Discover Card Review

The last five days of growth for Discover Financial Services (DSF), located in Riverwood, Illinois has been well above their credit card competitors, Visa, American Express and Mastercard. Why has this happened? David Nelms, CEO of Discover since 2004 says, “Our very strong results this quarter were driven by a significant improvement in the credit performance of our loyal customer base along with continued solid growth in cardmember spending.”

During the fiscal second quarter, Discover reported a record sales volume at $23 billion. Discover topped their prior year statistics by 6%. Where are the profits coming from?

Discover has three payment services Pulse, an ATM/debit network, Affiliate Banking and Diners Club. Together these services process billions of financial transactions a year.

PULSE is one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks, currently serving more than 4,500 banks, credit unions and savings institutions across the country and they have just partnered with MoneyPass which offers thousands of surcharge-free ATMs. It is now the company’s biggest money maker.

Diners Club International was acquired by Discover in July of 2008. Diners Club card entitles consumers to exclusive savings on travel, dining, and entertainment.

Struggling with the new banking rules which prohibit charging late fees over $25, Discover will be loosing between $80 to $90 million a year. To help make up for that they will be focusing on their consumer banking division to make up for lost profits. They have two bank affiliates, Discover Bank and Bank of New Castle. In addition to the credit card division, they also offer personal and student loans, online savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts.

With David Nelms as the CEO, this company seems to be doing better and better. In fact, the earnings statement for Mr. Nelms is staggering. For 2009, his salary was $1 Million dollars, restricted stock awards $4,627,613.00, other compensations at $17,150.00 and pension valued at $39,750.00 for a grand total of $5,684,513.00 – over 5 1/2 million dollars a year. Looks like his MBA from Harvard Business school served him well.

The two most significant reasons he gives for the recent improvements have to do with how you and I have improved our credit reliability and continued to use Discover Card for purchases. Some employees from Discover have even suggested ways of making money through the significant rewards program they offer. If you are dedicated to watching your spending and able to actually pay off the monthly balance, you can earn money on what you spend. But that is only for the very self-disciplined spenders. This practice could leave you with nothing more than a huge credit card bill so be wary.

The Ripple Effect of The Gulf Oil Spill

The catastrophic nature of the Gulf spill has affected 14 million residents of the Gulf Coast and could ultimately affect nearby Latin American and Caribbean shores.  Predictions have been made that the spill could reach the Mexican coast by December, followed by Cuba, the Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands.  The Gulf oil spill has far reaching effects beyond the U.S. borders.

Such a huge disaster has everyone wondering why it happened and how we can prevent it from ever happening again.  There are numerous liability issues surrounding the spill. BP’s oil spill cleanup response costs have hit $2.35 billion. It has been speculated that BP could eventually be fined $258 million a day. This would be in addition to payments for cleanup costs and economic damages to businesses.

There is no doubt that the regulatory systems in place for overseeing  offshore oil and drilling failed.  That system is controlled by an agency called the Minerals Management Service (MMS).  It has been reported that they allowed BP to run the oil rig without demonstrating the ability to shut off the flow of gas and oil.

With fingers pointing to the MMS and pressure mounting, the head of the MMS,  Elizabeth Birnbaum, resigned from her position.  Michael R. Bromwich, a former Justice Department prosecutor and inspector general, has been appointed by the President  to  restructure the agency to make it a more effective regulator. There is now an independent commission investigating the Gulf oil spill that has been given subpoena power so that better regulating systems can be developed.

Is the United States accepting help from other nations?  There may be offers made that haven’t been accepted however there are skimming systems and other assets accepted from Mexico, Norway, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands. The President has also authorized the use of 17,000 National Guard members to help with the clean up.

Massive efforts by various non-government organizations have been taken to clean birds  drenched in oil. Some question the wisdom in this.  According to German biologist Silvia Gaus, it would have been better if they put the birds to sleep instead of cleaning them since most aren’t likely to survive long term. Experts from other countries also say that this is a better way to treat the animals since they will be suffering liver and kidney failure after ingesting oil.

