DOTHAN, Ala. — Recently Governor Kay Ivey stated she was optimistic about the state’s economy as unemployment hit 4 percent.
This after the pandemic took a toll on different areas including the Dothan Metro Area.
“We want from 3.2 to 9.6 percent,” Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Parker said. “So we saw an immediate evaporation of 6,200 jobs in that 60 day period when it bottomed out at the end of April.”
According to Parker, that number has gone way down and they are now at 3.7 percent for the area which is lower than both the state and national average.
He said it’s because of the economy.
“Our economy due to the diversity and you know healthcare industry, commercial, retail, you know defense, the utility industries,” parker said. “Very diversified economy, so that’s really helped us through this period.”
According to Parker, one area that could use some improvement is the real estate supply for the area.
“We’re at an all-time low with supply there,” Parker said. “Which is indicative on the commercial and the industrial side with buildings too. So that’s the thing we got to build some more capacity.”
Parker said he believes the rollout of the vaccine has helped get the economy rolling again.
“I think we’re getting back to normal again,” Parker said. “I think you still gotta be cautious, be careful, be responsible, but I feel good about where we’re going.”
