03/11/09

Looking at the Twin Falls micropolitan area which includes Jerome - Gooding and Wendell, the jobless rate is sitting at a 5.5 percent; while the mini-cassia micropolitan area boasts a 4.4 percent unemployment rate.

Compare that with the national average at 8.1 percent, Coeur d’Alene sits at 7.4 percent and the Boise valley holds a 7.7 percent unemployment rate; bring that information into the picture and there is a lot to be said for the Magic Valley.

Mike Pohanka, Adjunct Instructor of Economics says, “The Magic Valley is an isolated pocket and we're extremely lucky to have the diversification of the business from agriculture to manufacturing.”

Pohanka spoke to local Jerome Chamber Of Commerce members about the local economy. He says Jerome County has seen a steady population growth over the last decade increasing from more than 17,000 in 1997 to over 20,000 people in 2007.

He says, “Growth can be attributed to the outstanding economic development.”

But many want answers as in when we'll recover. Pohanka says it's too soon to tell, what he is sure of, is the strength of the Magic Valley people.

“The economy is reciprocal and we're in a trough, we'll come out of this recession. We're strong people, especially in the Magic Valley, we are entrepreneurs and there is no doubt in my mind we'll persevere out of this.”