My Douglas Commerce: October 2011

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bulldogs Tailgate on Friday Oct 28th

Support DHS Bulldogs at their final home game of the season on Friday, Oct 28th. Tailgate burgers sponsored by the Douglas Chamber of Commerce and Douglas High School. It's also Parent's Night!

DHS and the Chamber will be grilling a great burger, chips and Coke beverage across from the main gate between 4 and 7 pm. If you haven't already purchased your ticket from a football player, cheer squad or band member, you may buy one at the Tailgate Event. Cost is $6 and all proceeds go to DHS.

What: Tailgate Event to celebrate DHS Parent's Night and the last home game of the season!
Where: Across from the stadium entrance
When: Friday October 28th
Time: 4-7 pm
Cost: $6

ALL PROCEEDS go to Douglas High School.

Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog. Support DHS! Go Dawgs!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

CER Weekly Press Release 10-20-11

PRESS RELEASE: October 20, 2011

Dr. Robert Carreira

Director, Center for Economic Research

Cochise College

901 N. Colombo Ave.

Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Phone: 520-515-5486

Email: cer@cochise.edu

County wages up in 2010

According to recent data from the Arizona Office of Employment and Population Statistics, the average hourly wage in Cochise County in 2010 was $20.09 or $41,795 annually. This was the fourth highest of Arizona's 15 counties, behind Greenlee, Maricopa, and Pima counties. The statewide average wage last year was $20.38 per hour, or $42,389 per year.

The average wage in Cochise County increased 6.8 percent in 2010, compared to statewide growth of 3.6 percent. Wage growth in Cochise County was the second highest of Arizona's 15 counties in 2010, behind Coconino County, which saw wages increase by 9.5 percent.

Wages grew in all Arizona counties in 2010 except Greenlee and La Paz counties. Greenlee County, which had the highest average wage in Arizona in 2010, saw a decline of 1.4 percent, while La Paz County, which had the lowest average wage statewide, saw a 0.6 percent decline.

In recent years, the gap between wages in Cochise County and statewide has narrowed considerably. In 2004, Cochise County wages were 8.9 percent below the statewide average. This narrowed to 1.4 percent in 2010.

From 2000 to 2010, Cochise County wages increased by 48 percent, compared to 26.6 percent inflation during the same period. This reflects real wage growth (an increase in the purchasing power of wages) of 21.4 percent.

In 2010, the largest wage increase in Cochise County went to physicians and surgeons, whose average annual wage increased 70.3 percent from $100,369 to $170,922. The second largest increase went to graphic designers, whose average annual wage jumped 37.7 percent from $26,970 to $37,146. Third were detectives and criminal investigators, whose average wage climbed 32.4 percent from $53,327 to $70,586. The fourth-highest wage increase went to property, real estate, and community association managers, whose wages were up 29.8 percent from $32,695 to $42,449. Fifth were computer programmers, whose average annual wage increased by 24.3 percent from $61,322 to $76,249.

The largest drop in wages was for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, whose average wage dropped 31.5 percent from $35,598 to $24,400 per year. The second largest wage decrease went to interpreters and translators, whose average annual wage fell 22.9 percent from $37,056 to $28,588. Third were computer support specialists, whose average wage dropped 21.5 percent from $60,930 to $47,839. The fourth-largest drop in wages went to wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products, whose wages declined 20.9 percent from $44,282 to $35,020. Fifth were first-line supervisors of personal service workers, whose average wage decreased by 20.4 percent from $39,711 to $31,605 per year.

The highest-paying occupation in Cochise County in 2010 was general dentist, with an average wage of $217,701 per year. Second were surgeons, who earned an average of $172,232 per year. The third highest-paying occupation was physicians and surgeons (all other), who earned an average of $170,922. Fourth were family and general practitioners, who earned $162,520. The fifth highest-paid workers in Cochise County were chief executives, who earned an average of $143,094.

