Fresh Loaf

Georgia is one of the least eco-friendly states in the country, so we went to the Enviro Expo USA at the Georgia World Congress Center to take a look at the latest in green products.

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Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond

In this week’s feature, “The big hurt,” I write about Georgia’s rising unemployment rate and how it’s impacting metro Atlantans. To better understand the current economic landscape, I visited the state Department of Labor’s recent job fair at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event, which organizers estimate attracted more than 19,000 job seekers, was considered the largest in the state’s history. To view Joeff Davis’ photographs of the event, go here.

While reporting on the convention center floor, I spotted Commissioner Michael Thurmond monitoring the event from a hospitality suite. Thurmond, who’s brutally honest but optimistic about the situation, agreed to chat. After the jump, a transcript of my interview with the commissioner. In it, he talks about how the state can prepare for a recovered economy, the impact of globalization, and the job-loss story that hit him the hardest.

(File photo by Joeff Davis)

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On Wednesday, an estimated 20,000 people attended a job fair and career expo held at the Georgia World Congress Center. Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Labor and WSB-TV Channel 2, the event attracted attention because nearly 100 employers said they’d attend — and that they’d be hiring. State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, in between interviews and talks with department officials on the convention center floor, watched the event from an overlook suite.

“What this means is that people haven’t given up hope,” Thurmond said. “People are still encouraged, people are still believing. And that’s important. Obviously, some will find jobs. Others will find opportunities for training and education. But the main thing we’re trying to do is to keep this workforce encouraged and not lose hope.”

See more photos of the job fair here.

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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Delta Sigma Theta sorority knows how to put on a show, especially for a good cause. The local chapter held its 8th annual All-Alumni Step Show at the Georgia World Congress Center March 7. Check out more photos from the event.

(Photo by Lauren Gore)

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Last week, metro Atlanta’s unemployment rate rose to 8.7 percent, the highest it’s been since 1983. And while there are glimmers of hope here and there, the bad news continues to outweigh the good.

Tomorrow evening, the state Department of Labor and WSBTV will sponsor a career expo and job fair at the Georgia World Congress Center. Department officials say 100 employers will be on hand, some of whom are hiring. The fair will be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition to the companies, more than 100 service providers will be on hand to help attendees learn how to pick a career, conduct job interviews, manage finances after a job loss, and other skills. A resume coach and 100 computers for job searches and resume updates will also be available. Representatives from two-year and four-year private educational institutions and technical colleges will attend to offer information about their programs.

Department officials suggest job seekers bring updated resumes and wear professional attire for job interviews. To reach the Georgia World Congress Center by public transit, check out the A-TRAIN trip planner. The Atlanta Community Food Bank will be accepting canned food donations at the door, as well.

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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BUDGET BUDDIES Richardson and Perdue at this morning's legislative breakfast.

Tuesday morning, Gov. Sonny Perdue, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle and state House Speaker Glenn Richardson, speaking before a banquet room filled with business heavies, lobbyists and fellow lawmakers, outlined their legislative agendas for the session at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Eggs and Issues” breakfast at the Georgia World Congress Center.

There, over plates of eggs, sausage, and some hashbrown-stuffed tomato concoction, the elected officials said that, even with the state nearly $2 billion in the red, progress would take place.

After the jump, what Perdue, Cagle and Richardson said, in fancy bulletpoint style, about the upcoming legislative session.

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ALL SHOOK UP: Illinois quake measured 5.4 on the Richter scale, was felt in Georgia and as far south as north Florida.

GWCC: Tornado damage is about $100 million, but officials say it will open April 28.

ASPHALT MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER: As Thomas reported yesterday, DOT chairman and commissioner are in love, and the former has resigned. Now Gov. Perdue has to grumble back into town to handle things.

SHOT IN THE DARK: Entire Charter cable TV, phone and Internet service knocked out Wednesday night in Hall County by a single bullet.

COAST IS CLEAR: Vidalia emergency room doctor is one of several volunteers being honored for working to fill potholes and doing other maintenance on coastal wildlife refuges that might otherwise not get done due to budget cuts.

FLU OFF THE HANDLE: Bad vaccine-mixing made 2007-08 the worst flu season in several years.

HONEYTASED HAM: Cops Tase a frenzied pig on I-75 after it falls off the back of a truck, the second time in two weeks a hoofed animal has caused an uproar on the interstate.

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The Georgia World Congress Center, one of downtown’s attractions hit hardest by this weekend’s tornado, will accommodate two scheduled conventions as planned, the center’s authorities say.

The International Window Coverings Expo, scheduled for March 26-29, and National Propane Gas Association, March 29-31, will not be canceled, and the facility will be in shape to host the events. That’s $14 million in economic impact the city’ll enjoy because of around-the-clock repairs by crews at the convention center.

“The collaboration of the hospitality community has saved economic impact that would have been lost,” Spurgeon Richardson, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a release. “Had it not been for the GWCC, the hotels and so many other stakeholders in Atlanta, we would have seen business go to other cities. Instead, we are ready to roll out the welcome mat for our visitors.”

The bureau also says that only 700 of the city’s 92,000 hotel rooms are closed for repair and that reshuffling of other planned activities will bring 38,000 visitors to town and reap an estimated $18 million.

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