Over the past year, the region’s economy has improved. Oregon has seen a 3.3 percent increase in job growth. As the New Year begins, a state economist is cautiously optimistic.
This year, the old Hynix property in Eugene was purchased by Avago Technologies, a semiconductor supplier. And, Winnebago plans to hire at the old Country Coach RV plant in Junction City. Regional Economist Brian Rooney says this is good news for the local economy.
“Generally, when we’re adding manufacturing job, those tend to be higher-paying jobs and help other areas of the economy through their paychecks, things like retail trade, leisure and hospitality benefit when those jobs come to town.”
Rooney says Lane County has experienced moderate job growth over 2015. He says the level of long-term unemployment has been steadily dropping. Rooney says there is opportunity out there, but the jobs available might not be the ones people want or are qualified for.
