Young workers are staying in North Dakota

The number of workers under age 35 has grown more than 2,000 per year from 2004 through 2006 in North Dakota, according to recent statistics from the Labor Market Information center at Job Service North Dakota.

“This is good news reflecting North Dakota’s strong economic growth over the past few years,” said Rod Backman, Chairman of the North Dakota Census Committee. “We are seeing more young people attracted to and staying in North Dakota for good jobs.”

The data, taken from the Local Employment Dynamics table, shows the increase in younger workers became a statewide trend in 2004, reversing a period of decline. The table covers employees whose jobs are covered by unemployment insurance, which represents in excess of 90 percent of the state’s employment. Since 2000, the overall number of workers in North Dakota’s labor force has grown by about 12,000.

More recently, younger workers are becoming more abundant in both the eastern and western halves of the state. Williston has been growing in the number of younger workers since 2001, longest of the eight planning regions. Other regions include Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, and Minot. The largest share of the expansion in younger workers is occurring in the Bismarck and Fargo regions.

The Local Employment Dynamics program is a joint effort between the Census Bureau and state employment agencies such as Job Service North Dakota. The program allows for demographic analysis of state’s labor force.

The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, which is part of Hometown Williston, encourages you to visit with our young college students who will be home for the Christmas holidays.

We have many job opportunities that may fit into their future plans. Already we have many young families that have chosen to move back home and become part of our community by working with the city and the business community. If our students are interested in playing a leadership role early in their careers, Williston and our surrounding communities welcome their input. This is a perfect time for them to make the changes here that are important to their lifestyle and their young families.

The deadline for the Western Star Award is Dec. 10, which will be given away at the annual Chamber Banquet Jan. 21, 2008. Last year's winner was Phil Rabon. We are looking for someone who represents the best in community and is deserving of this award. Applications are available at the Chamber office.

The Partners in Education and Leadership Committee is looking for volunteers to teach Junior Achievement grades 1-4 and 7-8. Contact Darci at 577-6000 to volunteer. The JA program partners the business community and students. All materials are provided and class schedules are set up by you and your classroom instructor.

Congratulations to the winners of the Light Up Harmon Park Parade. First prize went to Bad Land's Steel, second prize Dr. Wayne Anderson, and third to Nemont. Thank you to Dr. Ron Wright and his family for judging the parade and to Warren Larson and Kathy for organizing the parade.

Our second drawing for the $2,000 Christmas Cash Give Away will be held at 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 8, in the city parking lot behind American State Bank and Trust. You need not be present to win.

Register your house for the Spirit of Christmas decorating contest by Dec. 14 by calling 577-6000. The theme this year is the "Magic of Christmas." Houses will be judged at 6 p.m. on Dec. 16 by the staff of Head Start.

For all Chamber members, our Christmas luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 7, at the New Armory. It is sponsored by Geo Resources and Halliburton.

Congratulations to Wayne Rodvold, winner of game 12's Monday Night Football Pool.