Newspaper Page Text
Georgia Works initiative receives national attention
The Georgia Department of
Labor’s Georgia Works initiative
received national praise in a report
in the latest edition of Stateline.org,
an online publication of the PEW
Center on the States, which high
lights innovative state policies and
programs.
Georgia Works is a unique ini
tiative that allows qualified jobless
workers to audition for employment
while receiving on-the-job training
with participating Georgia employ
ers.
The trainees continue to receive
unemployment insurance benefits
while in training. Approximately
60% of job seekers who complete the
training are hired.
Don Peitersen, workforce director
for the American Institute for Full
Employment, which advises states
on employment issues, praises the
program. “It’s a brilliant little pro
gram. There’s no cost to the employ
er and the only cost to the state is a
small stipend for transportation. I go
out and actively recruit states to re
create the Georgia model,” he said.
Since its inception in 2003, more
than 6,000 Georgia employers have
utilized Georgia Works to fill jobs in a
wide range of fields, including health
and business services, construction,
manufacturing, and finance. Partici
pating employers have collectively
reduced hiring costs by an estimated
$14.7 million.
The article can be read at www.
stateline.org. Information about
Georgia Works is available at www.
dol.state.ga.us or from any of the
Georgia Department of Labor’s 53
career centers. □
Pace of layoffs slows significantly in August
ATLANTA - The Georgia Depart
ment of Labor (GDOL) announced
recently that 69,869 laid-off work
ers filed first-time claims for state
unemployment insurance (UI) ben
efits in August, an increase of 18.2%
from August of 2008. The last time
the over-the-year increase in initial
claims was this low was January of
2008, when an increase of 7.2% was
recorded.
“The pace of new layoffs is decel
erating,” said State Labor Commis
sioner Michael Thurmond. “How
ever, a rising number of laid-off
workers are remaining unemployed
longer.”
The number of jobless workers
receiving state UI benefits rose
79.6% over the year, from 80,150 in
August of 2008 to 143,942 in August
of 2009. Approximately 148,000 UI
claimants are receiving federally-
funded extended benefits, bringing
the total number of UI beneficiaries
to 291,942. The average length of
time that jobless Georgia workers
drew UI benefits increased from 11.6
weeks in August of 2008 to 13.7
weeks in August of 2009.
Most of the initial claims were
filed by laid-off workers in manufac
turing, wholesale and retail trade,
construction, and administrative
and support services.
Georgia labor market data are
available at www.dol.state.ga.us.
□
When Changing Jobs,
Don’t Shortchange Your 401(k)
Your 401 (k) plan is a popular retirement savings vehicle. But what
should you do with your 401 (k) if you leave your job before you retire?
Consider your options.
• Option 1 - Cash out your plan.
• Some money will he withheld for taxes and you might have to pay a
penalty. Even worse, you'll lose a key source of your retirement income.
• Option 2 - Leave your money or roll-over into a new 401 (k)
• Some employers allow you to leave your money in your existing
401 (k) or you might he able to rollover your existing 401 (k) into
your new employer's plan.
• Option 3 - Ylove the money to an IR4
• An IRA will provide you with a variety of advantages, such as almost
unlimited investment choices.
Let us help you make the choice that’s right for you.
Call or stop by today.
■ A.D. “Sonny” Doehring, AAMS
Plaza
Member
THE ISLANDER, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009, PAGE 3
Business Upda
Coast Guard Auxiliary Receives Grant
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 10-10 of St. Simons Island recently
received an $800 grant from the Communities of Coastal Georgia
Foundation. The money will be used to purchase a digital projector
computer for use in Boating Safety Classes. Flotilla Commander Motts
Parrinello, left, accepted check from Diane Dostor, Donor Services/
Grant Officer, right. These grants are made possible by the collective
generosity of Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation donors.
There’s no
need to be
in pain.
Our advanced techniques are so effective, they have helped many of
your friends and neighbors work, play and live without shoulder pain.
Dr. Ralph W. Morales is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who was
fellowship-trained at the renowned Hughston Clinic. And Dr. Morales
always takes the time to listen.
Advanced arthroscopy and laser procedures available • Recovery time reduced
Postsurgical discomfort minimized • Insurance accepted and filed
And as always, nonsurgical solutions are explored first
Call for a consultation or
ask your doctor for a referral
ii Dr. Ralph W. Morales
SOUTHERN ORTHOPAEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE, PC
Ik* Peak-performance results with a personal touch.
3231 Glynn Ave. • Brunswick
CallnovK
912-265-9006
Visa and MasterCard accepted • Participation in most insurance plans