Good afternoon Economic Indicators fans! Here is the October 2017 set of Economic Indicators for Southwest Oregon. Inside this month’s edition: Decreasing unemployment rates over-the-year across our three counties, as well as the State of Oregon. Over-the-year job gains continue to remain positive for Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties. Graph of the Month! This edition’s GOTM is from an article written by our Regional Economist, Annette Shelton-Tiderman, titled Coos County, an Economic Update. Featured is the chart detailing the permits issued by unit-type from 2006 to 2015 and the relationship to employment in the construction industry. Throughout this timeframe, Coos County’s building permi

Throughout Oregon, local communities are struggling to thrive. Businesses need workers to help them be productive and grow. People need jobs that will sustain them and their families in a changing economy. Seems simple enough. But everywhere you look, businesses are struggling to find the right employees. People aren't unlocking opportunities for good jobs and upward advancement. Things just aren't working the way they used to. SOWIB (Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board) is one of nine local organizations in Oregon formed to address these concerns. We are a business-led 501(c)(3) partnership serving Coos, Curry and Douglas counties, and devoted to identifying and addressing