By K.O. Jackson, Kokomo Tribune business writer
In June, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated the Kokomo Metropolitan Statistical Area had a 19.2 percent unemployment rate.
That percentage was not only the state's highest unemployment number, but also among the nation's highest.
Those statistics have improved somewhat in the last month.
The Bureau's July's figures show Howard County now has a 14.7 percent unemployment figure and Kokomo's jobless rate dropped from June's high of 19.2 percent to 14.4 in July.
The nearly 25 percent improvement moved Howard County to 10th among Indiana's 92 counties: Elkhart is the highest with 16.7 percent; Daviess is the lowest with 5.8 percent.
"I am glad we are not on top anymore," said Jeb A. Conrad, president and CEO of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. "I don't have all the answers, but maybe the new figures show an improvement in the economy and June's high figure was an illusion and inflated based on Chrysler workers taking buyouts and furloughs at Chrysler and Delphi.
"It's a lower percentage, but it's still higher than what we would want it to be."
Overall, the state's July unemployment figure was 10.4 percent, compared to June's 10.6 percent.
Not only did Indiana's unemployment figures improve, but nationally the unemployment rate fell from June's 9.5 percent to July's 9.4 percent.
Regarding the unemployment improvements, President Barack Obama told The Associated Press, "the worst may be behind us. ... We're pointed in the right direction."
Furthermore, at the recent Fed Conference - a event attended by a of who's who in the financial world - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the U.S. economy and the world's economic environment seem to be close to a recovery.
"... Although we have avoided the worst, difficult challenges still lie ahead," Bernanke told the AP. "... The prospects for a return to growth in the near term appears good."
Last year at this time, Indiana's unemployment rate was 6.3 percent. The current rate isn't as low, but it is an improvement, said Teresa Voors, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
"This report clearly shows the impact of the domestic auto industry returning from bankruptcy and its summer furlough," said Voors. "Large increases in manufacturing employment and employment gains in cities like Kokomo are a direct result of Hoosier auto workers going back to work."
At 14.4 percent, 13 percent and 12.9 percent, respectively, unemployment figures in Miami and Tipton and Cass counties were ranked in the state's top 20.
It might be good to be number one, but not when it comes to unemployment numbers, said Conrad.
"Whatever we do happens to other local counties, but hopefully this is a sign of improvement," said Conrad. "I am glad to hear we are getting closer to things getting better. With Chrysler and Delphi's workers going back to work, that's going to have a big impact on all jobs. There will be more service jobs. It all impacts each other."
The Associated Press also contributed to this report.