Mahoning Valley unemployment drops to its lowest level since 2008

YOUNGSTOWN — Unemployment in the Mahoning Valley dropped to its lowest point since 2008 last month, the state reported today.

The combined unemployment rate for Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties fell to 12.5 percent in April, down from 14.5 percent in March. The unemployment rate was 12.7 percent in April 2009.

The unemployment rate in the area has not fallen below 12.6 percent since joblessness rose in January 2009.

“This is a good sign, this is a major jump in a positive direction,” said Bert Cene, director of the Mahoning and Columbiana Training Association, which oversees work force investment. “Things have hopefully bottomed out.”

For the complete story, see Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com