Upcoming job fair attracts 33 county firms

SUSSEX COUNTY - With the economy and job creation at issue in this election year, the New Jersey Department of Labor is doing its part to boost employment figures by hosting a job fair at Sussex County Community College. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 26 in the Gallery section of the college, numerous companies will be offering job opportunities to Sussex County residents. "The Department of Labor is proud to co-sponsor events such as this that offer career opportunities for New Jersey citizens," said Department of Labor Commissioner Albert G. Kroll. "New Jersey is committed to building on its strong record of workforce development and job creation. Job fairs like this one present an excellent setting for employers to enhance their workforce and provide job seekers the chance to survey a multitude of career options." Hugh Caufield, the department's business outreach coordinator, said 33 companies have signed up for the job fair. They include Newton Memorial Hospital, North Eastern Apprenticeship, Trico Credit Union, Tru-Green Lawn Care, United Parcel Service, Home Depot, Prime America Students and more. "Candidates should come out both to gain interviewing skills and to have a chance to network with their compatriots, perhaps they will be fortunate and find a position." According to One Stop Administrator William Weightman, support from the Sussex County business community is overwhelming. "This job fair is our attempt to enable college students and the unemployed to get jobs and possibly get a career start," said Weightman. "Though the economy seems to be growing, there are still a number of people either out of unemployment insurance or near receiving their last check. We want to do our part to serve the community and to be a friend to that community." Governor James E. McGreevey held a summit at Rutgers University in April promoting new jobs for the state. The state is enjoying the highest employment rate since December 2000 and McGreevey considers New Jerseyans to be the most highly trained, highly skilled and best-educated workforce in the country. According to state statistics, 12,900 jobs were created in March alone, the culmination of a year that brought 54,200 new jobs to the state. "This has been a year of great progress - but we can't simply be satisfied with this success. To make sure our growth continues, New Jersey must invest in its workforce," said McGreevey. "We're expanding our training programs to make sure every citizen has access to the skills that will help them build a more rewarding career - and every business owner can train his or her workers, to keep their company on the cutting edge." For more information about the job fair or to participate in the fair, contact Weightman at 973-383-2775 or 973-209-1217.