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32 MOVERS & SHAKERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 January Job Growth Remains Anemic e Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) recent jobs report shows another disappointing month of growth in January—and this one can't all be blamed on the weather. According to the government's latest data, total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 113,000, adding more bleak numbers to the month's barely revised growth of 75,000. e unemployment rate edged down slightly to 6.6 percent. Since October, the jobless rate fell more than half a percentage point, largely thanks to declines in the number of people counted as being part of the labor force. ere's a little bit of good news, though: After falling in December, the civilian labor force participation rate inched up slightly to 63 percent, with 499,000 people entering the work force. With the next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting to be held this month, it remains to be seen how January's data will influence the Federal Reserve's stimulus program. In its last meeting, the committee brushed aside January's dismal report as an anomaly in the midst of otherwise active economic growth. However, with the latest data indicating weakening, Fed officials may feel compelled to hold off on future cuts to asset purchases. Despite the cold conditions, the construction sector fared particularly well in January, growing by 48,000 jobs to offset a decline of 22,000 in December. Residential building jobs grew by 13,000. Growth also occurred in manufacturing (+21,000), wholesale trade (+14,000), and professional and business services (+36,000). Meanwhile, federal government employment continued to trend down, losing 12,000 jobs throughout the month. Potestivo & Associates Welcomes Foreclosure Attorney Potestivo & Associates announced the hiring of foreclosure attorney Anuolu Fasoranti. Fasoranti joins the team as an associate attorney, primarily working with the firm's foreclosure department. "We are pleased to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney assist with operations at the Chicago office," said president and founder Brian A. Potestivo. USFN Honors 2013 Award Recipients Michael L. Zevitz, Esq., won USFN's Member of the Year award "for representing the epitome of volunteerism and leadership among the members of USFN." An attorney and shareholder at South & Associates, Zevitz was selected for the honor "in recognition for going 'above and beyond' the high standards of participation and service to the industry and to his member-peers." Lee Perres of Pierce & Associates, P.C., was named Committee Chair of the Year. According to the group, Perres "was recognized for his ability to collaborate diligently with the USFN staff and for his encouragement to the members of his committee to work on behalf of all USFN members and the board in a timely fashion, with creativity, professionalism, and accuracy." Next on the list was Dale Dykema, chairman of T.D. Service Company, whom USFN selected as the first 2013 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Established in 1999, the award is given to recognize an individual's contributions to the mortgage banking industry throughout his or her career. "To be considered for the Lifetime Achievement Award, the recipient must display that he or she is an active participant in the industry, serving as a catalyst for change within the industry, while also supporting the efforts of USFN. Dale Dykema certainly fits this description," the organization said. Receiving the Founder's Award was Sampson & Rothfuss' Richard M. Rothfuss. Awarded to individuals whose service epitomizes the character and ideals of the USFN founders, the honor was given to Rothfuss as a nod to his "deep commitment to USFN and its mission, while serving as an instrumental contributor to the organization's successes." Finally, USFN announced the winners of its Associate Member of the Year award: NetDirector and its president, Harry Beisswenger, were honored for their work in serving as a liaison and vendor resource to USFN members and the industry. In January, 30 percent of transactions in flood zones were cancelled or delayed as a result of sharply higher flood insurance rate, according to National Association of Realtors. KNOW THIS