Healthy Local Job Market Predicted

Article Last Updated: Monday, Sep 12, 2005 - 11:07:04 pm PDT

Healthy Local Job Market Predicted
By Jeff Mitchell

FAIRFIELD - Employers in Solano and Napa counties expect to hire at a strong pace during the fourth quarter of 2005, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

From October to December, 23 percent of the companies interviewed plan to hire more employees, while none expect to reduce their payrolls, according to Manpower Inc. spokesman Greg Gardner.

Gardner said another 44 percent expect to maintain their current staff levels while a third more are not certain of their hiring plans.

"Employers in Solano and Napa counties expect slightly more favorable hiring conditions than in the third quarter when 27 percent of the companies interviewed intended to add staff, and 7 percent planned to reduce headcount," said Gardner.

For the coming quarter, job prospects appear best in durable and non-durable goods manufacturing, wholesale/retail trade and services, while employers in education, transportation/public utilities and public administration are unsure of their hiring intentions. Hiring in other sectors is expected to remain unchanged.

Gardner noted that fourth quarter survey data was collected prior to Hurricane Katrina.

The national results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey reveal that U.S. employers are unwavering in their hiring confidence for the fourth quarter of 2005. For seven straight quarters, the job picture in the United States has been virtually unchanged.

Of the 16,000 employers that were surveyed, 29 percent expect to add to their payrolls during the fourth quarter, while 8 percent plan to reduce staff levels. In addition, 57 percent of the employers polled report no change in hiring intentions, and 6 percent are unsure of their staffing plans.

Biz bits . .

- Fairfield Caboodle Cartridge franchise owners Ken and Rekha Patel have been awarded the franchised chain's "entrepreneur of the year" award, company officials announced recently. The Patels opened their store in January. The retailer sells alternative and less-expensive brands of inkjet and laser toner computer printer cartridges. The store is located at 340 Travis Blvd.

- The Solano College Small Business Development Center will sponsor a "How to Buy a Business or Franchise" workshop Sept. 22. The program will run from 2 to 5 p.m. at center offices at 424-C Executive Court North in Fairfield. Cost is $25. Reserve a seat by calling 864-3382 or registering online at www.solanosbdc.org.

- Matthew Gerbitz, director of operations for the Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce, resigned his post, chamber officials announced recently. Gerbitz departed to seek other career opportunities in the field of human resources, his area of expertise, said David Sommer, chamber president and chief executive officer.

Sommer credited Gerbitz, saying he was instrumental in bringing the organization's new data base and operating system into full operation.

"Business Matters" is a column that runs Tuesday and Friday focusing on Solano County business affairs. If you know of a newsworthy item or event, please e-mail jmitchell@dailyrepublic.net or ccube@dailyrepublic.net. Please be sure to include a contact name and daytime phone number.

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