FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 CONTACT: Laura Mszar (202) 225-3035

Thursday, July  2, 2009                                   Jonna Fitzgerald (903) 561-6349

 

Rep. Gohmert’s Job Fair Offers Opportunities to East Texas Job Seekers and Employers

 

LONGVIEW – U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert held his second of two East Texas job fairs this week, attracting more than 60 employers and approximately 1,200 job seekers at LeTourneau University’s Solheim Arena.  

 

Employers and job seekers were optimistic about the event’s strong turnout, with an overwhelming majority of both groups rating the event as ‘very’ to ‘extremely helpful’ according to feedback received. A number of attendees said they were told by participating businesses that they could show up to work the next week. Others left with appointments for follow-up interviews that will hopefully result in an employment contract.

 

While Rep. Gohmert was encouraged by being able to bring together people needing employment with those offering jobs, he said the high attendance also highlights the burden East Texans face with the difficult economy.

 

“It is very encouraging to see employers eager to meet with people about the jobs they have available as well as East Texans anxious to find work opportunities that fit their skill set so they can get back to work,” the Congressman said. “From speaking with some of the many attendees at the event, the job fair has not only helped some to walk out with a job, it has also helped make East Texans more aware of the resources and opportunities available. However, as evidenced by the large crowd, there are many people in our area hurting and in need of jobs, and we want to do everything we can to serve them. I’m very thankful for all the work from our partnering organizations who care deeply about our citizens and helped make this event possible. I will continue to fight both in Washington and here at home to make sure East Texans have the best opportunities available to them and will be able to provide for their families’ needs during this difficult economic time.”

 

Rep. Gohmert’s first job fair was held earlier in the month in Lufkin. At both events, job seekers were able to speak with employer representatives face to face, collect information, fill out applications, and schedule interviews.

 

Participating employers reported having more than 1,000 available positions. They represented various fields within the job market, including information technology, education, medicine, government, military, retail, and others.

 

Rep. Gohmert coordinated the event in conjunction with Workforce Solutions Gregg County, the Longview Partnership, Longview Economic Development Corporation, and East Texas Council of Governments. The Congressman expresses his deep thanks to the organizations, many of whom had representatives working at the job fair, describing their efforts and skills as “invaluable” to the planning and implementation of the event. He also encourages East Texans to use these organizations as resources for further help with their job search or businesses.

 

***Attached photo: Job seekers and employers gather at Rep. Louie Gohmert’s Job Fair at LeTourneau University in Longview.

 

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