By Carly Thompson, Administrative/Communications Assistant
From September 2016 to September 2017 total employment increased in the state of Michigan by 40,000 or 0.9 percent according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB).
In terms of growth, let’s compare this increase to saving change. Putting coins in a jar might seem like an insignificant way to save money, but over time a small profit can be gained. Even a slight percent increase in a few industries shows positive economic growth.
On the local level, the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) four county region of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet saw small shifts in private employment for 2017.
Manufacturing saw the greatest increase in employment. In September 2016 the percentage of total employment in manufacturing was at 12 percent, while in September 2017 it increased to 16 percent, despite decline in manufacturing statewide.
Charlevoix and Antrim Counties grew their employment in manufacturing by 13.5 percent and 6 percent respectively. Growth in manufacturing has great impact in the region due to its creation of base jobs which have a greater potential for job retention.
The service industry grew from 39 to 41 percent in a year. Other industries showed minimal fluctuation. As you can see both locally and statewide, economic growth cannot be measured with a one size fits all approach. Because of the increase of total employment in area industries, unemployment fell by 32,000 or 13.3 percent.
Click here to read the full report from the DTMB on Michigan’s September Jobless Rate.
