Washington County Maryland Announces Decrease in Unemployment Rate
Hagerstown, MD (PRWEB) October 01, 2013 -- The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) announced a 0.5 percent decrease to Washington County’s unemployment rate for August 2013. The announced 7.9 percent unemployment rate is in-line with the state which saw a 0.4 percent decrease.
With the 0.5 percent decrease, Washington County’s year-to-date average unemployment rate remains at a four-year low of 8.4 percent according to data through August 2013.
The decrease comes on the heels of FedEx announcing their plans to hire hundreds of seasonal workers according to a Herald Mail Media report, dated September 18, 2013. FedEx is hoping that many of the hires will transition to their permanently expanded work force next year. The Washington County FedEx facility currently employs approximately 800 people but that number is expected to increase with the facility expanding from 620,000 square feet to 800,000 square feet.
The FedEx expansion is just another example of Washington County’s growing and healthy transportation sector. In May, Freightliner of Hagerstown opened their new 65,000 square foot facility while simultaneously announcing they will be adding 30 new jobs as a result.
As part of Economic Development Week (Monday, September 30 – Friday, October 4), the Washington County Economic Development Commission hosted an Open House Tuesday, October 1, 2013 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 100 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown, Room 103. The general public was invited to meet EDC team members, tour the office, and learn about the services and information resources provided by the EDC.
Economic Development Week emphasizes the importance of economic development for the State of Maryland. The week is designed to increase an understanding of economic development’s contribution to the State’s business climate, job retention and growth, the tax base and the overall quality of life in Maryland.
Washington County is currently ranked 20th against other Maryland counties in unemployment rates. Maryland’s unemployment rate stands at 6.7 percent, 0.6 percent below the national average of 7.3 percent according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor statistics.
For more information regarding Washington County workforce and employment data, please contact Washington County Public Relations and Community Affairs at publicaffairs(at)washco-md(dot)net or 240-313-2380.
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About Washington County, Maryland Government
Washington County, Maryland Government strives to fulfill its duty to the citizens of Washington County with regard to operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness to the needs of the community. This vision is used to ably assist the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County in achieving goals for moving the County forward as present needs and future plans are addressed.
According to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services, the Washington County General Fund has one of the lowest costs per capita for services provided of all 23 counties and Baltimore City. This is attributed to the efficiency, staffing levels, and cost containment exhibited in Washington County Government operations. Visit http://www.washco-md.net for more information.
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James Jenkins, Washington County Government, 240-313-2384, [email protected]
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