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ASU Requests Business Owners’ Participation in Survey
Posted February 8, 2010
Appalachian State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and the Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis are jointly conducting a short survey of businesses in northwestern North Carolina to better inform and assist educational institutions, policy makers, and others in improving existing entrepreneurial activity and creating new ways to help grow businesses throughout the region.
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In 2009, the total number of mass layoff events, at 28,030, reached its highest annual level since 1996, the first year for which these data are available. –Bureau of Labor Statistics
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U.S. Department of Labor Posts Best Tools for America’s Job Seekers
Posted February 8, 2010
More than 16,000 job seekers and others reviewed and recommended more than 600 online tools during the U.S. Department of Labor’s Tools for America’s Job Seekers Challenge. The recommendations have been tallied, and the top-rated sites in each of six categories—general job boards, niche tools, career tools, career exploration tools, Web 2.0, and other tools—are now available.
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As of January 2010, 11.5 million Americans were collecting some form of unemployment insurance. –National Employment Law Project
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N.C. Receives $5.4 Million in ARRA Funding to Promote Wellness
Posted February 8, 2010
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded more than $119 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to U.S. states and territories to support public health efforts to reduce obesity, increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and decrease smoking—the four most important actions for combating chronic diseases and promoting health. North Carolina’s share amounts to $5,421,531.
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In North Carolina, 88,000 people have been out of work for more than one year. –Raleigh News&Observer, 2/7/10
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Export University 201 Begins March 4 in Wilkes
Posted February 8, 2010
Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro-based Great State Bank, and the N.C. District Export Council are sponsoring a free eight-week seminar series focused on export opportunities.
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Revolving credit, which includes credit cards, dropped $8.55 billion in December 2009 after falling a revised $13.79 billion in November 2009. That's the 15th straight drop in revolving credit, the longest string of declines since those records began in 1968. –Reuters, 2/5/10
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Upcoming Events of Particular Interest
Updated February 8, 2010
For details and registration information on these events and many more, click to the RecoveryInTheHighCountry.com calendar:
• 2/10/10 - Group Computer Class - Boone
• 2/10/10 - Farm Promotion Summit - Asheville
• 2/11/10 - Small Business Four-Part Series Begins - Wilkesboro
• 2/11/10 - The Business Side of an Artist's Life - Spruce Pine
• 2/11/10 - Avery County Chamber Business After Hours - Sugar Mountain
• 2/13/10 - Help Sessions with the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) - Regionwide
• 2/15/10 - Internet Job Search - Spruce Pine |
In addition to pumping 1.75 million more dollars into Workforce Investment Act services in the High Country—services that will directly impact hundreds of residents in Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Mitchell, Wilkes, Watauga, and Yancey counties—the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes a number of provisions that will or already have directly impacted practically every individual and family in our region, whether through tax breaks, incentives, direct payments, increased unemployment benefits, or subsidies. Are you aware of all the provisions within the stimulus act that will put more money in your pocket? 
