobs today.
The skills required, working conditions and pay are much different than in the past.
“Modern manufacturing has changed a lot,” Gottschalk said.
