Tag: employment

Kentucky: The New Battery Capital of the United States

Posted on by scott.hodges

Kentucky is rapidly emerging as a leader in the battery manufacturing industry, with a recent announcement of a $712 million project by Canadian Solar Inc. set to solidify this position. The Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing plant, expected to begin production in late 2025, will create 1,572 jobs and produce industrial-sized batteries for energy storage and distribution.

This investment is part of a larger trend in Kentucky, with battery-related projects totaling nearly $12 billion in investments and creating over 10,280 full-time jobs. Governor Andy Beshear emphasized the state’s ambition to become “the battery capital of the United States.”

The Shelbyville plant will focus on utility-scale energy storage systems, producing batteries that are crucial for a green energy future and a secure power grid. These large batteries, measuring about 20 feet long, can be paired with renewable energy sources like solar and wind, ensuring a steady flow of power even when these sources are not actively generating electricity. For example, when nighttime usage drops as people are sleeping, wind energy can be stored in batteries to be use during times of higher demand.

This shift towards sustainable energy storage marks a significant transition for Kentucky, traditionally known for its coal industry. The state is now positioning itself at the forefront of energy security and grid reliability for the entire country.

The project, the largest in Shelby County’s history, also includes a research and development lab to advance battery technology. This investment not only creates job opportunities but also contributes to Kentucky’s economic momentum and technological advancement in the energy sector.

Remote Workers Resign to a Renters Crisis

Posted on by scott.hodges

Pandemic restrictions are lifting and most bosses and companies are accepting that remote work is here to stay. And as employees continue to enjoy the benefits of working from home, they are also looking for homes to work in. The rental market is fierce these days, with prime interest in Florida and across the Northeast region of the U.S.

A review of recent real estate data released in June by RentCafe, a subdivision of Yardi real estate software, indicates that Miami-Dade County, with its 20+ miles of beaches, had the most competitive rental market during the first third of 2022. Orlando and other parts of Southwest Florida are also in the top-ten list of cities, as are Harrisburg, Pa., North and Central Jersey, Grand Rapids, Mich., Rochester, N.Y., and Milwaukee.

What these cities all have in common is their excellent school systems, tranquil lifestyles, and family-friendly communities. The demand for rental properties is driven by high housing prices that have not budged in years and climbing mortgage rates prompting buyers to delay their purchase and seek a rental lease. While some cities are accommodating the increased demand, like Miami-Dade County where additional units were released to the rental market, other cities are not as quick to meet the need: Harrisburg, PA did not add any new apartments in the last four-month period, causing most tenants to renew their leases instead of moving out.

Consumer Views on US Economy

Posted on by scott.hodges

America’s economy is currently not in as poor state as some of the commentators are suggesting. When one looks at numbers of hiring, wage increase, and consumer spending the situation is far from bleak. In fact hourly wages increased.

According to the government’s job report at the beginning of this month, employers in America are actually adding jobs.  True, it’s at a lower pace (hiring at 130,000 jobs in August), but it is still happening.   Unemployment figures remained stagnant (as for the last 3 months) at 3.7 percent.   This is almost the lowest number for unemployment in 50 years.  Plus, the longer the good unemployment rate continues, the better for employees as bosses may have to adjust how they work to ensure longer-term growth.  In other words, they will have to provide better packages for workers and invest in training, equipment etc.

Average hourly wages increased by 11 cents last month which marked a 3.2 percent escalation from 2018 figures. Indeed, according to PNC chief economist Gus Faucher:

“With slower, but still-solid job gains and good wage growth, households will continue to spend. The U.S. economy should avoid recession.”

US consumerism is looking good also.  The highest jump in consumer spending in five years was witnessed in the 2019 April-June quarter.  July looked good as well.