The economic impact of the oil spill in the Gulf is devastating. The fisheries in the area have been declared as a disaster zone making the seafood-producing states lose money with many businesses failing. Louisiana’s seafood industry supplies up to 40% of the United States’ seafood supply and the price of seafood has risen. Apart from this, wildlife in the area have suffered. Tourism is affected as well since many hotels have reported cancellations in reservations.The toll on a wide variety of human health issues has not even begun to be studied.

Many scientists are hopeful something good will come from this oil catastrophe.  Americans have gained a better appreciation for their environment. We have turned to scientists to help answer the questions of why this even happened and how to prevent it in the future. People  recognize the importance of  a healthy marine ecosystem to our economy, culture and way of life in the Gulf Coast.

20 Tips To Writing A Good Press Release

Over the past two years, interest in writing press releases has decreased according to Google Insights for search. Prior to that there was a considerable amount of interest in press release writing. With the economy improving, interest has picked up a little. Learning how to write a good press release may be the key to whether you and your family dine at McDonald’s'  or at the Outback Steak House.

The benefits of writing a good press release and submitting it to press release websites are numerous. Widespread distribution of your announcements can build relationships, trust and hopefully more revenue. There are many sites that allow you to submit your release and the cost varies from free up to several hundred dollars.

If you follow these basic tips, you can get past writer’s block and start producing something people will want to read.

1. Research your topic.
2. Write professionally. Avoid exaggerations.
3. Answer the question, Why should anyone care?
4. Make your press release timely and unique.
5. Choose to highlight something unusual.
6. Discuss a study or real life example.
7. Clearly state the problem your company solves.
8. Highlight compelling industry trends.
9. Use real life examples.
10. Make the headline a summary.
11. The first paragraph should clarify your news.
12. Use the body of the press release to provide the details.
13. Tie your news release to current events, recent studies, trends and social issues.
14. How does your product or news satisfy desires?
15. If possible, provide a killer news hook for your story.
16. Attach images, videos, links, pdf document or any other materials that enhance your release.
17. Celebrate an anniversary, new president, or new employee.
18. Announce a new product line or service.
19. Promote community events.
20. Write it. Proofread it. Print it. Proof again.

According to www.prweb.com, a popular press release website, Amy Mauzy with Malibu Boats says:

Getting Out of Debt Stories

Getting out of debt is a struggle for some people. Here are some good stories around the net that can inspire you. Enjoy!

• Building A Lean-To On The Side Of The Shed – Last year, before we moved into our new house, I bought a shed. I really like the shed. It’s nice and big and has plenty of space for all of my tools. I just have one problem -. I also have a lawn mower. …
• Reliability – Is It Just A Feeling? – I have a Saturn. A 2001 Saturn L300 that we bought used in 2004, to be exact. The Saturn is completely paid off. And there ends my list of nice things I have to say about it. Those who have been long-time readers of the blog know that …
• My Get Out Of Debt Success Story – $70000 In Four Years :The Happy … – My Get Out Of Debt Success Story – $70000 In Four Years. Posted by The Happy Rock on May 15, 2007.  The title of the site mentions gaining freedom through personal finance, so it is about time that I share some of our …
• What does getting out of debt “buy” you? :The Happy Rock – What does getting out of debt “buy” you? Posted by The Happy Rock on May 16, 2007. freedom.jpg So we battled for three years to get rid of our $70000 dollars in debt….so what! Here are the benefits that being debt free(besides the …
• comment on 15 ways to establish and improve your credit history … – […] diligence, you can protect your credit rating from adverse affects due to errors, but it is up to you to make sure that they are taken care of […]
• Pay Off Credit Card Debt – Despite unemployment, my husband and I managed to pay off our credit card debt completely.
• DIY Debt Consolidation Options – The quickest way to get out of debt is to never get into debt in the first place. The next quickest way to get out of debt is to throw as much money as possible at your loans until they are gone. Unfortunately, that may not be quick …
• 10 Ways to Pay Your Debt Off Faster – 10 tips to pay your debt down faster and use your money for better things – like growing wealth!
• 5 Key Strategies For Getting Out Of Debt The Happy Rock – Being debt free has been more amazing than I thought, and I want others to be able to share in a similar joy. For those who are trying to get out of debt or entertaining the thought, here is some ammunition. Find Your Passion Finding your passion is my number tip for anything that requires a large amount of energy and commitment.
• If You’re Going to Consolidate Debt Then You Have to Stop Using Credit – When it comes to paying off debt there’s one useful tool that can not only simplify your finances but also reduce the amount of interest you pay. Debt.
• Build an Emergency Fund, Pay Off Debt, or Save for Retirement … – Should You Save for Retirement or Build Up Savings? And What About Debt? What does building up an emergency fund, paying off debt, and saving for retirement.