The lowest-paid workers in Cochise County in 2010 were cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop counter attendants, who were paid an average annual wage of $16,094. Second lowest paid were dishwashers, who earned $16,626 per year. The third lowest-paid workers were waiters and waitresses, who earned $16,646. Fourth were hosts and hostesses at restaurants, lounges, and coffee shops, who were paid $16,828. The fifth lowest-paid occupation in Cochise County was food batchmakers, who were paid an average of $17,322 per year.

Dr. Robert Carreira is director of the Center for Economic Research at Cochise College. If you have any questions on the economy, please contact the CER at (520) 515-5486 or by email at cer@cochise.edu. Check out the CER's website at www.cochise.edu/cer.

TOP PAYING OCCUPATIONS IN COCHISE COUNTY, 2010
Occupation	Average Annual Wage	Average Hourly Wage
Dentists, General	$217,701	$104.66
Surgeons	$172,232	$82.80
Physicians and Surgeons, All Other	$170,922	$82.17
Family and General Practitioners	$162,520	$78.13
Chief Executives	$143,094	$68.80
Pharmacists	$125,618	$60.39
Architectural and Engineering Managers	$113,656	$54.64
Computer and Information Systems Managers	$110,688	$53.22
Purchasing Managers	$103,289	$49.66
Managers, All Other	$100,274	$48.21
Source: Arizona Office of Employment and Population Statistics and Cochise College Center for Economic Research

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Douglas Christmas Light Parade

Veterans Procurement Conference & Matchmaking Event

Veterans Procurement Conference & Matchmaking Event

Where:

Cochise College

Student Union-Community Room
901 N Colombo Avenue
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Driving Directions

When:
Tuesday November 15, 2011 at 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM MST
-to-
Wednesday November 16, 2011 at 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM MST
Add to my calendar

Dear Chamber Member,

You are invited to attend our Veterans Procurement Conference and Matchmaking Event. November 14-15, 2011 from 8am-4pm each day.

Why should you attend? This conference will provide a forum to meet other government contractors face to face. Training in government accounting systems, contract audits, allowable costs, setting government rates, human resource management labor laws, access to capital, and opportunities to advance business and professional development, share ideas and develop sustainable business relationships.

Who should attend? Veterans, Government Employees, Prime Contractors, Sub Contractors, Economic Development Organizations, Educators and anyone looking to secure procurement opportunities for Federal, State, County, or City Municipalities.

Tentative Agenda:

Day 1, 11/15/11 (Tuesday)

8:00am-8:45am Registration/Networking/Continental Breakfast

8:45am-9:00am Color Guard/Presenting Colors & Pledge of

Allegiance/Opening Remarks, Sierra Vista

Mayor Mueller

9:00am-9:15am Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director of the

Sierra Vista Economic Development

Foundation, "Co-Space Opportunities"

9:15am-10:00am Jim Pipper, SBA Business Development

Specialist, "Opportunities in Existing Federal

Contractors (Patriot Express Loan)"

10:00am-11:00am Karen Safford, Mountain States Employers

Council, "Top 10 HR Mistakes"

11:00am-11:15am Break

11:15am-12:00pm Sandra DiCosola, Summit Contract

Management, "Setting up a Government

Accounting System"

12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch/Networking

1:00pm-3:00pm Sandra DiCosola, Summit Contract

Management, "Government Rates, Allowable

Costs, New Developments in Government

Contract Audits"

3:00pm-3:15pm Break

3:15pm-4:00pm Ed Molina, President of ICE Inc., "Personal

Success", "Web Development" and

"Capabilities Statements"

4:00pm-4:15pm Vickie Simmons and Robin Mitchell, Deputy

Director and Outreach Coordinator for

Workforce Development, "Employer Services"

4:15pm Closing Remarks, AZ. State Senator Gail

Griffin

Day 2, 11/16/11 (Wednesday)

