Hampton Roads First Annual Hispanic Job Fair
Where Dreams Meet Opportunity
Hampton Roads First Annual Hispanic Job Fair
By Sherrie Pilkington
Are you ready for a promotion, a bigger paycheck or better benefits? If so, the opportunity to acquire this increase is just around the corner. Artemis Latin Staffing and Selecta 1050 have partnered together to bring you some of the best job opportunities that Hampton Roads has to offer. Casey Automotive, Riverside Health Care, Smithfield Foods, and Colonnas Shipyard are just a few of the companies that will be present on Saturday, February 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Point Plaza in Newport News, for the first ever, Hispanic Job Fair.
Breaking new ground with this targeted job fair, Dave Bowling, of Selecta 1050, desires to bridge the gap that is keeping qualified Hispanics from getting the jobs they are equipped and willing to fill. Dave has pursued companies who can bring more to the table that is a cut above what has been traditionally offered. Dave said, "there is a new idea settling in this area, the needs of the Hispanic community are coming to light." Companies are waking up to what the community has to offer and taking note that this area is worthy of recognition.
Maria Rodriguez, President of Artemis Latin Staffing, specifically envisions this event as a one stop shopping experience, where opportunities and convenience meet, setting the stage for success on the part of employer as well as employee. "This is a chance for the local Hispanics to travel to one spot and have the opportunity to meet, learn about and get a job in the industry and/or company they would like to work for. In addition, participating companies will have the opportunity to hire a hard working, reliable workforce by bringing that workforce to them."
Parent company Boddie-Noell will be present in the form of Hardee's and they have graciously elected to be the Title Sponsor of this exciting event. Bilingual Human Resource Manager, Marcos Concepcion said, "At Boddie-Noell we value each individual for their unique contributions. Therefore, we feel that this job fair will give us an opportunity, not only to share our company visions and values but also, to connect with the growing Hispanic population and to share some fantastic career opportunities."
Language differences are known to separate employer from employee. When employers don't know how to overcome this difference and reach the Hispanic people, fear keeps them stuck in old patterns of conducting business. The Hispanic Job Fair knocks down those barriers and enables eager employers to tap into what the Hispanic population has to offer. The companies participating on February 23, are serious about bringing a new level of service to their patrons by equipping themselves with bilingual employees. Stephanie Hood, Director of Marketing for Casey Automotive, said, "having bilingual employees would help minimize the communication factor that we often encounter."
Hardee's not only sees the importance of bilingual skills now, they have a vision for the future as they go a step beyond what is normally anticipated in the workforce. Employees of Boddie-Noell companies have an amazing resource, free of charge, called "Sed de Saber". It is a portable learning kit that employees take home and use to complete a six week program that will enable them to strengthen their English. Mr. Concepcion said, "when given the opportunity, training, and support, people can accomplish anything they set their minds to."
With the response received by both, companies and the public, Ms. Rodriguez says, "this Hispanic Job Fair is just the beginning, we are already making plans for the next one!"
Interested applicants should present themselves with acceptable attire, resume, references and proper documentation.
There are no fees associated with this event and Ms. Rodriguez added, "most companies that are attending have Spanish speaking Human Resource employees that will be there to help answer any questions and do the interviews. Also, we will have bilingual volunteers available to the public." Location right off the interstate allows easy access, plenty of parking and several eateries are within walking distance.
Bring your family and friends and be a part of this ground breaking event. You wouldn't want to miss this opportunity for promotion, increase, and growth.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
9 AM - 2 PM
Point Plaza, Chesapeake Ballroom
950 J Clyde Morris Blvd
Newport News, VA 23608
For more information: 757.369.8496
Event Sponsor: Artemis Latin Staffing and Selecta 1050
Read Past Business_Articles
