Small gains in TCPU have also been influenced by ski area activity, reflected by gains in local transportation and airlines. Growth in Services, up 23,344, constituted almost half of the States annual employment gain. Strong demand for computer services and telemarketing have made this the number one growth sector of the Colorado economy. Based on percent of growth, Construction is strongest. Despite the completion of Denver International Airport and its strong impact on the job market in past years, building has continued to be strong in the Metro area and throughout the state.
Mining continues to be a weak link.
It is the only industry to register an employment loss over the year. Decreased exploration and drilling activity in the oil and gas arena currently affect Mining employment. This year the survey was conducted for all business in Retail and Wholesale Trade. SIC or county changes are made to first quarter data only, but the impact of those changes may be evident throughout the year, particularly when data are compared to the previous year. Virtually all industry groups are affected in some way since businesses may be moved out of a surveyed industry and into any industry for proper classification.