Employment Rate Holding
Oregon’s unemployment rate held relatively steady in August at 5.1%, down slightly from 5.2% in July and remaining within a narrow range for the past year and a half. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1%. State labor economists report Oregon lost 800 nonfarm jobs in August after a revised loss of 1,800 jobs in July. Professional and business services saw the largest decline, while construction and retail trade added jobs. Over the past year, Oregon payroll employment has fallen by nearly 11,000 jobs, though health care and social assistance continued to post strong gains. The next statewide employment report is scheduled for October 14.
EMAC To Host Special Arbor Day Event
The City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee, or EMAC, is partnering with the Siuslaw Public Library and Grow Closer Nursery to host “Arbor Day in October” on Saturday, October 17th. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bromley Room at the Siuslaw Public Library. Participants will learn about trees and native plants while creating a traditional Japanese kokedama moss ball planter to take home. The event is open to all ages, with space limited to 20 participants. Reservations are available through the City of Florence website. EMAC says the event is designed to encourage environmental stewardship and hands-on learning.
Grants For Women Owned Business
Women business owners have until September 22 to apply for H&R Block’s Fund Her Future Grant program. The company says up to four recipients will receive a $50,000 business support package designed to help fuel growth. That includes $45,000 in direct funding, along with $5,000 worth of bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll services, and business structure support. Eligible applicants must lead a registered, for-profit business based in the United States. Applications close at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on September 22.