Feel free to add your debt story here.

Snow White – The First Disney Princess

Millions of people all over the world are enchanted with the first Disney Princess, Snow White. The full length feature film, Snow White, took over two years to produce and was first released to the public on Dec. 21, 1937. This artistically animated film was produced by Walt Disney and 600 of his talented staff.

Walt Disney, an extraordinary human being, an avid cartoonist and storyteller constantly worked for perfection in every way imaginable. He hired the best artists in the country, often recruiting talent from well known art schools and provided in house training for them. His working environment was more like a college campus, complete with guest artists as instructors.

One night, he gathered his team together and enchanted them by telling the story of Snow White, a three hour ordeal. He acted out each and every character. Although it was a long evening, he was beginning to prepare them psychologically for the two long years ahead of them. Just exactly how Snow White should look and what type of personality she would have, took months and months of discussions. Everything about the production took longer than expected. There were over 150 women interviewed to be the voice of Snow White. Walt would never see the person before her voice was heard so that he would not be influenced in any way with her appearance.

The creation of the seven dwarfs was also a time consuming project. Each dwarf needed to be a character with their own peculiarities and distinct personalities. Months were spent on names, what people each dwarf would be based on and what voices they would have.

The film was completed and shown for the first time to a private group. The audience’s reaction was highly favorable. Walt Disney’s four year-old daughter Diane, had to be escorted out of the movie because she started crying in reaction to some of the scenes. Others cheered, laughed and cried during parts of the movie. People who watched this first screening of Walt Disney’s film, knew that they had just witnessed something that would be historic. Animation had reach an artistic level that was previously unknown.

The love for Snow White’s feature film had journalists writing things like, “It was among the genuine artistic achievements of this country.” It was the story of young people overcoming hurdles in an adult world and becoming responsible and mature. It was the story of life and it’s challenges. It is no wonder that so many people loved Snow White, the first Disney Princess.

Snow White, the first full length animated film brought in $6.7 million dollars by May of 1939. It was the highest grossing American film to that point, had run in over 49 countries and had been translated into 10 different languages. It truly set the stage for the birth of many new Disney Princesses to be introduced to generations of fans.

© 2010 Sherry Tingley

Information source = “Walt Disney, The Triumph of The American Imagination,” by Neal Gabler.

Free Personal Finance Credit Counseling

When people get into financial trouble by living on their credit cards, failing to make credit card payments on time or hide credit card bills from their spouse or significant other, they need to seek help.

Generally this help is needed at a time where there isn’t any money left over for additional expenses. Some people seek debt settlement companies. They can negotiate and reduce amounts owed, but they also get into trouble by advising you to stop paying your bills.

Where can you turn to get help from a non-profit organization? The AAA Fair Credit Foundation, founded by Preston Cochrane of Salt Lake City, Utah provides personal financial credit counseling at no charge. They give people help with budgeting and showing them the options they have to improve their lives. They have helped thousands of people learn to live debt free when they practice what the credit counselors advise them to do.

One of their counselors, Tiffany Wagner, was interviewed and gave some good insight into the financial problems many people have and how they overcome them. Read the results of the interview below.

Why Do People Seek Credit Counselors?

