Washington’s economy picked up some steam in January, adding an estimated 12,400 jobs — the first monthly gain since November 2008.

“This is a positive sign for Washington State,” Gov. Chris Gregoire said. “We have implemented several strategies to create jobs, and it’s paying off. There is more we can and should do — that’s why I continue to work with leaders at both the state and federal levels to develop additional proposals that will put people to work.” read more »

The financial-services firm Edward Jones ranked No. 2 on Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For 2010” list in its 11th year on the list, according to the local Edward Jones Financial Advisors. Edward Jones also ranked No. 1 for large-sized companies. The full list and related stories appear in the Feb. 8 issue of Fortune, available on newsstands Jan. 25 and currently at www.fortune.com/bestcompanies. read more »

Whether you are reading the paper, listening to the radio or watching the TV, the story today is about taxes. Will they raise the unemployment tax, close tax loopholes on businesses, raise the B&O tax, raise our property taxes, raise the sales tax, raise income tax rates, raise sin taxes … taxes, taxes, taxes! Our government must find a way to increase its revenue. Naturally, this means that the government is also looking at enforcing revenue-producing laws already in existence. read more »

Chairman of the Board Mike Boyle and more than 50 members of the North Mason Chamber of Commerce welcomed new business “2 Margaritas” restaurant to Allyn at the last after hours event. “The North Mason Chamber is the place to be,” said Boyle, owner of North Bay Mortgage. “We met our goal of doubling our membership to reach 420 last year, and together, with the help of our members, will reach 500 by the end of this year. read more »

The Kitsap County Commissioners are seeking interested applicants for the volunteer position of Still Exhibits Director on the Kitsap County Fair Board. County residents interested in providing leadership for this crucial Kitsap County Fair Board position are encouraged to apply. The Still Exhibits Director is responsible for organizing and supervising Open Class and 4-H still life exhibits and entries and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Fair Board directors must be available full time during fair week and be willing to participate in monthly fair board meetings. read more »

Washington is going to need more bookkeepers, nurses, lab technicians, and aircraft mechanics in the coming years. And while the recession has slowed demand for all occupations, demand for mid-skill jobs could once again outstrip supply by 2013, according to a state analysis.

A new Skill Gap Analysis from the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) compares future demand for occupations with how many workers are currently being prepared in Washington read more »

It is the ultimate no-win situation. A Catch-22.

Washington employers struggling to survive our “Great Recession” are being forced to lay off employees. Those workers are receiving unemployment benefits, which deplete the state’s unemployment trust fund. To replenish the fund, the state is increasing unemployment insurance taxes on employers.

Higher taxes make it harder for those employers to create jobs. Unlike workers’ compensation, employers pay for the entire unemployment insurance program because there is no employee contribution.

The amount employers pay into the unemployment insurance (UI) trust fund is based on their layoff history and the amount in the trust itself. This includes all types of employers — hospitals, state read more »

A technology company has been named the best place to work by Fortune magazine, but it is not the usual suspects of Google, Cisco or Microsoft. Nope, it is perk-heavy SAS, which according Fortune offers employees child care, unlimited sick days and free access to a 66,000 square-foot fitness center. The Cary, North Carolina maker of business analytics software — with revenue of $2.3 billion last year — actually rose 20 spots to claim the honor. read more »