8:00am-8:45am Networking/Continental Breakfast

8:45am-9:00am Color Guard/Presenting Colors & Pledge of

Allegiance/Opening Remarks, Sierra Vista

Mayor Mueller

9:00am-10:00am Karen Safford, Mountain States Employers,

"Taking Your Job Search To The Next Level"

10:00am-11:00am Cathi Starr, AZ. Dept. of Veteran Services,

"Veteran Benefits Briefing"

11:00am-11:15am Break

11:15am-11:30am Samantha Bivens, Outreach Coordinator

Service to Armed Forces AmeriCorps-

Operation Desert Home for American Red

Cross, "Resources the American Red Cross

Provides"

11:30am-12:00pm Vickie Simmons and Robin Mitchell, Deputy

Director and Outreach Coordinator for

Workforce Development, "Employment &

Training Services"

12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch/Networking

1:00pm-1:30pm Toyier Foster, Disabled Veteran Outreach

Program Specialist for Workforce

Development, "Why Hire A Disabled

Veteran?"

1:30pm-1:45pm Judy Carroll, Disabled American Veterans,

"Veteran Programs"

1:45pm-2:00pm Carl Peterson, Elks Representative, "Veteran

Programs"

2:00pm-2:15pm Break

2:15pm-2:30pm Bob Pilcher, HUD-VASH, "VA Information"

2:30pm-2:45pm Colin Day, AZ Veteran Lead, "Veteran

Programs"

2:45pm-3:00pm Gene Fenstermacher, MOAA, "Veteran

Programs"

3:00pm-4:00pm Panel Discussion: Karen Stafford, Cathi

Starr, Toyier Foster, Samantha Bivens, Bob

Pilcher, Gene Fenstermacher, Carl Peterson

and Colin Day

4:00pm Closing Remarks, AZ. State Senator Gail

Griffin

Ticket Information:

2 day attendance fee *Includes 2 continental breakfast & lunches* is $89.00.

2 day attendance fee for Veteran/Active Military *Includes 2 continental breakfasts & lunches* is $79.00.

Unemployed Veteran seeking employment is FREE.

1 day attendance fee *Includes 1 continental breakfast and lunch* is $59.00

1 day attendance fee for Veteran/Active Military *Includes 1 continental breakfast and lunch* is $49.00.

Sponsorship fees: Sponsor an unemployed Veteran for the 2 day conference (recognized in the program) is $50.00 per veteran.

Vendor Tables: Includes continental breakfast and lunch for 2 people and full access to all conference events and speakers for each day they are attending. (6ft. table, 2 chairs, limited electrical and internet connection-must contact event coordinator 2 weeks before the event, available on first come basis) 2 days is $200.00 and 1 day is $100.00

Space is limited. Please click on the link below to Pre-register to attend.

Register Now!

If you have any questions, concerns or would like to register over the phone, please contact Rachel Norton at 520-515-5478 or nortonr@cochise.edu.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Rachel Norton

Cochise College SBDC

nortonr@cochise.edu

520-515-5478

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Cochise College SBDC | 901 N Colombo Avenue | Sierra Vista | AZ | 85635

Monday, October 17, 2011

Customs checkpoint on State Route 90 near Huachuca City to be expanded into two-lane operation

Customs checkpoint on State Route 90 near Huachuca City to be expanded into two-lane operation

Additional lane intended to reduce wait times during peak traffic

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoint on northbound State Route 90 near Huachuca City will be reconstructed beginning in late October to create a two-lane operation designed to shorten wait times for motorists, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The project, which will be managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will include paving two parallel lanes through the checkpoint and constructing a canopy structure for the safety and health of agents who staff the operation.

The current checkpoint uses a single lane and creates longer-than-desired waits for motorists at peak traffic times.

Work is scheduled to begin Monday (Oct. 24) and construction is expected to be complete within four months. The checkpoint will be closed throughout the construction period, but CBP patrols will continue in the area.

