Job growth increases in the Mahoning Valley

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Job growth increased in 77 of the top 100 markets in the past year, and the Mahoning Valley had the third-highest statistical increase, according to stats from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Youngstown- Warren-Boardman metropolitan area added 5,900 jobs in the period March 2010 to March 2011, which represented a 2.75-percent increase, trailing only Raleigh, N.C., and Milwaukee.

Toledo ranked fourth, adding 7,300 jobs, representing a 2.51-percent growth.

“This is another indicator of how the Valley’s economic-development efforts are yielding tangible results that are in fact transforming our economic landscape,” said Walter Good, Youngstown/ Warren Regional Chamber vice president of economic development, business retention and expansion.

After the unemployment rate peaked in March 2010 at 13.8 percent, the Valley has seen that number decrease to 10.3 percent.

V&M Star, Mac Trailer Manufacturing and hhgregg all have added 50 or more jobs in the past few months.