Economic outlook predicting a job increase

TYLER – Hundreds of Smith County business leaders met on Thursday to discuss the state of Tyler’s economy as the new year begins. The report was provided by renowned economist Dr. Ray Perryman.

Perryman reports that since May, the state has lost 10,000 jobs, while the nationwide average is 50,000 jobs per month. East Texas has remained stable in providing career opportunities for residents. Currently, Tyler’s unemployment rate is trending below the state and national rates, as the city is projected to create nearly 12,000 new jobs a year over the next five years, with health services, mining and construction leading this growth. Creating not only opportunities for Texans, but for foreign workers, as well.

“The jobs in the East Texas area have basically stayed stable,” Perryman said. “So, it’s not like there’s been a whole lot of growth taking place compared to the state; it’s outperformed.”

“We have relied on immigrant workers more than most states. In East Texas, 25% of the doctors and the health care professionals are going to be immigrants,” Perryman said.

Declining birth rates allow international employees to thrive here in Texas, but we are worried that if immigration reform becomes too restrictive, it could pose a serious issue for the state’s job market.

“We can start having babies now, but then we have to wait 18 years for them to be in the workforce,” Director of Recruiting for Express Employers Adam Morrow said. “So I think Dr. Perryman is right, and if you’re an employer hiring, you should know that there aren’t just employees who won’t just grow on trees, but there are a limited number of them.”

Perryman and Murrow emphasize education, technical training and networking to help local job seekers find careers. In his speech to Tyler business leaders, Perryman encouraged stronger literacy and educational opportunities.

“We need to make sure we educate that workforce and turn them into a productive workforce for the future,” Perryman said.