“Data supports the idea that Nevada is likely in a recession,” Jeff Thredgold, an economist for Nevada State Bank, says. This comes after the state unemployment rate dropped a mere 0.1 percent in April.

Although this may seem like good news, the percentage of the population that is unable to find work remained 1.1 higher than it was in the previous year, according to the Nevada Department of employment, Training and Rehabilitation. Statewide employment increased by 1,400 since March, but was down by 5,800 since April of 2007.

The Reno jobless rate also dropped in April by 0.2 percent to 6 percent. James Shabi, a state labor economist, said that this small decline in unemployment in Reno and elsewhere in Nevada since March is smaller than usually experienced in the area during the spring time. According to Shabi, this means that the economy is soft.

PPG Industries, which is a world-wide supplier of paint, recently opened its first new plant in the United States since 1975 in the Reno area. This plant will be supplying paint to 250 stores in the western part of the country and will produce approximately 15 million gallons a year. It is expected to create hundreds of Reno jobs.

PPG managers said that the company chose to build the plant in the area because of it’s central location and the available work force. “It’s unbelievable the amount of potential I see in the area,” said Reno’s Plant Manager, Terry McGinnis. “My family traveled out here and I see phenomenal opportunities.”

These jobs in Reno will start around $18.00 an hour, plus benefits. The plant will create positions for both high school graduates and those with college degrees. The company hopes that expansion will be in its future and that it will be able to create even more Reno jobs as time passes.

Labels: Las Vegas Jobs, Reno Jobs