LABOR DAY State agency wants S.C. unemployed to know ‘lifeboat jobs’ are out there BY BRUCE MILLS For South Carolinians who are unemployed due to COVID-19 or other factors and looking to get back to work, the state’s top employment agency is trying to send a lifeboat. Not literally, but the state Department of Employment and Workforce has spent the last couple months digging through online occupational postings to find the most available jobs - by actual number of current posts this summer - in the state. Agency Labor Market Information Director Brian Nottingham talked to The Sumter Item about the final product, which is the top 29 “lifeboat jobs” in the state. A “lifeboat job” is a relatively new term coined to describe a position that can hold someone over until the economy recovers. Given the jobs are out there currently, each lifeboat job affords a person with an opportunity to earn a paycheck almost immediately, Nottingham said. Also, based on the agency’s research, many of the available career pivots could lead to long-term prospects based on skills acquired in the positions, he added. “The skills you learn in a previous occupation often prepare you for something new, even if you don’t realize it at the time,” Nottingham said. “Similarly, once you find yourself ‘safe from the storm’ in a lifeboat job, you’re acquiring new skills and experiences that, in the future, can set you up to transition into a higher-pay job or start on a brand new career pathway.” During the next few weeks, the agency is distributing information on the various “lifeboat jobs” by industry sector. The first sector is the hospitality and
accommodation industry. After significant layoffs in March and April, various jobs in the sector are growing and available now. Some highlighted “lifeboat jobs” currently are food prep workers (such as fast-food industry workers), janitors and cleaners, waiters/waitresses and food service managers, according to the agency’s research. An uptick in the state’s tourism industry finally in July has led to increased demand for these workers now, Nottingham said. Also, causing more availability now is some workers didn’t return to these jobs this summer as the economy reopened amid the pandemic. Those reasons could be health and safety concerns for themselves and their families, given COVID-19, and possibly the expanded $600 in federal unemployment benefits that people received through July. Currently, some CONTINUE READING ON B2
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people could be holding out to see what happens with the state’s current request to FEMA for an additional $300 on top of state unemployment benefits, he said. Another “lifeboat job” from the
industry this summer is lifeguards, ski patrol and other recreational protective service workers. In June and July, those postings were very large, but Nottingham expects after Labor Day those jobs will drop off the list of top occupations. Various skills that a person can obtain from a “lifeboat” are noteworthy, and they could help someone in the long term. For example, in its graphical presentation, the agency shows a food prep worker acquires skills such as active learning and time management, which
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could lead to a future job as a chef, head cook or food service manager - all growing occupations. A second example from the agency is a food service manager acquires various skills, such as management of financial resources, cost control and profit targeting, which could then lead to an operations manager or general manager-type position or an industrial production manager, all occupations that are growing as well. Heather Biance, an agency spokeswoman, added “lifeboat jobs” deserve spotlight at this time. “The bottom line is simple: Lifeboat jobs are out there, and they can lead to promising career paths,” she said. The state’s current unemployment
rate is 8.6% as of July, ranking 27th of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. South Carolina’s unemployment rate in February, before the COVID-19 pandemic reached the U.S., was 2.5% and was the secondsmallest rate in the country. The July jobs report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics showed the state has gained back about 150,000 of the 272,700 jobs lost in April associated with the temporary shutdown from the spread of the coronavirus. That is a 55% gain. To learn more and to see what other job search resources are avaiable, visit https://dew.sc.gov/individuals/find-ajob/job-search-resources.
Sumter County Workforce -39,673 A BREAKDOWN OF SUMTER COUNTY’S WORKFORCE. DATA PROVIDED BY SUMTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SUMTEREDGE. COM/REGIONAL-DATA/ WORKFORCE.
TOP 15 INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYERS In Sumter DATA PROVIDED BY SUMTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
CONTINENTAL TIRE OF THE AMERICAS Product: Passenger and light truck tires
PILGRIM’S PRIDE INC.
Product: Fresh and frozen poultry
BD DIAGNOSTICS, PREANALYTICAL SOLUTIONS Product: Disposable blood collection devices-medical
THOMPSON INDUSTRIAL
Product: Industrial cleaning services provider
EATON ELECTRICAL
Product: Electrical distribution equipments
SANTEE PRINT WORKS
Product: Fabric engraving, printing, dying, finishing, and testing services
CATERPILLAR HYDRAULICS
Product: Hydraulic cylinders for heavy equipment
SKF (FORMERLY KAYDON) Product: Precision bearings
COLOR-FI INC.
