DAVENPORT, Iowa—
New stats show the Quad Cities lost 3,700 jobs in the last year. It's one of the biggest job losses since the economic downturn of the farm crisis during the 1980's.The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the Quad City unemployment rate hit 9.2% last month. That's up dramatically from the 6% jobless rate in December 2008.
Those numbers mean a lot to small businesses and colleges that are trying to meet the demand.
As a small business owner, One Step Printing's Douglas May isn't afraid to step into action. In the tough 2009, it was his second best year ever.
"More businesses are looking for ways to cut back on expenses," he said. "Running shorter, quick print is a way of saving money to get a better result in advertising dollars," May said.
May's staff of 12 prints items for places like Palmer College and Riverside Casino. He would like to hire three more positions, but the business climate remains uncertain.
"Do I hire three people?" he questioned. "And then will the taxes eliminate any benefit of the growth? You've got to balance that as a business person, and it's tough to balance the unknown."
The economy is another reason why the Eastern Iowa Community College District is recording record enrollment for the spring semester.
A business class Friday inside the Kahl Educational Center is part of the record enrollment topping 8,300 students.
"Every one of our classes is full to bursting," said Dr. Pat Keir, chancellor. "People are working their hearts out."
It's a tough situation because a 20% increase in students is tempered with a 20% decrease in staffing, which is a result of Iowa's across-the-board cuts.
"A lot of students are very vulnerable right now, particularly if they've lost their jobs," she said. "They're coming to college. We want to support them."
At One Step Printing, a White House proposal to offer a tax credit for hiring new employees is less appealing than expiring tax breaks under the Bush Administration.
"When the government takes your money, then gives it back to you, as a business owner you have a hard time balancing that," May concluded.
A delicate balance over growing new jobs and fighting unemployment.
