by Patria Baradi-Pacis
The first Montauk Community Job Fair was held at the Montauk Library’s Suzanne Koch Gosman Room on May 11 from 11:00am to 4:00pm. This reporter was greeted by Executive Director Laraine Creegan and Event Coordinator Alice Nicolai from the Chamber of Commerce who co-sponsored the event.
I helped myself to a silver bag, courtesy of the Library with the www.live-brary.com printed ad. I knew I would fill it up from gathering brochures, pens, pencils, luggage tags, bottle openers, key chains, sun glasses, water bottles, nail files and post notes. I specially loved the plastic raincoat folded inside a plastic ball with a key chain attached on its end.
Tables were set up with opposing chairs. On one side, Montauk business recruiters armed with brochures and employment applications forms. On the other side, perspective employees looking for employment.
Craig, from the Riverhead Building Supply notified me that they offer full medical and dental benefits to their employees throughout their sixteen branches in Long Island. Joe at New York Life Insurance explained the pros and cons on selling my life insurance and his opinion on reverse mortgage. Carla from the Retreat www.theretreatinc.org made sure I passed the 24/7 Hotline number 631 329 2200 to anyone that might need help.The company is looking for newly hires to man their phones and work the office.
Carla from Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa told me that they need drivers to drive their van between the Inn at Hither Hills and the newly owned Gurney’s Yacht Club Resort & Marina on Star Island. Many other positions are also available. Compass Real Estate office needs a part-time receptionist to work four days a week. I chatted with Alena Uihlein, Henry’s wife and her co-worker Dee Burke from Uihlein’s Marina and was told they need employees who can stay until October or longer.
It is a well known fact that the housing shortage and expensive rentals in Montauk are some of the reasons for the shortage of local employees. I know an employee who drives all the way from Riverhead to secure her job. This summer there will be available free shuttles around town to alleviate traffic. LIRR has added extra busses from Speonk to Montauk. Hopefully this job fair is the start of many more to come. For more info kindly contact Laraine at 631 668 2355 or e-mail laraine@montaukchamber.com or www.montaukchamber.com. For tourist info call 631 668 2428.