Product: Solution-dyed polyester staple fiber manufacturer
10.
AMERICAN MATERIALS COMPANY
11.
SUMTER METAL PRODUCTS INC.
12.
SUMTER PACKAGING CORP.
13.
CATERPILLAR PRECISION PINS
14. 15.
Unique ways to celebrate Labor Day
Product: Sand, gravel, ready-mix concrete
Product: Fabricated metal products manufacturer Product: Corrugated shipping containers & specialties/ packaging Product: Linkage pins and planet shafts for heavy equipment
INTERNATIONAL PAPER
Product: Fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper
EMS-CHEMIE (NORTH AMERICA) INC.
Product: Thermoplastics adhesive, engineering polymers, technical fibers
Labor Day (or Labour Day in Canada) was created by the labor movement to shine light on the achievements and contributions of workers. Without hardworking men and women, the economy would not thrive and the prosperity of a nation would be unlikely. Like many other holidays, Labor Day’s message may play second fiddle to the more widespread celebrations that take place. It’s easy to think that Labor Day commemorates the unofficial end of summer rather than the North American worker, but those who want to celebrate more mindfully can consider these ideas. • Research local industry and schedule a tour of a factory, farm or another place of business that ties into this industry. • While many people are off on Labor Day, essential workers may not be. Bring lunch to a police station or firehouse, or simply thank workers you come across, such as grocery store employees, for doing their jobs. • Active military who are deployed may be missing home, especially during national
holidays. Send a care package to them that they can enjoy overseas. • Purchase items made domestically to support national industry. • Bosses can reach out to employees with words of praise and encouragement. Too often employees are told what they need to improve rather than what they are doing right. A few words of gratitude can buoy spirits. • Employers can start the three-day weekend early by enabling workers to leave a few hours early on the Friday preceding the holiday weekend. • Organize a company-based competition, like a chili cookoff, pie-eating contest or video game competition. This can boost morale and strengthen connections among staff. Labor Day is often dominated by backyard barbecues and trips to the beach. Those who want to be more in touch with the meaning behind the holiday can look for additional ways to celebrate it.
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holiday; Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day an official holiday in 1887. By 1894, 31 states had made Labor Day an official day off to honor working people. It had not been an easy achievement. Railroad employees who worked for George Pullman saw their wages cut while the rent on their homes — owned by Pullman — was raised and their working conditions continued to be intolerable. Those issues and the firing of union representatives seemed to be the final indignity visited on the workers. Fully 50,000 workers boycotted trains with Pullman cars, completely stalling rail traffic into and out of Chicago – there was no mail delivered to Chicagoans. The effects of the boycott spread around the country. When the public learned the reasons for the boycott, President Grover Cleveland proclaimed the first Monday in September a national holiday. Cleveland’s motives probably had more to do with the fact it was an election year; his strategy failed, likely because he sent troops to Chicago to break the boycott, a move that resulted in the deaths of several men. Cleveland’s Democrats lost heavily in the Congressional elections. The labor movement continued to grow. There is still an annual Labor Day parade in New York and a few other places, but generally people seldom stop on the first Monday in September
Labor Day BY IVY MOORE
AAA offers free resources and tips for traveling during the pandemic BY AAA CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The COVID-19 pandemic can be very confusing for travelers. As Carolinians look to Labor Day and the upcoming autumn and holiday seasons, many are still questioning how the pandemic will affect the various elements of their trip. In addition to its expert team of travel advisers who are able to help travelers make their travel plans with confidence, AAA has also rolled out a variety of free resources to give travelers some peace-ofmind. “Labor Day is typically the last big hurrah for the summer travel season,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. “With students back in school, the majority of travelers are most likely to take up to a 3-day road trip. We encourage travelers to take advantage of these free resources as they develop their travel plans.” COVID-19 TRAVEL RESOURCES • AAA’s Covid-19 Travel Restrictions Map provides updated COVID-related travel restrictions, checkpoints and closures. Visit https://bit.ly/32NfzBx • AAA TripTiks help map your route and locate open gas stations, hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, auto repair facilities, attractions and more. Visit https://triptik.aaa.com/home/index.html • AAA Mobile App is free to download for “on the go” access to all the resources listed above including COVID-19 travel restrictions. Visit https://michigan.aaa.com/travel/aaa-mobile-app.aspx • AAA’s Best of Housekeeping highlights AAA Diamond designated hotels that are recognized for