After light initial catches and storms put a slow start to the 2010-11 crab season, the situation seems to have shifted. The Daily Astorian reports that as of last week, Oregon crab fishermen have landed 20.3 million pounds of Dungeness. That's near last year's all-time high of 23.2 million pounds. "The average price fishermen have been getting at the docks this season has been $2.20 per pound, up 27 cents from last year."
An article from the Oregonian also gives a bright outlook for the job prospects of Portland Community College's microelectronics graduates. Intel has hired nearly all 15 of the program's June 2011 graduates, and seeks to employ even more skilled workers. Intel is building a new facility in Hillsboro, and expects to employ 1,000 workers there when it opens in 2013.
For some Oregonians who have struggled in the labor market, the Oregon Legislature passed an emergency unemployment benefits extension that took effect on March 24, 2011. The good news: the program provides up to $30 million in unemployment insurance benefits to eligible applicants. The not-so-good news: the $30 million may be exhausted by as soon as May 14th, since 22,000 workers qualified (expectations were only 17,000). You can get more details in the Oregon Employment Department's press release.
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