Big
Increase in Online Ads
The month of August
showed the year’s largest increase in online ads, mirroring a trend in 45
states. 174,920 online ads for available jobs were posted in August according
to the Labor Market Information division, a 9.5 percent increase. Roughly
93,000 of the ads were first-time postings and professional, administrative
support, and sales categories accounted for nearly half of the postings.
Wine
Producers Shortage
The
Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council estimates a 50 percent reduction in
wine grape crop size from 2013 numbers, largely due to the harsh winter and
cooler than normal summer. The shortage is leading wine grape growers across
the state to seek federal disaster assistance. The approximately 7,600 tons of
wine grapes in 2013 was a record high, therefore most vineyards will have 2012
and 2013 vintages to fill the gap from this year’s shortfall.
Michigan Near the Top in Charter School
Quality
The National
Alliance for Public Charter Schools released a report this week that showed
Michigan as the third healthiest charter school movement in the nation,
trailing only Washington, DC and Louisiana. Michigan stood out in rankings for
student progress, high opening rate, and low closure rate.