June 2nd, 2021 by WCBC Radio
The Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, representing nearly 300 businesses in Allegany County and surrounding areas, is urging local workforce-eligible residents to help the community in its economic recovery by seeking employment opportunities. Business owners are reporting troubling challenges as additional unemployment benefits have allowed one in four recipients to collect more than would be earned by working but has proven to negatively affect economic growth and recovery. Information from both the U.S. and Maryland Chambers of Commerce indicate staggering job openings across the country, the state, and among the overall community in Allegany County.
With increased unemployment benefits now set to expire in July, it is hoped this will relieve some of the strain on local businesses, and the domino effect on service and other ancillary community needs. More people choosing to stay home means less need for daycare, as just one example. This is an unprecedented occurrence in a community where it has long been a challenge for access to childcare.
Among just three Chamber member businesses, there are currently 170 open positions, some of which offer wages between $15-$30 hourly for both skilled and unskilled jobs. Member representatives frequently reference staffing issues when there is an inability to attend meetings or events, both of which are important factors of the networking advantages with the organization.
“It is fully understood the challenging balance between making enough to be whole and losing program services when earnings push the individual and household beyond the benefits cliff. A vast network of human service programs are in place, though, that can build a solid foundation to reach independence and financial goals. However, when businesses are forced to reduce hours or services due to staffing issues, it creates a cycle that negatively impacts the whole community,” shares Chamber executive director Juli McCoy.
The Maryland Department of Labor and American Job Centers recently posted a wide variety of tools for job seekers that can be accessed virtually from a computer or a smartphone. Interested participants should email the specific individual associated with the training and include name, email address, phone number and the title of the workshop. Upcoming trainings are as follows:
Interviewing Techniques – Learn employers’ tips about successful interviews.
June 3, 10am – 11:15am: Cassandra.Baker@maryland.gov
Resume ABCs – Learn strategies and tips on how to create a successful resume.
June 4, 10am – 11:15am: Deborah.Wachter@maryland.gov
Job Searching Using Social Media – Learn how to find open jobs on social media.
June 8, 10am – 11am: Katie.Marvin@maryland.gov
Your Key to Your Next Job: Networking – Explore your personal network as a job seeking tool.
June 9, 2pm – 3:30pm: Jennifer.Eberhardt@maryland.gov
Starting Over After a Job Loss – Find out about coping and job seeking strategies.
June 16, 10am – 12:00pm – MWE advance registration required: Jennifer.Allnutt@maryland.gov
Finding My Next Move: Career Decision Making – Learn to job seek for the career that fits you.
June 16, 2pm – 3:15pm: Jennifer.Eberhardt@maryland.gov
Legal Aid: Know Your Rights – Learn about employment and expungement rights.
June 18, 10am – 11am: KConnaughton@mdlab.org
Stress Relief Tips – Learn techniques for minimizing stress while job seeking.
June 18, 10am – 11am: Stephanie.Wiant@maryland.gov
Interviewing for Success – Learn tips for effective interviewing for jobs.
June 22, 11am – 12pm: Benjaminj.Russell@maryland.gov
Getting a Federal Job – Learn techniques for finding the right federal job.
June 23, 9:30am – 12:30pm – MWE advance registration required: .Allnutt@maryland.gov
(must register at least one week in advance)
Internet Job Searching – Find the best ways to search for jobs online.
June 24, 2pm – 3pm: Amy.Trumpower@maryland.gov
LinkedIn for Job Seekers – Build a successful LinkedIn profile for job seeking.
June 25, 10am – 11am: Karl.Kohler@maryland.gov
An additional local resource for job seekers is ACT Personnel Service, Inc., which can be easily followed on social media, where frequent job postings are made. Using search engines such as Indeed and Monster, and even Facebook will showcase a wide variety of opportunities based on search criteria.
