Cautious optimism remains in place for the Longview economy as unemployment numbers continue to be below state and national averages coupled with another strong monthly sales tax report from the State Comptroller’s office. Yesterday, the Texas Labor Market Information services released their latest report for the Longview MSA. Unemployment is at 6.7% compared to the State ’s 7.9% and US’s 8.7%. Mining, Logging and Construction experienced a 9.4% growth rate compared to the same time last year. Manufacturing reflected a 3.8% increase with Professional and Business Services at 3.7%.
The Longview Chamber builds hundreds of relocation packet for member companies to aid in their recruitment process stated Kelly Hall, President/CEO. Over the past 60 days we have seen the volume of relocation packets increase immensely compared to the same time last year. HR teams from several sectors have requested high volumes of relo packets for their recruitment efforts.
Additional good news comes from WIRED Magazine. Adam Davidson did an article recently on “The Emerging Epicenters of High Tech Industry”. He created a map utilizing the Cluster Mapping Project at Harvard Business School. The provides the top 20 job-creating areas for the following fields: Plastics, Chemicals, Automotive, Aerospace vehicles, Information technology, Biopharma, Metal manufacturing, Communication technology, Medical technology, Analytical instruments, and Electrical equipment. Eastman Chemical of Longview Texas is spotlighted at http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/05/ff_jobsclustermap/. Davidson reports Eastman dominates the chemical industry in Longview, an area spread over 3 counties in East Texas. The company produces more than 40 products but ethyl acetate NF – solvent also used in pharmaceutical production and cosmetics – is as Longview specialty (even comes in kosher variety).
Longview Texas economic recovery continues to outpace the state and country. If you would like to share more good news about your companies growth patterns in Longview please contact Kelly Hall at president@longviewtx.com.
