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1997
ANNUAL REPORT
Georgia Department of Labor
148 International Blvd., N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751
David Poythress, Commissioner

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~AR 1 5 2002

DOCUMENTS
UGA llBRARIE

Georgia Department of Labor

Commissioner



Chief of Staff



Asst. Commissioner Intergovemmental Affairs

Chief Safety Engineering

Director Facilities

Asst. Commissioner Labor Information Systems

Director Ecomonic Development

Director -Orug Free Workforce

Director Communications
Director Intemal Security
Director Training and
Quality
Legislative Liaison

Director Human Resources
Director Veterans Service

Asst. Commi$sioner Field Services

Deputy Commissioner Employment and Training

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Asst. Commissioner Unemployment Insurance

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Asst. Commissioner Employment Services

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Asst. Commissioner Finance, Budget and Contracts

Asst. Commissioner

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Job Training

From the Commissioner

To My Fellow Georgians:
Fiscal Year 1997 was a successful and productive year at the Georgia Department of Labor and I'm proud of our accomplishments. We have made tremendous strides in improving our level of services, while maintaining conservative fiscal management.
Working with the General Assembly, we again cut employer taxes by approximately $69.5 million, and raised the unemployment weekly benefit to $224 for those who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. I also pushed the legislation that increased the reduction in Workers' Compensation premiums from 5.0 to 7.5 percent for employers with certified drug-free workforce policies.
On the national level, I testified twice before a subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives on our move to transfer the administration of the employment security system from the federal government to the states. I expect legislation to be introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives that will make this happen. The result could be a tax savings of approximately $60 million to Georgia employers.
I am pleased with our efforts to bring services directly to the public. We implemented our home page on the internet (www.dol.state.ga.us). making all of our job opening listings, as well as an abundance of information about labor market statistics and our other services, readily available. We continued to expand the number of cities in which Georgia Job TV is seen. This is our one-of-a-kind service of providing localized job listings to the public via cable television. Both of these services make it possible for people to conduct a job search in the privacy and convenience of their own homes. We held a number of job fairs throughout Georgia, including 23 especially for veterans.

The Georgia Department of Labor received several awards and citations. Among them are the prestigious Golden Glasses Award from the Atlanta Regional Commission and three awards from the U.S. Department of Labor: The Excellence in Leadership Award for our efforts in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program, The Quality in Unemployment Insurance Award and the State Employer Committee Award, for having the top state employer committee in the Southeast. We entered into an historic agreement with the Georgia Dep.&!1ment of Human Resources to form a cooperative partnership to provide job development and placement services to thousands of public assistance recipients, including those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). It was also a banner economic year for the state of Georgia. We finished the year as a national leader in the creation of new jobs. Our Office of Economic Development and Employer Relations made nearly 500 presentations to attract new businesses to Georgia and assist existing businesses with expansion plans. The Georgia Department of Labor will continue to seek innovative methods to provide for the changing needs of our employers and workforce. I present herewith the Fiscal Year 1997 Annual Report of the Georgia Department of Labor to the Governor, General Assembly and the citizens of Georgia.
David Poythress

Highlights
Entered into a collaborative agreement with the Department of Human Resources to help provide employment-related services to 58,000 public assistance recipients, with at least 18,000 placed in jobs.
Implemented the Drug-Free Georgia program which allows employers to receive a 7.5 percent reduction in their workers' compensation premiums. The program's goal is to eliminate the use of illegal drug use in the workplace. About 1,700 employers, who already have drug-free workplace programs in place, now qualify for the reduction.
Won the prestigious Golden Glasses Award from the Atlanta Regional Commission for work with The Atlanta Project and the Georgia Department of Human Resources' Division of Family and Children Services on the Welfare-to-Work program.
During Fiscal Year 1997, Georgia continued its strong job growth, showing a net gain of more than 100,000 jobs.
More than 600,000 applicants for employment assistance were registered by the Department's field service offices. The Department provided new information resources and other aids to help people conduct successful, self-directed job searches.
The Department placed more than 104,000 clients during the year.
More than 230,000 eligible workers received unemployment benefits totaling $284,881,204. The average weekly payment was $158. Georgia's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund had a balance of more than $1.7 billion at year's end.
On July 1, 1997, the maximum weekly benefit was increased to $224, the fourth increase in seven years.
More than 31,000 Georgians - including about 16,000 dislocated workers - participated in job training programs under the federal Job Training Partnership Act.
Almost 79,000 veterans and dependents received employment-related services and more than 20,000 were placed injobs.
The Economic Development and Employer Relations Office participated in more than 470 projects involving employers considering expansion or relocations to the state.