Sixty to seventy percent of the people who come in have dug themselves into a hole they feel they can’t crawl out of.  Most people come to see a credit counselor because they don’t budget carefully and they live beyond their means. They don’t know how to manage their money properly. Many people make a decent amount of money or they make enough to live within their means. Their problem is generally a lack of budgeting.

People get into trouble when they think they don’t have enough money and then they start to live off their credit cards.  They haven’t taken a critical look at their budget to see where they could save money. They haven’t identified the expenditures they could live without.

Economic factors like losing a job brings people in. Construction workers seem to be especially hit hard with the lack of building and remodeling going on.

What Are Considered ‘Worst Financial Habits’?

Some people bring in their unopened bills hoping to get help in organization and finding out where they are financially. Some of these bills have been unopened for six months. The consequences of not paying attention to your bills are astounding. Ignoring bills might seem like the most comfortable option but it is never a good strategy for building wealth.

What Are Your Best  Personal Finance Tips?

The best thing we do is to give people a budgeting plan to get themselves out of debt. Their success really depends on the person and  how motivated they are to get out of debt. A lot of people are not willing to give up their life style and cut back on expenses. If they aren’t willing to give up something, whatever it may be for that individual client, then there is not a lot we can do to help them.

When you go to a doctor and get a cancer diagnosis are you going to do anything about it?  Will you seek treatment? Will you change the way you live? What will you do? Financial problems aren’t typically a life or death situation, but there are some similarities. The solution requires you to act and make changes.  Your success depends on what you are willing to do to get yourself out of the situation. A lot of people are not willing to give up anything. If you don’t act on getting your budget within your means, the hole you are digging will get deeper and deeper.

How Many People Take Credit Counseling Advice?

About one out of five people actually do something with the information they are given. They are the people that make credit counseling rewarding. They are the ones who say, I wish I had known about you six months ago.

Where Can I Find A Credit Counselor?

AAA Fair Credit Foundation offers services in forty-four out of 50 states. You can go to their website to find a counselor near you.

The benefits of seeking help can give you a feeling of personal relief and improved family life, by reducing the tension and stress of debt problems. Do something about your problems today.

Unemployment Tips, Filing For Unemployment

National statistics indicate that the unemployment rate nationwide has gotten close to 9.9%. That is approximately 15.3 million people that are unemployed. This figure is up .2% from January, February and March of 2010. Chances are that you or someone close to you is suffering from unemployment. You may need some help learning what you need to do while you are looking for your next job.

Filing For Unemployment

To start with you will need to determine if you are eligible for unemployment. Getting unemployment compensation can help you pay your bills while you are searching for a job. Since each state has different requirements check with your state office. Sometimes you can file a claim online or over the phone. It’s not difficult to do.

Top 20 Sites To Help You Find A Job

Jobs are listed online and can be accessed through many sites. Some of these sites have been recommended by PC Magazine and other reliable sources. Spend some time seeing which site is going to help you the most.

1. Monster.com – Search jobs, post resumes, read advice
2. Job.com – Listings by top jobs in your area, estimate salaries, take a job match test
3. Hot Jobs – Yahoo service, pulls data from multiple feeds
4. Net Temps – Access to over 5000 professional recruiters
5. Indeed – 905,823 new jobs in the last week
6. CareerBuilder – Has 23 million visits a month
7. All Job Search – Links to other sites to search
8. Simply Hired – Uses Google search which provides relevant results
9. USA.gov – Federal government jobs
10. College Recruiter – Entry level jobs and internships
11. Craigslist – Classified job postings
12. Hound.com – Paid service for job hunters, but free for job listers, tens of thousands of dollars are spent on bandwidth just crawling sites for information for you
13. Execu-search.com – Search page provides multiple categories to do one search
15. Oodle.com – Searches the US, Canada, India, Ireland – Lists popular searches, Search jobs, cars, real estate, rentals, items for sale
16. MediaBistro.com – For media professionals
17. TweetMyJobs.com – A Twitter job board that provides instant notification of open positions
18. Job-Hunt.org – Lists job resources by state.
19. Fortune 500 Companies – Job-hunt.org searches Fortune 500 Companies
20. SnagaJob.com – Hourly jobs posted. Good for temporary work and teenage jobs

Career Planning Resources

If you are in the beginning phases of preparing yourself for a career then you may want to check out the best fields of study. You can ask around locally or you can check your newspaper, but the best way to find out what careers are flourishing, you need to search online. College majors that have good employment possibilities were reported by the collegiate employment research institute at Michigan State University. The majors included E-commerce, entrepreneurialism, environmental sciences, information science, information systems (management and computer), interactive computer design, statistics, nursing, and social work. If you have been pursuing one of those degrees you are on the right track.