implementing the highest cleaning standards. Visit https://www.aaa.com/bestof/ ROAD TRIP TIPS • Prep your vehicle. Visit a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility to ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready. Some vehicles may have sat unused for months and should be inspected. • Plan stops. Destinations and businesses may have adjusted their hours of operation. • Pack cleaning supplies and face coverings. Some regions have ordinances requiring the use of masks. • Pack food and water. This could reduce the number of times you need to go to the store. • Pull out of the traffic lanes if your car breaks down. If faced with a vehicle emergency, safely steer your car off the roadway. Turn on the emergency flashers to alert other drivers and exit the vehicle on the side facing away from traffic if possible. Once everyone is in a safe location, request assistance from a road service provider. STAYING IN A HOTEL • Call ahead. Ask about any restrictions or changes to amenities and the check-in process. Inquire about their cleaning protocols. • Understand cancellation policies. Hotel cancellation policies can vary based on when you booked, what site you used, and whether the booking was for a special rate. • Bring cleaning supplies. While many hoteliers are implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, personally sanitizing high-touch areas may provide additional peace-of-mind. UNSAFE DRIVING Over the 2019 holiday week, 10 people died in North Carolina and almost 600 were injured as a direct result of impaired driving across our roadways. 66 lives were claimed due to speeding, distracted and sleepy driving according to the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program. In South Carolina, 13 people were killed during the Labor Day travel period according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Preparation is key for people who are planning road trips during this pandemic. With an influx of drivers expected for Labor Day weekend, it is critical that travelers make safe decisions while behind the wheel. Be sure to buckle up, slow down and avoid distracted and impaired driving. These are simple steps to reduce the most common fatal accidents. ACCORDING TO NATIONAL FIGURES FROM NHTSA: • Alcohol impaired driving accounts for just under one-third of all traffic fatalities. Arrange for a safe ride home before your first drink. • Speeding typically accounts for one-third of all traffic fatalities. Adhere to speed limits, leave early so you’re not in a hurry, and reduce your speed for bad weather or other hazardous road conditions. • Distraction is responsible for nine percent of fatal crashes. Drivers are eight times more likely to crash when texting; four times more likely to crash when talking on a cellphone. Put your phone down, program your GPS before driving, and secure loose items in the car. • Seat Belts save lives. Nearly half (47%) of people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017 were not wearing their seat belts / AAA says: Ensure the driver and all passengers buckle-up; this includes children. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for all children. The safest place for children under 12 is in the back seat. For recommendations on what type of seats are best for kids, visit https://bit.ly/3jC7Vkh LABOR DAY GAS PRICES Low gas prices continue to make road trips an affordable option for travelers. It appears that drivers will pay the lowest Labor Day gas prices in four years. The national average price for gasoline is $2.23 per gallon. That’s 35 cents per gallon less than what drivers paid on Labor Day 2019 ($2.58). The fuel supply chain was mostly unaffected by Hurricane Laura. Gasoline futures and wholesale prices have also drifted lower since the storm passed. While it is possible drivers could see an uptick at the pump in the coming days, gas prices are forecast to remain lower than last year, because of the pandemic’s limiting effect on fuel demand.
Labor Day – it’s often seen as the unofficial end of summer, a brief respite for students and teachers after a few weeks of school, or perhaps a time to shop big sales at our favorite stores. Traditionally, it supposedly marks the time to put away one’s white clothing until spring. None of these, however, has anything to do with the real reason Labor Day was begun on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. On that date, oppressed laborers – around 10,000 of them – marched down Broadway in protest of unsafe working conditions, inhumanely long hours of work – 12 hours a day, 7 days a week in the 19th century — low pay and even child labor. The marchers carried signs, perhaps the most remembered one reading “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for recreation.” The improvement in working conditions is due almost exclusively to the work of the labor unions of the time. Just three years after the parade, cities around the U.S. were observing the working man’s
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to celebrate the many contributions of working people in the labor movement in the late 19th century. Businesses and government agencies continue to grant Labor Day off for their employees; few of us work seven days a week for 12 hours; and the labor movement still lobbies for better, guaranteed salaries for underpaid workers and defends employees from unfair treatment.
