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Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? Oregon’s Persistent Unemployment Problem

With joblessness over eleven percent, Oregon's unemployment rate is among the highest in the nation. But even in years of rapid job growth, unemployment in Oregon often remains above the national average. On December 4, City Club welcomes Oregon State Labor Economist Art Ayre, who will elaborate upon the numerous reasons why Oregon faces such consistent employment challenges.

Ayre will discuss likely causes, which include: declines in the wood products sector; seasonal employment - and unemployment - in agriculture and manufacturing; an attractive urban culture and recreational opportunities that draw people to Portland despite limited jobs; and the comparatively small size of the labor market which leads to more restrictive job selection.

Art Ayre is State Employment Economist for the Oregon Employment Department, where he analyzes statewide employment trends and helps other state agencies understand these trends. He recently co-authored Oregon at Work: 1859-2009, a book about changing labor force patterns in Oregon over the past 150 years.

Purchase tickets at www.pdxcityclub.org or call 503-228-7231 x110.

Where: The Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave., Portland OR 97205

When: Doors open at 11:30 AM, Program begins at 12:15 PM and concludes at 1:15 PM

Transportation and parking: The Governor Hotel is accessible by bus, Portland Streetcar and MAX light rail. A SmartPark garage is located one block away from the Governor Hotel at 730 S.W. 10th Ave.

Cost: Luncheon tickets are $16 for City Club members and up to two guests, $20 for nonmembers. Limited coffee/tea table tickets are $5 and are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis. General seating is free for members and $5 for nonmembers. A limited number of $5 coffee/tea tickets are available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations: Reservations required for lunches only; reservations close at 2 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the event. Reservations for lunch are strongly encouraged. To reserve a lunch via telephone, individuals (members and non-members) should call our voice mail reservation line, 503-228-7231, ext. 110. A limited number of lunch tickets are generally available at the door. Luncheon tickets reserved after the 2:00 PM Wednesday deadline or purchased at the door will be subject to an additional $4 charge. General seating and coffee/tea tickets will be available at the door.

Sponsors: Friday Forums this quarter are sponsored by: Barran Liebman LLP and Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects