Wilmington, DE – Governor Jack Markell joined employers across the state to highlight the growing work of the state’s “Job Squad” and their efforts to connect businesses looking to hire with talented Delawareans looking for work.

“We make the case every day for companies to consider Delaware as a great choice to locate or expand. We also make the case to companies who are growing here to consider the great talent available to start work immediately,” Markell said.

The “Job Squad” is part of the Department of Labor’s Business Services Unit, and has representatives working in the Department’s “one stop” service center throughout Delaware to match open positions with their database of resumes from Delawareans looking for work. Markell encouraged more companies to turn to the “Job Squad” when they have a position to fill.

“The message is clear – If you’re a company with a job to fill, let us help you fill it and help get a Delawarean back to work,” Markell said. “Most people out of work don’t want a check, they want a chance - to show employers how much value and opportunity they can bring and a chance to provide for their families. The more employers turn to the Job Squad for the free help it offers, the more chances we have to match up that talent with opportunity.”

Department of Labor Secretary John McMahon introduced some of the businesses that moved people off of unemployment and into jobs at their companies by working with the department. He made clear that the Business Services Unit and the talented Delawareans they have access to are both eager to help companies expand.

“We want to be the best employment office—not just the best unemployment office—we can be, and more employers are discovering that we can help them get the people they need working,” McMahon said.

Businesses who would like the “Job Squad” to help them find their next employee should call the Division of Employment and Training at 302-761-8131. Delawareans can go to one of the state’s service centers – (http://www.delawareworks.com/officesDOL.shtml) – or update their resumes on-line through their JobSeeker accounts: https://joblink.delaware.gov/ada/mn_registration_dsp.cfm

Despite brief stabilization last week, and even slight decreases in some areas, gas prices continued their upward trend this week.  For the sixth consecutive week gas prices have remained above the $3.00 a gallon mark, with the national average price of regular grade gasoline at $3.12 Friday, up 2 cents from a week ago.  Prices remain 4 cents higher than a month ago, 46 cents above year-ago prices, yet $0.99 below the record of $4.11 set in the summer of 2008.

Despite reaching a 28-month high during intraday trading on Thursday of $92.05 in response to the unrest in Egypt, crude oil prices retreated the same day due to basic fundamentals – a stronger U.S. dollar, hefty crude oil stocks and weak demand.  A catalyst for gains, continued tensions in the Middle East will undoubtedly keep oil trading in the $90 to (even) $100 a barrel range in the coming weeks, especially if the flow of oil is disrupted.  Analysts are keeping a close watch on escalating violence in Egypt though it has not affected oil movements so far.  The latest reports suggest that operations are normal in the Suez Canal and on the Sumed pipeline.  Egypt controls both the canal and the pipeline, which together moved over 2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude and oil products in 2009, the latest data available.  A drop in the U.S. jobless rate announced Friday and a rebound in the U.S. dollar, along with unfounded reports that Egyptian President Mubarak would step down immediately, sent crude down 2 percent for the day to close the week at $89.03 (down 31 cents on the week).

In its weekly report, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) announced crude oil stocks rose by 2.6 million barrels to 343.1 million barrels, in line with expectations.  Gasoline stocks rose by 6.2 million barrels to 236.2 million barrels, well above expectations.  In addition, the EIA noted gasoline demand moved to 8.55 million barrels per day, not strong at all and may show even more weakness in the week ahead following this week’s major snow storm throughout most of the country.

“Winter is typically a time of lower gas prices, due to lower crude oil and demand, however this winter has been anything but typical,” said Jana L. Tidwell, Public Affairs Specialist for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “Higher heating oil (a byproduct of crude oil) costs and recent unrest in Egypt, have sent crude oil prices soaring and some analysts believe it will be quite some time before we see a reversal in crude oil prices this year.”

All eyes will be on Egypt and the continued unrest plaguing the country.  Crude oil is likely to remain high, although analysts have said that any disruption in crude oil movement in the Suez Canal and on the Sumed pipeline could send crude oil prices even higher.

CURRENT AND PAST GAS PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline (*indicates record high)

                          



Beginning Tuesday, February 1, 2011, the Delaware State Police, with the assistance of Robert Mooney, Executive Director of Delaware Crime Stoppers, are implementing an additional method for the public to provide anonymous tips and information with the use of their cellular phone. Callers will be able to provide information to the Delaware State Police by sending a text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP". The confidential, anonymous tip will be received and then forwarded to the appropriate investigator or unit.  This method is being utilized in addition to lines being maintained by the Delaware Crimes Stoppers (1-800-TIP-3333) as well as the ability to provide information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.