Colorado’s employment advanced 1.6% over last quarter gaining 35,413 employees. Many seasonal factors typically influence third quarter activity, however, the strength of the economy was apparent. With the arrival of warm weather we saw the peak of the agriculture season, construction and seasonal gains in tourism and recreation. Agriculture experienced the largest percent gain up 10.4% adding 3670 employees with strong hiring for production and harvesting. Services generated the largest employment gain in numbers up 16,894. Increases in lodging, and amusement and recreation buoyed by increases in temporary business services guided gains. Retail Trade expanded significantly adding 10,486 employees. The opening of the Flatiron Crossing Mall in Boulder County generated a spate of new business activity and employment. Typically, Government employment falls as schools close for summer break. Employment dropped by 10,740.

Continued economic prosperity contributed to the ongoing expansion of job growth and hiring in Colorado. Annually, the state employment numbers grew by 88,566 up 4.2%. In terms of numbers this was the greatest annual increase to have ever taken place. More than one third of the increase can be attributed to gains within the Services industry due to a healthy discretionary income and high demand for temporary and contract services. Abundant discretionary income also created demand for home remodeling projects in Construction and increased buying in Retail Trade. Construction, also spurred by low interest rates, reported the second largest employment increase up by 16,352. Retail Trade rose by 13,131 employees. Continued building in the area of Park Meadows and the opening of the Flatiron Crossing Mall fueled gains. Due to escalating fuel prices drilling increased and Mining took a turn for the positive gaining 341 employees.