Ironically, many workers, especially those in retail, will work longer on Labor Day. Law enforcement, firefighters, healthcare workers and many others will continue to serve this Monday. If they must work, perhaps while we’re enjoying barbecues, a last day at the lake or just a relaxing time with a book, in front of the TV or at a movie, it’s a good time to pause, even briefly, to reflect on those responsible for our current work situations and conditions. Consider that without those 19th century workers, we could all be at work right now, receiving no benefits but a barely living wage.
When it comes to Labor Day menu choices, safety is tasty BY AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION NEWS
Labor Day weekend is synonymous with picnics and barbecues, and because of the COVID-19 pandemic, small outdoor gatherings are more popular than ever. However, food that sits out too long or is improperly prepared can lead to trouble. The good news is, that can be avoided by following a few simple steps. Penny Kris-Etherton, a distinguished professor of nutrition at Pennsylvania State University recommends keeping hands, utensils, and cooking and food prep surfaces as clean as possible. “Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds, and make sure to clean beneath your fingernails and in between your fingers,” she said. Following the cooking guidelines on Foodsafety.gov also can help keep you safe. Beef, pork, veal and lamb should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 F, while turkey and chicken should be at 165 F. “If you’re eating extra lean ground beef, it should never be medium rare or raw,” said Kris-Etherton, citing the risk of E. coli. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests other simple steps to reduce the risk of food poisoning: • Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods. • Use a food thermometer to make sure foods are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature. • Store perishable foods at or below 40 F within two hours. If the surrounding temperature is above 90 F, then refrigerate within one hour. The risks are real, said Kris-Etherton, a past chair of the American Heart Association’s Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health. “A lot of people get food poisoning every year, and it’s something that’s preventable.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48 million people in the United States – about 1 in 6 – get food poisoning each year. While most recover,
128,000 end up in the hospital and 3,000 die. Symptoms can range from mild to severe – from stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea to death. In fact, there are more than 250 foodborne diseases, mostly infections caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites. Those pathogens include salmonella, norovirus, listeria and E. coli. Food poisoning peaks in the summer months when warmer temperatures cause foodborne germs to flourish, according to the CDC. The illness usually has to run its full course, but Kris-Etherton urged people with bloody stools or a fever of 102 or above to go to the doctor. People who have uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea also should head straight to the emergency room to get quick IV hydration. While anybody can get food poisoning, Kris-Etherton said people with compromised immune systems are most at risk. That includes people with autoimmune diseases and those being treated with chemotherapy and other immunosuppressant drugs. Young children, pregnant women and older people also are more vulnerable. There is no evidence to suggest the coronavirus is spread by handling or eating food. But the CDC urges people to limit close contact with others outside their homes, wash their hands, wear masks and avoid sharing utensils during events and gatherings. If you have questions or comments about this story, please email editor@heart.org.
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Now is a great time to sell or trade in your car BY RONALD MONTOYA EDMUNDS
be verified by the dealership when the time comes to sell the vehicle.
Historically, Labor Day weekend is an opportune moment to get a great deal on a new vehicle. But this time around, the great deal could very well come about by selling or trading in your car. Factory shutdowns or slowdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic have limited the number of new 2021 vehicles arriving at dealerships, blunting dealerships’ need to offer big inventory-clearing sales. At the same time, there’s an increasing trend of consumers looking to save money by purchasing a used vehicle. As such, dealerships are hungry for used cars that they can turn around and sell. The resulting spike in trade-in values could give your next car deal an unexpected boost.
