Ogdensburg Job Fair Organized By GOP Senators

St. Lawrence County may have a 10.5 percent unemployment rate, but state Sens. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, and Patricia A. Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, say there are opportunities for employment in the north country.

In hopes of bridging the gap between employers and job seekers, the senators have organized a job fair from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows Hall, corner of Linden Street and Route 37, Ogdensburg.

James E. Reagen, a spokesman for Mrs. Ritchie, said the event will include booths from the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club and St. Lawrence-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services.

"One of the purposes of this is to introduce job seekers with training programs that are out there to get them the training and skills they need to be employed," he said.

Mr. Reagen said there are many businesses in the area that hire outside of the north country to fill positions because of a lack of local skilled labor. On the other hand, Mr. Reagen said, people would be willing to get the training necessary to fill those positions if they were more aware of the opportunities.

Mr. Reagen said the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls club offers a wide range of computer training for adults at no cost. He said taking the time to learn these skills can make job seekers more marketable to employers.

"Employers today are saying if you don't have some basic computer and telecommunications skills they are going to find someone who does. It's amazing all the free training people can get if they are willing to invest the time, and it can really help them down the road," he said.

Mr. Reagen said some skills can even be picked up at job fair. Workshops will be held throughout the day to help people enhance their interviewing and resume building skills. He said people will have a chance to sit down and learn some tips that can help separate themselves from the crowd.

Mr. Reagen said the job fair will offer people who have been laid-off or unemployed a chance a fresh start.

"One problem when people are laid off or unemployed is they become hopeless," he said. "It's tough, it's scary and they wonder how they will get back to where they were. We want to show people that there are opportunities and resources locally to help make that transition."

Mr. Reagen said more than 50 employers or agencies will have stations at the job fair. A similar event was held recently in Oswego county, according to Mr. Reagen, and was met with success. He said he believes Ogdensburg's event will be just as helpful.

"Our main goal is, of course, to connect job seekers with employers," he said. "But we are doing something a little different too. We want to show people about opportunities that exist as well."

ON THE NET:

A a complete list of participating employers can be viewed at www.nysenate.gov/press-release/over-50-employers-sign-ritchie-griffo-job-expo. Employers interested in participating can also register on the website.