Albemarle saw a 21 percent uptick in job growth from 2017 to 2018, according to a report presented by Kevin Robinson, director of planning and development services, at Monday night’s city council meeting.

An estimated 325 new jobs were created in 2018, compared to 268 new jobs in 2017.

The 2018 report was broken down into quarterly data regarding the new jobs.

In quarter one, an estimated 65 new jobs were created including 40 from Roses Express, a discount retail chain for clothing, health and beauty products and houseware. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet created 16 more jobs.

In quarter two, an estimated 83 new jobs were created including 30 from Quality Enclosures, a company that provides shower enclosures and tempered glass, and 30 from Elite Care, a human services agency serving people with mental, physical and developmental disabilities.

There was a dip in quarter three, which saw an estimated 25 new jobs, including nine from Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center of Albemarle.

But quarter four saw a massive 147 estimated new jobs. Much of this came from the food chain East Coast Wings, which created 65 jobs, the expansion of Enforge LLC, which provides exhaust and safety suspension systems for commercial trucks and the auto industry, which created 34 jobs. Also the food chain Hwy. 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries added 18 jobs and the new Planet Fitness added 10 jobs.

“There’s not an exact science…there’s no way of knowing exactly who all lost jobs, but I think it’s a good indicator overall of how we are growing here in the city,” Robinson said.

In other news, the city recognized Scottie Poplin, who recently retired as a senior electric line technician in public utilities after 29 years of service, and John H. Griffith, who recently retired as a police captain after 28 years of service.