Unemployment rate today: 10.0%
Forecast job growth for 2011: 3.4%
The Portland area is seeing significant growth in the software industry and in clean technology -- energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and batteries and wind power. Vestas, a high-tech producer of wind power systems, recently moved its North American headquarters to Portland. Vestas brought over 400 employees with it, but will also create an additional 200 jobs. ReVolt Technology, a European firm focusing on renewable battery technology, is setting up its headquarters in Portland, bringing 150 jobs to the city.
Plus the Portland Development Commission has awarded approximately $4.4 million in loans and grants to businesses, with the aim of retaining or creating about 1,000 jobs. Portland lost more than 9% of its jobs during the recession. Look for employment growth of about 3.4% this year.
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