The largest employer for Asheville is the health sector, and from December to January, health services employment increased along with the government and manufacturing sector - all totaling about one percent increase.  Hospitality, construction, and financial services saw a decrease in jobs - about one percent.

Unemployment reached 8.7 percent, up from 4.4 percent in January.  The leisure and hospitality sector lost jobs; however, this is not too unexpected as some of these jobs are seasonal. 

Number of homes sold is down 49 percent for year over year.  Average sales price is still up at 8.1 percent; however, the initial numbers for January to February sales indicate a decrease of one percent in average sale price.

Hotel sales were down 2.5 percent and this trend may continue in the coming months.  A number of small businesses have reached out to the Chamber for guidance during these difficult times, and the Chamber continues to assist local businesses as well as recruit new business for our area.  Manufacturing, technology, and alternative energy are some of the services looking into our area and could bring new jobs.  Also, some of our business sectors in our area are currently working to expand their client base. 

For more information and details of the Asheville economy, please click here.

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