Central Wisconsin experienced a continuation of the strong economic performance seen during the first quarter. Table 2 displays the unemployment rates for the region, state, and nation. Unemployment rates decreased significantly in all categories. The rate stood at 6.2% for Portage County, 4.50/0 for Marathon County, and 5.6% for Wood County. These rates represent the lowest recorded levels for this time of year since the beginning of the decade. Similar improvements were seen at the state and national level.

     Total employment is listed in Table 3. All categories showed a significant rise from last year. Portage County employment expanded by 1000 positions. Marathon County experienced nearly a 70/0 increase or approximately 3700 new jobs. Wood County followed the trend by posting an 8% gain. Overall, Central Wisconsin employment increased by a very healthy 6.2%. Thus employment growth in the region outperformed the state and nation.

     Table 4 gives nonfarm employment by major industrial sector for Central Wisconsin. The region expanded by a very respectable 4.2% or 4300 jobs. This is a significant improvement from a year ago. Manufacturing led all sectors with nearly a 13% increase. Growth also was evident in services and trade, i.e. 2.8% and I.6% respectively. Government employment remained unchanged, while construction declined by approximately 300 positions. Thus, the Central Wisconsin economy improved as forecasted in the first quarter report. It appears that the economy is continuing to respond positively to factors mentioned earlier in the year. The mild winter weather apparently did not playa significant role in the regional economy since second quarter results were compatible with those of first quarter.

     Employment statistics for industries of particular importance to Central Wisconsin are displayed in Table 5. These key industrial sectors portray the underlying strength of the regional economy. Employment grew by 2700 positions or almost 11 % from last year. This is a very impressive rate of growth. Only paper products showed no increase due to worldwide overcapacity. Lumber and wood products, food processing, and finance, insurance and real estate accounted for the expansion in the key industry employment. It appears that the finance, insurance and real estate sector has recovered from earlier difficulties; while the demand for lumber and wood products continues upward. Food processing has demonstrated continuous growth over the past several quarters.

     The viewpoints of regional business leaders are given in Table 6. The CWERB poll indicates that recent national conditions have not changed, while the regional economy is perceived to have improved. Business executives expect national, local and industry conditions to remain constant in the near future. In general, this group's responses are not as optimistic as those of last quarter.