While the Ames area continues to work to limit the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic there is some good news on the employment front. In October the unemployment rate dropped below 2.0% for the first time since February. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Ames Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had an unemployment rate of 1.9%; the lowest of any MSA across the Country.
Brenda Dryer who leads the workforce solutions efforts for the Ames Chamber of Commerce reports, “While we have been encouraged by the number of people returning to work across Story County, we know there is work to be done. Employees in our retail, service, hospitality, and entertainment sectors continue to be adversely impacted by this pandemic. We are seeing strong job growth in our manufacturing, health care, and construction sectors. We are committed and will continue to work with partners in education and business to provide retraining opportunities for people wanting to learn a new career.”
The Ames Chamber of Commerce manages the WorkInAmes.com Story County job board, a one stop website for people searching for employment in the Ames/Story County area. Dryer goes on to explain, “We have seen as many as 1800 job postings a day this Fall on WorkInAmes.com. This is a free job board for both employers and job seekers.”
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For More Information:
Brenda Dryer, Senior Vice President | 515-232-2310 | brenda@ameschamber.com