Table
of
Contents

Employment Services Unemployment Insurance Job Training Veterans Programs Economic Development and Employer Relations Labor Market Information Equal Opportunity Safety Engineering Office of Drug-Free Georgia Intergovernmental Relations Advisory Groups Field Service Offices Tables

3& 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 II
12 & 13 14, 15 & 16

Credits

Published by the Office Of Communications and Materials Management Section of the Georgia Department of Labor.
With special thanks to: Sandi Maddox--cover art, report design and layout

Employment Services

HIGHLIGHTS
NAFTA/TAA CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROJECT
The department agreed to participate in a pilot research project to measure customer satisfaction for the North American Free Trade Agreement Transitional Adjustment Assistance and Trade Adjustment Assistance programs. Georgia is one of fourteen states participating in the project. The project is similar to the Employment Services Revitalization project which measured customer satisfaction for unemployment insurance claimants/job seekers, employers and employees.
The NAFTAITAA survey was sent to 160 employers, 125 training providers, 175 department staff and 2,000 tradeimpacted workers. Sirota and Associates, the contractor for this project, is in the process of tabulating the results of the survey. It is anticipated that once the results are received, changes will be made to enhance the customer's experience with these programs.
Training sessions have been scheduled for department staff which will enhance teamwork and improve program design and delivery using information gleaned from customer surveys. Additionally, front-line staff will attend training developed as a part of this project which will provide suggestions on improving customer satisfaction.
WORKER PROFILING AND REEMPLOYMENT SERVICES (WPRS)
This program continues to produce excellent performance data while providing assistance to unemployment claimants who are likely to exhaust benefits before finding employment.
By the end of June 1997,28,351 profiled-referred claimants had been provided a wide range of reemployment services. The entered employment rate was 57.6% creating over $28 million dollars in savings to the VI Trust Fund.
The Claimant Assistance Program and Basic Reemployment Services continue to result in statistics reflecting strong program operations. Field Service staff continue to focus on quality of services by conducting job search workshops for 73% of the profiled-referred claimants and by providing counseling, resume assistance, and financial and stress management assistance.

VETERANS PROGRAMS The DVOP
(Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program) and LVER (Local Veterans' Employment Representative) staff continued to perform in a superior manner. DVOPs and LVERs throughout the state, assisted by Field Service Office staff, have exceeded each of the 14 federal standards.
The Department served 78,945 veterans and eligible persons. Of these, 22,693 were Vietnam-era veterans and 3,337 were disabled veterans.
A total of 20,562 veterans were placed on jobs or obtained employment after services during the year. Placements with federal contractors accounted for 3,440 of these placements. ., The Transition Assistance Program conducted an average of 18 workshops per month for military personnel and their families who were making the transition to civilian life. About 8,444 military personnel participated in workshops on nine military installations.
JOB FAIRS
In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the AMVETS and DAV, the Georgia Department of Labor co-hosted 23 veterans job fairs throughout the state.
The Cobb-Cherokee Field Service Office co-hosted a successful job fair with the Department of Human Resources, DFCS staff, where 835 TANF recipients attended and 34 employers participated. The local employer committee helped to organize the event which served as a kick-off of the local collaboration between both departments-DOL and DHR.
JOB CORPS The Department recruited 880 individuals for the federal
Job Corps program, which provides training for economically disadvantaged young people 16 to 24 years of age. The Department continues to focus on future program involvement with emphasis on recruitment and eligibility determination of youth.
JOBTV Job TV is a dependable, modem method of providing
listings of job openings to the public in the privacy and

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convenience of their own homes provided by cable television operators, local governments and educational institutions through their access channels. As liaisons between the Georgia Department of Labor, Office of Communications, Data Processing and the 53 field service offices, Employment Services assures a timely run of job openings.
AMERICA'S JOB BANK - OVER 500,000 JOBS LISTED
America's Job Bank (AJB), a computerized national job bank to help employers and job seekers find each other, continues to be one of the Employment Services' most recognized products, providing employers with the widest available distribution of their job openings and job seekers with the largest pool of active opportunities available anywhere. Currently over 500,000 jobs are listed.
MILESTONES
DOL/DHR COLLABORATION (DTAE INCLUDED FOR FY98)
During this fiscal year, the Department of Labor and the Department of Human Resources entered into a collaborative partnership which creates a cohesive system of services to reduce duplication between departments, to meet Georgia's workforce needs, and to assist our mutual customers in becoming employed.
The ultimate outcome should provide assistance in moving welfare recipients into career jobs and improved customer service for job-seekers and employers alike.
This collaborative plan was developed by Team:WORK, a lO-member interagency work group composed of managers from the state and local levels. Interorganizational teams were formed to ensure implementation of the plan. The goals include a common intake process, shared assessment, coordinated case management, and coordinated job development and job placement activities.
A related agreement provides to the Labor Department $8.3 million from the state's welfare block grant to provide employment-related services to 58,000 public assistance recipients, with at least 18,000 placed in jobs. Services include job readiness assessment, job search workshops, referral to training and education, and job development.
Plans for an expanded partnership are currently being