The United States Department of Labor has compiled the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. The Occupational Outlook Handbook can be ordered online.

State Resources For the Unemployed

Each of the sites listed below will provide detailed information on occupations and labor markets within their states. Many of these sites can help you find companies that are hiring.

For example, if you use the Utah site link, you’ll find a resource center provides a lot of interesting information for people seeking jobs in Utah. This site reports that in March, 2010, unemployment in Utah hit an all time high that has not been seen in Utah for twenty six years.

On the brighter side, the site will give you interesting possibilities of places to look for work. Oracle Corporation, a business-software giant is building a $300 million data center in West Jordan, Utah. According to the City of West Jordan, the building may be completed as early as October 1. They anticipate hiring 100 people. The State of Utah provided the company with a $15 million dollar incentive to build in Utah.

Do some research for the resources available to you in your state.

Let us know what successes or failures you’ve had with them by leaving a comment here.

Alabama

Labor Market Information Division, Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, 649 Monroe St., Room 422, Montgomery, AL 36131Telephone:

(334) 242-8859

http://dir.alabama.gov

Alaska

Research and Analysis Section, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, P.O. Box 25501, Juneau, AK 99802-5501.

Telephone: (907) 465-4500

Internet: http://almis.labor.state.ak.us

Arizona

Arizona Department of Economic Security
P.O. Box 6123 SC 733A
Phoenix, AZ 85005-6123

Telephone: (602) 542-5984

Internet: https://www.azdes.gov

Arkansas

Labor Market Information, Department of Workforce Services, #2 Capital Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201.

Telephone: (501) 682-3198.

Internet:

California

State of California Employment Development Department, Labor Market Information Division, P.O. Box 826880, Sacramento, CA 94280-0001.

Telephone: (916) 262-2162.

Internet:http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov

Colorado

Labor Market Information, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, 633 17th St., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202-3660.

Telephone: (303) 318-8850.

Internet: http://lmigateway.coworkforce.com

Connecticut

Office of Research, Connecticut Department of Labor, 200 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield, CT 06109-1114.

Telephone: (860) 263-6275.

Internet: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/lmi

Delaware

Office of Occupational and Labor Market Information, Department of Labor, 19 West Lea Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19802.

Telephone: (302) 761-8069.

Internet: http://www.delawareworks.com/oolmi/

District of Columbia

DC Department of Employment Services, 64 New York Ave. NE., Suite 3000, Washington, D.C. 20002.

Telephone: (202) 724-7000.

Internet: http://www.does.dc.gov/does

Florida

Labor Market Statistics, Agency for Workforce Innovation, 107 E. Madison St., MSC 110 – Caldwell Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399-4111.

Telephone: (850) 245-7105.

Internet: http://www.labormarketinfo.com

Georgia

Workforce Information and Analysis, Room 300, Department of Labor, 223 Courtland St., CWC Building, Atlanta, GA 30303.

Telephone: (404) 232-3875.

Internet: http://www.dol.state.ga.us/em/get_labor_market_information.htm

Guam

Guam Department of Labor, 504 D St., Tiyan, Guam 96910.

Telephone: (671) 475-0101.

Internet: http://guamdol.net

Hawaii

Research and Statistics Office, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, 830 Punchbowl St., Room 304, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Telephone: (808) 586-9013.

Internet: http://www.hiwi.org

Idaho

Research and Analysis Bureau, Department of Commerce and Labor, 317 West Main St., Boise, ID 83735-0670.

