For all of Tennessee , the unemployment rate for October was 10.5 percent, unchanged from the September rate , according to a report released Wednesday by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The national jobless rate for October was 10.2 percent.

In Tennessee, the rate increased in 38 counties, decreased in 42 and remained the same in 15.

Knox County had the lowest rate among major metropolitan areas in the state, 7.8 percent, down .3 of a percentage point from the September rate.

Hamilton County was at 8.8 percent, up .1 of a percentage point from September. Davidson County was 8.9 percent, down .2 of a percentage point from September.

Pick up on HopeLine

According to research released last month by Boston-based consulting group Bain & Co., shoppers are experiencing a new type of buyer's remorse induced by the current economic crisis: shopping shame.

Fortunately, area Verizon Wireless stores offer any guilt-ridden Black Friday shoppers ways to ease both their mental and financial burdens.

Bargain hunters can swing by any Verizon Wireless location and drop off no-longer-used phones, accessories and batteries for the HopeLine program, Verizon's domestic violence prevention initiative.

With proceeds generated from the sale of refurbished phones, Verizon donates wireless phones and airtime to domestic violence victims and provides funding to nationwide nonprofit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs. Drop boxes are available in stores year-round.

Of course, Verizon joins many area retailers with deep discounts on popular wireless devices.

Visit verizonwireless.com and download postage-paid mailing labels for HopeLine donations at verizonwireless.com/ hopelinemailinglabel.

EnSafe wins contract

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has awarded a $20 million, five-year contract for EnSafe Inc. to provide environmental services on projects statewide.

EnSafe will team with partners ARCADIS U.S. Inc. and S&ME Inc. to provide environmental assessments, geologic and hydrogeologic investigations and other services in areas ranging from hazardous chemical storage to storm water systems.

New-old name

Conwood Co. LLC is going retro by changing its name to American Snuff Co. LLC, effective Jan. 1.

Conwood, the nation's second largest manufacturer of smokeless tobacco products, was known as American Snuff Co. before changing its name in 1966. Its brands include Grizzly, Kodiak and Levi Garrett.

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Well said

John F. Kennedy:

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

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Originally published by The Commercial Appeal .

(c) 2009 Commercial Appeal, The. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

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