Each month, the Georgia Department of Labor issues unemployment statistics. I generally look at Bulloch County's numbers as compared to others, but for the first time, I noticed that Statesboro is listed in the "City Labor Force Estimates" along with 30 other cities from across the state.
      Shockingly, the city of Statesboro has the second highest July 2012 unemployment rate (13.5 percent) of the 31 cities listed. Only East Point is higher at 14.3 percent. Dalton and Rome are tied for third at 13.0 percent.
      Comparatively speaking, the university towns of Athens and Kennesaw have July 2012 unemployment rates of 7.8 percent and 10.3 percent respectively. Neighboring Savannah is at 10.8 percent, Augusta - 12.0 percent, and Macon - 12.5 percent.
      In comparison to other 158 counties around the state, Bulloch has the 89th highest unemployment rate, i.e., 70 counties have a higher unemployment rate than Bulloch. In case you are curious, Bulloch County has a total estimated labor force of 32,387 with 12,516 of those individuals considered to live in Statesboro.
      Clearly, we've got some work to do even as development here continues at steady pace. So, I have decided that when I am sent information regarding job openings, I am going to give you all a "heads up" when I can.
      I received a press release from Averitt Express, a leading freight transportation and supply chain management provider.
      The release said that the company has made a change to its hiring requirements lowering the minimum age for regional over-the-road drivers from 23 to 21.
      Additionally, Averitt has kicked off a student driver training program for recent graduates of approved driving schools. The program also features a tuition reimbursement plan of up to $1,000. Drivers who have been out of the industry for a while or who are short on experience can also benefit from Averitt's refresher and supplemental training programs.
      I went to their website, and there are openings in Savannah. All of this information, as well as other requirements and job listings, can be found online at www.AverittCareers.com.
      It isn't that I want our residents to have to find work outside of our county. It's just these numbers show me that a lot of our neighbors are "hurting," and they need an opportunity.
      So, until next Tuesday, I bid you au revoir.

      Got a scoop for Jan? Call her at (912) 489-9463 or email her at jmoore@statesboroherald.com