Floyd County’s unemployment rate was unchanged from August to September, staying at 11.1 percent.

Al Hodge, president and CEO of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce, said the figure indicates there are some signs of economic recovery in the area.

“We’re encouraged by some of the employers who are starting to rehire small numbers at this point, but we have been getting bits and pieces of good news of recent and planned for hires,” Hodge said.

Bartow saw a 0.4-percent increase to 13.3 from 12.9 percent between August and September.

Chattooga County saw a 0.4-percent decrease to 11.4 from 11.8 percent over the month.

Walker County saw its jobless rate fall 0.8 percent to 9.6 percent from 10.4 percent over the month. Catoosa saw its rate fall 0.3 percent to 8.0 percent from 8.3 percent.

Gordon and Whitfield counties’ rates were unchanged.

Meanwhile, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 10.1 percent from August to September. The rate remained above the national rate of 9.8 percent for the 23rd consecutive month.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond stressed in a press release about the unemployment numbers that job creation is critical for economic recovery, with the focus being on stimulating private sector job growth, particularly through Georgia’s small and medium-sized businesses.

In the release Thurmond encouraged employers and job seekers to take advantage of opportunities available through expanded use of the Georgia Works initiative.