Area unemployment rate up since May

Unemployment rates rose almost 1 percent in the Cape Girardeau-Jackson Metro area from May to June, according to new figures released this week by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Local unemployment was a 7.9 percent in June, compared to 7.0 percent in May.

Anthem Blue Cross's decision to lay off about 40 percent of its Cape Girardeau office may be a factor. In April, Anthem gave 125 employees notice their jobs were being eliminated, some in 30 days, some in 60 days.

Despite being higher in the short term, local unemployment for the month of June was still lower than it was one year earlier. Unemployment in the Cape Girardeau-Jackson Metropolitan Statistical area was 8.6 percent in June of 2009.

All of Missouri's metro areas -- Cape Girardeau-Jackson, Columbia, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis and Springfield -- recorded lower unemployment rates compared to one year ago.

Unemployment rates in the Cape Girardeau-Jackson metro area continue to stay lower than statewide and national unemployment rates. Missouri's unemployment rate for June was at 9.2 percent, while the national unemployment rate was 9.6 percent.

* Emerson tours local businesses: U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo., will visit the SEMO Port Authority and two local businesses today. She will meet with employees at Cape Precision Machine in Cape Girardeau at 8:30 a.m. and discuss the need for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge with the SEMO Port Authority Board at 11:30 a.m. at the Port Authority offices near Scott City. At 3:30 p.m. she will discuss health care and pharmaceuticals while visiting Horst Pharmacy in Jackson.

* United Way approves allocations: The United Way of Southeast Missouri's board of directors has approved recommendations for allocating funds raised in its 2010 campaign.

A total of $703,218 will be distributed to local organizations that have requested funding from the United Way. That's $39,823 more than last year.

Throughout the summer, members of the the United Way's allocations committee have evaluated funding requests. They'll present their funding proposals to the board tonight for approval.

This week, United Way staff will meet with local organizations to inform them of the amount of funding they will receive this year, said Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri. Once agencies are notified, the allocations will be publicly released, she said. Education programs are expected to make up 50 percent of its 2010 allocations.

* New owners at Jackson Bowling Lanes: Robert and Kim Forester have purchased Jackson Bowling Lanes, 304 E. Monroe St. in Jackson. Robert Forester worked there for 15 years before taking over the operation this summer. The business was previously owned by a group of eight Jackson businessmen who were part of Jackson Bowling Lanes Inc. Since the Foresters assumed ownership, several facilities have been upgraded, including the installation of synthetic lanes, new flat-screen television monitors, painting and lighting repairs. The business also now has a liquor license and is serving a variety of liquors in addition to beer. This year, Jackson Bowling Lanes will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

* Grand opening Saturday at Busch Pet Products: A grand opening will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Busch Pet Products. The Greyhound Pets of America Cape Girardeau Chapter will have rescue dogs on display. Silverwalk Hounds will be on site as well, with adoptable rescue dogs.

The store sells natural pet foods and treats along with locally made leather collars, leashes and custom dog mattresses made by Campbell Mattress in Cape Girardeau. Busch Pet Products is at 121 S. Broadview St., Suite 5.

Southeast Missourian business reporter Melissa Miller may be contacted at 388-3646 or mmiller@semissourian.com.