The Columbus Chamber recently analyzed the region's May employment figures. According to the Chamber's economist, Bill LaFayette, Ph.D., the numbers are "surprisingly good." On a seasonally-adjusted basis, jobs in the region increased 2,300 (0.25 percent) from April.  The national job total decreased by exactly the same 0.25 percent, but this was the smallest national job decline since last September.  The largest local gains were registered by professional and business services, which has been a little soft lately but gained 2,300 jobs in May, and private education and healthcare (up 1,600).  Government and manufacturing lost 800 jobs each and retail lost 700.  Other sectors showed modest changes up or down of 100 to 300 jobs each.  Since the recession began, the local area has lost 19,000 jobs (2.0 percent), much less than the national loss of 4.3 percent and Ohio's 5.3 percent. The May regional unemployment rate was a seasonally-adjusted 8.5 percent, nearly a percentage point lower than the U.S. rate of 9.4 percent.  These two rates were essentially equal in January.  The Ohio rate, meanwhile, was 10.8 percent. "Before we get too excited, it is important to remember that these employment totals are preliminary and will be revised next month," said Lafayette. "But it is clear that the Columbus region continues to fare far better than elsewhere in this recession."

Savings on office supplies, printing and office furniture with OfficeMax

The Columbus Chamber is very excited to announce that OfficeMax is partnering with the Chamber to offer our members substantial savings on office supplies, printing, and office furniture.

Here are the highlights of the savings program you will enjoy with OfficeMax:

• 12 OfficeMax retail locations in the Central Ohio area!
• 10% discount over and above the discounted catalog pricing
• Ability to shop online or at any of the OfficeMax stores nationwide and receive discounted pricing (up to 80% off manufacturer's list price)
• Member companies and your employees can take advantage of the discounted pricing
• 24-hour turnaround on orders placed online plus a lower delivery fee for small orders
• Special Chamber member promotions at retail stores

Start saving today by filling out this short form.

Small Business Leader Award Call for Entries

Columbus is known for its spirit of entrepreneurship and small businesses contribute greatly to our local economy. Do you know of a small business leader who has built a successful business?

It is time to recognize their contributions. Starting today, you'll be able to nominate a Small Business Leader on Columbus.org. Because it's hard to choose just one, you may nominate more than one business. Nominations will close on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009.

Questions? Please contact:
Somers Martin
Columbus Chamber Small Business Council Director
614-225-6919
Somers_martin@columbus.org

Small Business Leader Award recipients and finalists will be recognized at the Small Business Forum and Leader Awards on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.