By Keith M. Phaneuf

www.ctmirror.org

Connecticut’s unemployment rate declined three-tenths of a point to 5.1 percent in October, despite the loss of 7,200 jobs, the state Department of Labor reported today.

Over the last 12 months, non-farm employment has now grown by just 3,200 jobs, or 0.2 percent.

“Connecticut’s two monthly measures of labor market health continue to send mixed signals,” said Andy Condon, director of the department’s Office of Research.

“Payroll job counts have declined for four consecutive months, indicating a significant slowing of recent job growth trends. However, the residential employment survey and model continue to show increasing employment, decreasing unemployment and a significant drop in the unemployment rate. We will have to await further data to see which direction our labor markets are headed.”

Private sector employment fell by 4,200 jobs, or 0.3 percent, in October while the public sector lost 3,000 jobs, dropping 1.3 percent.

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David McCormick, president of Westport’s Bridgewater Associates, was honored Wednesday night with the Quiet Professional Award by The Green Beret Foundation at a New York City event.

David McCormick:  honored as Quiet Professional.  Contributed photo

The award is given to a person with unwavering dedication within and outside the military and respected leadership of military personnel.

The Green Beret Foundation is an organization that provides direct and continuous support to the Green Beret Community and its families.

McCormick has close ties to the Green Berets, serving in the U.S. Army at Ft. Bragg, N.C. and as a veteran of the first Gulf War.

Westport-based Newman’s Own has launched a series of videos on social media as part of a marketing campaign aimed at millennials who might not recognize the famous face of the brand and might have little to no knowledge of its altruistic story, according to The New York Times. The videos highlight a few of the 600 charities the company works with each year. (See the first video here.) As part of the campaign, all products will now have a more prominent “100 percent Profits to Charity” on their label. YouTube.com video

Expect lower electricity costs this winter, according to Eversource Energy.

It said the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) today approved electricity prices from power suppliers that are 18 percent lower than last winter, the lowest winter rate since 2013. 

On Jan. 1, the residential Standard Service supply price will be 7.87 cents per kilowatt-hour, down from last winter’s 9.56 cents, Eversource said.

“While New England still faces significant constraints on natural gas supplies that affect the price of electricity, Eversource is pleased to be able to pass this winter’s price reduction on to its customers,” an announcement said.