With over seven percent unemployment -- we all hear stories of layoffs in the Rockford area -- jobs being shipped overseas, or eliminated altogether. However experts say if you look carefully in Rockford -- there are some good jobs you can find. And as 23 news managing editor Greg Schieferstein reports -- those jobs are there if you know what to look for -- and where.
Hundreds of people -- searching for a job each week. It's one part of the northern Illinois economy -- that few can agree on. Some think the job market is terrible -- but most experts say -- the Rockford area is usually insulated from the economic ups and downs of the rest of the country. but this time --- there was one worldwide exception. Janyce Fadden\Rockford Area Business Development: "We had a weakening of the dollar globally that created export opportunities. for companies here some of their large exporters are companies like Boeing, John Deere, so their business has gone well." Still -- here at the state's employment office called "Workforce Connection" in downtown Rockford -- dozens scour computer screens everyday for that elusive job. Many have come from the manufacturing sector -- which has changed dramatically. John Strandin/Workforce Connection: "It's not your grandfather's manufacturing plant.
I think the key to getting out of the whole thing is going to have to be training; retraining the workforce, training people in the math and computer skills that they need.” Hundreds of new jobs are coming to Rockford's aerospace industry. Companies like Woodward, Hamilton Sundstrand and Camcar aerospace. One county leader says it's a great example of what we need to do. Scott Christiansen/Winnebago County Chairman: “We need to continue to focus on our existing business, out business within is our greatest potential.” As companies grow and new ones are attracted to Rockford -- the infrastructure and the economy grows. While all that is a good thing -- one developer has a warning: Sunil Puri, First Rockford Group “It's all about employment. Interest rates don't pay mortgages, jobs do and we need jobs!" While the opinions remain mixed on the state of our economy -- there are jobs out there. Except it may take more than perseverance to find a job -- or better job. Training, now more than ever, could be the key to one of Rockford's most historic shifts in employment.
Unemployment numbers may get worse -- but some experts predict a turnaround by the end of summer. But with our current state of the economy -- just how likely are you willing to spend your hard earned dollars.