Building a job fair, one call at a time

By Frances Ruth Harris
MILFORD — Volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work so that others will get to work.

On Monday, Father Paul of St. Vincent DePaul's parish in Dingmans Ferry welcomed nearly 40 volunteers committed to calling and meeting employers in Pike, Monroe, Lackawanna, Sussex, Orange and Sullivan counties, urging them to set up a table at this spring's "Working Pike" job fair. The fair aims to match Pike County residents with jobs in their own and surrounding counties.

Mike Sullivan, director of the Pike County Economic Development Authority, provided each volunteer with a list of 35 major tristate employers who can offer the cherished benefits package required of companies employing 50 or more workers.

The volunteers will meet with the employers in two weeks. So far, five major companies are committed to a table at the fair.

The job fair will be held April 15 at the Best Western Hotel at the Inn at Hunt's Landing in Matamoras. Volunteers are letting companies know that the $50 table fee includes two chairs, electrical connections (first come, first served), and a table cover. Sixty-five tables are available where employers can interview job seekers, whether they are under-employed, unemployed, or military veterans.

On the day of the fair, the Pike County Workforce Development Agency will help the job seekers complete and polish resumes.

The job seekers will also receive a directory to guide them through the fair so they'll know which companies have tables and where. Sponsors for the event will be listed on the back side of the cover. A $250 fee gives event sponsors notice on all advertising and fliers.

Cynthia DeFebo, director of the Pike County's Work Force Development Agency, and Randy Philhower, program administrator, said the early responses show companies are looking for qualified workers and are ready to hire. DeFebo said one company wants two tables. Sullivan said he's been approached by companies seeking workers for the new casino coming to Sullivan County.

The companies are looking for employees along the I-84 and I-17 corridors, from Scranton in Pennsylvania to Newburgh and Monticello in New York to Newton in New Jersey. Pike Commissioner Steve Gucci noted that Pike County is at the center of all the participating counties.

"Working Pike" was inspired by faith-based organizations together with the county commissioners, the Pike County Economic Development Authority, the Pike County Work Force Development Agency, and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce.

Father Paul said additional groups and organizations continue to join, wanting to help in any way they can.

The unemployment rate in Pike County is 6.1 percent, which is high but not the worst in the state. The Bureau of Labor says Wilcox County has an unemployment rate of 13.5 percent. Future job growth over the next ten years in Pike is predicted to be 36.20 percent.

"'Working Pike' is not a hard sell," said Sullivan.

Employers interested in securing tables or becoming a sponsor may call Cynthia DeFabo or Randy Philhower at 570-296-2909.