Orofino Chamber of Commerce
Dept. of Labor Director Madsen addresses chamber
Roger Madsen, Director of the Idaho Dept. of Labor, addressed the Orofino Chamber of Commerce on May 20, discussing employment conditions in Clearwater County and several local accomplishments.
Madsen was introduced by Heather Leach, manager of the Orofino and Grangeville offices of the department.
Madsen was appointed Director by Gov. Phil Batt in 1995. He was subsequently re-appointed by Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, Gov. Riche and Gov. Otter. He is the longest serving state workforce agency director in the nation.
Amongst other public service, he served three terms in the Idaho Senate prior to his appointment.
Several Orofino High School cheerleaders and Coach Sharon Meador were on hand to receive t-shirts presented by Madsen in honor of their recent win at national competition. “To be the best in the country at anything is amazing,” Madsen said, “I’m so proud of these kids…”
Madsen discussed challenges facing Clearwater County with its high unemployment rate and economic uncertainties.
“The people in Clearwater County have really had significant challenges,” he said.
Madsen cited over a decade of challenges to the logging industry as being key to the changing face of employment in the county, where new businesses are being established as logging declines. He applauded the efforts of economic development officials in bringing in new business.
Idaho as a whole is facing high rates of unemployment, with all 44 counties losing jobs in the past few months. The five north central counties have been hit hard, but “not nearly so hard as the rest of the state,” according to Madsen.
“I think you are through your toughest times,” he said. “I admire you, I respect you greatly…what you’ve been through has really been tough.”
He expects that stimulus funds will bring an improvement in the job picture for the county. He anticipates 300 new jobs locally. Citing statistics, Madsen says Clearwater County has “the fifth best of the bad news,” referring to declining unemployment.
Unemployment in the county is currently at 13.7% down from 16.1% last month,
Statewide more unemployment benefits have been paid out in the first 20 weeks of this year than in 2008. Last year’s benefit payout was $248 million. At the 20 week mark of 2009, $266 million has been paid out. It is possible the payouts could rise to $500 million this year.
The trust fund “is heading for a collision soon,” Madsen said, but the stimulus package allows for interest free loans to shore up the fund.
Workforce investment programs are available. Nearly 40 area high school students will be hired in the next few weeks for summer work programs. Students are paid $7.25 per hour for 5 – 7 weeks of work.
More information on programs, including those for displaced workers and veterans is available at the Dept. of Labor.
Fourth of July
Volunteers are needed for Fourth of July activities. The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the raft race, barbecue and beer garden.
The Orofino Chamber of Commerce meets every first and third Wednesday of each month at noon in the Ponderosa Restaurant Banquet Room.