Real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 1.8% in the first quarter of 2011, according to today’s second estimate. This follows a growth rate of 3.1% in the fourth quarter of 2010.
In the week ending May 21, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 424,000, an increase of 10,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 414,000. The 4-week moving average was 438,500, a decrease of 1,750 from the previous week's revised average of 440,250.
Despite what you may have heard from some that don’t know the facts, the city of Neosho has made several contributions of labor and equipment to the relief efforts in Joplin over the past few days. As early as 10pm Sunday night, I personally observed Neosho Fire and Public Works employees and equipment working the streets of Joplin as organized recovery efforts got underway.
As it stands today, fire crews from Neosho are NOT being requested to assist with efforts. Neosho’s fire crews are currently planned to rotate in as other crews from stations farther away return home. The determination of “when” that rotation happens will be up to those in Joplin in charge of the operation. But WHEN that request comes, I can assure you Neosho WILL again react and assist our neighbors to the north.
My personal thanks go out to those who volunteered to go. We’re proud of what you did and what you continue to do. Our past and current struggles pale in comparison to what those in Joplin are coping with today.
New orders for manufactured durable goods in April 2011 decreased 3.6% to $189.9 billion. Excluding transportation, new orders fell 1.5%. Overall shipments declined 1.0% to $194.9 billion. Capital goods shipments fell 1.9%. Unfilled orders rose 0.2%. And inventories increased 0.9% in April 2011.
Above is the latest graphical representation of where significant weather is anticipated this afternoon and evening.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center typically issues a high risk for severe t-storms only when a major severe weather outbreak is anticipated. This often includes a concentration of strong tornadoes.
TOR:CON values for Tuesday include:
TOR:CON Value Descriptions
8: High probability of a tornado
6: Moderate possibility of a tornado
4: Low chance of a tornado nearby, but hail and/or strong wind gusts possible
Volunteer Ozarks Red Cross
http://www.redcross-ozarks.org/volunteer/
Safe and Well from the Red Cross
https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php
Missouri state government assistance, shelter information
http://1.usa.gov/lk992f
Joplin, Mo., Tornado Recovery Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/joplinmo
City of Joplin on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CityofJoplin
Joplin Tornado Relief Drop-off
The attached link is a spreadsheet showing locations to drop-off
donations throughout the Four States.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/lv?hl=en_US&key=t7FpXE61_2vBAn9fQ_QkQKA&toomany=true#gid=0
Sales of new single-family homes in April 2011 were 323,000 at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, up 7.3% from the revised March level but down 23.1% from their year-ago level.
From the Dept. of Labor:
In the week ending May 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 409,000, a decrease of 29,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 438,000. The 4-week moving average was 439,000, an increase of 1,250 from the previous week's revised average of 437,750
From the Economics and Statistics Administration:
Building permits in April 2011 were 551,000, down 4.0% from the March revised rate and 12.8% below the revised April 2010 estimate. Housing starts in April 2011 were 523,000, 10.6% below the revised March estimate and 23.9% below the revised April 2010 rate.
The link to the full report is below.
From today’s JTSB:
The city of Joplin took a high honor in the May 2, 2011 issue of Forbes Magazine when it was recognized as the top Missouri city for job growth.
Joplin is ranked 24th in the ranking of 398 metropolitan areas across the country, making it the highest ranked Missouri city. Columbia, Mo. placed 29th, making it the second ranked Missouri city.
The 398 current metropolitan statistical areas were ranked based on employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rankings were based on recent growth trends, mid-term growth and long-term growth and momentum.
The rankings were also broken down by size of metro area. In the "small cities" categories, which have less than 150,000 jobs, Joplin ranked 16th out of 243 metropolitan areas.
The survey of the best cities for jobs cited the revival of the distressed industrial sector, which it noted has grown consistently over the past 21 months. The data showed that manufacturing regions are beginning to move up on the annual list of best cities for jobs.
"Despite the economic downturn, manufacturing comprised 20% of private sector employment in the Joplin metro area in 2010," said Rob O'Brian, president of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. "It still remains the single largest employment sector for our area and the steady rebound through last year is reflected in this new survey.
"Add to that the diversity of our economic base with health care, transportation, retail and a rebounding construction sector and it appears that the Joplin region is recovering from the economic downturn that began three years ago".
However, O'Brian also pointed out that the survey, while comparing mid- and long-term trends, is also a snapshot in time.
"Last year, we were happy to be in the top one-third of the cities, again reflecting our diverse economic base even in the bottom of the recession. This year, we are in the top 10%, but positions will change again next year as other communities see economic recovery".
The 2011 rankings were based upon the region's growth both recently and over time. The rankings included all of the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics compiles monthly employment data reports. Large areas include those with a current non-farm employment base of at least 450,000 jobs. Mid-size areas range from 150,000 to 450,000 jobs. Small areas have as many as 150,000 jobs.
