The Labor Market In The Tri Cities Showed Signs Of Recovery During The Third Quarter. Area Employed Increased For The First Time Since 2008, Expanding By .4 Percent To 224,688 For A Gain Of Over 800 Jobs Compared To A Year Ago. Unemployment Was Down For The First Time Since 2007. Etsu Economist Dr. Steb Hipple Says The Local Economy Fared Better Than Many Thought It Would. The Number Of People Working Increased In Johnson City And Kingsport, While Job Losses Were Very Small In Bristol. Over The April To June Period, The Unemployment Rate For The Tri Cities Area Was 9.1 Percent, Compared To 9.6 Percent A Year Ago.