MEMPHIS, Tennessee —
Nearly 7 million people filed for unemployment in the last week of March. Despite the national unemployment rate being at 4.4% in March, people are on edge about their jobs in the coming months.
Ernest Strickland, Senior Vice President for Workforce Development in the Greater Memphis Chamber, said he and his team are contacting local companies every day that have positions open. He said Memphis’ economy is in pretty good standing now because of the industries we have.
“Many of our businesses are essential businesses due to transportation, logistics, agriculture,” Strickland said.
Strickland said the high demand for medical devices and shipment of food amid COVID-19 has companies looking for more workers.
“That’s becoming our strength as our country needs medical technology, they need agriculture, and other types of essential products. We are able to deliver them better than most communities,” Strickland said.
Even with looming job cuts, Strickland said the chamber will continue to provide listings for jobs. Many of the jobs posted on their website have immediate openings, and he said the services you would provide would help beyond Memphis.
“We are a community that has long provided to the world an ability to move goods efficiently and quickly,” Strickland said.