The unemployment rate in Anchorage is at the lowest level since 2007, according to the State Department of Labor.
The reported rate is 4.7% for October. Statewide, the unemployment rate is 7.1% according to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 7.9%.
Channel 2 News spoke with Pita Pit, a new business that is helping employ the work force. Dishing up healthy meals isn't the only thing Pita Pit in midtown Anchorage offers, they also provide people with jobs.
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Bill Popp said places like Pita Pit are helping unemployment numbers reach an all time low.
“So when you look at the broader growth in the Anchorage economy a lot of that is rooted in the mom and pop businesses," said Popp, "But we're also seeing large national businesses and large Alaska-based businesses seeing significant growth.”
Other big brand names said to be opening here in Anchorage are Bass Pro Shop and Cabella's.
While those new big businesses will be providing jobs, one business in town has left 93 people without any. The closure of Hostess has forced Sunrise Bakery to close its doors.
“It's very sad to see what for all intents and appearances was a very successful business, Sunrise Bakery, being closed by issues that had nothing to do with what's going on here in Anchorage," said Popp, "If there were only any positive news in this it's that their opportunities for new employment are better than they might have been a year ago.”
Popp said there are also growing opportunties in development with construction jobs on the rise. Health Care remains the leader with 500 new jobs to date this year according to the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation.
Contact Mallory Peebles