Telephone: (208) 332-3570.

Internet: http://lmi.idaho.gov

Illinois

Illinois Department of Employment Security, Economic Information and Analysis Division, 33 S. State St., 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603.

Telephone: (312) 793-6521.

Internet: http://lmi.ides.state.il.us

Indiana

Research and Analysis—Indiana Workforce Development, Indiana Government Center South, 10 North Senate Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Telephone: (800) 891-6499.

Internet: http://www.in.gov/dwd

Iowa

Policy and Information Division, Iowa Workforce Development, 1000 East Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50319-0209.

Telephone: (515) 281-5387.

Internet: http://www.iowaworkforce.org/lmi

Kansas

Kansas Department of Labor, Labor Market Information Services, 401 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603-3182.

Telephone: (785) 296-5000.

Kentucky

Research and Statistics Branch, Office of Employment and Training, 275 East Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621.

Telephone: (502) 564-7976.

Internet: http://www.workforcekentucky.ky.gov

Louisiana

Research and Statistics Division, Department of Labor, 1001 North 23rd St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802-3338.

Telephone: (225) 342-3111.

Internet: http://www.laworks.net

Maine

Labor Market Information Services Division, Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Dr., State House Station 118, Augusta, ME 04330.

Telephone: (207) 623-7900.

Internet: http://maine.gov/labor/lmis

Maryland

Maryland Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation, Office of Labor Market Analysis and Information, 1100 N. Eutaw, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Telephone: (410) 767-2250.

Internet: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/lmi/index.shtml

Massachusetts

Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Career Services, 19 Staniford St., Boston, MA 02114.

Telephone: (617) 626-5300.

Internet: http://www.detma.org/LMIdataprog.htm

Michigan

Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, Department of Labor and Economic Growth, 3032 West Grand Blvd., Suite 9-100, Detroit, MI 48202.

Telephone: (313) 456-3100.

Internet:

Minnesota

Department of Employment and Economic Development, Labor Market Information Office, 1st National Bank Building, 332 Minnesota St., Suite E200, St. Paul, MN 55101-1351.

Telephone: (888) 234-1114.

Internet: http://www.deed.state.mn.us/lmi

Mississippi

Labor Market Information Division, Mississippi Department of Employment Security, 1235 Echelon Pkwy., P.O. Box 1699, Jackson, MS 39215.

Telephone: (601) 321-6000.

Internet: http://mdes.ms.gov

Missouri

Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, P.O. Box 3150, Jefferson City, MO 65102-3150.

Telephone: (866) 225-8113.

Internet: http://www.missourieconomy.org

Montana

Research and Analysis Bureau, P.O. Box 1728, Helena, MT 59624.

Telephone: (800) 541-3904.

Internet:

Nebraska

Nebraska Workforce Development—Labor Market Information, Nebraska Department of Labor, 550 South 16th St., P.O. Box 94600, Lincoln, NE 68509.

Telephone: (402) 471-2600.

Internet: http://www.dol.nebraska.gov/nwd/center.cfm?PRICAT=3&SUBCAT=4Z0

Nevada

Research and Analysis, Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation, 500 East Third St., Carson City, NV 89713.

Telephone: (775) 684-0450.

Internet:

New Hampshire

Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau, New Hampshire Employment Security, 32 South Main St., Concord, NH 03301-4857.

Telephone: (603) 228-4124.

Internet: http://www.nh.gov/nhes/elmi

New Jersey

Division of Labor Market and Demographic Research, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, P.O. Box 388, Trenton, NJ 08625-0388.

Telephone: (609) 984-2593.

Internet: http://www.wnjpin.net

New Mexico

New Mexico Department of Labor , Economic Research and Analysis, 401 Broadway NE., Albuquerque, NM 87102.

Telephone: (505) 222-4683.

Internet: http://www.dws.state.nm.us/dws-lmi.html

New York

Research and Statistics, New York State Department of Labor, W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus, Building 12, Albany, NY 12240.

Telephone: (518) 457-9000.

