The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development this week announced unemployment data for counties and large cities throughout the state.

In Freeborn County, unemployment dropped from 4 percent to 3.5 percent for the seasonally adjusted rate in the month of August. The rate is similar in Albert Lea at 3.6 percent. Other counties in the area also saw a decrease.

The data shows the labor force in Albert Lea is 8,914 people. The number unemployed is a little over 300.

In Mower, Dodge and Steele counties, the unemployment rate is down to 3.3 percent, while the rate in Owatonna is at 3.5 percent, down from 3.9 percent, according to the numbers.

Across the state, there were more than 7,000 new jobs in August, and statewide, the unemployment rate was 4 percent this month. Nationwide, it is 5.1 percent.

While the low unemployment rates show signs of a strengthened economy, it remains a challenge to fill the open positions. There are more jobs open in the county than the people to fill them. And with baby boomers retiring, this gap is only going to widen.

Two events next month will address some of these worker shortages.

The first, on Oct. 21, will look into the need for jobs in the health care industry, such as licensed practical nurses, patient care assistants and registered nurses.

The event will be at 6 p.m. at Riverland Community College and is open for community members from high school through retirement age.

The second event, Oct. 29, is part of a collaborative effort called Southeast Minnesota Together. The goal for this event is for businesses to make their needs known and to develop solutions. This event is one of a handful taking place in the area.

It’s exciting to see all of these efforts taking place.

Be a part of the solution.