Tucson’s employment picture remains solid… Tucson’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for June remained the same as May’s rate of 3.3%. This compares favorably to the state as a whole (3.4%) and the nation (4.5%). Even though the metro area lost a total of 9,000 nonfarm jobs–due primarily to seasonal factors–there were still some moderate areas of employment gain. Although the state lost a total of 300 goods-producing jobs in June, Tucson actually posted a 400-job gain in this important sector. Mining was another bright spot, with gains of 200 here in Tucson, which accounted for most of the state’s total gain of 300 in this sector. Both in Tucson and Arizona, the greatest employment losses occurred in the service-providing industries: 9,400 and 39,700, respectively.

I-10 widening info… Work continues along Interstate 10 and its frontage roads. Click here to view the most recent traffic alert detailing all of the closures and construction work associated with the I-10 widening project.

Downtown construction news… Remember that Tucson’s Downtown is still open for business and easy to access! Just make sure to first visit www.knowyourwaydowntown.info for all of the latest information on the various construction projects in and around Downtown, including the 4th Avenue Underpass, the Oracle/Main/Drachman intersection and the Tucson Origins Mission Complex project. The site also includes maps, parking info and links to the latest news releases.

Sonora Trade Show… The Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s Vamos a Tucson program invites you to participate in the Sonora Trade Show on Oct. 5.

1. AOT Showcase Arizona
Date: Oct 3-4, 2007
Event Cost: $ 900

2. MTCVB’s Sonora Trade Show
Date: Oct. 5-6, 2007
Event Cost: $ 300

Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in two premier tourism events on the same trip, and save time and money. A 49-passenger motor coach will transport our partners to Hermosillo, Sonora on Oct. 3 to participate in the Arizona Office of Tourism Arizona Showcase, and will continue to Cd. Obregon on Oct. 5 to participate in the Casino Night, returning to Tucson on Oct. 6. The transportation cost is $150 for the first person and $95 for any additional people from the same company. If you would like to participate in either or both tradeshows, please contact Martha Tadlock (fax: 520-884-7804, or email: mtadlock@visittucson.org) and you will receive registration forms from each organization. For any questions, please contact Martha at 520-770-2171 or Laurie White at 520-770-2131.