implemented for the upcoming fiscal year to include the Department of Technical and Adult Education into the collaboration to pool the efforts of all three departments regarding education, employment services and skills training - a onestop shopping concept.
AWARDS
STATE LABOR DEPARTMENT'S EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION CITED FOR LEADERSIDP IN TAX PROGRAM
The Georgia Department of Labor was cited by the U.S. Department of Labor for its leadership role in a tax credit program that is expected to put thousands of welfare recipients and other disadvantaged people to work.
The national program is called Work Opportunity Tax Credit (Ware), and is administered in Georgia by the state labor department's Employment Services Division. The program is designed to give a tax break to employers that hire welfare and food stamp recipients, along with disadvantaged veterans, ex-felons, youth and other targeted groups that qualify for the program. The maximum tax credit an employer may receive is $2,400 a year for each employee hired. During this year, thousands of workers have been hired through the program in Georgia.
Employment Services staff joined a federal-state team to write the national handbook for the program and to train personnel in all 50 states on the practical implementation of the program. This award recognizes the continued leadership role this department shares with the Atlanta regional office of the U.S. Department of Labor in forming a partnership and working relationship that benefits the employment security programs throughout the Southeastern region and the nation as a whole.
GOLDEN GLASSES AWARD
The Georgia Department of Labor received the prestigious Golden GlassesAward from the Atlanta Regional Commission, honoring the department for regional leadership and vision. The award was in recognition of the Department's collaboration with The Atlanta Project and the Georgia Department of Human Resources' Division of Family and Children Services in working toward implementation of the welfare-to-work program.

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Unemployment Insurance

Insurance ... Not Welfare
Workers who had a job and who become unemployed through no fault of their own may be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits while seeking a new job. Unemployment benefits help bridge the gap between jobs by replacing part of the worker's lost income. The weekly benefit payments also promote economic stability in communities affected by layoffs or business closings.
Unemployment insurance benefits should not be confused with welfare. Employers pay for unemployment insurance through payroll taxes. The taxes are, in effect, insurance premiums. Benefits are paid only to eligible workers who are unemployed and actively looking for employment.
Benefit payments totaled $284,881,204 in Fiscal Year 1997. Tax contributions from employers during the year amounted to $335,707,744, and 230,584 workers in Georgia received unemployment benefits, averaging $158.37 per week. The maximum amount a claimant was eligible to receive was $215 per week. The maximum amount was increased to $224 per week effective July I, 1997.
The average duration of benefits went from a low of 9.3 weeks during the months of January, May and June 1997 to a high of 9.7 weeks for November 1996. Only three states have an effective tax rate lower than Georgia's, based on total wages.
Trade AdjustmentAssistance
The number of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFfA) certifications was significant for fiscal year 1997. A total of 71 petitions were certified. Forty-nine were TAA and 22 were NAFfA.
At Your Service...24 Hours A Day
The OLIVoR system, a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week interactive voice response service, has been a major success. Using only a touchtone telephone, unemployed workers and employers can easily and quickly utilize the services of the Department.
A person who becomes unemployed can call OLIVoR to learn how to file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits, as well as the location and hours of operation of the

nearest Department field office. Once a benefit claim has been established, the claimant
can call OLIVoR each week to certify his or her continued eligibility and inquire about the status of unemployment checks.
OLIVoR even has the ability to call employers who are late filing quarterly tax reports. OLIVoR delivers a recorded message that the employer needs to call the Department, and our staff then explains what the employer needs to do to fulfill legal obligations.
Georgia's Child Labor Law
The law protects youth under the age of 18 from hazardous work environments and helps ensure that young work-ers have sufficient time to devote to school. The Department monitors certificates (work permits) issued by school officials. In cases where noncompliance is determined, the Department may revoke permits.
The Department also issues special work certificates, required by law, to minors employed in the entertainment industry.
We processed more than 55,000 employment certificates during the fiscal year.

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The Department received the prestigious Golden Glasses Award from the Atlanta Regional Commission for its work with the Atlanta Project and the Department of Human Resources' Division of Family and Children Services on the statewide welfare-to-work program. Receiving the award on behalf of the Department are left to right, Andrea Harper, assistant commission, Job Training Division; Don Chappell, chief of program operations, Employ-
ment Service Division; Cheryl Winters, manager, North Metro FSO, and Francis Mangham, District 3 director.

Taryn Chi/ivis, left, and Paul Cornwall, director of the Distance Learning Center, assist Linda Bellflower and Greg Wynn, of the Unemployment Insurance Division,
with the teleconferencing of a program to the field
service offices.

