Mid-Hudson News reports that private sector employment in the Hudson Valley increased 2,700, or 0.4 percent, to 723,000 for the 12-month period ending on Dec. 31 2010, according to the state Labor Department. "Hudson Valley employment gains last year were greatest in leisure and hospitality (up 1,700 jobs), educational and health services (up 1,500) and professional and business services (up 1,400). Job losses were concentrated in trade, transportation and utilities ( down 1,200), manufacturing (down 600) and natural resources, mining and construction ( down 500)," the article said. The Labor Department defines the Hudson Valley as Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. Greene County’s jobless rate ticked up in December from 8.4 percent to 8.5, and Columbia rose from 7.1 to 7.3.