Survey indicates flat hiring rate likely for winter...

Survey indicates flat hiring rate likely for winter quarter

A survey of employers by Manpower Inc. to be released today indicates a flat hiring pattern for the Annapolis area, with personnel additions being offset by reductions this winter.

Manpower says it examines hiring intentions quarterly, based on interviews with 16,000 public and private employers in 489 U.S. markets.

The First Quarter 2001 Employment Outlook Survey for the Annapolis area found 13 percent of employers anticipating an increase in hiring, 13 percent a decrease, 51 percent no change, and 23 percent that don't yet know.

The report for Annapolis contrasted with those for Baltimore, Frederick, Hagerstown, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Salisbury and Southern Maryland - all of which indicated increased hiring would take place during the first quarter.

"Three months ago, the outlook was vibrant, when 47 percent anticipated work force additions while 3 percent thought payrolls were too high," Manpower spokesman Lou Scrivani said of the Annapolis report. "At this time last year, the market was modest, when 23 percent predicted personnel gains and 17 percent reported cutbacks were planned."

Manpower Inc. is a global provider of work force-management solutions. It says it provides employment to more than 2 million people annually through 3,600 offices in 54 countries. For information, visit www.us.manpower.com.

Credit card workshop offered at Arundel Mills

The West Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce will present a Life 101 Workshop called "Card Me - The Joys and Heartaches of Credit/Debit Cards" from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 29 at the Arundel Mills Retail Skills Center.

The workshop is intended to help people manage their credit and debit cards better.

Bonnie Lindsay, branch manager of Citizens National Bank in Odenton, will present the free program. Reservations are requested.

Information: Marcia Hall at the West County Chamber, 410-672- 3422, or the Retail Skills Center, 410-799-9099.

Retired executives to hold business workshops in Dec.

Some of the skills needed to start and operate a business will be taught in workshops offered next month by the Annapolis area's Chapter 390 of the Service Corps of Retired Executives.

"Business Accounting Made Easy" will be the topic of a SCORE workshop from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6, with a certified public accountant teaching how to meet IRS requirements and provide a profit/loss statement each month.

"Let's Prepare a Business Plan" will be covered in a seminar at the same time Dec 13.

Each program has a $35 fee and will be presented in the second-floor Chesapeake Room of the Heritage Office Complex at 2664 Riva Road. Information or to register: the SCORE office at 410-266-9553.

Cellular Center opens fifth county location

The Cellular Center, authorized dealer of CellularOne products and services, has announced the opening of a retail center at Arnold Station off Ritchie Highway.

The store joins fours others in the chain in Anne Arundel County - in Annapolis, Severna Park, Glen Burnie and Crofton.

Manager of the center will be Doug Butschky, an Arnold native and employee of CellularOne since 1997. He will also direct an external sales force of five people, the company said.