Josephine County Payroll Employment Edges Up in March Led by Leisure & Hospitality
Total payroll employment in Josephine County rose by 60 jobs in March, with leisure & hospitality leading the way. According to the Oregon Employment Department, there were 32,645 people working in Josephine County last month for a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 7.2%, which was down slightly from 7.3% in February. Leisure & hospitality gained 40 jobs in March. Small changes in other industries accounted for the other 20 jobs. Local government education gained 30 jobs while local government excluding education slipped by 20 jobs, leaving government employment up by 10 jobs in March. Over the past year, payroll employment in Josephine County declined slightly, down by 100 jobs for a loss of 0.4%. Industries adding jobs since March 2024 included leisure & hospitality (+190), other services (+70) and transportation, warehousing & utilities (+60). Industries losing jobs over the year were manufacturing (-110), retail trade (-100), financial activities (-90), professional & business services (-60), wholesale trade (-40), and construction (-20). Government employment rose by 20 jobs over the year. An increase of 50 in state government was offset by a loss of 30 jobs in federal government.
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RCC Named "Opportunity College" by Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education
As the nation celebrates Community College Month, Rogue Community College has even more reason to celebrate. RCC was named the only community college in Oregon to receive the Opportunity College and University designation by the Carnegie Classifications. This recognition highlights RCC as a model institution for advancing student success. The designation is part of the new Student Access and Earnings Classification, released this month by the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education. The classification uses federal data to assess how well colleges reflect the demographics of their communities and how their graduates' earnings compare to peers -- highlighting institutions that drive access and upward mobility. RCC falls under the 2025 Mixed Associate Medium classification, comprising 265 institutions or about 7% of US colleges and universities. In Oregon, only two other institutions -- both private universities -- received this distinction. In total, 479 institutions nationwide -- roughly 16% of those classified -- were designated as Opportunity Colleges and Universities.
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Britt Festival Announces Return of "Rock Camp" This Summer after 11-Year Hiatus
Britt Music & Arts Festival is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Rock Camp, a dynamic summer program designed to inspire and educate the next generation of musicians. After an 11-year hiatus, Britt's Rock Camp is making a comeback this summer, offering young artists an immersive experience in music performances, songwriting and collaboration. Aimed at inspiring musicians entering grades 8-12, Rock Camp provides hands-on instruction from professional musicians and educators, guiding campers through instrument techniques, stage presence, and the creative process of writing and performing original music. The camp is open to all abilities and culminates in a high-energy final concert where participants showcase their newfound skills to family, friends and the community. Thanks to the generous support of Grants Pass-based Dutch Bros as the lead sponsor of Rock Camp, Britt has been able to purchase new equipment and instruments so participants have access to high-quality gear. Registration is now open and space is limited. Visit "brittfest.org."
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