Wall Street Journal (08/19/13) Jeffrey Sparshott

Although nationally the July unemployment rate declined to 7.4% from 7.6% in June, many states and regions nevertheless saw rising unemployment, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The unemployment rate rose in 28 states and the District of Columbia, declined in eight states, and remained steady in 14. The share of unemployed workers rose the most in Alaska and Georgia, rising 0.3 of a percentage point to 6.3% and 8.8%, respectively. Mississippi fared the best, with its rate falling 0.5 of a percentage point to 8.5%.

Globe Newswire (08/19/13)

A survey by the National Association of Corporate Directors indicates corporate directors continue to be positive about the economy and hiring in 2014. The association’s Board Confidence Index recently registered a score of 63.1. Any reading above 50 indicates a positive outlook on the markets. Directors note that the top challenges in attracting and retaining talent are competitive compensation pressures, a lack of qualified candidates, and insufficient internal management development.