State jobless rate drops in September
Published 12:01 am Thursday, October 20, 2011
The statewide unemployment rate dropped slightly to 9.1 percent in September, the state Employment Security Department announced today. The drop, from 9.3 percent in August, came despite a loss of about 18,400 jobs last month, mostly due to continued cuts in government. Officials cited a survey of households by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics that found more people here were working in September. Industries that posted job gains in September included aerospace, other manufacturing, education and health services, and business services.
Mobile shoppers help eBay profits
EBay’s third-quarter net income climbed 14 percent, as its namesake site and PayPal online payment service continued to show healthy growth — more of which is coming from consumers shopping and transferring funds using the company’s smartphone and tablet apps. Investors were unimpressed with eBay’s predictions for the current quarter, however. Its stock fell more than 4 percent Wednesday. For the July-September quarter, eBay said it earned $491 million, or 37 cents per share. This compares with $432 million, or 33 cents per share, a year earlier.
Apple holds private Jobs tribute
Apple leaders, employees and pop culture stars celebrated the life of Steve Jobs in a tribute Wednesday to a computer visionary who changed the world when he incorporated music, media and lifestyle into a sleek line of products. The service at company headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., drew hundreds of employees. They crowded into an outdoor amphitheater to reflect on the legacy of the company co-founder, who died Oct. 5 after battling pancreatic cancer. Across the country, Apple stores shut their doors for several hours so retail employees could watch a webcast.
King County joins 737 jobs alliance
The top county official where Boeing builds the workhorse 737 says an alliance has been formed of government, business and labor to work toward keeping jobs in the Seattle area. The alliance is being formed as the Boeing Co. decides where to assemble the 737 MAX, which will have new fuel-saving engines. King County Executive Dow Constantine said the county must act to secure the aerospace jobs. Constantine announced a $100,000 competitive study and $30,000 toward the state Pegasus Project.
Clothing company drops ‘Navajo’ names
The word “Navajo” no longer appears on Urban Outfitters’ website. The trendy clothing chain has removed the word from numerous product names online in the wake of criticism from the Navajo Nation and others. Two items in particular stirred up controversy: the “Navajo Hipster Panty” and the “Navajo Print Fabric Wrapped Flask.”
From Herald staff and news services
