July employment rose by 163,000 jobs mostly in professional and business services, food services and drinking places, and manufacturing, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

STOCKTON – The state Department of Transportation is hosting a mandatory pre-bid meeting for contractors and subcontractors interested in bidding on two highway widening projects.

STOCKTON – A commercial building contractor and construction manager with offices in Stockton is projecting a $130 million boost in its annual volume for the fiscal year and has hired nearly 30 new full-time employees since the beginning of the year to help handle the increase.

STOCKTON – Agriculture really is king in the Central Valley.

STOCKTON – A Michigan-based maker of fertilizer used in sustainable agriculture plans to move its warehouse, distribution and, eventually, its manufacturing operation to a business park just northeast of Stockton.

STOCKTON – City leaders on July 24 approved agreements with six of the nine employee labor groups who made further concessions in the wake of the city filing for bankruptcy protection.

TURLOCK – The 2012 Stanislaus County Fair turned in another successful year, despite losing state funding.

STOCKTON – San Joaquin Delta College last month was awarded a $1.14 million annual contract to host, manage and expand a database that tracks students’ performances in elementary school through university.

TURLOCK – A report by a California State University, Stanislaus professor released in mid-July forecasts that the slow, steady recovery in the Central Valley should continue over the next two years.

Megaretailer Walmart by September will have filled about 540 or so part- and full-time jobs in the Central Valley between three stores it is opening in Stockton and Modesto.