Two companies will soon help to create more Pennsylvania jobs (Click here).

Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Company of Pennsylvania Inc. will become North America’s largest processor of dark air-cured tobacco and Alpha Mills Corp. will create almost two dozen new jobs thanks to $2.7 million in new state investments.

“Even in a tough economy, we are helping businesses grow and become better able to compete in the global economy,” Gov. Edward G. Rendell said. “It’s vitally important that we continue our work to keep businesses in Pennsylvania and to bring new companies within our borders. If we lose the ability to do this, these crucial projects will go elsewhere.”

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Even though the state’s unemployment rate slightly increased, those looking for a job in Maryland last month may have had better luck, as more jobs were added.

During July, the state saw its unemployment rate increase from 7.2 percent to 7.3 percent, which is lower than the national unemployment rate of 9.4 percent. Maryland hasn’t seen its unemployment rate decrease since April, when it went from 6.9 percent to 6.8 percent.

Maryland had a total non-farm employment of 2,551,700 workers during July, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 2,541,700 workers during June, but a 1.9 percent decrease from last year.

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While many places throughout the country continue to lose workers and see their unemployment rate consistently increase, more Washington DC jobs were added last month.

During July, the District of Columbia saw its unemployment rate decrease from 10.9 percent to 10.6 percent. This is the first time the city’s unemployment rate has declined since March, but the lowered rate is still higher than the national unemployment rate of 9.4 percent.

D.C. had a total non-farm employment of 716,200 workers during July, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 703,000 jobs during June and a .9 percent increase from last year.

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One company is helping to create many new Virginia job openings.

American Foods Group recently sold its meat snack division to Tennessee-based Monogram Food Solutions, and that company plans to invest $3 million to expand production at its plant near the City of Martinsville in Henry County. That facility currently has about 130 workers, but that number will increase to 250 by October.

As part of the sale, Monogram Food Solutions took over four American Foods brands that produce sausages, salami, pickled pig’s feet and other meat snacks. According to an article by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, other details of the sale were not released to the public.

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State and federal officials have formulated a plan to help save thousands of PA retail jobs.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently approved a plan that Gov. Edward G. Rendell initiated in November 2008. The plan will provide a $43.7 million loan to help save 24 Boscov’s department stores and retain the company’s 5,000 employees throughout Pennsylvania.

“This is great news for Pennsylvania, its people, communities and one of our most respected businesses,” Rendell said. “Boscov’s has been a cornerstone of many communities in Pennsylvania since 1918. Today, with 24 locations throughout the state and more than 5,000 employees, they remain a significant part our economy.

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Older workers looking for Maryland job openings, as well as openings in some other states, will soon get some help.

The U.S. Department of Labor recently gave $10 million to organizations that connect older workers with jobs. The money is meant to retrain workers who are 55 and older for jobs in high-growth industries, such as healthcare or green-collar jobs.

The funds were broken up into 10 grants worth about $1 million each and given to organizations in Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. On top of that, the Atlantic Philanthropies will invest another $3.6 million toward the effort.

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City officials are doing their part to help save Washington DC government jobs by working to balance the upcoming budget, but not all positions will be spared.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty recently submitted his plan to close the projected $453 million budget gap this year and next year’s projected $150 million budget gap. During June, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer predicted the city could face additional budget deficits.

“My administration has taken action to address the District’s deficit, exploring all possible options,” Fenty said. “Our proposed plan not only balances the budget but also protects critical services for District residents.”

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Some officials and members of the working community are doing their part to help employers and employees in Virginia save a little bit of money. Visit http://www.jobfetch.com for more information on Virginia jobs.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, along with Telework!VA and Telework Exchange, recently announced that August 3rd will serve as Telework Day. On this day, individuals and organizations are encouraged to work from home or from a remote location. The Telework Day Web site allows employers to sign up to telework, calculate the potential cot savings and environmental savings, determine telework eligibility and access additional resources.

“Telework is a family-friendly, business-friendly public policy that promotes workplace efficiency, reduces strain on transportation infrastructure, and provides an opportunity to ‘green’ Virginia,” Kaine said. “We encourage organizations and individuals in Virginia to take the Telework Day pledge and see how telework can help them improve productivity and business operations, while also benefiting the environment.”

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The establishment of two new companies will help create more jobs in Pennsylvania. Click here to see more.

Gov. Edward G. Rendell recently announced that Diversapack LLC and Advanced Metal Processing will establish new facilities in Blair County, Pa. Those two projects will help create 185 jobs during the next three years and bring $21 million in total investment to the area.

“These projects are particularly good news now, because our state is struggling through the worst economic recession since the Great Depression and it’s taken its toll,” Rendell said. “In the last year, Pennsylvania’s number of unemployed people has jumped 206,000, pushing our unemployment rate to 8.2 percent. Here in Blair County, that rate is somewhat better at 7.6 percent, but it’s still far higher than the 5.0 percent it was a year ago.

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An extended effort to go green will help create several Maryland construction jobs.

Gov. Martin O’Malley recently announced that the State of Maryland is expanding its home weatherization program, which is designed to benefit thousands of low-income families and create new construction jobs throughout the state. The funding will be stretched out over three years and weatherize about 6,800 homes. On top of that, at least 150 green-collar jobs will be created through local weatherization agencies.

“As families throughout Maryland struggle to pay their energy bills, we are able to take significant steps to reduce their energy costs, while ensuring their health and safety, thanks to the President’s economic recovery plan,” O’Malley said.

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