Workforce Commission trying to assist Jacksonville's unemployed
2 plant closings, 620 lost jobs has city reeling
BY LELAND ACKER

In the wake of the announcement of two major plant closings in Jacksonville, one organization is working to find new employment for the employees who will be laid off.

"Anytime anyone is unemployed, we feel it is our job to help them find another job," said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Spokeswoman Kim Stacy. "We have a team assembled and will do our best to find those unemployed by Jacksonville's plant closings another job."

Mrs. Stacy said TWC is working with the Jacksonville Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) to finalize plans for a large job fair to be held in the spring. In addition, TWC holds quarterly job fairs in Tyler.

"We advertise these job

fairs to all people, especially those affected by the plant closings," she said. "We also talk to those who are under-employed. We have quite a few employers talking to people who are already employed."

Despite the job losses resulting from the Goodyear, Astro Air and Alliance Data plant closings, Mrs. Stacy said many companies are still looking for employees. She added that employers will often target those who are being laid off by plant closings.

"Sometimes they get specific and say, 'We need braziers,'" she said.

As for the pending job fairs, Mrs. Stacy said those attending should expect to find opportunities.

"We will actually recruit employers who use the same job skills as the plants that are closing to make it easier for the job seeker," she said. "We'll do everything we can to help these folks out."

TWC held a job fair at Harvey Hall in Tyler Feb. 25. Mrs. Stacy said 800 people attended with 75 employers participating. Astro Air will close its Jacksonville plant in August, while Alliance Data is planning to close its Jacksonville plant April 18. HOW TO FIND JOB ASSISTANCE

The Texas Workforce Commission has launched a Web site, www.workintexas.com.

Visitors to the Web site may search for jobs, apply for unemployment benefits and match available jobs to their skills.

The Texas Workforce Center offers resume writing assistance and computer assistance at their local offices, located on U.S. Highway 69 North in Jacksonville.