LOWNDES COUNTY, GA - The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the preliminary unemployment rate in the Southwest Georgia area rose to 9.8 percent in June, up seven-tenths of a percentage point from 9.1 percent in May.

The rate increased because 541 new job seekers entered the labor force, but were unable to find work, pushing unemployment up 1,204. 

The number of jobs in the state dropped by 8,200, or two-tenths of a percentage point, from 3,941,500 in May to 3,933,300 in June.

The 2012 June unemployment rate for Lowndes County is 9.5 percent.

VALDOSTA, GA – News release from Valdosta City Schools

Valdosta City Schools Foundation is pleased to announce the naming of an Executive Director, Beth Anne Trombetta.  Mrs. Trombetta is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree. 

Her professional career has focused on association and non-profit management, including a designation as a Certified Meeting Professional.