Northbound SR 90 will operate normally during reconstruction with barricades restricting access to the northbound shoulder where work will be conducted. Periodic lane closures may be needed and ADOT will provide information prior to those travel restrictions taking place.

ADOT advises motorists to proceed through the work zone with caution and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

For more information about this project, contact Safford District Senior Community Relations Officer C.T. Revere at 520.705.3574 or crevere@azdot.gov. Local media should contact the ADOT Public Information Office at news@azdot.gov or 1.800.949.8057. Visit www.facebook.com/azdot or www.azdot.gov for more information about ADOT. For more information about ADOT projects and programs across Arizona, see the agency's latest blog posts at http://adotblog.blogspot.com.

Friday, October 14, 2011

CER Weekly Press Release 10-13-11

PRESS RELEASE: October 13, 2011

Dr. Robert Carreira

Director, Center for Economic Research

Cochise College

901 N. Colombo Ave.

Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Poverty in Cochise County

According to data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, collected over the 5-year period from 2005 to 2009, 16.3 percent of Cochise County residents live below the poverty level, compared to 14.7 percent statewide and 13.5 percent nationally. Of families, 12.5 percent live below the poverty level, compared to 10.5 percent statewide and 9.9 percent nationally.

The share of children in poverty in Cochise County is also higher than state and national figures, with 23.1 percent of children under 18 years old living in poverty, compared to 20.8 percent statewide and 18.6 percent nationally. At the family level, 19.6 percent of families in Cochise County with children under 18 years old live in poverty, compared to 16.3 percent statewide and 15.3 percent nationally. Of families with children under 5 years old, 19.5 percent live in poverty in Cochise County compared to 17 percent statewide and 16.6 percent nationally.

Households led by single moms are considerably more likely to live below the poverty line. From 2005 to 2009, 41.3 percent of households in Cochise County led by single moms lived below the poverty line. Of single-mom families, 57.1 percent of those with children under 5 years old live in poverty. In Cochise County, 6.7 percent of households are led by single moms, compared to 7.2 percent statewide and 7.3 percent nationally.

Of all families in Cochise County, married couple families are least likely to be in poverty (7.1 percent), especially those with children under 5 years old (3.3 percent). Single-mom households with small children are more than 17 times as likely to be in poverty as married couple families with small children. Part of the reason may be the disparity in earnings between men and women. In Cochise County, female full-time, year-round workers earned 70 cents to the dollar earned by male workers from 2005 to 2009, compared to 83 cents to the dollar statewide and 78 cents to the dollar nationally.

The elderly are more likely to live in poverty in Cochise County than statewide or nationwide. The ACS shows 11.7 percent of Cochise County residents ages 65 and over live below the poverty line, compared to 8.5 percent statewide and 9.8 percent nationally.

About 2.5 percent of Cochise County households received cash public assistance income from 2005 to 2009, compared to 2.1 percent statewide and 2.4 percent nationally. A larger share received food stamps or assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, with 11.2 percent of Cochise County households receiving benefits, compared to 7.9 percent statewide and 8.5 percent nationally.

Part of the reason for the higher poverty levels in Cochise County is lower levels of education. From 2005 to 2009, 21.6 percent of Cochise County residents at least 25 years old had earned a 4-year college degree, compared to 25.7 percent in all of Arizona and 27.5 percent nationwide.

Compounding the problem of poverty in Cochise County is a lack of affordable housing, rental housing in particular. From 2005 to 2009, 31.6 percent of homeowners paid 30 percent or more of their income toward housing costs—the common threshold above which housing is considered to be not affordable. For renters, 46.5 percent paid more than 30 percent of their income for housing.

While poverty rates in Cochise County are higher than state and national averages, poverty isn't evenly distributed within the county. Residents of the border areas of Douglas, Pirtleville, and Naco are more than twice as likely as residents countywide to live below the poverty line. Cochise County's two largest cities are Sierra Vista and Douglas, yet a resident of Douglas is more than four and half times as likely as a resident of Sierra Vista to live in poverty.

