The jobless rate held at 9.7 percent in February, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, as the U.S. economy shed 36,000 jobs. The construction industry was among the hardest-hit sectors, with 64,000 jobs lost last month. In the information sector, 18,000 positions were shed. Since the start of the recession in December 2007, payroll employment has fallen by 8.4 million. There are currently 14.9 million people unemployed. Only 26,000 jobs were lost in January, according to a revised estimate.

A quarterly survey focusing on executives’ hiring plans for professional-level positions said that 35 percent of more than 4,000 respondents are very confident in their companies’ prospects for growth in the second quarter. According to the The Robert Half Professional Employment Report, a net 4 percent of U.S. executives interviewed say they plan to increase to the number of full-time professionals on staff in the next three months and a net 9 percent in the finance, insurance and real estate sector expect to increase payrolls. For the full survey results, including charts and graphs, go to www.roberthalf.us/per.

Kelly Regenold, chief financial officer of Strategic America, has been promoted to vice president and will also continue in her current role. Since joining the integrated marketing firm in 1989, Regenold has identified efficiencies within the company that has helped the integrated marketing communications firm remain profitable through hard economic times. Strategic America, which employs 85 communications professionals, focuses on retail, government and nonprofits, business-to-business, insurance and financial services, and channel marketing.

Jeri Kemple, owner of EcoMaids of Des Moines, is organizing an “eco-party” to be held in conjunction with the Natural Living Expo slated for March 27-28 at the Polk County Convention Complex. Following Saturday’s program, a celebration of food, fashion, wine, music and beer will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Kemple said the party will provide an opportunity for local restaurants to share their fare and give participants a chance to support locally owned businesses. The holistic nature of the Natural Living Expo, Kemple said, goes hand-in-hand with the organic nature of building and sustaining business relationships in the community. “We’re keeping it local and holistic and building our community base,” she said. Admission to the party is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information or to register, call (515) 556-0860 or e-mail desmoines@ecomaids.biz.

AirTran Airways will celebrate its return to Des Moines International Airport with a press conference Saturday. The inaugural AirTran flight will land around 10:50 a.m. Mayor Frank Cownie, who will receive an AirTran Airways model plane, and Loral Blinde, the company’s senior vice president of human resources, are scheduled to comment about the renewed service. The event begins at 10:15 a.m. Those planning to attend should contact Roy Criss or Gary Hagan at the airport today at (515) 256-5093.

Gateway Market and Sticks Inc. are partnering on a charity event aimed at providing relief to Haiti. Party With a Purpose will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on March 9 at Sticks Design Studio at 3631 S.W. 61st St. in Des Moines. For $25 per person, guests may enjoy samples of more than 100 wines and beers paired with cheese, charcuterie and appetizers. A silent auction and live music from Tony Valdez will also be featured. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross and its efforts to provide relief to Haiti in the aftermath of a Jan. 12 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people and left more than 1 million homeless. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Gateway Market West or by phone at (515) 343-5678.