By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – New federal labor statistics show Alabama ranked first in the country for bringing down its unemployment rate from the summer of 2004 to this summer. The U-S Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Alabama recorded the largest 12-month decline in the jobless rate. It dropped one-point-one percent from five-point-five to four-point-four. Governor Bob Riley's office touted that news while also noting that next month, the governor will lead a delegation of state business leaders on a jobs mission to Israel. The trip is designed to foster economic development and trade.