Job categories that were analyzed include total nonfarm employment, manufacturing, financial services, business and professional services, educational and health services, information, retail and wholesale trade, transportation and utilities, leisure and hospitality, and government.
Below is an article related to Joplin and job growth. My suggestion is for Neosho to model what we can from Joplin to increase our growth of manufacturing jobs.
From today’s JTSB:
From today’s JTSB:
Missouri's unemployment rate continued to edge down in April, according to data released today by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).
Missouri's unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent, down by two-tenths of a point from the March figure on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Since January of this year, Missouri's unemployment rate has now fallen by seven-tenths of a point.
In comparison, the U.S. seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate is currently 9.0 percent.
Missouri nonfarm payroll employment added another 2,500 jobs in April, with the most significant growth in construction, manufacturing and retail trade. Construction continues to show signs of traction following severe job losses over the past few years. Manufacturing has also been growing for several months; in April the industry employed nearly 250,000 Missourians, an increase of 7,700 jobs, or 3.2 percent, over the past year.
From Saturday’s Joplin Globe:
JOPLIN, Mo. — The Board of Governors at Missouri Southern State University is set to reorganize next month, but the six-year terms of two of its members have expired and the terms of two others are about to expire.
Scott Holste, spokesman for Gov. Jay Nixon, on Friday said, “The governor is aware of the terms of the folks on the board. This is a process that is continuing, but we have no time frame.’’
The term of Rod Anderson, a Monett Democrat, who is serving as chairman of the board, concluded in September 2009. The term of Charles McGinty, a Joplin Republican, ended last August. Both men said they will continue to serve until the governor either reappoints them or appoints successors.
The terms of Dwight Douglas, a Joplin Republican, and David Jones, a Springfield Republican, are to end in August.
State Sen. Ron Richard, a Joplin Republican, said he has forwarded a list of four people to the governor. They are Glenn McCumber, a Noel Republican; Richard Davidson, a Neosho Republican; Larry McIntire, of Joplin; and Jim Fleischaker, a Joplin Democrat. The list did not cite a party affiliation for McIntire.
The governor is not required to select any of the nominees advanced by Richard, but Senate consent of the nominees is required.
Richard said, “He’ll probably pick one. We have never had much trouble agreeing.’’
The board has nine members, including a nonvoting student member. The student member, Ezekiel P. Tarrant, of Webb City, will serve until Dec. 31.
The other members of the board and when their terms will conclude are Sherry Buchanan, a Joplin Democrat, August 2014; Richard Walter, a Joplin independent, August 2013; Nancy Perry, a Carthage Republican, August 2012; and Lynn Ewing III, a Nevada Democrat, August 2015.
By law, no more than four members may be members of the same political party.
The composition of the board is governed by geographic requirements. Six members can be selected from Barton, Jasper, Newton, McDonald, Dade, Lawrence and Barry counties, but no more than three of the six can be appointed from any one county.
Two members can be selected from any of the counties in the state that are outside of the seven named counties.
Saturday’s fundraiser for Kyle and Amanda Franklin was a huge success. Last count I had showed a total collection of $20,186 to help pay for Amanda’s medical bills.
While many spent the day working concessions or selling T-shirts, I spent most of the day Saturday flying groups around the city of Neosho. In total, I logged 12 flights and 3.9 hours taking over 30 people up for a 15-20 minute ride.
If you missed the event, donations can still be made to the Franklin Fund c/o Community Bank and Trust.
Thanks to everyone who made Saturday an overwhelming success!
General fund sales tax revenues received by the city in May are up compared to May of last year by 14.8%. Revenues this month totaled just over $144K. That’s compared to just under $126K in May of 2010. This month’s increase puts the city’s fiscal year earnings up 0.62% vs last year.
Total general fund sales tax receipts for this fiscal year are now at $1.288 million.
The city’s general fund sales tax rate is 1%. The city’s fiscal year starts October 1.
In the week ending April 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 474,000, an increase of 43,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 431,000. The 4-week moving average was 431,250, an increase of 22,250 from the previous week's revised average of 409,000.
Read the full news release.
From the Kansas City Star: (emphasis is mine)
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/05/04/2850414/proposed-modot-plan-would-eliminate.html#ixzz1LUrgJnux
JEFFERSON CITY | Missouri’s transportation director on Wednesday proposed cutting 19 percent of the department’s positions, closing facilities and selling equipment in order to devote more money to roads and bridges.
Transportation Department Director Kevin Keith estimated the plan would save $512 million through 2015 by cutting 1,200 staff positions, closing 135 facilities and selling 740 pieces of equipment.
After that, he estimated the changes would lead to about $117 million a year in long-term savings. Keith said Missouri faces a transportation funding crisis.
