The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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Discussion

September 14, 2008

Andra Stefanoni: Fairs link people to jobs

PITTSBURG, Kan. — A new matchmaking service is coming to Memorial Auditorium. Sort of.

Job fairs are on tap for Oct. 4, Nov. 1, and Dec. 6, giving Four-State Area employers a chance to find their idea of a perfect employee, and potential employees a chance to find their idea of a perfect employer.

With any luck, said Blake Benson, director of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, he’ll see some perfect matches that mean a retention of community residents rather than a mass exodus when Superior Industries begins the three-phase closing of its Pittsburg plant.

It’s no coincidence, said Benson, that the job fairs are slated for two weeks prior to each phase.

“We’re joining with the city of Pittsburg and Pittsburg State University’s career office to hold these according to the schedule Superior released,” Benson said. “We’ve received a lot of interest from businesses that have positions available for these workers, which is a very good sign.”

Approximately 600 workers will be looking for jobs after the closure of the wheel metal-casting plant, which is a result of reduced demand for SUVs and light trucks.

But Benson said he sees a glass that is half full.

“Silver linings in situations like this are very hard to find, but if there is one, it is that businesses have openings. In fact, nearly 50 business have said they have jobs available,” he said. “This has the potential to be a win-win for them and the displaced workers.”

He reports “lots of interest” from businesses in Joplin, Mo., and from places as far away as Great Bend, Kan., and Fort Smith, Ark.

“Most of these workers have roots in this area and we certainly hope they stay with a local company, because we want to keep them,” Benson said. “But at a time like this, we want them to have every option in front of them.”

Similar challenges are happening in communities across the nation, he said. They most often have a trickle-down effect throughout a region. He said an Internet search of “plant closings” shows recent layoffs of thousands of displaced workers at Dell Computers in Austin, Texas; at Kimball Furniture in Borden, Ind.; and at Ford’s Meridian Automotive Systems in Kansas City, Kan., among others.

“So often, local manufacturing facilities are affected by national trends; there is nothing anyone can do on a local level — you just have to roll with the punches, turn the situation around so that it benefits other businesses.”

For those envisioning a job fair with flashy displays, Benson said, think again.

“We’re providing each business a table, but we also want to leave as much space as possible for chairs and space to move around. We want workers to be comfortable, and a lot bring their families to these,” he said. “It will really be a chance for businesses to say, ‘Tell me about yourself, let me tell you what we do, here’s an application.’”

There’s one business registered whose plans are a bit more elaborate.

“The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is going to set up an agility course at the ball fields, so if they have someone who maybe is considering going into a career in law enforcement, they can go immediately out and run the 100-yard course. I think the employers want to get as much done here as they can while they have a captive audience and folks are interested,” Benson said.

Meanwhile, various entities will be working with displaced workers to assist them in getting resumés in order, and reviewing interview tips and techniques so they’re ready. Some workers, Benson said, might not have done an interview or resumé in 20 years.

The job fair is free to businesses and job seekers.

“You get to see what a community is made of in a situation like this, and to see the community pull together and make this happen is really encouraging,” he said. “That’s what makes Pittsburg so special.”

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