TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Hundreds of business leaders from Smith County gathered on Thursday to discuss the current economic situation in Tyler as the new year begins. The insights were shared by Dr. Ray Perryman, a well-known economist.
According to Perryman, since May, the state has lost 10,000 jobs, while the national average is 50,000 jobs per month. Despite this, East Texas has maintained stability in offering career opportunities for its residents.
“The jobs in the East Texas area have basically stayed stable,” Perryman said. “So, it’s not like there’s been a whole lot of growth taking place compared to the state; it’s outperformed.”
Peltier Chevrolet recently donated $100,000 to support the expansion of the Tyler Tennis Center. This contribution highlights the community’s commitment to enhancing local facilities and promoting recreational activities.
Currently, Tyler’s unemployment rate is lower than both the state and national averages. The city is expected to create nearly 12,000 new jobs annually over the next five years, with health services, mining, and construction being the main drivers of this growth. These opportunities are not only beneficial for Texans but also for foreign workers.
“We have relied on immigrant workers more than most states. In East Texas, 25% of the doctors and healthcare professionals are going to be immigrants,” Perryman stated.
The declining birth rates in the region have allowed international employees to thrive in Texas. However, there is concern that if immigration reform becomes too restrictive, it could significantly impact the state’s job market.
“We can start having babies now, but then we have to wait 18 years for them to be in the workforce,” said Adam Morrow, Director of Recruiting for Express Employers. “So I think Dr. Perryman is right, and if you’re an employer hiring, you should know that there aren’t just employees who won’t just grow on trees, but there are a limited number of them.”
Perryman and other experts emphasize the importance of education, technical training, and networking to help local job seekers find meaningful careers. During his speech to Tyler business leaders, Perryman encouraged stronger literacy and educational opportunities.
“We need to make sure we educate that workforce and turn them into a productive workforce for the future,” Perryman said.
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