Employment Highlights

• Between 2000 and 2005, the Manufacturing sector experienced a decrease of 1,058 jobs (-31.2%). The only sectors to gain during this period were Education and Health Services (10.3%) and Financial Services (0.2%).
   
• Interviews with employers highlighted that employment is expected to remain stable and slightly increase in the next few years.
   
• The largest employer in Albert Lea is the Albert Lea Medical Center with 1,200 employees followed by the Albert Lea Public School District at 480 employees. The City has a total of 14 employers with 100 or more employees.
   
• It is projected that approximately 500 new jobs will be added in Albert Lea in the next few years due to growth at Select Foods, Flying J’s, and the Albert Lea Medical Center. In addition, Diamond Jo’s Casino will be opening in Northwood, Iowa in April 2006 adding approximately 400 new jobs. This casino is located approximately 15 miles
  from Albert Lea.
   
• The Southeast Minnesota Employment Outlook to 2012 produced by the Department of Employment and Economic Development highlights that jobs are expected to increase by 13.7% in the region between 2002 and 2012. Job creation will be concentrated in service related jobs accounting for 90% of new jobs. Service industries in health care and social assistance are leading the way in job growth. Food manufacturing will add the largest number of manufacturing sector jobs.