Elaine Tillier, executive producer at Georgia Public Television (GPTV), gives final instructions to job counselors before they go on the air at the annual "Success Track" Job Fair. Co-sponsored by the Department and GPTV, the Job Fair is seen throughout Georgia, as well as parts of Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee, over the ninestation GPTV network.

Veterans Service Director George Landford, left, at one of 23 job fairs cohosted by the Department, assists one of 79,000 veterans and dependents who received employment-related services. More than 20,000 people were placed in jobs.

Clayton FSO Manager Janice Moore talks with students in an alternative
school during a youth motivational
seminar. The Department's Youth Motivational Task Force uses successful professional and business people to encourage at-risk students to stay in school.

Veterans Programs

The Office of Veterans Programs enhanced the Department's services to veterans, exceeding each of the 14 federal standards.
The Department served 78,945 veterans, other eligibles and dependents; of those, 22,693 were Vietnam-era veterans and 3,337 were disabled veterans.
A total of 20,562 veterans were placed on private sector jobs which was an increase from last year of 34 per cent, and 3,440 were placed with federal contractors for an increase of 156 more than last year.
The Transition Assistance Program conducted an average of 18 workshops per month for military personnel and their families who were making the transition to civilian life. Approximately 8,444 military personnel participated in workshops on eight military installations.
In conjunction with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the AMVETS and Disabled American Veterans, the Office of Veterans Programs co-hosted 23 Vet-

erans Job Fairs throughout the state. The job fairs featured approximately 730 employers and were attended by more than 8,500 veterans. The Veterans Job Fairs have been a great success throughout the state, according to employers, veterans and members of the communities where the job fairs have been held. Approximately 18,000 veterans received vocational rehabilitation services, and more than 1,000 veterans received case management.
The Office of Veterans Programs worked very closely with the Veterans Of Foreign Wars, the Atlanta Veterans Administration, the Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center and many other veterans service providers in co-hosting a three-day VETERANS STAND DOWN. The Veterans Stand Down was held at Fort Gillem (Ga.) military installatimL" More than 1,200 homeless and displaced veterans in need of services were clothed, fed and housed during the Stand Down. Some veterans were placed in jobs quickly and some are still being referred to employers to be hired.

Economic Development a
Employer Relations

Georgia reaped the economic harvest sown during the Centennial Olympic Games, as business and industrial investment from throughout the world exploded in our state in FY 97. Since economic expansion is driven by an everincreasing demand for a skilled labor force, GDOL's contributions via the Economic Development and Employer Relations Office involved no less than 475 diverse projects during the fiscal year. Georgia's pro-business climate, as seen in state labor laws and coordinated economic recruitment, continued to draw the interest of companies wanting to invest in the state. The state's readily-available work force was the focus of numerous workshops, speeches and training sessions offered to aid local economic developers in their professional duties.

Labor force analysis depicting Georgia's labor market areas provided the foundation for recruiting prospects statewide. Success stories included the siting of companies such as SKC-America, BellSouth Mobility, American Recycling Technology Inc., Nisshinbo Automotive Manufacturing, Caterpillar, Claw Tuff, Universal Alloy Corporation, Aldiscon, Lucent Technologies, Sigvaris Inc., GO Plastics, Cooper Lighting, United Health Care Inc., Kevlacat and Blue Bell Creamers .
The ED&ER team holds leadership roles in diverse organizations which promote the economic health of Georgia. Included are the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA), Operation Legacy, Georgia Press Educational Foundation and Leadership Georgia.

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Labor tlarket Information

Employment in Georgia continued to increase during Fiscal Year 1997, although at a somewhat slower pace than the rapid rate of growth which preceded the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Average employment for the year showed a total net increase of 100,200 jobs compared to the prior fiscal year. The employment figures reflected a large but temporary decline immediately following the Olympics, but growth has since returned to a more normal pattern.
Georgia's current employment expansion had its beginnings in January of 1992. Since that time, over 700,000 jobs have been gained, and unemployment has fallen steadily. At the end of the fiscal year (June 1997), the statewide unemployment rate was 4.9 percent.
There is a continuing need for reliable, localized information about jobs and the work force as Georgia's economy grows and changes. Users of labor market information include employers, individual workers, students, policy makers, economists and researchers, economic developers and education and training planners. Labor market information available from the Department is compiled by the Labor Information Systems division from data collected through employer and household surveys and from administrative data provided by employers for unemployment insurance purposes. Most of the statistical information is produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Department compiles and publishes information on employment, unemployment, wages, and labor mar-