Specifically, the average value for a traded-in vehicle rose by $2,000 from June to July, according to Edmunds’ sales data, marking a 16% month-over-month increase. In this seller’s market, your trade-in should be a critical part of your buying strategy. “Knowing how much your current vehicle is worth is arguably as important as the price you’re considering paying for your next vehicle,” said Ivan Drury, Edmunds’ senior manager of insights. With an eye to maximizing your trade-in value, here are a few tips to help you sell or trade in your car. USE ONLINE APPRAISAL TOOLS TO ESTABLISH A BASELINE VALUE This is the first and most
important step to take when determining the value of your vehicle. An online appraisal tool will start by asking for your vehicle identification number, license plate or year/make/ model information. Make sure to enter your vehicle’s trim level, mileage, options and condition accurately since this data will impact the bottom line. Once your appraisal is complete, pay attention to what’s labeled the trade-in value if you’re trading in at a dealership, or what’s called the private-party value if you plan on selling it yourself. Privateparty value tends to be higher, but you’ll have to weigh that potential against the value of your time and the hassle of dealing with strangers. Keep in mind that the appraisals are only estimates and will need to
5 convenient tech features you want in your vehicle 1. Telematics: Telematics is a system that can remotely monitor many components of a vehicle’s diagnostics and driver behavior. 2. Cooled seats: While most drivers are familiar with heated seats, many vehicles now come
equipped with cooled seats as well. 3. Wireless phone charging: Electronic devices have been going wireless for years, and the newest crop of wireless tech is wireless phone chargers.
4. Apple CarPlay: Mobile phone users tend to fall into two distinct camps: those who prefer iPhones and those who rave about Android offerings. 5. Second- and thirdrow USB ports: USB ports for second- and third-row
COMPARE OFFERS ON YOUR TRADE IN Some appraisal tools may give you the option to get an offer for your vehicle based on the appraised value. At Edmunds, for example, this offer can be redeemed within seven days at participating dealerships. You can use this offer as a reference point to see if other dealerships will match or exceed it, or simply accept the offer for maximum convenience. It’s worth noting that some websites might ask for your contact information in order to generate the offer. As such, you can expect to receive emails and phone calls from dealerships following up about your vehicle. This can be a hassle, but your goal is to get multiple offers and see who will offer the most competitive price. CHECK YOUR EXPIRING LEASE FOR VALUE If your car lease expires soon, there might be some equity in it, especially if you’ve rolled up fewer miles than expected due to the pandemic. Finance companies are good at predicting what a vehicle will be worth at the end of a lease in normal circumstances, but no one could foresee today’s rising used vehicle values. So it’s worth appraising your leased car to see if you get an offer greater than the residual value on your lease contract, minus any remaining payments. The process can seem complicated because passengers is essential when moving an SUV full of kids or taking a road trip with the family. Technology has dramatically changed the way people live, and has increasingly changed how they drive as well. While power windows were once coveted as high-tech features, the sophisticated technology
the vehicle technically belongs to the finance company. But essentially the dealership is buying the vehicle on your behalf, keeping the vehicle to sell later, and then handing you a check for the difference it had appraised for. The dealership will still be able to make money on your car later, so it’s a winwin situation. But not all lease companies allow this type of transaction, so make sure you check before proceeding. KEEP THE TRADE-IN NEGOTIATIONS SEPARATE A vehicle purchase involves many moving parts, and overlooking the value of your trade-in is a mistake that’s easy to make. In the heat of the moment you might be so focused on the selling price of the vehicle you want to buy that you fail to give the trade-in offer a proper assessment. Handling the trade-in aspect separately can help ensure that you are getting the best overall deal. Edmunds also recommends ignoring the outdated advice of mentioning your trade-in at the last minute. Instead, make sure you get a firm trade-in offer before you even set foot in the dealership. EDMUNDS SAYS: Don’t overlook your car’s trade-in value even if you have an older or high-mileage model. The demand for used cars is so strong now that dealerships are looking to stock their inventory with vehicles of all price ranges. available in modern cars and trucks can make earlier tech seem like child’s play. While some vehicle technology is designed to keep you safe, other tech is all about comfort and convenience. The following are five options to consider when purchasing your next vehicle.
Brown’s Labor Day Sale This is one of our biggest events of the year. Everything in our store will be on sale, so don’t miss this fantastic event!
Sale Starts Thursday, September 3rd and goes through Monday, September 7th All , Sealsy and n Steasrter andic Fo purped Teme also on ar sale
We have some of the finest quality furniture in Sumter. And right now, it’s all on sale; even special orders! We look forward to seeing you on this big Labor Day Sale.
Thanks, Stan and Jason
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