Data for March shows that Virginia’s jobless rate rose slightly from 3.8 percent to 3.9 percent, according to the state’s Employment Commission. This increase means that approximately 4,200 more people were without jobs than in February. Statistics show that Virginia’s unemployment rate is up a full percent from the previous year. Despite the being on the rise, the state’s unemployment rate remains significantly below the national average.
Out of the state’s 134 counties, Arlington had the lowest unemployment rate of 2.3 percent. The highest Virginia jobless rate occurred in Martinsville, where 11.7 percent of the population was unable to find work.
Recently, Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that Shenandoah Waste Services LLC will soon be creating 60 much needed Virginia jobs. The company plans to invest $4 million into expanding its materials recycling operation, which is located in Page county. Kaine says that “an environmental company like Shenandoah Waste Services is valuable to Virginia.” The company recycles materials, waste that Kaine says would otherwise go to landfills, and then uses the end product as an alternative fuel source for energy production.
Kaine believes that this is a win-win situation because jobs in Virginia are created and the environment is being helped. He went on to say that “Shenandoah Waste Services’ Page County location is within close proximity to its large customers and northern construction markets.”
Jody Salyards, owner of Shenandoah Waste Services, agrees that the location is important. He says that “proximity to markets, a dedicated workforce and Page county’s vision for preserving the picturesque nature of their community are only some of the reasons we chose Virginia for our new location.” Salyards went on to say that “the Commonwealth and Page County have demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of the infrastructure necessary for future economic growth, and we are proud to be part of that future.”
Virginia competed against North Carolina, Maryland, and West Virginia to win Shenandoah’s newest project. To do this, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked hand-in-hand with Page County and the Shenandoah Valley Partnership. Kaine signed off on $75,000 from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist in the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance has also agreed to provide training help through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