ket conditions through a variety of formats including newsletters, special-purpose reports and several new computerized information products. Georgia QuickSource! is an electronic bulletin board system that offers a wide range of information for ready access and downloading. Georgia QuickStats! is a new CD-ROM information source that provides access to all types of labor market information through an easy-to-use interface. Another new information product developed during Fiscal Year 1997 is Georgia JobGuide, which will provide job seekers the information they need to conduct a successful job search.
One of our most popular data sources, the Georgia Wage Survey, was updated during the fiscal year, and the new survey results are now available. Another widely used publication, the Georgia Career Planner, has received strong endorsement by school systems throughout the state and was reprinted during the year. An updated version will be prepared during Fiscal Year 1998. The Department conducts surveys of its data users to determine the adequacy of currently available information products and to identify new information needs. A comprehensive survey of users is planned for Fisca1Year 1998.
The Georgia Labor Market Information Directory provides a detailed listing of labor market information products, sources and contacts. The directory is available through Labor Information Systems.

Equal Opportunity

It is the Department's policy not to discriminate and to provide equal opportunity for all individuals in any program it administers or operates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, political affiliation or belief.

The equal opportunity director is responsible for promoting and administering this policy throughout the Department. The equal opportunity director also provides employment law compliance information to Department management and to the business community.

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Safety Engineering

The responsibility for promoting and protecting the safety of Georgia's citizens and workplaces is carried out through a variety of state and federal programs administered by the Department's Safety Engineering Division. In a cooperative effort with the U. S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the division conducts occupational safety and health data collection programs monitoring workplace accidents, illnesses and fatalities. The information compiled from these programs allows safety and health professionals to focus on accident prevention and control methods.
The division also administers a statewide awards program which recognizes private sector employers who have demonstrated excellence in their efforts to provide for safer and healthier workplaces. In the past three years, employers' interest continues to grow, and the finalists are now recognized at the Department's annual Safety and Health Conference.
The division has the responsibility of serving as the administrative home for an initiative addressing workplace safety and health issues for small businesses Project Safe Georgia -which is focusing on safety and health issues for small business. This effort was based on working partnerships with private industry, govem-

mental agencies, academia and public health groups that are devoted to reducing work-related hazards, injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
In the public sector, the state's Public Employee Hazardous Chemical Protection and Right to Know Program allows division personnel to assist their counterparts in other state agencies to minimize and control employee exposure to hazardous chemicals while on the job. This program also provides technical assistance on other related safety issues.
The responsibility for ensuring the safety of Georgia's citizens is carried out through a variety of inspection programs. Statewide, the division conducted over 32,816 safety inspections covering boilers, pressure vessels, ele~a.'tors and escalators, safety glass, amusement parks and carnival rides. The revenue generated from the inspection fees totaled $2,674,000. The division is selfsupporting and requires no taxpayers' funds.
Safety Engineering Division engineers and specialists are active on various national safety code committees and have worked with city and county inspectors to standardize statewide inspection procedures for regulators.

Office of Drug-Free Georgia

Illegal drug abuse in the workplace poses a serious safety and productivity threat to Georgia employers. It drives up absenteeism, lost time accidents, worker compensation premiums and unemployment insurance taxes. It drives down employee morale and efficiency.
To assist Georgia employers in implementing a drug-free workplace program in their company, Commissioner Poythress created the Office of Drug-

Free Georgia. Drug-Free Georgia educates and counsels employers regarding the certification process to receive a 7.5 percent discount on workers' compensation premiums under the State of Georgia Workers' Compensation Drug-Free Workplace Premium Credit program.

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Intergovernmental Relations

The Intergovernmental Relations division provides easy access to the Department's services and programs for all citizens. The division also acts as a liaison with city, county and state elected officials.
Since its inception in 1993, the division has actively taken Department services directly to citizens throughout Georgia. It has implemented several programs, including the following:
Minority Advisory Committee
The Minority Advisory Committee serves as a liaison between the Department and the minority sector in Georgia. The committee conducts seminars statewide, providing information on the full range of services offered by the Department.
The committee consists of a cross-section of Georgians from various professions who represent numerous cities and counties.
Youth Motivational Task Force
The Georgia Department of Labor's Youth Motivational Task Force (YMTF) Program was formed in 1993. This program was designed to bring together informed, dedicated, and successful individuals from every walk of life, to visit colleges, universities, vocational schools, high schools, junior high schools, and middle schools in an attempt to increase student awareness of how the business world operates. In addition, seminars are conducted for churches, fraternities, community-based organizations, and local govern-