Of Cochise County's cities, towns, and major unincorporated areas, residents of Sierra Vista, Whetstone, Huachuca City, St. David, and the Hereford area are less likely to live in poverty, while residents of Douglas, Bisbee, Benson, Tombstone, Willcox, Naco, and Pirtleville are more likely.

POVERTY IN COCHISE COUNTY
Place	Individuals Living in Poverty (%)
Cochise County	16.3
Benson	18.8
Bisbee	23.5
Douglas	36.3
Huachuca City	12.8
Sierra Vista	8.0
Tombstone	24.7
Willcox	23.4
Naco	34.3
Pirtleville	38.7
Hereford area	12.0
St. David	15.7
Whetstone	11.4
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2009 American Community Survey

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Oct 20th DUSD Budget Override discussion

From: Vicky Merritt
Sent: Wed, Oct 12, 2011 5:45 pm
Subject: SAVE THE DATE Oct 20th DUSD Budget Override discussion

Have you received your mailing regarding the election to be held in November? Do you want to know what it's all about? Have questions?

This is your opportunity to speak directly with DUSD's administration on Thursday, October 20th during the Greater Douglas Chamber of Commerce's monthly membership meeting.

Everyone is welcome. Cost is $10 per person and includes a great sandwich buffet. Reservations are required, reserve your meal and space to: 364-2477, or 456-6818, or info@douglasazchamber.org by Tuesday, October 18th.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Vicky

Friday, October 7, 2011

CER Weekly Press Release 10-6-11

PRESS RELEASE: October 6, 2011

Dr. Robert Carreira

Director, Center for Economic Research

Cochise College

901 N. Colombo Ave.

Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

County sees first job growth in nearly 3 years

According to figures released by the Arizona Office of Employment and Population Statistics, Cochise County gained 525 nonfarm jobs in August. In the 12 months ended in August, the county saw a net gain of 75 jobs, for a 12-month job growth rate of 0.2 percent. The year-over-year job growth is the first in nearly 3 years. The last month to see positive year-over-year growth was December 2008.

Countywide, 50 private sector jobs were lost and 575 government jobs were gained in August. Since August 2010, Cochise County has seen a net loss of 475 private-sector jobs for a 12-month job growth rate of -1.9 percent, and a gain of 550 government jobs for job growth of 4.6 percent.

Within the private sector, Cochise County's goods-producing subsector, which includes manufacturing and construction, stabilized at July employment levels in August. Both construction and manufacturing jobs stabilized.

Since August 2010, the county's goods-producing subsector has seen a net loss of 50 jobs for job growth of -2.3 percent. All of the year-over-year jobs losses were in the construction industry, which lost 50 jobs for job growth of -3.3 percent. Manufacturing jobs stabilized over the same period.

The county's private service-providing subsector lost 50 jobs in August. Within this subsector, trade, transportation, and utilities; the information industry; and educational and health services each lost 25 jobs. The educational and health services industry does not include public education jobs such as those in the public school districts and Cochise College, which are classified as state and local government jobs. Professional and business services, financial activities, and other services each stabilized at July employment levels in August. Leisure and hospitality gained 25 jobs in August.

In the 12 months ended in August, the county's private service-providing subsector saw a net loss of 425 jobs for job growth of -1.9 percent. Within this subsector, professional and business services lost 150 jobs for job growth of -2.7 percent. A portion of the job losses in this industry can be explained by the conversion of defense contracting positions at Fort Huachuca to government civil servant positions. This transfers jobs from the professional and business services industry to the federal government.

Also within the county's private service-providing subsector, leisure and hospitality lost 100 jobs in the 12 months ended in August for a job growth rate of -2.5 percent. Educational and health services also lost 100 jobs for a job growth rate of -2.3 percent. Information declined by 75 jobs for 12-month job growth of -12 percent. Other services declined by 25 jobs for -2.8 percent job growth. The number of financial activities jobs stabilized in the 12 months ended in August. The only private sector industry to see positive job growth was trade, transportation, and utilities, which gained 25 jobs for a 12-month job growth rate of 0.4 percent.