“This is not easy, but it’s the right thing to do,” Keith said. “I don’t think we have a choice …. We have to get smaller. We have to focus the resources that we have on taking care of our roads and bridges as our first priority.”
Keith presented the proposal to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, which is expected to act on the plan June 8.
To cut staff, MoDOT plans to use attrition and transfers but would use layoffs for any remaining cuts.
The agency also would consolidate 10 regional districts into seven and close district offices in Macon, Joplin and Willow Springs. Officials say district boundaries have changed little since 1922 when mules and wagons were used to fix roads that often were gravel.
Because of declining funding, officials also presented a new five-year construction program of about $600 million yearly — roughly half of spending in the preceding five years.
“It’s very unfortunate for the thousands of people in this city who work in our industry,” said Don Clarkson with Clarkson Construction Co. in Kansas City. “MoDOT at half strength is bad for all of us, including the traveling public.”
Troubles with highway funding in Missouri are not a new issue. Since at least 2006, Pete Rahn, then the Transportation Department director, said the state’s annual highway construction budget would decline significantly by 2010 as proceeds from bonds were passed by the need to pay the debt. Rahn frequently used the metaphor that Missouri’s funding would fall off a cliff.
The funding decline was delayed because of federal economic stimulus money that was approved in 2009.
Keith said Wednesday that money from the bonds and the stimulus program now has been spent.
Bill McKenna, a former state transportation commissioner and the spokesman for the Missouri Transportation Alliance, said the proposed cuts were a natural response to less funding for transportation. The group includes business and labor organization and community leaders and has held meetings throughout the state to discuss funding and planning options to maintain the state’s infrastructure.
“These cuts are painful, they are deep and they will impact every Missourian,” McKenna said. “The cuts highlight the urgent need to resolve Missouri’s transportation funding shortfall.”
Transportation Commission Chairwoman Mary Nichols said commissioners had asked for officials to consider possible changes and were eager for public input on the proposal.
“This plan began and will end with the commission,” Nichols said.
From today’s Network World:
While virtually everyone by now has heard the news that U.S. forces have killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, it was an IT consultant and his Twitter account that provided the earliest news of the successful military raid.
Sohaib Athar (right), a programmer living in Abbottabad, Pakistan, sent this tweet 15 hours ago: "Helicopter hovering above Abbottabad at 1AM (is a rare event)."
That was followed by: "A huge window shaking bang here in Abbottabad Cantt. I hope its not the start of something nasty :-S."
For the ensuing 14 hours, Athar tweeted reports, observations and rumors, quickly drawing the attention of reporters, who had difficulty reaching him.
Among his entries:
"Since taliban (probably) don't have helicpoters, and since they're saying it was not "ours", so must be a complicated situation."
"Uh oh, now I'm the guy who liveblogged the Osama raid without knowing it."
"Interesting, I didn't think my name would trend on twtter before releasing a couple of rock albums and a few award-winning software...."
And this from one of Athar's followers: "I think the helicopter crash in Abbottabad, Pakistan and the President Obama breaking news address are connected."
Here's how Athar describes himself on his blog, which is experiencing performance problems as I write, presumably caused by the worldwide attention he is receiving: "Sohaib Athar is a 33 year old guy from Lahore, Pakistan. He has 18 years of programming experience and 7 years of parenting experience."
Athar decided to move from Lahore last year after his wife and child were involved in a serious car accident. From his blog:
"Most of us Pakistani IT professionals spend our lives shielded from the 'system'. Yes, we sometimes come out of our shells and protest against whatever we believe we have to demonstrate against - and yes, we do write blog posts and opine and criticize and debate, and sometimes attend the feel-good TEDx talks to 'spread ideas' - but living in front of our computers, we rarely get a first-hand experience of the system that we loathe (but one that we have to live in).
I was forced to get a taste of the 'system' last April, when my wife and son were in a near-fatal car accident. Their car was hit by a police van on their way to school."
The experience prompted Athar to move from Lahore to Abbottabad, where he would play his small role in a historical event.
The headline on a brief post to his blog indicates he may have more to say soon: "THE GUY WHO LIVEBLOGGED THE OSAMA RAID WITHOUT KNOWING IT ... is what I am for the next few hours on twitter. I am too tired and sleepy to blog or talk about it though, but I guess it is finally time to revive this abandoned blog. Maybe tomorrow..."
Athar continues to be besieged with media requests, his latest tweet from a half-hour ago reading: "Bin Laden is dead. I didn't kill him. Please let me sleep now."
That would seem unlikely.
(Update: He didn't sleep long; here's his latest tweet from just after noon EDT: "I apologize for reporting the operation 'unwittingly/unknowingly' - had I known about it, I would have tweeted about it 'wittingly' I swear.")
This morning’s report on construction shows spending for March 2011 was $768.9 billion, up 1.4% from February 2011, but down 6.7% from March a year ago.
