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Here are the latest labor statistics and information from the Upper Rio Grande Workforce Solutions, in PDF form for downloading.  The staff at URGWS also notes:
"Our seasonally adjusted [unemployment] rate reached 10.0%.  The last time we saw a 10.0% unemployment rate was in June 1999.  For Texas [the rate is] 8.3%; a rate not experienced since September 1987."

• Texas Labor Market Review - May 2010
• Upper Rio Grande Workforce Development Area - May-2010
• Texas Workforce Press Release - May 2010
• El Paso MSA - May 2010

For more information regarding these jobs and to view other available positions, log on to www.workintexas.com.  Registration is free!

For more information regarding these jobs and to view other available positions, log on to www.workintexas.com.  Registration is free!

(Alpine, Texas) Spring is here and that means many border residents may soon be "spring cleaning". Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande wants to remind anyone cleaning out their closet of gently used business attire to donate it to workforce job seeker closets. Clothes in the closets is given to workforce customers in need; to assist them in making that great first impression required on the road to re-employment. Dressing to impress is critical as an employer can make a decision about a candidate in as little as seven seconds based on a candidate’s attire!

"We assist job seekers that face a variety of barriers to employment," said Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande CEO Lorenzo Reyes, "some are homeless and many have limited resources. Providing them with professional attire for their job interview increases their self esteem and boosts their confidence level."

  Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande job seeker clothes closets are solely stocked with community and staff donations. Job seekers are given the attire to keep at no cost. The first closet was started eight years ago at the northeast location; additional closets have been started since then.

  Residents willing to donate their blazers, suits, ties, skirts, slacks, shoes and dress shirts can drop them off at any of the four job seeker closets listed below or schedule a pick-up by calling the administrative offices. Donations of toiletries like shampoo, soap and deodorant are also being accepted. All donations are tax deductible.

Drop off your donation!

710 Holland Avenue #4
Alpine, TX 79830

Because nothing is more exciting than statistics!

Unemployment Rates (rates are seasonally adjusted, Source: Dallas Federal Reserve)
Texas: 8.2%
U.S.: 10.4%
El Paso:
February 2010: 9.3%
January 2010: 9.4%
February 2009: 8.2%

(rates below not seasonally adjusted)
Brewster: 5.1%
Culberson: 4.4%
Hudspeth: 5.8%
Jeff Davis: 5.8%
Presidio: 18.2%

Jobs gained/lost by industry: (total = +200 jobs)
Mining, Logging & Construction: +800
Wholesale Trade: +200
Retail Trade: -200
Information: -100
Financial Activities:+200
Professional &Business Services: -600
Education & Health Services: -300
Other Services: +100
Government: +100

Today's podcast episode focuses on economic challenges facing small Trans-Pecos communities, and potential paths forward. 
Karen Bernstein interviews Mayor Jesus Calderon of Valentine, TX, and Robert Schwab of Green and Schwab about infrastructural changes in that small town and how it might impact the local economy; Tom Michael speaks with Kevin Lynch and Andrew Stuart of Dell City, TX about the recent economic development meeting there.

Project Manager, Karen Bernstein, and Station Manager, Tom Michael discuss the Back To Work website and topic forums as well as an update on stories from the series. 

The devastating Rio Grande flood of 2008 left the far West Texas communities of Presidio and Redford in physical and economic disarray.  Back To Work records field interviews with residents of both communities describing both the importance of maintaining an agricultural economy despite the odds and new initiatives for community growth, including solar energy production.  Live interviews with Russel Smith, the Executive Director of Texas Renewable Energies Industry Association, Sally Spener and Daniel Borunda from the International Boundary and Water Commission, U.S. Sector, Congressman Ciro Rodriguez and County Judge Jerry Agan.

What are businesses up against in this recession and how has Federal stimulus funds helped those in Texas?  Live interviews with Albert Salgado at University of Texas at San Antonio’s Small Business Dev’t. Center Network, Texas state Representative Pete Gallego, and Beatriz Lucero from Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande.

A  national, statewide and local look at the issues surrounding employment search in 2009 and a preview of what improvements we can expect for 2010.  Live interviews include with Dr. Heather Boushey, senior economist with the Center For American Progress; Elizabeth McDonald, stock analyst with Fox Business Channel; David Coronado with Upper Rio Grande Workforce Solutions as well as commentary from local residents.