Within the government sector, federal government jobs stabilized in August, while state and local government gained 575 jobs. In the 12 months ended in August, Cochise County saw a gain of 125 state and local government jobs for job growth of 1.9 percent, and a gain of 425 federal government jobs for a 12-month job growth rate of 7.7 percent.

Nonfarm job data for Cochise County do not include active duty military personnel, but do include Fort Huachuca's civilian workers and government contractors.

According to OEPS estimates, adjusted for seasonality by the Cochise College Center for Economic Research, Cochise County's unemployment rate in August was 8.5 percent, up from 8.3 percent in July but down from 8.6 percent in August last year. City-level seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for August were: Benson, 14.7 percent; Bisbee, 9.3 percent; Douglas, 12.8 percent; Huachuca City, 12.1 percent; Sierra Vista, 5.1 percent; Tombstone, 5.8 percent; and Willcox, 12.7 percent.

OEPS unadjusted unemployment estimates for the cities in Cochise County are based on a model that pegs city employment to county-level employment based on data from Census 2000. The model does not pick up changes at the city level since 2000 that differ from county-level trends. CER research based on more recent data from the Census Bureau's 2005-2009 American Community Survey suggests the unemployment rates in Benson, Douglas, Huachuca City, and Willcox are lower than reported by OEPS, while rates in Bisbee, Sierra Vista, and Tombstone are higher.

Statewide, the unemployment rate in August decreased from 9.4 to 9.3 percent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate stabilized at 9.1 percent in August.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
	*August 2011*	*July 2011*	*August 2010*
United States	9.1%	9.1%	9.6%
Arizona	9.3%	9.4%	9.9%
Cochise County	8.5%	8.3%	8.6%
Benson	14.7%	14.2%	14.9%
Bisbee	9.3%	9.0%	9.5%
Douglas	12.8%	12.4%	13.0%
Huachuca City	12.1%	11.7%	12.3%
Sierra Vista	5.1%	5.0%	5.2%
Tombstone	5.8%	5.5%	5.9%
Willcox	12.7%	12.3%	12.9%
Note. Rates are seasonally adjusted. Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arizona Office of Employment and Population Statistics, and Cochise College Center for Economic Research

COCHISE COUNTY NON-FARM EMPLOYMENT
	*August 2011*	*July 2011*	*1-Month Change*	*August 2010*	*12-Month Change*	*12-Month Job Growth Rate*
Total Non-farm Jobs	36,500	35,975	525	36,425	75	0.2%
Total Private Sector Jobs	23,975	24,025	-50	24,450	-475	-1.9%
Goods Producing Jobs	2,100	2,100	0	2,150	-50	-2.3%
Construction*	1,475	1,475	0	1,525	-50	-3.3%
Manufacturing	625	625	0	625	0	0.0%
Service Providing Jobs	34,400	33,875	525	34,275	125	0.4%
Private Service Providing Jobs	21,875	21,925	-50	22,300	-425	-1.9%
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities	6,075	6,100	-25	6,050	25	0.4%
Information	550	575	-25	625	-75	-12.0%
Financial Activities	925	925	0	925	0	0.0%
Professional and Business Services	5,375	5,375	0	5,525	-150	-2.7%
Educational and Health Services	4,225	4,250	-25	4,325	-100	-2.3%
Leisure and Hospitality	3,850	3,825	25	3,950	-100	-2.5%
Other Services	875	875	0	900	-25	-2.8%
Government Jobs	12,525	11,950	575	11,975	550	4.6%
Federal Government	5,950	5,950	0	5,525	425	7.7%
State and Local Government	6,575	6,000	575	6,450	125	1.9%
* Includes mining Note. Discrepancies due to rounding Source: Arizona Office of Employment and Population Statistics and Cochise College Center for Economic Research

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