UNEMPLOYMENT A THORN IN THE CROWN
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Charlotte's annual population rate is surpassing Atlanta and five other Southeastern cities with similar demographics and ranks No. 3 for measurable standards like income and productivity. (Stop, we're blushing.) In more nebulous categories, like ?livability and connectivity,? Charlotte places No. 1, according to the Chamber's annual Benchmark Charlotte economic survey. Prepared by UNC Charlotte's Harrison Campbell, the report hopes to shed light on Charlotte's performance in some of the key areas that make a city prosperous and attractive to businesses. The QC hit some high notes, but turned up seventh out of seven for unemployment at 10.4%. And Charlotte ranked fifth for GDP. Describing some of the city's marks as ?lagging,? (less blushing now) Chamber chair Pat Rodgers says, ?We are working to move all of our indicators back to positive growth.? Other cities included in the survey were Dallas-Fort Worth, Jacksonville, Tampa, Seattle and Nashville. |
