We're Back: Travel Jobs Fully Recover

Dear Travel Colleague: We end this week with the remarkable announcement that travel employment has returned to pre-Great Recession levels. This milestone, based on U.S. Department of Labor figures released today, leaves little room for doubt: travel is a job-creating powerhouse. Travel Jobs Roar Back Month over month, the industry has climbed steadily to recovery. With the 7,000 jobs added in January, plus a substantial upward revision to previous data, the travel industry now employs more workers than its pre-recession peak of February 2008. In fact, the new labor report reveals that we actually reached the milestone in October and have since gone above and beyond, standing 11 percent higher than the number of travel workers in 2008. In total, travel supports 14.6 million American jobs, directly employs one in eight Americans, and is a top 10 employer in 47 states and the District of Columbia. In a League of Our Own While it is our hope that the economy overall prospers, it is travel that has been leading the recovery, adding workers faster than other sectors. The travel industry has added jobs at a rate 19 percent faster than the rest of the economy, which has replaced only 88 percent of jobs lost during the recession. Unfortunately, sectors such as construction, manufacturing, real estate and finance are far from fully recovered. Continuing the Climb I am proud of our industry for this exceptional performance and our ability to provide answers to America's complex economic challenges. But there's more we can do. If further supported by responsible policies like the JOLT Act and reauthorization of programs like Brand USA that work for America, travel can contribute to a strong, upwardly mobile job market and create opportunities for all to succeed. Help spread the word that travel means jobs in your community. Together, we'll continue to drive our nation's recovery and put Americans back to work. Sincerely, Roger J. Dow President and CEO Join us @ustravel. Like us on Facebook.

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Athens State Alumni Group Teaming with Local Organizations to Sponsor Italy Trip

For Further Information

Guy McClure

256-233-8296

Guy.McClure@athens.edu

For immediate release

October 21, 2013

www.athens.edu

Athens State Alumni Group Teaming with Local Organizations to Sponsor Italy Trip

               

                ATHENS, Ala. - The Athens State University Alumni Association has teamed up with The Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce and the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation to offer an exciting group trip to Italy.  Collette Vacations’ “Reflections of Italy” tour is a 10-day trip leaving on October 15, 2014 and returning on October 24, 2014. Pricing starts at $3999 per person double occupancy and includes round trip air from Huntsville.

                “As we prepare for our first international trip to Ireland in November, the University is excited to partner with the Hospital Foundation and Chamber of Commerce for the Reflections of Italy tour for 2014," remarks Athens State Director of Alumni Affairs Trish DiLullo.

                Revel in the magic of Italy and explore the cities of Rome, Florence, Siena, Venice, Assisi, Perugia and Como. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss town of Lugano.

                “It’s exciting to partner with Athens State and The Chamber of Commerce to offer our community the opportunity to experience these great trips while at the same time promoting our Hospital and Foundation,” states Hospital CEO Kelli Powers.

                Chamber President Jennifer Williamson added, “We are proud to offer this experience to the various supporters of our organizations.  It will be educational and fun, and an opportunity to travel with new friends.  What a great way to bring our organizations together!”

                Book your trip early- the price increases after April 15, 2014.  Call Pamela Rigsby with SooHoo & Associates and Cruise One at 256-513-8337 or 256-714-6375 or toll free at 1-800-894-2210 for more information. You can also contact the Chamber at 256-232-2600, the Hospital Foundation at 256-233-9230 or the University at 256-233-8185 for additional details.

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