ment entities. YMTF members provide students with the direction and
insight necessary in making informed career decisions. These individuals share valuable information to help stimulate and motivate students in preparation for career opportunities in business, industry, and the public sector.
Task Force members are expected to facilitate discussions to broaden students' awareness of career paths and options, basic job requirements, and how the business world operates.
Some particular activities associated with YMTF presentations are motivational speaking, career counseling, overview of Department of Labor Services, employability skills assessment, and life skills.
Other entities given equal exposure are the Job Corps Program, Georgia Career Information System, HOPE Scholarship Program, Job Training Partnership Act, Job Referral, GED!Adult Literacy Program, Youth Apprenticeship, DrugFree Workforce, and Resume Writing Workshops.
Since 1993, thousands of Georgia residents have benefitted from these seminars. Our aim is to provide information on an array of state and federal programs at our Workforce Development Seminars. Our partners include the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Georgia Career Information Center at Georgia State University, the Georgia Department ofTechnical and Adult Education, the Governor's Children andYouth Coordinating Council, Private Industry Councils, Georgia Employer Committees and many others.

Advisory Groups

The Governor's Employment and Training Council was created by executive order in November 1988 and established by the General Assembly in 1989 to assist the Governor in planning, coordinating, implementing and monitoring the programs and services provided under the Job Training Partnership Act (ITPA). The council also provides guidance and advice to the Commissioner on all activities of the Department. The council is comprised of 30 members, representing the private sector, organized labor, communitybased organizations, the state legislature, state agencies, local government and the general public. Council members are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
To assist the Department in meeting the needs of employers, Employer Committees have been established throughout the state. These committees serve as a vital communications link between businesses and the Department's local field service offices. A strong partnership with the business community assures Georgia employers a better return on the taxes they pay to support employment security programs.
The business representatives who serve on the committees keep local offices informed of private sector interests, recommend ways to improve the Department's services and provide their communities with information about current employment and training issues. There are 47 local committees with more than 900 members. As local committees identify private-sector concerns, informational seminars and workshops are conducted. A State Employer Executive

Board, composed of representatives from the local committees, advises the Commissioner on ways to improve services to both employers and applicants and provides guidance to the local committees.
This year our State Employer Committee was honored with the Regional Award for Outstanding State Committee. The award was presented to Georgia Executive Board members, Cynthia Wilkinson and Richard Dixon, along with Gail Golden, Georgia Co-ordinator who attended the Region IV Conference in Asheville, North Carolina. Other state committees in our region include Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The Georgia Executive Board members were truly honored to be named Outstanding State Committee over all other state committees in our region.
The Commissioner's Advisory Council is made up of representatives from business, organized labor and the general public. The council assists the Commissioner in formulating policies and advises him on proposed departmental legislation. Members of the council are appointed by the Commissioner.

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Field Service Offices

ALBANY Ms. Melba Bridges, Manager 1608 South Slappey Blvd. Albany, GA 31706-3450 (912)430-5010
AMERICUS Mr. Michael Flowers, Manager 120 W. Church Street Americus, GA 31709-0748 (912)931-2520
ATHENS Ms. Naomi Glenn, Manager 788 Prince Avenue Athens, GA 30603 (706)542-8500
AUGUSTA Ms. Demishia Croft, Acting Manager 601 Greene Street Augusta, GA 30903-0160 (706)721-3131
BAINBRIDGE Ms. Sandra Harrell, Manager 310 South Scott Street Bainbridge, GA 31717-1017 (912)248-2618
BLAIRSVILLE Ms. Debra Parson, Manager Haralson Memorial Center Blairsville, GA 30514-0834 (706) 745-6959
BLUE RIDGE Ms. Cindy Godfrey, Manager East Second Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513-0488 (706)632-2033
BRUNSWICK Mr. Ronnie Bivins, Manager 2517 Tara Lane Brunswick, GA 31520 (912)264-7244
CAIRO Mr. Emory Virgil, Manager 101 Martin Luther King Avenue Cairo, GA 31728-0685 (912)377-6526

CAMILLA Ms. Cherry Rizer, Manager 35 South Scott Street Camilla, GA 31730-0311 (912)336-7845
CARROLLTON Mr. Harold Durrah, Manager 275 Northside Drive Carrollton, GA 30117-0509 (770)836-6668
CARTERSVILLE Mr. Larry Beck, Manager 19 Felton Place Cartersville, GA 30120-9007 (770)387-3760
CEDARTOWN Ms. Brenda Sanford, Manager 1108 North Main Street Cedartown, GA 30125-1019 (770)749-2213
CLAYTON COUNTY Ms. Janice Moore, Manager 1193 Forest Parkway Lake City, GA 30260-3414 (404)363-7643
COBB-CHEROKEE Mr. Ken Cochran, Manager 465 Big Shanty Road Marietta, GA 30066-3303 (770)528-6100
COLUMBUS Mr. Gene Chestnutt, Manager 700 Veterans Parkway Columbus, GA 31902-0390 (706)649-7423
CORDELE Ms. Ginger Young, Manager 1205 South Seventh Street Cordele, GA 31010-1136 (912)276-2355
COVINGTON Mr. Dan Patrick, Manager 7249 Industrial Blvd., N.E. Covington, GA 30210-1189 (770)784-2455

