Could low unemployment numbers scare prospects away? Gene Marrano August 24, 2018 1 minute read Could the lowest unemployment rate since August 2007 – 3 point 1 percent – and a record labor force expansion scare prospects away from the state and the region? WFIR’s Gene Marrano spoke with a local economic development specialist: Share: Post navigation Previous: Two more local teams gear up for high school football seasonNext: Poll: Virginians who support Trump say it’s for deeds, not words Related Stories United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge helps fund new nature trail signs in Rocky Mount Gene Marrano June 24, 2026 More Romeo & Juliet, new exhibit at Wilson Museum, Broadway in Roanoke releases schedule for 26-27 season Gene Marrano June 24, 2026 Feeding Southwest Virginia President and CEO Pamela Irvine will retire at the end of the year after 45 years with the Food Bank Gene Marrano June 24, 2026