Meet your next employer or employee at April 20 job fair

To the Editor:
On April 20, the Pike County Commissioners, the Pike County Workforce Development Agency, numerous local faith-based organizations, the Pike County Chamber and the Pike County Economic Development Authority will again sponsor another Job Fair. The purpose of the event is to provide employment opportunities for Pike County residents who wish to find employment closer to home or, to upgrade their current employment.
Last April, the same groups held a Job Fair which featured over 60 employers and over 600 job-seekers. The event was full of energy and activity. Many people found jobs and were able to give up their unwanted commute. A gentleman sent an e-mail following the event several months later. He wanted to let the organizers know that “I recently upgraded my employment through an employer that participated in the Pike County Job Fair that was held in April.” Further, he reported, “My new job is compensated much higher with a better benefit package overall than my previous employer.”
You might wonder why area houses of worship were interested in such a seemingly municipal program. The answer is because they have noticed that many in our community need worthwhile employment and, often those who are employed, leave their homes early in the morning and don’t return till late. Consequently, they have little family time and they tend to be too tired for church and community activities. So church groups, have really have gotten behind this effort as it means a great deal to their parishioners and to those who just need more time at home. Commissioner Matt Osterberg makes the point that “long commutes to and from work also means that volunteer organizations like fire companies and ambulance services cannot be manned because people are just not here or, they are exhausted by the long day of work and commuting.”
Once again, we look forward to hosting another Job Fair at the Best Western Inn (Hunt’s Landing). Organizers look forward to another great event where Pike County residents can meet with regional employers and find out what kinds of employment are available right now. Workforce Development Agency chief, Cynthia DeFebo says this is a great “opportunity for local job-seekers to cover a lot of employment opportunities in a very short time.” The event will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.. For further information contact Tammy Savarese at 570-296-7322 or Randy Philhower at 570-296-2909.
Michael J. Sullivan, Executive Director
Pike County Economic Development Authority