DALTON Ms. Derita Ruff, Manager 1406 Chattanooga Avenue Dalton, GA 30720 (706)272-2301
DEKALB COUNTY Ms. Sherry Moore, Manager 3879 Covington Hwy. Decatur, GA 30032-2640 (404)298-3970
DOUGLAS Mr. Hugh Burke, Manager 310 West Bryan Street Douglas, GA 31533-1363 (912)389-4254
DUBLIN Ms. Marcia Jackson, Manager 910 N. Jefferson Street Dublin, GA 31021 (912)275-6525
EASTMAN Mr. Ray Greenleaf, Manager 207 Fifth Avenue Eastman, GA 31023-1649 (912)374-6994
ELBERTON Mr. John Nicholson, Manager 5 Seaboard Street Elberton, GA 30635-0956 (706)213-2028
GAINESVILLE Mr. Walt Halski, Manager 2419 Corporate Drive, S.W. Gainesville, GA 30504-6056 (770)535-5484
GRIFFIN Mr. Fletcher Dunn, Manager 1514 Highway 16 West Griffin, GA 30224-0736 (770)228-7226
GWINNETT COUNTY Ms. Brenda Brown, Manager 1535 Atkinson Road Lawrenceville, GA 30243-5601 (770)995-6913

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HABERSHAM AREA Ms. Sandra Chapman, Manager 215 Hodges Street, Suite #205 Cornelia, GA 30531 (706)776-0811
HINESVILLE Mr. Gary Varner, Manager 137 South Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313-3217 (912)370-2596
JESUP Ms. Donna McCollough, Manager 189 N. Brunswick Street Jesup, GA 31598-0833 (912)427-5842
KINGS BAY Mr. Carman Wright, Manager 1712 Osborne Road, Suite L S1. Marys, GA 31558-2632 (912)673-6942
LAFAYETTE Ms. Johnnie Lewis, Manager 200 West Villanow Street LaFayette, GA 30728-0947 (706)638-5525
LAGRANGE Ms. Patsy Brewer, Manager 1002 Longley Place LaGrange, GA 30240-5733 (706)845-4000
MACON Mr. David Clinard, Manager 3090 Mercer University Drive Macon, GA 31213-2899 (912)751-6164
MILLEDGEVILLE Ms. Carolyn Peeler, Manager 156 Roberson Mill Road Milledgeville, GA 31061-0730 (912)445-5465
MONROE Ms. Pat Bailey, Manager 226 Alcova Street, Suite B-5 Monroe, GA 30655-0924 (770)207-4111

MOULTRIE Ms. Demishia Croft, Manager 115 5th Street, S. E. Moultrie, GA 31776-1050 (912)891-7147
NEWNAN Mr. Melvin Samuels, Manager 30 Bledsoe Road Newnan, GA 30265-1044 (770)254- 7220
NORTH METRO Ms. Cheryl Winters, Manager 2943 North Druid Hills Road Atlanta, GA 30329-3909 (404)679-5200
.. :O~~
NORTHWEST GEORGIA Ms. Dot Hale, Manager 759 Battfield Parkway F1. Oglethorpe, GA 30741-0309 (706)861-1991
PERRY Ms. Patricia Newman, Manager 741-A Main Street Perry, GA 31069-1781 (912)987-5051
ROME Mr. Mark Ezzell, Manager 462 Riverside Parkway, N.E. Rome, GA 30162-5107 (706)295-6051
SAVANNAH Mr. Cecil Wilkerson, Manager 5520 White Bluff Road Savannah, GA 31403-2069 (912)356-2773
SOUTH METRO Mr. Willie Johnson, Manager 2636-14 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Atlanta, GA 30311-1605 (404)699-6900
STATESBORO Mr. Joel Martin, Manager 62 Packinghouse Road Statesboro, GA 30459-0558 (912)681-5156

SYLVESTER Mr. Everett Hood 204 E. Franklin Street Sylvester, GA 31791-2106 (912)777-2120
THOMASVILLE Mr. Joey Ferrell, Manager 120 North Crawford Street Thomasville, GA 31799-1430 (912)225-4033
THOMSON Mr. Michael Boardman 230 Main Street Thomson, GA 30824 (706)595-3665
TIFTON Mr. Eddie Gurley, Manager 902 South Main Street Tifton, GA 31793-0067 (912)386-3322
TOCCOA Mr. David Carter, Manager 112 N. Alexander Street Toccoa, GA 30577-0520 (706)282-4514
VALDOSTA Ms. Nelda Ryan, Manager 2808 North Oak Street Valdosta, GA 31602 (912)333-5211
VIDALIA Mr. Stephen Brennan, Manager #16 Carter Center, Queen Street Vidalia, GA 30474-1106 (912)538-3231
WAYCROSS Ms. Donna Wheeler, Manager 600 Plant Avenue Waycross, GA 31502-1609 (912)285-6105
Denotes satellite Office