Internet: http://www.labor.state.ny.us

North Carolina

Labor Market Information Division, Employment Security Commission, 700 Wade Ave., Raleigh, NC 27605.

Telephone: (919) 733-2936.

Internet: http://www.ncesc.com

North Dakota

Labor Market Information Manager, Job Service North Dakota, 1000 East Divide Ave., Bismarck, ND 58506.

Telephone: (800) 732-9787.

Internet: http://www.ndworkforceintelligence.com

Ohio

Bureau of Labor Market Information, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 420 East 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43219.

Telephone: (614) 752-9494.

Internet: http://ohiolmi.com

Oklahoma

Labor Market Information, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, P.O. Box 52003., Oklahoma City, OK 73152.

Telephone: (405) 557-7172.

Internet: http://www.ok.gov/oesc_web/Services/Find_Labor_Market_Statistics/index.html

Oregon

Oregon Employment Department, Research Division, 875 Union St. NE., Salem, OR 97311.

Telephone: (503) 947-1200.

Internet: http://www.qualityinfo.org/olmisj/OlmisZine

Pennsylvania

Center for Workforce Information & Analysis, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, 220 Labor and Industry Building, Seventh and Forster Sts., Harrisburg, PA 17121.

Telephone: (877) 493-3282.

Internet: http://www.paworkstats.state.pa.us

Puerto Rico

Department of Work and Human Resources, Ave. Muñoz Rivera 505, Hato Rey, PR 00918.

Telephone: (787) 754-5353.

Internet: http://www.dtrh.gobierno.pr

Rhode Island

Labor Market Information, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, 1511 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI 02920.

Telephone: (401) 462-8740.

Internet: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/lmi

South Carolina

Labor Market Information Department, South Carolina Employment Security Commission, 631 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29202.

Telephone: (803) 737-2660.

Internet: http://www.sces.org/lmi/index.asp

South Dakota

Labor Market Information Center, Department of Labor, P.O. Box 4730, Aberdeen, SD 57402-4730.

Telephone: (605) 626-2314.

Internet: http://dol.sd.gov/lmic

Tennessee

Research and Statistics Division, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, 220 French Landing Dr., Nashville, TN 37245.

Telephone: (615) 741-1729.

Internet: http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/lmi.htm

Texas

Labor Market Information, Texas Workforce Commission, 9001 North IH-35, Suite 103A, Austin, TX 75753.

Telephone: (866) 938-4444.

Internet: http://www.tracer2.com

Utah

Director of Workforce Information, Utah Department of Workforce Services, P.O. Box 45249, Salt Lake City, UT 84145-0249.

Telephone: (801) 526-9675.

Internet: http://jobs.utah.gov/opencms/wi

Vermont

Economic and Labor Market Information, Vermont Department of Labor, P.O. Box 488, Montpelier, VT 05601-0488.

Telephone: (802) 828-4000.

Internet: http://www.vtlmi.info

Virgin Islands

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor, 53A & 54AB Kronprindsens Gade, St Thomas, VI 00803-2608.

Telephone: (340) 776-3700.

Internet: http://www.vidol.gov

Virginia

Virginia Employment Commission, P.O. Box 1358, Richmond, VA 23218-1358.

Telephone: (800) 828-1140.

Internet: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/vecportal/index.cfm

Washington

Labor Market and Economic Analysis, Washington Employment Security Department, P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507-9046.

Telephone: (360) 438-4833.

Internet: http://www.workforceexplorer.com

West Virginia

Workforce West Virginia, Research, Information and Analysis Division, 112 California Ave., Charleston, WV 25303-0112.

Telephone: (304) 558-2660.

Internet: http://workforcewv.org/lmi

Wisconsin

Bureau of Workforce Information, Department of Workforce Development, P.O. Box 7944, Madison, WI 53707-7944.

Telephone: (608) 266-7034.

Internet: http://worknet.wisconsin.gov/worknet

Wyoming

Research and Planning, Wyoming Department of Employment, 246 S. Center St., Casper, WY 82602.

Telephone: (307) 473-3807.

Internet: Wyoming Labor Markets