County still ranks No. 1 in unemployment
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Jenkins County held onto its dubious honor of having the highest unemployment rate in the state for the second consecutive month. The county's December 2007 rate was 10.8 as compared to 11.0 for November, also the highest in the state for that month.

Figures released by the Georgia Department of Labor reveal that 74 initial unemployment claims were filed in the county during the month of December as compared to 296 claims filed in January 2008. The increase in claims was due in part to the closing of MI Windows and Doors in December.

On a positive note, officials with the local Department of Labor office have indicated that many of those who elected to retrain when Jockey International closed are nearing completion of their chosen education programs, and, hopefully, will be successful in their job searches. Also, the Jenkins County Development Authority, Millen-Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce and city and county officials have indicated that they remain alert daily for new job opportunities that might be brought to Millen and Jenkins County.

Counties with unemployment rankings closely below Jenkins County for the month of December 2007 were: Hancock, 9.6; Ben Hill, 9.5; and Chattahoochee and Taliaferro, 9.4. The rankings of surrounding counties were: Burke, 8.7; Bulloch, 4.1; and Screven and Emanuel, 5.4.

The unemployment rate for the State of Georgia for the month was 4.6. The national unemployment rate was 5.0.