13

APPLICANTS REGISTERED BY OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES

INDIVIDUALS PLACED BY OCCUPATIONAL CATEGORIES

Total applicants Professional, technical and managerial Clerical Sales Domestic Other services Agricultural, fishing and forestry Processing Machine trades Bench work Structural work Motor freight transportation Package material handler Miscellaneous

605,697 86,449
116,897 37,405 2,505 81,587 12,702 22,668 42,103 41,983 60,407 18,789 78,509 3,693

Note: Includes all applicants active during FY 1997 except those who were partially registered.

Total placements Professional, technical and managerial Clerical Sales Domestic Other services Agricultural, fishing and forestry Processing Machine trades Bench work Structural work Motor freight transportation Package material handler Miscellaneous

104,554 3,049
13,828 6,658 381
14,286 4,640
12,930 7,749 7,653 9,247 3,239
20,581 313

. Note: Includes all placements made during FY 1997. As some individuals were placed more than once, categories may not add to total.

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF APPLICANTS REGISTERED

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS PLACED

Total applicants Veterans and other eligibles U.I. claimants Female Minority Youth (under 22) Disabled Migrant and seasonal farmworkers

605,697 78,877
248,980 295,657 318,078 101,657
5,962 8,330

Note: Includes all applicants active during FY 1997.

Total placements Veterans & other eligibles U.I. claimants Female Minority , Youth (under 22) Disabled Migrant and seasonal farmworkers

104,554 15,587 23,558 44,095 62,420 24,465 1,270 8,034

Note: Includes all placements made during FY 1997. As some individuals were placed more than once, categories may not add to total.

14

TYPE EVENT
CLOSURE LAYOFF
TOTAL

PY96 BUSINESS CLOSURE/LAYOFF SUMMARY

NUMBER OF
EVENTS
97 34 131

NUMBER AFFECTED
15,641 2,868
18,509

DISLOCATIONS BY INDUSTRY

NUMBER AFFECTED PERCENTAGE
84% 16% 100%

TYPE INDUSTRY

NUMBER OF
EVENTS

NUMBER AFFECTED

NUMBER AFFECTED PERCENTAGE

MANUFACTURING

95

TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNICATIONS

5

TRADE

18

FINANCE, INSURANCE AND REAL ESTATE

9

SERVICES

13

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

TOTAL

131

11,941 746
1,650 1,413 2,559
200 18,509

MOST SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED INDUSTRY

MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

NUMBER OF EVENTS

TEXTILE MILL PRODUCTS

16

APPAREL AND OTHER TEXTILE PRODUCTS

28

TOTAL

44

65% 4% 9% 7% 14% 1% 100%
NUMBER AFFECTED
2,662 4,332 6,994
15

CONDITION OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TRUST FUND

FISCAL YEAR

NET CONTRIBUTIONS

NET BENEFITS PAYMENTS

TRUST FUND BALANCE

1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 1996 1997

$ 53,041,398 187,347,023 247,416,925 258,590,457 353,955,504 352,845,032 335,707,744

$200,456,458 148,663,008 188,098,139 259,066,086 247,950,920 277,574,851 311,416,661

$ 338,263,700 470,089,281 555,480,632
1,072,372,847 1,408,483,201 1,582,886,394 1,717,200,360

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

ADMINISTRATIVE FUND - STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES

FISCAL YEAR 1997

J,

TOTAL Personal Services Regular Operating Expense Travel Motor Vehicle Purchases Equipment Purchases Computer Charges Real Estate Rentals Telecommunications Per Diem, Fees and Contracts JTPA Contracts Capital Outlay Payment on General Obligation Bonds

$159,520,916.51 77,997,719.11 7,666,970.27 1,231,298.88 29,398.51 522,075,42 7,950,439.84 1,723,531.80 1,472,634.87 5,065,242.04 54,052,526.77 35,000.00 1,774,079.00

SOURCE
FEDERAL FUNDS Collected Funds
Administrative Assessment Penalty and Interest Inspection Collection Appropropriated State Funds TOTAL FUNDS
16

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Funding Sources - Fiscal Year 1997
AMOUNT
$139,998,728.51
13,035,000.00 3,776,550.00 2,318,844.00 391,794.00
$159,520,916.51

PERCENT
87.76%
8.17% 2.37% 1.45% 0.25% 100.00%