Georgia Commissioner of Labor Michael Thurmond spoke at Tuesday's Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce Speakers Luncheon at the Quality Inn and Suites. Thurmond told the audience it was hard to find good news in Georgia’s 9.7 percent unemployment rate, but he has noticed a slowing in state residents losing their jobs. He also praised Georgia Southern as a vital part of Bulloch’s economy. U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson will be the next Chamber luncheon speaker in August at the Forest Heights Country Club.